Murree and the Galiat

by - August 08, 2014

The Galiat refers to the region roughly 50–80 km north-east of Islamabad, Pakistan, on both sides of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa-Punjab border. The places that are a part of the Galiat include Ayubia, Bara Gali , Bhurban, Changla Gali, Charra Pani, Dunga Gali, Ghora Gali, Khaira Gali, Khanspur, Murree, Nathia Gali and Thandiani.

Murree is the largest city of the Galiat region, and now perhaps the dirtiest. It is a very popular hill station and a summer resort, especially for Punjabis. Ayubia is a smaller town, near the Murree hills and home to Ayubia National Park. It is a very famous tourist destination and includes one of the oldest chair lifts of the area. However, for places to stay, I would suggest Bhurban, which is around 13 kilometres from Murree city. The Pearl Continental Bhurban is beautiful, and has a large Christmas tree!

Nathiagali is a beautiful hill station, but not at all "awami" (for the locals). It is, I daresay, probably the most elitist in that it serves as the holiday hermitage of distinguished families in Pakistan. Some of the artists also lived there. That being said, it is one of the cleanest and pedestrian-friendly of the Galiats, with no less fear of being harassed or catcalled. There is a lot to see and do in Nathia, so I have an additional post on it.

Sights to see and things to do!

1. Monkeys-- take some crackers to feed them and make some cute videos

2. Ayubia Chairlift

3. The Greens, just because someone you know will be staying there

4. PC Bhurban, and have the Tutti Fruiti Ice cream

5. The Pipeline walk

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