Murree and its Surroundings

In the Himalayan foothills Murree, known as "Malika-e-Kohsar" meaning the "Queen of Hills", was founded as a hill station by the British in1851. Like other cities set up by the British, the town has the Mall for leisure walk, parks, churches, schools, clubs and plenty of other colonial charms. Being a dark corner in the history, during British rule, access to the Mall Road was restricted for locals and was meant only for the morning walk of Britishers.

After independence Murree has onceagain become the summer retreat of the government and since Islamabad became the capital of Pakistan in 1962, has expanded rapidly. There is a governor house, other government houses and summer homes of affluent class from all over the country. The residences are built on the summit and sides of an irregular ridge, and command magnificent views over forest-clad hills and deep valleys, studded with villages and cultivated fields, with snow-covered peaks of Kashmir in background.

Murree town spreads along the top of a ridge for about fivekilometres. At the north-east end is Kashmir Point, with views acrossthe valley of the Jhelum River into Azad Kashmir. At the south-westend is Pindi Point, looking back towards Rawalpindi and Islamabad.Between the two runs the Mall, at the centre of which is the mainshopping area, where visitors flock. Most conspicuous rendezvous inthe town is General Post Office on the Mall.

Apart from odd looking ruins of Murree Brewery (shifted to Rawalpindi long ago), there is an Ecology Centre that was established in 1960 toexperiment with environment friendly agricultural processes such asgreenhouses to grow winter crops. Although fruit and vegetables areimportant crops at the Centre but this institute has played significant role in the mainstream agriculture through its work oncereal rust. The site was specially selected after a thorough surveyby Canadian team of experts that visited Gilgit, Chitral, Swat, Kaghanand Azad Kashmir. The Centre has done some considerable work to extendthe carrying capacity of the land. Other than this, economy of thearea is predominantly agricultural though land holdings are small. Orlocals have some openings in tourism industry that is still in theinitial stages of development.

In addition to sunsets and cloud effects seen daily during the rainsand good weather, trekking or riding in the chair-lifts are Murree's main amusements. But one can turn the soft jaunt into a dauntingexperience in the name of adventure. Who stops! Like for more daring types and those who want to beat the crowds and still enjoy the green environs of Murree, the best is to explore the surrounding areas.There are many defined walking trails in adjoining country that iswell wooded and its scenery attractive: from Islamabad to Tret, fromTret to Ghora Gali (where "dak" horses used to change during Britishera), from Ghora Gali to Murree, from Murree to Barian and Changla Gali with Swar Gali and Khaira Gali in between and from Changala Galito Nathia Gali through Ayubia and Dunga Gali. From Nathiagali a commontrekking route is to Thandiani with an overnight stay in the way.

Murree, As I saw it!!!

A spectacular one hour drive from Pakistan’s capital city Islamabad will take you to a scenic beauty of one of the most popular hill station of Pakistan, “the Queen of the Hills”, Murree. The breathtaking combination of towering peaks and lush green valley is simply irresistible.

Murree is at its best in summers and winters. In summers, it is cool, and even chilly in the evening. In winters, the snow is piled high along the roadsides. The road going up towards Murree is surrounded by beautiful mountains and deep valleys which makes the whole route looks stunning and gorgeous.

On our way up, we find various picnic spots offering snacks, cold drinks and tea. Also there are several roadside sales point which displays beautiful Kashmiri shawls and hand-woven carpets which can be purchased on reasonable rates after bargaining.

Pindi Point: is one of the popular locations in Murree. This point overlooks the twin cities, Islamabad-Rawalpindi and provides very attractive scenery particularly at nights. The most entertaining feature of Pindi Point is the chair lifts which goes down to the road a few kilometers below and offers a magnificent view. Lush green valley, tall pine trees and zigzag roads are worth watching.

Kashmir Point: is another famous spot which offers us a view of beautiful Kashmir peaks. That is why it is called Kashmir point. This point is at the top of the hill with lots of activities like horse riding, children play land, coffee shops and place for lunch. One can walk around the hill taking photograph and enjoying with snacks and tea. Hence this place proves out to be ideal for families.




Mall Road: is the well known market place of Murree, full of life, always bustling and colorful. During the peak season, it is fully jammed and the visitor love to parade on this road for several hours. No trip is complete without visiting the Mall Road.

It is the perfect place to dine a variety of Pakistani dishes and fast foods. Traditional clothing items, jewelry items, carved wooden sticks and leather goods are the essence of this place.




Patriata: is a hill resort, almost 25km from Murree. It has become very popular during recent years due to the installation of cable cars. It has both chair lift and cable car system which takes the visitors in two stages. Firstly, the chair lifts will take you to the middle hill where you can stop and refresh yourself. Next the cable cars will take you to the higher hills. The journey on cable cars and chair lifts are unforgettable and is cherished for lifetime.

Ayubia: is 26 km from Murree,. The attractions of Ayubia include a small park named “Ayubia National Park”. Animals like Leopard, Black Bear, Kashmir Hill Fox, and Red Flying Squirrels can be found here. It also has various species of birds including Golden Eagle, Vulture and Sparrow Hawk etc. Secondly the experience of chair lifts provided at this place is unforgettable. They take you to the peak of the hill at the point called “Neelam View”, as the River Neelam of Kashmir can be viewed from here.

Nathiagali: is almost an hour drive from Murree. It is famous for its extravagant beauty and magnificence. Fascinating landscapes, bracing climate, beautiful ridges thickly populated with pines, lush green valleys and foggy views are some of the gifts, nature has bestowed upon this land. Market place in Nathiagali also displays variety of traditional clothing and jewelry.

There is a spot on Murree- Nathiagali road called “Bunder Point”. Here you can find number of monkeys along the road sides which are very friendly. People use to stop and feed them with popcorns and bread. They are harmless and a great entertainment, especially for kids.

Chashma: is 30 min drive from Nathiagali. It is situated in a valley. Its stunning beauty takes one’s heart away. The view of water coming from the mountains is simply awesome. A small refreshment point is present here which have their colorful tables arranged in water. It is an amazing experience to be served on these tables with your feet inside the ice cold water. It is a fantastic place to visit along with your family and friends.


Bhurban: is located 10km from the city of Murree in the heights of Murree hills. Its main attractions are the hiking opportunities for adventure seekers. Also the animals found in its surrounding cannot be found anywhere else in Pakistan. A splendid hotel is there if you are looking for a luxurious stay with family or planning for an elite business conference.

So I would recommend every one out there looking to see some nature`s beauty, The Queen of Hills, Murree, awaits you

Murree chair lift

Murree is a beautiful hill-station to visit if you are embarrassed with electricity breakdown & hot weather in Rawalpindi. Quite easily accessible from Rawalpindi & Islamabad as well as all major cities of Pakistan by road. the recently inaugurated Islamabad to murree expressway makes it more attractive due to short distance from the capital city Islamabad.

Traveling from Islamabad is a hassle free & comfortable drive (about 30 km). the most attractive places in murree includes Mall road, Pindi Point & Kashmir point.

View of mall road in murree. most of the hotels in murree are located there which are crowded in summers.

Muree is also famous for chair lift, you can enjoy chair lift & cable car that passes through Patriata, a hill station situated 15 km south-east of Murree. another good place to enjoy chair lift is Ayubia..

A roadside umbrella seller. get one for you because rain or snowfall may treat you anytime. things worth buying in murree are Kashmiri shawls, furs, walking sticks, fruits and nuts.