| Endowed with treasures of natural
beauty, Hazara region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is full of
green mountains, mesmerizing valleys, enchanting rivers,
thick natural forests and a series of attractive tourist
resorts. Galyat region is among one of its most attractive
summer resorts step by step unfolding panoramic views
of the grandeur, the nature has so lavishly showered on
this mountain range. The wonders of nature can be seen
in the shape of green pine forests and along the hilly
tracks where herds of monkeys freely move with no fear
from any one. The changing colors of unpredictable climate
during summer add to Galyat’s fascination. Storming
rains and then sunshine and then patches of dark or brown
clouds or occasional rainbow adoring the sky are almost
daily features. Galyat comprises of Nathiagali, Dungagali,
Koozagali, Ayubia, Khanspur, Khairagali and Changlagali. |
| Nathiagali |
 The
picturesque Nathiagali nestled in green mountains and
thick forests is the main and well planned hill station
in Galyat range of Hazara division. It is 8200 ft above
sea level and is one of the most frequented resorts during
summer season. Old British period cottages, chalets a
small church known as St. Matthew’s Church, sprawling
bungalows, parks and the magnificent colonial era Governor’s
House, are its architectural features, a blend of old
British and modern Pakistani constructions. Being main
town, Nathiagali is the most popular of the Gallies and
for those who like walking, there are numerous short walks
and pony ride tracks through the pine forests. Sarhad
Tourism Corporation has set up its beautiful chalets here
providing comfortable boarding anf lodging to the visitors
taking respite at this attractive hill station. |
| Thandiani |
 Only
an hour’s drive take you to Thandiani, situated
eastward of Abbottabad at a distance of 24 km. This small
but fascinating hill station (8400 m above sea level)
is a cool and comfortable place settled on a mountain.
The panoramic view of nearby and distant mountains is
fully visible from here. NathiaGali is clearly visible
and one can see the mountains of Kohistan and Kaghan.
The road to this soothing resort is in good condition
and open most of the year. In peak winter its mountains
are covered with snow. There is a church, post office,
spacious cottages and a small bazar. Built in 19th century,
this beautiful summer resort provides you a number of
treks. Thandiani means ‘cool air’ in local
dialect. |
| Dungagali |
 Sitting
on the slopes of Mushkpuri Hills, Dungagali being a famous
resort awaits visitors in summer. It becomes hub of tourists
during summer seasons. Mushkpuri is the second highest
hill in the Galyat (9400 ft.) A two hours trek to Ayubia
starts from here and passes through beautiful Ayubia National
Park. Popularly Known as “Pipeline walk”,
visitors along with their families usually enjoy this
long walk in summer. |
| Ayubia |
 Four
small hill resorts close to one another, Khanspur, Khairagali,
Changlagali and Ghora Dhaka are called Ayubia, named after
a former President Ayub Khan who hailed from Haripur in
then district Hazara. The small town is spread over an
area of 26 km. The central hill station of Ghjora Dhaka
has a chairlift, provided broad charming view of the surroundings.
It is littered with hotels and food outlets serving snacks,
food, tea and coffee along with other eatables. |
| Treks |
| Nathiagali provides
you several treks taking you to every direction. Trekking
amidst voices of enchanting birds adds to charm of this
outdoor adventure. Pine forests and fragrance of beautiful
flowers and plants during trekking arouses attraction
of this place.
TREKS
| |
Nathiagali
to Meranjani Hilltop = 3.5 kms |
| |
Meranjani to Dugr i= 10kms |
| |
Dugri to Berangali = 13
kms |
| |
Thandiani to Berangali=
10kms |
| |
Nathiagali to Mushkpuri
Hilltop = 3 kms |
| |
Dungagali toAyubia = 4
kms |
| |
Ayubia to Changagali =
4kms |
|
| Popular Treks |
| Mushkpuri Trek |
 A
three hours trek takes you to Mushkpuri Hilltop, the second
highest hill in Galyat 9400 ft above sea level). Starting
from Pines Hotel, Nathiagali the trek passes upward through
lush green forests. Sweet fragrance of flowers on the
way sets its romantic charm on the hikers mainly when
rainy season is over. From here one trek goes down other
side toward Dungagali unveiling beauties of Ayubia national
Park downward. The trek to Mushkpuri top can also be taken
from Dungagali. |
| Meranjani Trek |
 Mostly
covered in dark clouds, Meranjani (9953 m above sea level)
is the highest hill in Galyat range. Two treks lead to
Meranjani hill top from Near the Governor House in Nathiagali,
a British-built attractive building with its interior
settings made up of wood.
One trek goes to Meranjani ascending towards the top
passing through Namlimera village.
It is a safe but comparatively long and tortuous trek.
The second takes you spirally up through low upward
hills in the pine forest. This trek is a little steep
suitable for youngsters
Above 12 years of age. Taking drinking water along
is advisable in the absense of any water facility during
the venture.
|
| Dungagali Pipeline
Or Ayubia National Park Trek |
 This
two mile walkway is passing through pine forests covered
mountains is really an enjoyable experience. The trek
leads through the center of Ayubia Park starting at Dungagali
and extends towards the Jehlum river across Ayubia and
Khanspur boundaries.
A walk from Ayubia to Dungagali takes two and half
an hour.
A number of villages exist here. The Ayubia Park has
its own charm and attraction. Large varieties of beautiful
birds, animals, plants adorn this green place. Hill
cats can be spotted while brown monkey are a common
scene. Yellow beaked magpie, red and yellow body finches,
white cheeked or crested grey finch and many other species
of birds make the park their home.
|
| Dugri Trek |
 Commonly
known as “home of Leopards” Dugri being a
secluded mountain spot far away from road, is blessed
with most dense pine forests in scenic Galyat. A 9 to
10 hour trekking takes you to Dugri from Picturesque Nathiagali.
It can be reached through two treks. One trek on a longer
walk takes you to Dugri rest house through Namlimera around
the Merajani hill while the other, a shorter one goes
to Meranjani hilltop trekking through the forest towards
Dugri rest house. Starting walk at 0800 hours is advisable
in day light.
It is also advised not to go outside the rest house after
sunset. You can take along some cooked food. Tablets of
fever, headache and digestive pills must be taken along.
|
| Shopping |
| Woolen garments,
carved furniture of walnut wood, namda rugs, hand made
straw baskets, caps are favorite items all over Hazara
region.
DISTANCES FROM ABBOTTABAD
Km Places Height (approximately)
| 0 Abbottabad
4145ft. |
| 24 Mansehra
3220 ft. |
| 30 Thandiani
8400 ft. |
| 35 Nathiagali
8200 ft. |
|
| Map |
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