Abbottabad is a small neat and clean town in spacious
valleys surrounded by green hills. It is a popular summer resort, located at
the end of Murree-Abbottabad hill tract, noted for its verdant parks,
gardens, golf course and pine covered hills. Abbottabad, apart from being
famous for its educational institutions and Military Academy, also serves as
the gateway to almost all-beautiful places in Pakistan. The formidable
Karakorams & the enchanting Himalayas can be approached from Abbottabad.
Though the importance of the city has been diminished a little by the
completion of Karakoram Highway because, in the past, the only track
available to reach Karakoram was through Babusar Pass, which in its turn,
could only be approached through Abbottabad.
In spite of this development, the city continues to be a transit city for
the tourists. Abbottabad is the junction from where one can go to places
like Hunza, Gilgit, Skardu and Indus Kohistan, of the Karakoram Range. One
can reach Swat, Swati Kohistan, Dir and Chitral of the Hindukush Range. And
one can approach Naran, Saif-ul-Muluk, Shogran and Babusar Pass of the
Himalayan Range. Neelum, Leepa and Jhelum Valley of beautiful Azad Kashmir
are also connected through Abbottabad. While other hill stations are
deserted during winter this place has visitors due to the bracing winter.
The place has beautiful gardens, Jinnah Garden, Ladies Garden and another
garden maintained by the Cantonment Board. To the splendid stretch of turf
with plenty of room for polo, football, hockey and golf. At the back of the
station to the west is the Brigade Center, ideal for walks and picnic.
The Cantonment area of Abbottabad is still very British. The European
bungalows, the club, the church and cemetery are still there. Abbottabad is
an hour's drive from Nathia Gali, the summer capital of the North West
Frontier Province, which is from Nathia Gali to Abbottabad is about 34 km
dropping steeply through the beautiful valleys with few trees to the river
bed.
Popular Attractions:
Thandiani As the name indicates, Thandiani is supposed to be coldest
among the hill stations of Pakistan. The approach to Thandiani (2691 meters
above sea level) is from Abbottabad. Thandiani can also be reached from the
Murree-Nathiagali route, but it takes more time and the road is too winding.
Thandiani is 31 km from main Abbottabad City and 25 km from
Thandiani-Nathiagali crossing. The drive takes more or less 80 minutes from
Abbottabad with lovely views on both sides of the road. The road spans more
than 1219 m above Abbottabad. On the way along with tall majestic pine trees
you come across groups of monkeys. The major place on the way is Kalapani at
23 km from Abbottabad. It has a beautiful local dak bungalow. Hule ka Danna
is about two kilometres north of Thandiani. It is one of the most beautiful
glades in the region. Thandiani offers lush green lovely views. At night the
lights of Hazara District and Azad Kashmir are clearly visible. To the east
beyond the Kunhar River, may be seen the snow covered mountain ranges of
Kashmir, to the north and northeast, the mountains of Kohistan and Kaghan
are sighted, to the northwest are snowy ranges of Swat and Chitral.
Nathiagali Perhaps the most sought out 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.
Ayubia is situated at an average height of 2,135 meters, 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 at Ghora Dhaka, which attracts visitors to enjoy scenic beauty of
Pine Hills. The nearby hill station of Nathiagali, Changlagali, Khanspur,
Khairagali and Kala Bagh present an unpolluted environment and scenic
beauty. Ayubia is 26 km from Murree.
Accessibility:
Abottabad is easily accessible from
all parts of Pakistan round the year. Abbottabad 116 km from Rawalpindi and
217 km from Peshawar and transport is available throughout the year from all
parts of Pakistan.