NATHIAGALI: The hill resorts of Nathiagali and Ayubia became a spectacular summer retreat on Sunday as pre-monsoon showers, drifting clouds, and bright sunshine created breathtaking scenery, drawing thousands of tourists escaping the intense heat on Pakistan's plains.
Thousands Flock to Galiyat Region
The lush Galiyat region of Abbottabad presented a captivating panorama with rain-washed pine forests, mist-covered valleys, and vibrant rainbows stretching across the Himalayan foothills toward Murree and Azad Kashmir. The dramatic interplay of sunshine and clouds offered postcard-perfect landscapes, making the mountain resorts among the country's most sought-after destinations this summer.
Families, students, and adventure enthusiasts from across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab thronged the winding roads leading to the hill stations. Hotels, restaurants, roadside cafés, and tea stalls remained crowded throughout the day as visitors embraced the cool mountain breeze after weeks of soaring temperatures.
Horse Trail and Chairlift Attract Visitors
The historic four-kilometre horse trail linking Ayubia and Nathiagali remained one of the area's biggest attractions. Visitors enjoyed leisurely rides through dense pine forests, passing towering deodar trees, colourful wildflowers, and mist-covered mountain slopes while taking in panoramic valley views.
"For us, every rainfall brings renewed hope," said local horse rider Faraz Khan. "The forests become even more beautiful after the rain, and more tourists arrive to experience the scenery. Tourism is not only preserving our traditions but also providing livelihoods for dozens of local families."
The popular three-kilometre Ayubia chairlift also drew large crowds, carrying visitors silently above the forest canopy to viewpoints overlooking Mukeshpuri Top and the surrounding Himalayan landscape. Many tourists described the pleasant weather as a welcome escape from the sweltering conditions across much of the country.
Economic Opportunities and Natural Beauty
Professional photographer Khayam Ali reported brisk business as families queued to capture memories against backdrops of rain-soaked forests, colourful rainbows, and mountain trails. He noted that social media had significantly increased interest in the region, creating new opportunities for photographers, shopkeepers, transport operators, and other tourism-related businesses.
Nature lovers and trekkers explored scenic trails leading to Miranjani, Mukeshpuri, and Dunga Gali, while Ayubia National Park continued to attract wildlife enthusiasts with its rich biodiversity. The protected forest is home to more than 200 bird species, as well as foxes, monkeys, and the elusive common leopard, making it one of Pakistan's most treasured ecological reserves.
Tourism experts believe Pakistan's natural beauty offers enormous economic potential if supported by improved infrastructure, better destination management, and visitor-friendly policies.
