As winter comes upon Pakistan’s highlands, snow lovers travel to the beautiful Galiyat region. The gorgeous hill towns of Murree, Ayubia, and Nathia Gali offer an ideal getaway from the bustle of the city. We’ll explore these three winter destinations in this blog, including details on the ideal times for witnessing snowfall and the effects of heavy snow on transportation.

Murree:

Murree is the easiest to reach among the three locations and acts as a gateway to the Galiyat region. Murree is famous for its pine forests and lively tourist atmosphere. In Murree, the first snowfall often occurs in late November, with December and January seeing the most snowfall. Murree’s typical temperatures are between -2°C and 7°C. Although heavy snow can occur, Murree typically has the fewest road closures because the roads are cleared quickly. Its good infrastructure makes Murree a dependable place to visit in winter.

Activities:

Murree has many fun activities to enjoy during the winter. Murree’s Mall Road is active, lined with stores offering regional dishes, souvenirs, and handicrafts in addition to welcoming cafes offering hot food. To experience the snowfall, Murree is the best place. While winter sports aren’t as popular in Murree as in other places, you can still find fun snow activities like sledding to enjoy the season.

Ayubia:

Ayubia, which is close to Murree, is well-known for its lush surroundings, making it an ideal getaway for those who enjoy the outdoor activities. It takes about 30 minutes to drive from Murree to Ayubia, which is 13 kilometers. Snowfall in Ayubia often begins in late November and peaks in December and January. In Ayubia, the typical winter temperature is between 5°C and –5°C.

Accessibility and Activities:

Although sometimes roads are closed in Ayubia between late November and early January, they are fewer than in Nathia Gali, and the roads in Ayubia are maintained nicely for visitors. In addition to taking in incredible views from the chairlift at Ayubia, visitors can explore the hiking trails in Ayubia National Park, which include the stunning Pipeline Track. The Ayubia is an ideal spot for nature lovers because it is home to a wide variety of animals, including monkeys and other bird species.

Nathia Gali:

At roughly 2,410 meters, Nathia Gali is the highest of the three places. Nathia Gali is well-known for its lush greenery and amazing views. About 34 kilometres from Murree, respectively. Nathia Gali becomes a snowy heaven in the winter, attracting lots of snow lovers. In Nathia Gali, the first snowfall typically occurs in late November. Winter temperatures of -3°C or below can provide a beautiful blanket of snow.

Accessibility and Activities:

Nathia Gali is high in the mountains; thus, during periods of heavy snowfall, particularly from late November to January, there are often road closures. Prior to visiting Nathia Gali, tourists should make plans and confirm the condition of the roads and snow conditions on it. Hikers can explore stunning paths in Nathia Gali, such as Mukshpuri and Miranjani, which offer beautiful views, particularly in the winter. Photographing in Nathia Gali’s icy landscape is an ideal activity. In Nathia Gali, there are plenty of cosy hotels and guesthouses where you may stay and see the winter scenery from a comfortable location.

Travel Tips:

Travellers to Murree, Ayubia, and Nathia Gali should be especially mindful of the weather and road conditions, particularly during heavy snowfall. Make reservations for your lodging in advance if you intend to travel during the winter months. In these areas, enjoy the regional food, hot soups, and snacks. Wear layers of clothing to stay warm because the weather may get very cold, especially in Nathia Gali.

Conclusion:

For those who want to experience snow, Murree, Ayubia, and Nathia Gali each provide unique experiences. Nathia Gali boasts amazing views of the snowy landscape; Ayubia offers serene natural beauty; and Murree has a lively air. These locations are ideal when combined to create lasting wintertime memories. The Galiyat region’s snow-covered hills are just waiting for you to explore, so warm up, grab your camera, and get ready for a journey!