Plan your trip to Murree and the Galiyat: Mall Road, Nathia Gali, Ayubia, Mukshpuri and Miranjani hikes, Pipeline Track, snow season, where to stay and tips.
Murree and the Galiyat are colonial-era hill stations just 1 to 3 hours from Islamabad, with pine forests, cool air, forest walks and winter snow.
Murree sits in the hills above Islamabad. Beyond it lies the Galiyat, a chain of small hill towns such as Bhurban, Changla Gali, Khaira Gali, Ayubia, Dunga Gali and Nathia Gali.
Forest trails connect many of these towns.
Murree was founded by the British in the 1850s as a summer retreat, and the Galiyat followed. Colonial churches and cottages still remain.
Today it is one of the most visited holiday spots for Pakistani families.
Here is what to do in Murree and the Galiyat.
The busy main street with shops, cafés and colonial buildings.
A forest hike from Dunga Gali to a summit with wide views.
The highest peak of the Galiyat, with views of Nanga Parbat on clear days.
An easy, flat forest walk between Ayubia and Dunga Gali.
Ride over the forest for views of the hills.
A pretty colonial church among the pines.
Snowfall from December to February.
The hills are pleasant most of the year.
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | March – May | Fresh and green. |
| Summer | June – August | Cool escape from the heat; busy. |
| Autumn | September – November | Clear and quiet. |
| Winter | December – February | Snow; roads can be icy. |
Visit April to October for hiking, or in winter for snow. Avoid holiday weekends if you dislike crowds.
Murree is close to Islamabad.
| Route | How | Approx. time |
|---|---|---|
| To Murree | Murree Expressway from Islamabad | About 1 to 1.5 hours |
| To Nathia Gali | Via Murree and the Galiyat road | About 2.5 to 3 hours |
In heavy snow, roads may close; follow traffic advice.
A car with driver is easiest; see rent a car in Pakistan.
Many trails start from the towns.
Book early for summer and snow season weekends.
The hills are great for forest and snow scenes.
Go early for soft light and fewer people.
Combine with nearby places.
See our honeymoon tours for Murree and Nathia Gali.
Murree and the Galiyat are the easiest mountain escape from Islamabad, with forest hikes and snow.
For quieter stays, choose Nathia Gali or Dunga Gali.
More information is on the Punjab Tourism website.
We run day trips and short stays in Murree and Nathia Gali. See honeymoon tours and senior travel tours.
Tell us your dates and we will plan your hill station trip.
About 1 to 1.5 hours by road.
Usually December to February.
Nathia Gali is quieter and greener; Murree is livelier.
Mukshpuri, Miranjani and the Pipeline Track.
Yes, easily from Islamabad.
Last updated: October 2026. Road, weather and border conditions in the mountains can change, so always check the latest information before you travel.
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