Nathia Gali

By the lower regions of the Himalayas, among numerous other enchanting valleys and towns, lies the scenic hamlet of Nathia Gali. Flaunting picturesque views, brilliant panoramas and dense forests of “oak, cedar, maple, walnut and pine” is just a glimpse when talking about this heaven on earth. It's legitimately a unique spot amongst the most famous mountain resorts in Pakistan. Many have been, numerous others need to go, and numerous others want to go back to visit. Nathia Gali is a hill station in Galiyat region of District Abbottabad, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan. It is best known for the grand scenic beauty, hiking tracks and lovely climate. Being at 2,500 m (8,200 ft) made it a lot cooler than the remainder of the Galiyat because of its noteworthy altitude. From May to August an enormous number of tourists visit Nathia Gali to make the most of its excellence in the sizzling summer. With the snow-clad views of Nanga Parbat to other Karakorum crests. From a cool and supporting climate to the aromas of firs and pines. And an uproar of shading displayed by roses, fruits and wild blossoms, it gives a superb mix of serene environment. It is also helpful for learning and enjoying nature's magnificence at its best. It has a little timbered church, Governor’s house, beautiful parks and bungalows that are a treat to the eyes.

History:

Nathia Gali, Abbottabad Tehsil of Hazara District, during the British rule served as a base camp to Chief Commissioner of the Peshawar division. The town alongside Dunga Gali comprised an informed territory in accordance to the Punjab Municipalities Act, 1891.

Geography:

It is situated in the middle of the Galiyat region, where a few hill stations are arranged, connected with one another, and with their names, for the most part, finishing off with 'Gali'. It is situated 32 kilometres at one hour's drive from both Murree and Abbottabad, located halfway between these two spots. The drive time from Islamabad and Peshawar is around three and four hours respectively, except if there is exceptionally heavy traffic.

Climate:

The climate of Nathia Gali stays cool, pleasant and foggy in summers that is from 1st May to 31st August. During the monsoon season i.e. 1st July to 16^th of September, a rainstorm is normal constantly. Cold breezes begin to cool the climate in Autumn. Winters i.e. 1st November to 28^th of February are freezing and chilly. However, during December and January, substantial snowfall takes place. The climate stays cold in spring. However, the most comfortable climate is in the summer season. Frequent rainfall is witnessed every year. Precipitation lies between 1650mm-1850mm annually. In Winter temperature can drop to -10⁰C and in Summer it can ascend to a high of 30⁰C.

People:

The main clan of Nathia Gali is the Karlal clan, and a minority of Dhunds who presently call themselves 'Dhund-Abbasis'. Local people are a kinfolk to the general population of different pieces of Galiyat and speak the Hindko language. Until well into the 1960s, the greater part of these clans and families were generally living rather fundamental and crude lives, because of the absence of education and job openings. A vast majority had to look for jobs and educational facilities down in the fields and in urbanized cities such as Rawalpindi, Lahore, Peshawar and even as far away as Karachi; however in later times, with financial improvement, many people are employed locally in the travel industry or in different employments and organizations in the Abbottabad territory.

Tourist Spots:

At a height of 2410 m (8000 ft), it is a famous tourist resort in the late spring months. It is forested with pine, cedar, oak walnut and furthermore oak and maple trees. Nathia Gali is known for a delightful trek that leads to Thandiani which goes through Dagri Naka.

Green Spot:

The green spot is a mountain slope top view, found a little further away from the bazaar of Nathia Gali. It is an amusement spot that falls under the held region of Pakistan Air Force, yet allowed tourist purposes. It gives you a great view of Nathia Gali and surrounding region particularly from Summer Retreat Hotel rooftop top.

Miranjani:

Miranjani trekking top is found four hours from Nathia Gali. It is the most astounding peak of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. There are different courses to reach, one being a steep track from Nathia Gali and the other route begins from the Governor's House. While at Miranjani one can go for some short walk through the pine woods in Ayubia National Park.

Governor’s House:

This wonderful house is situated up the road from Nathia Gali's main bazar. Constructed long ago during British Rule, it is encompassed by lavish green gardens while flaunting a great architecture. Despite the fact that guests are not permitted inside the house, it is a sight to see, as different trails wind their way over the grounds, allowing pleasant photographs.

Nathia Gali Church:

Another amazing display of architecture that should not be missed is Nathia Gali's Church. Also built during the British Rule, the wood-framed church is a primary fascination in Nathia Gali. It is encompassed by lavish green grass which adds to its excellence.

Paradise Point:

Situated close by the Church, which allows you to visit the top peaks of Nathia Gali and the entire Khan Kalan and Khankhurd area.

Topa Khan Kalan Bakote: 

It is located 5 km further of Nathia Gali’s Paradise Point and presents the ultimate scenic view Azad Kashmir and base camp of Miranjani Top. It is on a 10 minutes’ drive from Nathia Gali due to the well-built road.

Grang Kass (Water Stream), Dayar Sari:

This is a beautiful Natural water stream and lush green forest spot at Nathia Gali-Bakote road 5km away from Governor House Nathia Gali additionally located at the foothill of Mukshpuri.

Wildlife:

The Nathia Gali district is home to different types of bird, creepy crawlies, butterflies and different animals. The World Wildlife Fund has an office in the Galiyat and has aided the rearing and reintroduction of the types of the close to extinction leopards in the forests of Nathia Gali. This region was believed to be an ideal environment for them. Packs of pi-hounds which were recently viewed as an evening time threat can never again be seen as they may as well have been hunted down by leopards. These leopards however are rarely seen now. Horses are a typical sight during summer months and are offered to kids and adults alike for rides at rates that are regularly debatable. The basic hill rhesus monkeys can regularly be seen.

Hotels:

There are a number of hotels and guest houses at Nathia Gali with considerable rates. The rates vary due to on- season and offseason. Accommodation standards can fit every pocket here and if you want the best deal, you will have to visit few and bargain at some points.

Restaurants:

The majority of the restaurants in Nathia Gali are situated in the streets of the main bazaar. These restaurants serve flavorful breakfast, lunch, supper and put emphasis on evening tea. Other than Pashtun cooking, they offer Desi Pakistani cuisine, Bar-B-Q, Chinese and Continental Food. Eating out in the open green fields with the mountainous view insight will be the feature of your eating encounters in Nathia Gali.

Health and Security:

For the benefit of the locals and tourists, there are hospitals and medical stores situated at Nathia Gali. Additionally, due to the PAF Kala Bagh Airbase Nathia Gali is a generically safe place.

Government Civil Hospital Nathia Gali

Kashif Medical Store Nathia Gali

Marwat Medical store (Nathia Gali)

(+92) 0345 9507833

Shopping:

The main bazaar of Nathia Gali is known as the shopping hub. The street is full of colourful shops where you can buy handicrafts, clothes and many other items. Bazar has clothing and footwear shops and they will fulfil your need if you forgot something back home. You can buy souvenirs and gifts of many kinds here. 

Transportation:

Nathia Gali is connected with Abbottabad and Murree via the Nathia Gali road. Public transport is known to have run every day from Abbottabad and Rawalpindi to Nathia Gali. During December and January, substantial snowfall takes place there and the road that leads to Nathia Gali is hindered because of overwhelming snow.

Important phone numbers:
Police Station Nathiagali: Phone +92-992-355-320

Governor House: Phone +92-992- 355335

Frontier House: Phone +92-992-355388

World Wildlife Foundation WWF: +92-992-355-210