Tourism

Abbottabad has been attracting tourists to the city since the colonial era, as it is a major transit point to all major tourist regions of Pakistan such as Nathiagali, Ayubia and Naran. According to the Imperial Gazetteer of India, "the town is picturesquely situated at the southern corner of the Rash (Orash) plain, 4,120 feet (1,260 m) above the sea".

Like much of the mountainous Northern Areas, tourism is one of the important sources of income in Abbottabad. In the summer when temperatures rise to around 45 degrees Celsius in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a large number of tourists travel to Abbottabad.The Karakoram Highway, which traces one of the paths of the ancient Silk Road, starts from Hasan Abdal on the N5 and heads north passing through the city, eventually reaching Khunjerab Pass. The Karakorum Highway is a major attraction itself for its views. The Karakoram, Himalayas and the Hindu Kush ranges can be approached from Abbottabad and it continues to be a transit city for tourists, serving as a base for visiting numerous nearby places, such as Hunza, Gilgit, Skardu and Indus Kohistan, of the Karakoram Range.

Abbottabad: Gateway to the Heavenly places of Nothern Areas

:GALIYAT:

The region of Hazara is unique. For it opens up to visitors, a world replete with natural beauty. It was a favorite gateway from the plains into Kashmir during Mughal, Durrani and Sikh rules. It is a large area some 10,000 sq. km. The world famous Karakoram Highway starts from Havelian, a town in this region at a distance of 101 km from Islamabad. The mighty "Lion River" Indus or Abasin flows through the entire length of Hazara. It is strategically located between the Northern Areas, Azad Kashmir, Punjab and the rest of the Khyber Pukhtunkhwa. Hill stations collectively known as the Gallis and the Kaghan valley are the best known parts of Hazara. Domestic and foreign tourists throng to its cool and serene valleys during sizzling summer months.

Bara Gali is one of the tourist mountain resort towns of the Galyat area is situated at an altitude of 2350m. Bara Gali lies on the road between Abbottabad and Murree; 15 miles from Abbottabad and 25 miles from Murree. Bara Gali is also the summer campus of the University of Peshawar.
Changla Gali is another tourist mountain resort towns in the Galyat area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Its altitude is 2559m. During British rule it was the headquarters of the Northern Command School of Musketry.

Charra Pani is a tiny hill station in the Galyat region.
Dunga Gali or Doonga Gali is one of the picturesque mountain resort towns in the Galyat. It is at an altitude of 2500m. Dunga Gali is located next to Nathia Gali which is a Union Council (i.e. subdivision) of Abbottabad District in Khyber Pukhtunkhwa. During  the British rule it served as a sanatorium and boasted a hotel, a post office and a small church. The area was a popular summer resort for the Europeans residants. and also had houses, offices, hospitals,  etc. On the southern slopes of the nearby Mukeshpuri hill. There are two very large water tanks built by the British before partition, which supplies water. The pipe line walk is very popular track  which most visitors use. 

:SWAT:

Swat  is a land of magnificent scenic beauty and rich historical past. Its lush green fertile valleys, towering mountains. rushing streams, ice cold lakes, fruit orchards and flower-filled slopes are some of the gifts nature has bestowed upon this ancient land.

The historical and cultural remains of the area provide evidence about human activities covering a large span of time. Alexander the Great came here in 327 BC en route India. In ancient times it remained center of Buddhism, still having its marks found from river bed to the tops of the mountains. During Abdul Wadud (1917-1949) and Jahan Zeb's (1949-1969) peaceful reign Swati territories forming part of Swat State witnessed unprecedented development in the fields of education, health and communication.

The magnificent Swat Valley, popularly known as the Switzerland of Pakistan, is situated north of Peshawar. In ancient times it remained centre of then flourishing Buddhist civilisation, still having its remnants found at various places. Its old name was Udyana (Land of Gardens). The archeological sites and monasteries dating back to Buddhist era add to its historical charm. Surrounded by majestic mountains, Swat Valley is full of roaring rivers, lush green forests and snow-covered peaks adding to its natural attraction. “Upper” and “Lower” Swat are terms in vogue based on the arbitrary demarcation of higher and lower regions in the valley by Swat River.

:CHITRAL:

Under the shadows of Tirichmir in the Hindukush mountain range, the valley of Chitral in the North West Frontier Province is a fascinating combination of  scenic beauty and cultural diversity. The land of apples, apricots,  pears  and  pomegranates, Chitral stretches from 1,094m to 7778m above sea level (ASL) at Tirichmir Peak.  With its collection of rugged mountains, gushing  rivers,  hot springs, and fruit-laden orchards, Chitral truly is an enchanting  part of  Pakistan.

The area is bordered by Afghanistan in the north and west, with the narrow Afghan Wakhan Corridor separating it from Tajikistan, Dir Kohistan in the south and Gilgit in the east. Chitral can be accessed via several mountain passes, the most famous being the Lowari Top (3,118m) approx, crossing the Hindu Raj (a spur of the higher Hindukush) in the south and the Shandur Pass (3,734m) forming the eastern gateway from Gilgit. Other passes include the Dorah Pass from Badakshan in Afghanistan and the Broghol (3,798m) from the Wakhan Corridor in Afghanistan. Although these two passes represented the main arteries of the ancient Silk Route to Yarkand and Kashqar  in  China  and  Badakhshan  in  Afghanistan,  they are not in much  use  today.

:KAGHAN Valley:

Kaghan is a jewel among the many beautiful valleys in the Mansehra District of Hazara in the North West Frontier Province of Pakistan. This 160 kilometer long valley is most popular summer holiday spots for both Pakistanis as well as foreigners. The valley features pine forests, alpine meadows, crystal clear lakes and cool mountain streams. Kunhar River, the main feature of the valley, is famous for its trout. Nestled along the banks of the river are the towns of Balakot, Paras, Mahandari, Kaghan and Naran. The local people are friendly and simple. Gujar nomads are one of the most interesting features of the Kaghan Valley. They take their herds of cattle to the high pastures of the upper Kaghan Valley in spring and bring them down again in autumn. While going to Kaghan you will find them camped along the road in their traditional tents or moving up and down the valley with their herds of pack animals, sheep and goats.

The road beyond Balakot was once fit only for four wheel drive vehicles. Visitors would have to leave their cars in Balakot and rent jeeps for the onward journey. Today, the road is suitable for all kinds of vehicles, up to Naran and Jalkhad, adding a little flavor of the old days however, are a couple of glaciers that have not yet lost their snowpack in the early tourist season, and are difficult to cross with cars. From mid-June onward the road to Naran is open for regular cars, vans and coaches. If you are driving, always start early in the morning to safely reach your destination well before dark.