Monday, December 3, 2007

Murree Hills





Hills

Murree is known as Malika-e-Kohsar, which means the Queen of Hills. Murree is only an hour's drive northeast of Islamabad. From Rawalpindi it is only 64 km and at an altitude of 2,286 meters. Murree where lofty peaks tower above green pine-covered slopes, is one of the most popular summer resorts in Pakistan.

Murree spreads along the top of a ridge for about five kilometers (three miles). At the northeast end is Kashmir Point, with views across the valley of the Jhelum River into Azad Kashmir. At the southwest end is Pindi Point, looking back towards Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Between the two runs The Mall, at the center of, which is the main shopping area, where most people congregate. Chair Lifts in Murree give a ride from Bansara Gali (below Murree) to Pindi Point, the other to the top of Patriata hill (on the road to Karor).

Chattar

This resort nestles at the base of Murree hills at a distance of 15 km on Islamabad-Murree road. This place offers scenic walks, gently flowing stream, waterfall and the surrounding hillside are a perfect attraction. The resort has a restaurant, barbecue and two air-conditioned tourist cottages. The Children's Park and playground are spread over an area of 12.5 acres.

Salgran

Driving through pine country on the smoothly carpeted road to Murree, the Salgran roadside facility is situated 29 km from Rawalpindi. Salgran has a well-developed parking area, snack bar and washroom for travelers. The well laid out lawns with shaded seating areas blend with the tranquil environment.

Charra Pani

At Charra Pani, 40 km from Rawalpindi, the landscape becomes more spectacular. The TDCP roadside facility is very tastefully set on the densely wooded slopes of the Murree Hills, the architecture blending unobtrusively with the natural surroundings. Charra Pani has a snack bar as well as washroom facilities for travelers.

Bhurban

Bhurban is a minor resort eight kilometers (five miles) from Murree on the road leading northeast to Kohala and the Jhelum Valley. The golf course here is open only to members. From near the Pearl Continental Hotel you can take one of the many delightful paved walks through the woods.

Patriata

Patriata is 25 km from Murree. It has become a new tourist resort. There is a chairlift and cable car system, which takes visitors upto Patriata Ridge in two stages from Gulehra Gali. The first stage is by chair lift up to Patriata Bazaar. From here visitors transfer to cable car gondolas for the ride up to Patriata Ride. A restaurant has also been established. Further plans include development of a wildlife park at the mid-station.

Ayubia

Khairagali, Changlagali, Khanspur and Ghora Dhaka, these four mini resorts spread over an area of 26 km have been developed into a resort complex called Ayubia. In addition to riding trails, hiking places and picnic spots, Ayubia has a chair lift, which like a ski-lift, takes you up to the summit of the nearby range for a panoramic view of the forested hills. Ayubia is 26 km from Murree.

The Galis

Nathiagali

Perhaps the most sought after is the beautiful Nathiagali perched 2501 meters high about 32 km away from Murree. The bracing air of the surrounding mountains is as pure as fresh spring water.

Dungagali

Dungagali is a picturesque small resort situated on the slopes of the Mukshpuri hill (2376 m.). It commands a charming view of a series of wooded spurs projecting towards the River Jhelum on the western side. From Dungagali one can climb the 2813-m peak of Mukhshpuri, which is the highest point in the range. Natural springs abound on the slopes. It is 30 km from Murree.

Khairagali

Khairagali is 16 km from Murree at an elevation of 2346 m and commands a panoramic view on either side of the ridge.

Changlagali

Changlagali is 16 km from Murree at an altitude of 2559 m. There is a rest house located in the most picturesque surroundings.