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The Pakistani capital, Islamabad, is the gateway to the popular northern regions of Pakistan, where both locals and visitors love to unwind during the weekend.
Life in Islamabad is more gentle than the faster-paced cities of Lahore and Karachi. They are smaller than their ancient counterparts, cover less area and have a relatively lower population. Sometimes hard work can creep into your daily routine. Fortunately, when that happens, you can find yourself in a completely new place within a few hours, enjoying stunning views while enjoying a hot cup of tea.
1: Nathia Gali
The green mountain resort of Nathia Gali, located at an altitude of about 2,410 meters above sea level, is a popular choice for a small vacation. Plant life is abundant, so you’ll find meadows and plenty of pine, cedar, walnut, oak, and maple trees. Those who want a more adventurous trek can trek through the hills of Mukshpuri (also Mukeshpuri) and Miranjani, which are 2,800 and 2,992 meters in elevation respectively.
How to get there:
Nathia Gali is approximately 2.5 hours’ drive from Islamabad. You can hire a private transport or take the Daewoo Express bus that runs every few hours from Rawalpindi (the twin city of Islamabad) to Morey. Once in Morey, you will find plenty of public transportation options to take you to Nathia Gali.
Where to stay:
Frequent visitors choose either the Amore or Hotel Elites. The rooms, meals, and other features of these hotels are generally rated better than many of the other options available in the vicinity.
2: Murree
For years and years, Murree – a sanatorium for British troops in the mid-19th and early 20th centuries – was the go-to-hill stop for people from all over the country. Cooler temperatures in summer and snowfall in winter attract visitors all year round. While the place’s novelty has largely faded away due to increased commercialization, Morey is still crowded by tourists as a transit stop for longer trips or short stays on the quieter days of the year.
How to get there:
Just like Nathia Gali, you can get to Murree by car or bus (Daewoo Express preferred). You can choose from four methods; The fastest route is the Murree Expressway, from which you can reach your destination in less than 1.5 hours.
Where to stay:
The Arcadian Blue Pines Resort, located just outside Murree, is a reasonable option for those who want to avoid the busy roads and city noise. Hotel One is a more luxurious option, and if you want to enjoy the Pearl Continental experience, PC Bhurban (near Murree) is the place to stay.
3: Thandiani
For those looking to spend a weekend in a quiet getaway that offers respite from the sweltering heat, Thandiani is the best choice. The hill station, located in the foothills of the Himalayas at an altitude of about 2,750 meters above sea level, is the ideal getaway if you are willing to forego luxury accommodation in favor of a serene environment and stunning surroundings.
How to get there:
Visitors usually prefer to travel in their own cars, or rent a private car from Islamabad, for a 3.5-hour drive via the Hazara Expressway. The usual itinerary includes a lunch break in Abbottabad before arriving in Thandiani.
Where to stay:
You can book your room at Forest Rest House Thandiani, which is managed by the Galiyat Development Authority under the auspices of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government.
4: Siri Paye Meadows
Lush green meadows at an altitude of 3000 meters surrounded by snow-capped mountaintops, dotted with cattle under the watchful eyes of shepherds, and adorned with a bright blue lake – this rural wonder is called Siri Paye Meadows. Since there is no proper road leading to it, this picturesque spot is relatively untouched. Adventure lovers agree that in summer, the meadows make for a great camping experience.
How to get there:
Travelers from Islamabad will need to brave the five-hour drive via the Hazara Expressway or the N-35 to Shogran, where jeeps can be hired to complete the remaining six-kilometre journey on a challenging path.
Where to stay:
If camping isn’t your cup of tea, head to Shojran for the night in traditional lodgings. Pine Park Sugaran and Arcadian Sprousewoods Resort are recommended to visitors for a relaxing stay.
5: Naran
Although gradually crowded with tourists and traffic (like Morey), Naran remains a popular choice for a weekend getaway, mainly due to the gorgeous Saif-al-Malouk Lake, the trout in the Kunhar River, and opportunities for kayaking, riverside camping, and hiking or walking the various trails . The city is located in the Kagan Valley and rises about 2,400 meters above sea level.
How to get there:
The same road to Shujran from Islamabad continues to Naran. Although public transportation is available, it is preferable to travel by private car so that you do not have to keep rushing from one public vehicle to another to eventually reach Naran.
Where to stay:
Maisonette Hotels & Resorts offers upscale options in Naran, while Hotel Dimanchi is more affordable. PTDC Motel Naran is a government owned accommodation that consists of standard rooms as well as private cottages.
6: Neelum Valley, Azad Kashmir
Neelum Valley is located in Azad Kashmir, northern Pakistan, 250 kilometers from Islamabad. In the past few years, the valley has gained a reputation as another prime option for a long weekend in the mountains, with the added attraction of the fast-flowing Neelum River. The destination is especially attractive for those who really want to disconnect from the world, as there is no cellular network coverage there. Foreigners need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Pakistani government to visit Neelum Valley.
How to get there:
From Murree, the first stop on the way to the Neelum Valley is Muzaffarabad, which can be reached via the Murree-Kohala Road. From there it takes a 3.5 hour drive to reach the valley, where private transport is highly recommended.
Where to stay:
Neelum Valley has plenty of villages and towns to visit, depending on the availability of time and personal preferences. Keran Guest House is the best choice to stay in Keran village if you want to be by the river. Alternatively, Kutton Jagran Resort contains French cottages that were originally built for Europeans who worked on the Jagran hydroelectric project about two decades ago.
