Murree
Hills
Murree is known as Malika-e-Kohsar, which means the Queen of Hills.
Murree is only an hour's drive northeast of Islamabad. From Rawalpindi
it is only 64 km and at an altitude of 2,286 meters. Murree where
lofty peaks tower above green pine-covered slopes, is one of the
most popular summer resorts in Pakistan.
Murree spreads along the top of a ridge for about five kilometers
(three miles). At the northeast end is Kashmir Point, with views
across the valley of the Jhelum River into Azad Kashmir. At the
southwest end is Pindi Point, looking back towards Rawalpindi and
Islamabad. Between the two runs The Mall, at the center of, which
is the main shopping area, where most people congregate. Chair Lifts
in Murree give a ride from Bansara Gali (below Murree) to Pindi
Point, the other to the top of Patriata hill (on the road to Karor).
Chattar
This resort nestles at the base of Murree hills at a distance of
15 km on Islamabad-Murree road. This place offers scenic walks,
gently flowing stream, waterfall and the surrounding hillside are
a perfect attraction. The resort has a restaurant, barbecue and
two air-conditioned tourist cottages. The Children's Park and playground
are spread over an area of 12.5 acres.
Salgran
Driving through pine country on the smoothly carpeted road to Murree,
the Salgran roadside facility is situated 29 km from Rawalpindi.
Salgran has a well-developed parking area, snack bar and washroom
for travelers. The well laid out lawns with shaded seating areas
blend with the tranquil environment.
Charra Pani
At Charra Pani, 40 km from Rawalpindi, the landscape becomes more
spectacular. The TDCP roadside facility is very tastefully set on
the densely wooded slopes of the Murree Hills, the architecture
blending unobtrusively with the natural surroundings. Charra Pani
has a snack bar as well as washroom facilities for travelers.
Bhurban
Bhurban is a minor resort eight kilometers (five miles) from Murree
on the road leading northeast to Kohala and the Jhelum Valley. The
golf course here is open only to members. From near the Pearl Continental
Hotel you can take one of the many delightful paved walks through
the woods.
Patriata
Patriata is 25 km from Murree. It has become a new tourist resort.
There is a chairlift and cable car system, which takes visitors
upto Patriata Ridge in two stages from Gulehra Gali. The first stage
is by chair lift up to Patriata Bazaar. From here visitors transfer
to cable car gondolas for the ride up to Patriata Ride. A restaurant
has also been established. Further plans include development of
a wildlife park at the mid-station.
Ayubia
Khairagali, Changlagali, Khanspur and Ghora Dhaka, these four mini
resorts spread over an area of 26 km have been developed into a
resort complex called Ayubia. In addition to riding trails, hiking
places and picnic spots, Ayubia has a chair lift, which like a ski-lift,
takes you up to the summit of the nearby range for a panoramic view
of the forested hills. Ayubia is 26 km from Murree.
The Galis
Nathiagali
Perhaps the most sought after is the beautiful Nathiagali perched
2501 meters high about 32 km away from Murree. The bracing air of
the surrounding mountains is as pure as fresh spring water.
Dungagali
Dungagali is a picturesque small resort situated on the slopes
of the Mukshpuri hill (2376 m.). It commands a charming view of
a series of wooded spurs projecting towards the River Jhelum on
the western side. From Dungagali one can climb the 2813-m peak of
Mukhshpuri, which is the highest point in the range. Natural springs
abound on the slopes. It is 30 km from Murree.
Khairagali
Khairagali is 16 km from Murree at an elevation of 2346 m and commands
a panoramic view on either side of the ridge.
Changlagali
Changlagali is 16 km from Murree at an altitude of 2559 m. There
is a rest house located in the most picturesque surroundings.
Source: Ptv.com.pk
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