If you are living in Pakistan or familiar with its localities, you must be very familiar with Nathia Gali. The beautiful hill station is located in the Abbottabad District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The hill station is renowned for its scenic beauty, pleasant weather, and hiking tracks.
Talking of its beauty, the station and its neighbourhoods offer one of the best places to visit and enjoy time with family and friends. Here we have listed a few:
The Best Places to Visit When in Nathia Gali
The mountain resort town is situated at the centre of the Galyat range and approximately 32 kilometres from Murree and Abbottabad. It is nearly 7,900 feet above sea level.
NathiaGali is very popular among Islamabadis and is nearly 86 km from the capital. So making to Nathia Gali is never enough for them. But if you love spending weeks over weeks in this friendly neighbourhood, we recommend buying your very own furnished apartment brought to you by Zen Apartments.
Now let’s give you a dose of the best places to visit when in NathiaGali and nearby areas.
Miranjani Trek
It is the highest peak of the Galiyaat region, standing nearly 9,700 feet above sea level. The trek starts slightly ahead from the Saint Matthews Church. The road leads to the Governor House. Before the House, you’ll see a right downward turn leading towards the Miranjani Trek. You will find Bakot forest, Abshaar road, a white hut, Khan Kalaan, a waterfall, and Namli Maira villages along the way.
The trek is about 5 km long, and the average time to complete the hike is nearly 4 hours, based on your speed and continuity. Since the peak receives snow in winter, summer is the best time to trek.
The trek is full of natural beauty, flora, and tall trees.
- Height: 9,700 ft from sea level
- Distance from Nathi Gali: nearly 7 km
- Distance from Islamabad: nearly 88 km
Mushkpuri Peak
It lies within the hills of Nathia Gali and is the second-highest peak within the region. Miranjani peak stands at number one. The lush green mountain is famous among trekkers. People from around the country and beyond come to visit this place.
The peak starts from NathiaGali and ends in the thick forest. It’s a 3-hour trek and is about 9,100 feet above sea level. The mountain offers a view of the Jhelum River, Murree, and the Bagh District. The weather is usually chilly and breezy, so you must adequately cover yourself from the cold.
- Height: 9,100 ft from sea level
- Distance from Nathi Gali: nearly 3 km
- Distance from Islamabad: nearly 80 km
Dunga Gali Pipeline Track
It’s a 4-km long trail from Dunga Gali to Ayubia. The course is mainly covered with a dense forest of pine trees. Although the path is safe for hikers, authorities advise them to stay sharp while on the trek and avoid going alone as they may meet some wild animals along the way.
There are no rest areas along the trail. However, there are plenty of restaurants and rest areas at both ends of the track. You can always cover the trail riding a horse if you aren’t a trekker.
The trail is worth visiting – it’s easy and offers pleasant summer weather. The trek is usually closed in winter due to thick snow beds.
- Height: 8,200 ft from sea level
- Distance from Nathi Gali: nearly 6 km
- Distance from Islamabad: nearly 80 km
Ayubia National Park and Chairlift
The place is named after Pakistan’s late president Muhammad Ayub Khan. The area offers a variety of hotels and restaurants nearby. The site offers a lot to its visitors, including riding trails, hiking tracks, picnic spots, motels, a chairlift, and a walking trail – Dunga Gali.
Ayubia National Park lies between Murree and NathiaGali and is 8,000 feet above sea level. It is rich with tall pine trees and steep mountain slopes. Not to forget the exotic birds sitting on these tall trees, spreading their chirping sounds around the area.
- Height: 8,000 ft from sea level
- Distance from Nathi Gali: nearly 4 km
- Distance from Islamabad: nearly 81 km
St. Matthews Church
The church is located in Nathia Gali and was built in 1914, during the British colonial era, by Colonel Hope Waddell Kelsall. The church is made from cedar wood. Saint Matthews Church is located near Paradise Point near Nathia Gali park.
- Height: 9,020 ft from sea level
- Distance from Nathi Gali: nearly 0 km
- Distance from Islamabad: nearly 83 km
Thandiani
Thandiani is another picturesque space for nature lovers. It has an altitude of 9,022 feet and is a must-visit place when travelling to NathiaGali.
The area is enriched with tall pine trees. A road trip to Thandiani is scenic from NathiaGali to the ending point through Abbottabad. The weather is pleasing during the summer. Winters are extremely cold during the winter.
Thandiani also has a few restaurants and cafes. But if you prefer something other than outside food, you can always take your own food or cook it using your camping equipment.
- Height: 9,020 ft from sea level
- Distance from Nathi Gali: nearly 53 km
- Distance from Islamabad: nearly 160 km
Harnoi Picnic Area
This picnic area is situated between Nathia Gali and Abbottabad. The picnic area is famous for the Harnoi River flowing from the gulleys towards Havelian, which later becomes the Daur River.
The water is cold and offers plenty of exciting activities to visitors, such as a dip in the river, a few water sports, a theme park for kids, and, not to forget, eating out with family and friends.
- Height: 8,000 ft from sea level
- Distance from Nathi Gali: nearly 22 km
- Distance from Islamabad: nearly 142 km
So where are you going this holiday? Share the place you love the most in or near Nathia Gali so our readers could plan their trip.