Nathiagali is real art of heaven on earth and it is located approximately 7900 feet above the sea level. It is hill station that is just 100 kilometers away from the capital Islamabad. It is located in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Nathiagali is a famous hill resort town for one day trip and for weekend holidays trip. It has been considered as one of the best places in Galiyat that is needed to be visited. As there are several hill stations so the area name was given gali. The captivating view of the mountains in nathiagali looks like that something straight from the fairytales sceneries. Vibrant flowers, historical building, markets, hiking tracks, walnut, oak and tall pine trees make this valley more eyes catching and enchanting for the visitors, these views also act as backdrop for the valley. Nathiagali is also famous because it is bit cooler over there than other hillstations in galiyat because of higher altitude.
At time of British rule, then nathiagali was part of City Abbottabad tehsil Hazara, it was considered as headquarter for chief commissioner in summers. This town and dungagali was a notified area under Punjab municipalities’ act 1891. In year 1903-04 total income was Rs 3000 primarilyderived from tax of houses where as the expenditure was Rs.1900.
Nathiagali is nearest location from Murree. Thus it is visited by multiple visitors locally and internationally throughout the year. Due to pleasant weather in summer it is best place to enjoy you’re holidays with your loved ones. Mountains in winter are covered with heavy snowfall that adds more charm and beauty to the location. In winter temperature can even drop upto -8 degree Celsius. If you want to have a fun and enjoy snowfall nathiagali is best destination for you but if you are planning to have hiking on nathigali tracks than December and January are not best visiting months for hiking.
Nathiagali has lot more to offer the scenic landscapes; there is busy market from where international tourists can also buy souvenirs and handmade items for their loved ones. There is St .Matthew church that is one of most historical wooden Church in Nathiagali, Pakistan. There are many hotel, resorts, and restaurant where you can stay and enjoy tempting food.Government has offered camping pods in nathiagali unlike available on many other top tourist places in Pakistan this is done to promote tourism in Pakistan
How to reach nathiagali?
If you are travelling from Islamabad to nathiagali than there are two ways to reach your destination. Either travel through city of Abbottabad or travel through Murree to reach your desired location it will take approximately two hours to reach if you took Abbottabad routeand you travel through hazara expressway but time may vary because of jammed traffic in daytime travelling via Abbottabad route will give your picturesque view of road but if you are planning to travel nathiagalia via murree it will take two hours and 30 minutes to reach nathiagali. This route is also beautiful in its own way with sharps turns and cuts. Thus if you are travelling through this route it is recommended to hire a local driver or a professional driver. There are multiple local buses that daily leave for murree multiple times in a day. You can book with them after reaching murree you can use services of taxi to reach nathiagali.
Wildlife in Nathiagali
Nathiagali is considered as home land for wild life there are different species of insects birds, butterflies and monkeys. There are also raven in the nathiagali like there are crows on the southern side. It is advise to visitors to change the bed cover to avoid beg bugs also uses repellants and pesticides so unique type of insects stay away from you as they show up a lot in monsoon and in old homes.On road sight you will see monkeysthey were previously shy but now found quite aggressive because they suffered abused from visitors and even they try to steal one. There are also found near hotels and resorts in search of food and snacks they can be some time noisy and playful so be careful. You will also come across beautiful horses on the road of nathiagali in summer that offer rides to children at different prices that are bit negotiable.
Accommodation facilities
There are multiple accommodation facilities available for visitors like different hotels and resorts. Visitors can select them according to their needs and budget because the charges will vary from hotel to hotel according to the location and facilities provided by the hotel. Rates in summer are bit high because many people are visiting because of high temperature in other areas of Pakistan.
Which places you need to visit while being in Nathiagali
It isheaven place for hikersin summer season from May to August who love to see wild life and nature closely. It is tourist mountain destination in district of Abbottabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Below are some of things to do while being in nathiagali to make your stay more memorable and adventures:
MairanJani Top
As nathiagali is at 7900 feet above the sea level so there are many hiking spots. The hike toward miranjanitop has some amazing breathtaking views it take almost 6 to7 hours from both ways I know it is very long trek but it has to a lot to offer with some stunning view of nathiagali valley. Don’t worry on your way you will find horses for rent that can help you to reach the destination. The trek is 4.69 km long . It takes only 5 minutes’ drive from the governor house to reach the starting point of trek.
Governor’s House
It is located on the road towards main bazar in nathiagali. There are beautiful lush green lawns on the front side of house that gives architecture impressive look to the house. It was built in the era of british rule in 1923. Visitors are not welcome inside the house but still multiple trek can be seen above the ground that give picturesque view to the location but recently government handed over the KP governor house and many other state rest houses to tourism department to promote tourism in the country
Green Spot
It is located on the site of Pakistan air force kalabagh it is one of highly recommended place for tourist and families you will be charged a minimal fee to enjoy the site. It has lush green lawn that has some wild daises that give a wonderful look that needs to be captured.You will also find a cafe that can offer you some snack item, tea and coffee.
St. Mathews Church
The great architecture of church is considered as master piece that catch the eyes of visitors so it is definitely a place not to miss. It is wood framed church that catches attention of visitors. It was also build under British rule. You will see lush green grass surrounded by the church in summers
Conclusion:
Nathiagali is located in Abbottabad in province of Khyber paktunkhwa, Pakistan. The valley offers some picturesque view for hikers and visitors. The best time to visit the location is from May to August. Nathiagali has many places to offer that are must visit places in Nathiagali that are governor house, Church, Green spot and MiranJani trek. There are different accommodation facilities available in nathiagali so what are you waiting for plan your trip soon and enjoy your holidays..!
