About
Nathia Gali is a popular mountain resort town in Pakistan, known for its cooler climate and stunning landscape. It is located in the Abbottabad District and is less crowded than nearby Murree. The area is home to various animals and trees, and visitors often spot horses and monkeys. Nathia Gali is a well-liked summertime retreat, situated at an altitude of 2,410 meters (7,910 feet) above sea level, approximately 20 km away from Abbottabad and 32 km from Murree.
Climate
Nathia Gali has cool and pleasant weather from May to August and frequent fog. The rainy season starts from July to September. Winters (Nov-Feb) are bitterly cold, with significant snowfall. Spring is cold. The temperature range in Abbottabad during summer is 21 to 33 degrees Celsius. Late September or early October is the best time to visit Nathia Gali. If you plan to travel between Nov and March, pack warm clothes.
Scenery
Nathia Gali is renowned for its exquisite natural splendor. There are thick forests, verdant slopes, and expansive vistas of the neighboring mountains all around the region. The area is distinguished by thick pine woods, which add to the area’s lovely scenery. The natural scenery in Nathia Gali is truly appealing. Snowfall during wintertime enhances the scene. Nathia Gali also has a small marketplace, and two neighboring high peaks, Mukshpuri and Miranjani, which offer breathtaking views. On clear days, Nanga Parbat can be seen in the distance.
Hhight of Nathiya Gali
Mount Mushkpuri is located in Nathia Gali, 90 km north of Islamabad, and rises to a height of 2,800 meters. It is the second-highest peak in the Galyat area after Miranjani.
Brief History
During the British era, the Chief Commissioner of the Punjab’s (then) Peshawar division had his summer headquarters in Nathia Gali, which was then a part of Abbottabad tehsil in the Hazara District. The Punjab Municipalities Act, of 1891 designated the town and Dunga Gali as notified areas
Rout and Transportation
The Nathia Gali road serves as a vital link connecting the town to Abbottabad and Murree, facilitating seamless travel between these destinations. Daily public transportation operates between Rawalpindi and Abbottabad, providing convenient access to Nathia Gali for travelers. This well-connected route ensures accessibility and ease of transportation, making it accessible for visitors to explore the natural beauty and attractions of Nathia Gali with convenience.
Places to Visit in Nathiya Gali
1. Namli Maira Waterfall
Namli Maira is just around 6.1 kilometers from Nathia Gali, situated in a lovely valley at an elevation of 1839 meters above sea level. The stunning waterfall plummets down the mountaintop, crossing a precipitous cliff face to join the stream that flows underneath it.
The Namli Maira waterfall is the ideal location to cool yourself in a refreshing swim and escape the heat. The welcoming and crystal-clear water is exactly what you need to refresh your body, mind, and spirit. It’s one of the many breathtaking natural features in the Nathia Gali, Pakistan, area, and it’s worth seeing!
Best Time to Visit Namli Maira
Visit the Namli Maira waterfall by going there between September and October, following the rainy season. Because so many people visit the region just to see this waterfall, this time of year is quite popular. Even if there is less water than there is in the winter, witnessing water tumble down the sheer mountain faces is a breathtaking sight.
2. Miranjani Top
The Galyat Region’s tallest mountain is Miranjani, located in the Abbottabad District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. It has a height of 2,992 meters and is situated in the western Himalayan range, specifically in the Namli Maira section of Ayubia National Park.
To begin the Miranjani trek, visitors can drive a short distance from the Governor House in Nathia Gali. The course’s total length is 4.69 kilometers, with a net elevation gain of around 600 meters.
Trekking on Miranjani Top
The trail is a scenic route that meanders through lush greenery, over gentle hills and valleys, and beside babbling streams. The path is predominantly composed of soft, spongy soil and scattered with occasional sections of jagged rock, providing a comfortable and effortless hike for trekkers of all abilities. Even seasoned and advanced hikers can complete the trail in just one to two hours, thanks to its well-maintained and easy-to-navigate terrain.
3. St. Matthew’s Church
St. Matthew’s Church is a cedar wood church situated in Nathia Gali, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. It was designed by Colonel Hope Waddell Kelsall in 1914 and features a staircase, accommodation apartments, an ancient piano, and a purpose-built rectory maintained by a Muslim family for three generations.
St. Matthew’s Church wood-framed church is surrounded by a green meadow and maintained by a Muslim family. It features a stairwell, housing units, a rectory, and an old piano. It is considered the most photographed place of worship in the mountains and offers a panoramic view.
This grand old church, complete with a rectory, rooms for accommodations, an iron staircase, and an antique piano, functioned as a fully functional administrative structure.
4. Lalazar wildlife park
Lalazar Wildlife Park in Pakistan is a beautiful park in the Galiyat region. It offers scenic walks and opportunities to view animals and fauna. Lalazar Safari Park, located near Nathiagali, and Murree, is home to rare species like snow leopards.
Ayubia National Park is named after Ayub Khan, the first Pakistani president. It is a beautiful location to explore and small hotels can be found all around.
5. Samundar Katha Lake
A few kilometers ahead of Nathiagali, lies Samundar Katha Lake, near Baragali. It is located at a distance of 97 km from Islamabad and 35 km from Abbottabad in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The lake is a popular tourist destination, attracting many visitors every year. It takes approximately 3 hours to reach the lake from Islamabad and 1 hour and 15 minutes from Abbottabad. While there are many open parking spaces, a few tourist-only shops and restaurants, and minimal rest and refreshment spots in the area around the lake, there are no suitable accommodations available at present. However, construction of housing choices, including hotels, is currently underway.
Best time to Visit
Samundar Katha Lake is best visited between June and September. At this time of year, the water is warm enough for swimming and the weather is at its most comfortable.
Tourist Attraction
At Samundar Katha Lake, water sports like speedboating, and horseback riding are among the most well-liked pastimes. It is also the man-made waterfall in Pakistan’s Samundar Katha Lake. This natural beauty should be on your list of sites to see if you ever get the chance to travel to Pakistan.
Lake water is pure and transparent. It’s been said that the lake’s bottom is visible from the shoreline due to the very pure water. Because the lake has no bottom, it is thought that someone who is careless may drown. It is only advised to swim in the lake while wearing a wet suit because the water is icy. The lake is an excellent place to fish because it is home to a variety of fish.
6. Mushkpuri Top
Mushkpuri Top has an elevation of 2,804 meters (9,200 feet) above sea level and is surrounded by well-known places like Nathia Gali, Dunga Gali, and Murree. Its proximity to Ayubia National Park adds to its attraction and makes it a perfect getaway spot for people who love the outdoors. It is the second-highest mountain in the Galiyat area, and it draws daring hikers to go out on a difficult but worthwhile expedition.
During winter, it may take almost two hours to reach the summit on the ice, and approximately one and a half hours to descend. However, in the summer, it takes a lot less time. The Mushkpuri Top is around 9452 feet (3150 meters) above sea level and is the second-highest hill in Galiyat.
Mushkpuri Trek
Mushkpuri Top, the second-highest peak in Galiyat, is a safe three-hour hill hike. The trail starts at the Alpines Hotel in Nathigali and winds its way upward through a beautiful, lush pine forest. At the same time, there is a little water spring, and the stunning Kashmir Valley is visible from the top. The views from Mukeshpuri Peak include Bakote Circle, Jhelum River, the Bagh District of Azad Kashmir, the city of Murree, and Islamabad. The journey to Mushkpuri is a beautiful story, leading hikers through verdant meadows. Mushkpuri is abundant in flowers, the most common of which is the daisy.
Weather Of Mushkpuri Top
The weather in Mushkpuri changes throughout the year. The peak is covered with snow during the winter season, creating a breathtakingly beautiful view. However, summer is considered the best season to visit due to its pleasant weather and comfortable temperatures, which make it perfect for outdoor activities such as trekking.
Spring and fall seasons are also pleasant and free of extreme weather. The average temperature ranges from 20 to -6 degrees Celsius. When planning your trip, it’s a good idea to check the weather forecast, especially during the winter, as the weather can change suddenly.
7. Zulfi Waterfall
Nathia Gali, a serene hill station located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Abbottabad District, is known for its lush green landscapes and pleasant weather. It is considered a hidden gem that provides the ideal getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or just looking for a peaceful getaway, there are so many breathtaking places to explore in Nathia Gali.
The water that falls creates a refreshing and delightful ambiance as it rushes down the rocky terrain, and the sound of rushing water provides a soothing soundtrack for relaxation. The waterfall is also a great location for taking photos.
Situated just 30 minutes by car from Nathia Gali, this stunning waterfall remains relatively unknown to most tourists. It is a must-see location.