Murree, Pakistan, is one of the country’s most renowned hill stations. Once a beautiful colonial town hidden in the Himalayan foothills, it’s now a bustling summer resort in the Galiyat area of northern Punjab.
It is situated in the PirPanjal Range, approximately 60 kilometers north of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, and at an altitude of about 7500 feet.
Murree was the British Raj’s summer capital in Punjab Province. Due to its snowy winters, pleasant summers, and various local seasonal delicacies, Murree has witnessed rapid development in the past decade, and today it resembles a litter-strewn, overcrowded, and bustling tourist resort.
Murree is one of Pakistan’s most popular vacation and visit destinations. Here are some of Murree’s fascinating spots that make it worth visiting at least once in your life.
Ghora Gali
Ghora Gali is a tourist mountain resort town in the northeastern corner of Punjab province, near Nathia Gali and Murree, located at an elevation of 5,000 feet.
During the British Raj, Ghora Gali served as a resort for British colonialists and the military.
The tomb of Doomat Khan, a leader of the Dhond Abbasi tribe, is situated at Ghora Gali. Lawrence College, which was initially founded as an asylum for the orphans of British soldiers killed in the wars, is also located here.
In 1860, the Murree Brewery was established in Ghora Gali to produce beer for the British troops.
Ghora Gali is also a Union Council, an administrative subdivision, of Murree Tehsil in Rawalpindi District. It also has a 1,100-meter-long chairlift connecting it to Pindi Point.
Mall Road
Mall Road is a bustling market and a famous tourist destination.
It is a length of road lined with shops selling handcrafted cultural artifacts, a variety of dried fruits, unique souvenirs, and a number of popular restaurants serving delicious meals such as fish and chicken karahi.
Other than that, it features a General Post Office on one end, as well as several hotels and rest houses to provide travelers with inexpensive and luxurious accommodations.
The Holy Trinity Church is another notable landmark in Murree. It’s a historically notable structure in Murree that’s also located on Mall Road. It was built between 1850 and 1857 and served mostly British Army officials and their families for church services.
Around 400 worshipers can be accommodated in the main hall at any given moment. The hall has a wooden floor, and the windows are constructed of stained glass in an Indian style.
Kashmiri sculptures can even be seen on church furnishings.
Kashmir Point
Kashmir Point, Murree’s highest point, is the city’s most popular picnic site. The mountains of Kashmir can be seen from here, which is why it is known as Kashmir Point.
If you’re traveling from Mall Road, it’ll take you 15 minutes to get to Kashmir Point. You can either drive or hike to reach Kashmir Point.
The Government House, which is located in the heart of Kashmir Point, is worth a visit. It is one of Murree’s most prominent tourist attractions. You’ll also travel by Cadet College Murree, which is located in the Murree Residence area.
Murree Safari, a tourist train that guides visitors and attracts both children and adults, runs through the Government House. The train, which was imported from Germany, chugs through Kashmir Point.
A PKR 200 ticket is required per individual. Senior citizens and students are eligible for special discounts. Kashmir Point is a stunning location. The magnificent Kashmir Mountains and lush green forests surround the region. It is Murree’s busiest area.
Ayubia
Ayubia is another tourist destination that attracts visitors from all over the world. A national park was established in 1984, covering 1,684 hectares of mountain forest, with the goal of protecting the beautiful forest and wildlife.
In 1998, the park was extended to 3,312 hectares with the addition of a northern wing.
Within “Ayubia National Park,” the elevation ranges from 1,050 meters in the valleys to 3,027 meters at the mountain tops. The age of these mountains ranges from 40 million to 170 million years.
Read more: Explore more places to visit in Pakistan here.
The Ayubia national park includes a variety of animal species to entertain visitors, particularly children who like playing with animals. This location also has a chair lift, however, it is not as safe as any other chair lift.
With a remarkable height of 8000 feet above sea level, Ayubia is densely forested with coniferous forests and pine trees.
Nathiagali
It is a mountain resort town in Pakistan’s Hazara province, and a continuation of the Galiyat range, which is noted for its numerous hill stations and is interconnected.
Nathiagali is the most centrally located and well-known of the Galiyat.
It is 35 kilometers from Murree and Abbottabad and is at an elevation of 8400 feet. On one side, it commands a magnificent view of the snow-capped peaks of Kashmir and Kohistan, while on the other, it offers a fine view of the Pothwar plain.
Nathiagali is well-known for its stunning scenery, tranquil settings, beautiful hiking trails, and pleasant weather. The higher altitude contributes to cooler weather.
It’s 34 kilometers distant from Murree and Abbottabad, and it takes 2 hours from Islamabad. It’s a great location to go for some quiet time and meditation. This area’s greenery and scenery are quite lovely.
Bhurban
Bhurban is a small town as well as a hill station named after a nearby forest. It is around 9 kilometers away from Murree hills. Murree and Kashmir Road intersect in Bhurban.
The lovely sight of Bhurban may be reached after a 45-minute drive from Islamabad through the Expressway. Bhurban is a fascinating tourist attraction. It’s known for its one-of-a-kind flora and animals that aren’t seen anywhere else.
Bhurban is regarded as one of the most beautiful towns in the country. The lush valleys and hills, as well as the natural beauty, are breathtaking.
Visitors seeking peace and serenity should pay a visit to this region and learn about its unique flowers and wildlife, as well as the uncommon kinds of birds and vegetation that can be found here.
It also includes a nine-hole golf course and convenient access to the neighboring Ayubia National Park’s magnificent hiking trails.
