Written by: Muhammad Awais
Posted on: January 15, 2021 | 
| 中文
Miranjani Peak
The Galiyat regions of Khyber Pakthtunkhwa (KPK) are filled with breathtaking views and scenic drives through winding roads, making the perfect weekend getaway for anyone who wants to take a break from the fast-paced city life. The forests, hikes and paths bring one a sense of peace, and there are still many trails and sites left by the British that are worth exploring. Last weekend, despite the cold weather, our group of four visited Nathia Gali and Thandiani.
Nathia Gali is located at the center of the Galiyats and one of the more popular tourist locations. It was once the summer home of the Chief Commissioner of Peshawar. Although one can access Nathia Gali both via Abbottabad and Murree, we took the Murree route as it was more convenient. The hill station is located at an altitude of 2410m, surrounded by forests of pine, cedar, oak and more. While its beautiful scenery can be enjoyed all year round, it is the easiest to visit in the summer months.
The Governor's House in Nathia Gali and The Church of St Matthew in Nathiagali
The area with the most activity is the main bazaar, but there are other sites to visit as well. Nathia Gali has British-era bungalows, the colonial church of St. Matthew and the impressively made Governor’s House, which is a blend of modern and colonial era architecture. For trek lovers, the Mushkpuri and Miranjani treks are the most popular: while the Mushkpuri trek is a straightforward path that takes three hours to complete, there are two ways to reach the Miranjani trek. The slow, gradual trek past the Namlimera village is easier but longer, but a more direct route will take about 2 hours, and is a sharp ascent.
Mukshpuri During the Winter
Some 30 kilometers from Nathia Gali lies the scenic hill station of Thandiani. Although there is a beautiful three-day hike from Nathia Gali to Thandiani via the Dagri Naka (“Home of the Leopards”), the track is quite difficult, requires about a two-night stay and camping outside colonial rest houses. Wandering around Dagri Naka alone, particularly in the evenings, is not advised as there are still leopards roaming the woods. The trek is recommended for only the most seasoned of hikers and campers, and those who choose to do it must keep food and medical supplies with them at all times.
The Resthouse at Dagri Naka
Thandiani means “a very cold place” in the local vernacular. Despite the high altitude and cool temperatures, many tourists visit the area while exploring the Galiyat, due to the good road that leads to the station. Whether one visits the lush green hillside in the summer or the white blanketed hill in the winter, there is a sense of peace at this hill station with its spectacular views of mountains and rivers.
Many are not aware, but Thandiani has long been affiliated with the British Empire. It is said that the area was originally granted on lease to the Battye family in British India, who were missionaries and civil servants (some members of the Battye family are still buried in the Old Christian Cemetery of Abbottabad). Eventually, the Battye family gifted the land to church authorities, and the area was established as a sanatorium during the summers for British officers stationed in Abbottabad. Presently, the only British-era building that remains is the red and grey Church, which is closed to the public and is in a derelict state.
Thandiani Covered in Snow During the Winter
Previously, there were only a few small restaurants and one public washroom for tourists visiting Thandiani. However, in 2018, under the new tourism initiative, the Government of KPK installed eco-friendly pods around Thandiani, fully equipped with basic necessities and facilities for tourists. While some people believe that Thandiani should be turned into a full-fledged tourist location like Nathia Gali, others believe that the area should be maintained but kept without the construction of large-scale infrastructure. What is perhaps most important is ensuring that there are proper waste disposal mechanisms, and strict policies to prevent littering on the hilltops.
A weekend trip to the Galiyat is often filled with great memories and surprising discoveries. Whether one prefers to simply relax, explore the history of the area or challenge oneself with a trek, there is more to do here than initially meets the eye. However, it should be noted that the weather conditions and current situation concerning the COVID-19 pandemic should be monitored before planning the trip.
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