Field guides / Khyber Pakhtunkhwa / Galiyat & Murree / Galiyat
Field guide · Nature
Abbottabad
Abbottabad District · Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Galiyat
The hill tract between Abbottabad and Murree, 50–80 km from Islamabad, dotted with “gali” resorts.
The Galyat is a narrow strip of hills roughly 50–80 km north-east of Islamabad, running between Abbottabad and Murree across the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa–Punjab border. Its name comes from gali, a saddle between two mountains, which is why so many of its towns end in “gali”: Nathia Gali, Dunga Gali, Changla Gali.
Why go
- ✦A chain of hill resorts between Abbottabad and Murree
- ✦Nathia Gali, Dunga Gali, Changla Gali and Ayubia
- ✦Cool summers above the plains
- ✦Colonial-era hill stations
About
British officials, starting with James Abbott in 1846–47, found the climate a relief from the plains and built hill stations here. After a period of neglect following 1947, the resorts grew again from the 1960s. The Karlal tribe has long been the main community of the hills.
How to Reach
From Islamabad via Murree, or from Abbottabad, along the road that links the hill resorts.
Responsible Travel
Use Leave No Trace principles, carry out all rubbish, avoid disturbing wildlife and livestock, and respect private/community land.
Planning tip
Best Time to Visit, April to October; winter brings snow and road closures.
Getting there, From Islamabad via Murree, or from Abbottabad, along the road that links the hill resorts.
Allow, One to three nights.
What to Do
Make Galiyat Part of a Trip
GreenPak resorts and journeys within 5 km of Galiyat.
Nearby
Straight-line distance from Galiyat, within 5 km.
