# Galiyat Travel Guide 2026: Hill Stations, Hikes & Stays > The Galiyat in one guide: how Nathia Gali, Dunga Gali, Changla Gali and Khaira Gali compare, the best hikes, seasons, itineraries and where to stay. Source: https://havenholidayhome.com/blog/galiyat-travel-guide ![Galiyat Travel Guide 2026: Nathia Gali, Dunga Gali, Changla Gali and Khaira Gali - Haven Holiday Homes](https://havenholidayhome.com/public/blog/1793535619-K4x3I9.webp) **Staying in the Galiyat?** See all [Haven holiday homes in Nathia Gali](https://havenholidayhome.com/holiday-homes-in-nathia-gali), [Dunga Gali](https://havenholidayhome.com/holiday-homes-in-dunga-gali), [Changla Gali](https://havenholidayhome.com/holiday-homes-in-changla-gali) and [Khaira Gali](https://havenholidayhome.com/holiday-homes-in-khaira-gali), with prices and live availability. The Galiyat is a chain of small pine-forest hill stations strung along one mountain road between Murree and Abbottabad, in Abbottabad District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Nathia Gali, Dunga Gali, Changla Gali and Khaira Gali are the best known, and all four are about 2 to 2.5 hours by car from Islamabad. Summers are cool, winters bring snow, and the whole area sits around Ayubia National Park. This guide gives you the big picture: how the hill stations fit together, which one to choose as a base, the hikes and sights worth crossing the region for, and how to plan two or three days. When you have picked a town, its own guide goes into the detail. --- The Galiyat at a glance ----------------------- **Where**Abbottabad District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, on the Murree–Abbottabad road north of Murree **Main hill stations**Khaira Gali, Changla Gali, Dunga Gali and Nathia Gali, in that order coming from Murree **Drive from Islamabad**About 2 hours to Khaira Gali and Changla Gali, about 2.5 hours to Dunga Gali and Nathia Gali **Highest point by road**Changla Gali, at about 2,804 m (9,199 ft) **Protected forest**Ayubia National Park, around Dunga Gali, Ayubia and Khanspur **Best known walks**The Pipeline Track (Dunga Gali to Ayubia, about 4 km), the Khaira Gali–Ayubia track (about 8 km), Mushkpuri Top and Miranjani **Snow season**Usually December to February **Getting there**By car only: there is no rail or air link into the Galiyat **Galiyat or Murree?** Murree and Bhurban are in Punjab; the Galiyat begins just beyond them in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Many visitors combine the two, but the Galiyat is quieter, more forested and less built up than Murree. For Murree itself, see our [Murree travel guide](https://havenholidayhome.com/blog/ultimate-travel-guide-to-murree-hills-attractions-hiking-trails-and-where-to-stay). --- How the hill stations fit together ---------------------------------- The easiest way to understand the Galiyat is as one road. Coming from Islamabad via the Murree Expressway, you pass Murree and Barrian, then reach the hill stations one after another: 1. **Khaira Gali**: the first of the four, quiet and residential, about 30 minutes' drive from Murree's Mall Road. 2. **Changla Gali**: about 4 km on, and the highest point on the road. 3. **Ayubia and Khanspur**: just off the road between Changla Gali and Dunga Gali, with the chairlift and the national park's forest trails. 4. **Dunga Gali**: about 13 km (25 minutes) past Changla Gali. The liveliest small town in the Galiyat, where the Pipeline Track and the most popular route up Mushkpuri Top begin, with cafés and restaurants in town. 5. **Nathia Gali**: about 3 km past Dunga Gali, with the widest choice of food and shopping in the Galiyat, the bazaar, St. Matthew's Church and the Governor House area. Because everything sits on the same road, you never need to stay in the town you want to visit. Driving from one end to the other takes well under an hour in normal traffic, so any of the four works as a base for exploring all of them. For most visitors, though, the best base is Dunga Gali. --- Which hill station to choose as your base ----------------------------------------- **Our recommendation: Dunga Gali.** It puts the most walking on your doorstep, with the Pipeline Track entrance and the Mushkpuri Top trail both within walking distance. The town stays lively with walkers heading to and from the Mushkpuri trail, and Gloria Jean's, Reeves Café and Butt Karahi are all in town. Patakha Chicken is about 2 km away; it is known for strong chilli flavours, so ask for mild seasoning if needed. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's tourism development office is in Dunga Gali too. Nathia Gali still has the widest choice of food and shopping in the Galiyat, but it is only about 3 km from Dunga Gali, and accommodation in Dunga Gali usually costs less. Staying in Dunga Gali gives you both: the trails on foot and Nathia Gali's bazaar a few minutes' drive away. Here is how the four compare. Every town is within an hour's drive of the rest. ### Dunga Gali: our recommended base - **Drive from Islamabad:** about 2.5 hours - **Atmosphere:** lively, with walkers and visitors in town - **Food and shops:** Gloria Jean's, Reeves Café, Butt Karahi and a grocery store; Patakha Chicken about 2 km away - **Walking from the door:** the Pipeline Track and Mushkpuri Top - **Best for:** most visitors, with trails from the door, food in town, better-value stays and Nathia Gali 3 km away ### Nathia Gali - **Drive from Islamabad:** about 2.5 hours - **Atmosphere:** busy around the bazaar - **Food and shops:** the widest choice of restaurants and shops in the Galiyat - **Walking from the door:** the bazaar, the church and the Miranjani route - **Best for:** food and shopping on the doorstep, and the Miranjani trail ### Changla Gali - **Drive from Islamabad:** about 2 hours - **Atmosphere:** the quietest of the four - **Food and shops:** limited; a short drive to the neighbouring towns - **Walking from the door:** ridge viewpoints - **Best for:** views and real quiet ### Khaira Gali - **Drive from Islamabad:** about 2 hours - **Atmosphere:** quiet - **Food and shops:** a café within walking distance; more in Murree - **Walking from the door:** the Khaira Gali–Ayubia track, about 15 minutes away - **Best for:** several families together, and the shortest drive from Islamabad Still deciding? Read the town guides for [Khaira Gali](https://havenholidayhome.com/blog/best-place-to-stay-in-khaira-gali-holiday-homes-near-nathia-gali), [Changla Gali](https://havenholidayhome.com/blog/changla-gali-travel-guide), [Dunga Gali](https://havenholidayhome.com/blog/dunga-gali-travel-guide) and [Nathia Gali](https://havenholidayhome.com/blog/nathia-gali-travel-guide). --- The best things to do across the Galiyat ---------------------------------------- These are the sights and walks people travel across the region for. Each town guide has the practical detail, such as trailheads, timings and what to bring. ### Walk the Pipeline Track A flat forest trail through Ayubia National Park that connects Dunga Gali with Ayubia: about 4 km one way, or 8 km if you walk back to your starting point. Most walkers start at the entrance in Dunga Gali, near the bazaar and the Wildlife Department facilities, and finish at the Ayubia end near the historic Moto Tunnel and the chairlift. It is the easiest walk in the Galiyat and popular with families and young children. [Details in the Dunga Gali guide](https://havenholidayhome.com/blog/dunga-gali-travel-guide). ### Walk the Khaira Gali–Ayubia track A longer forest trail, signposted at its entrance as the Ayubia to Khaira Gali Forest Track, that continues the old pipeline route beyond the popular Dunga Gali–Ayubia section. It runs about 8 km between the Moto Tunnel at Ayubia and the Jandala village side of Khaira Gali, below the main road. The forest gate at Jandala is about 15 minutes' walk from our Khaira Gali homes, so guests there can set off on foot; from the main Khaira Gali road, it is about 2 km along a concrete access road. [See the Khaira Gali guide](https://havenholidayhome.com/blog/best-place-to-stay-in-khaira-gali-holiday-homes-near-nathia-gali). ### Hike to Mushkpuri Top The second-highest peak in the Galiyat, with views across the region on a clear day. The most direct routes start from Dunga Gali and Nathia Gali, and a popular walk links the two towns: climb from Nathia Gali via Lalazar to Mushkpuri Top, then come down towards Dunga Gali. It is a moderate hike, best done early in the day from April to October. If you want to stay close to the trail, see our guide to [holiday homes near the Mushkpuri Track](https://havenholidayhome.com/blog/holiday-home-near-mushkpuri-track). ### Hike to Miranjani The highest peak in the Galiyat, at about 2,992 m (9,816 ft). The trail starts near the Governor House area towards Namli Maira, a short drive from Nathia Gali bazaar, and climbs about 600 m over roughly 4.7–5 km to the summit; most walkers return the same way. Allow 2–3 hours to climb and 4–6 hours in total. It is a moderate hike that needs reasonable walking fitness. [See the Nathia Gali guide](https://havenholidayhome.com/blog/nathia-gali-travel-guide). ### Chairlift rides: Patriata and Ayubia **We recommend the Patriata chairlift** at Patriata (New Murree), near Murree. It runs in two stages, an open chairlift and then an enclosed cable car, so it makes a longer outing with two different ride experiences when both stages are operating. If your children specifically want a ride, choose Patriata. The Ayubia chairlift is at the Ayubia end of the Pipeline Track. For a family staying in Nathia Gali, visit Ayubia for its surroundings and the historic Moto Tunnel, and include the chairlift only after confirming directly with local staff that it is running. ### Take in the views from Changla Gali The highest point on the road gives the widest ridge views in the region, best at sunrise and sunset. [See the Changla Gali guide](https://havenholidayhome.com/blog/changla-gali-travel-guide). ### Spend an afternoon in Nathia Gali Nathia Gali is only about 3 km from Dunga Gali and makes an easy afternoon out: - **Nathia Gali Bazaar:** restaurants, chai, snacks and small shops, and the most convenient place in the Galiyat for an evening stroll and a meal. - **St. Matthew's Church:** a historic wooden church surrounded by trees, and a picturesque spot for architecture, photography and a quiet walk. Respect worship, and ask before entering. - **DoubleTree by Hilton Nathia Gali:** for a luxury touch, visit the hotel, about 10 minutes' drive from Dunga Gali. Our tip: stop by for coffee on a short visit and take some family photos in the elegant setting, perfect for sharing with friends back home. Lunch and dinner are also options. Make a reservation before you visit. - **Lalazar forest walk:** an uphill woodland outing towards Lalazar, with the option to continue towards Mushkpuri. Confirm current park facilities locally. ### Family activities in Nathia Gali - **Elites Adventure Park:** near Hotel Elites and MCB Bank, with family entertainment and birthday bookings. Call 0312-9116727 or 0345-9557242 to confirm which attractions are operating, ticket prices and any age or height limits. - **Serene Heights:** the resort has mini golf, archery, a zipline and a climbing wall. - **Snow play in winter:** when there is snow, find a level area well away from roads and steep slopes. ### Spend half a day in Khanspur Khanspur is our favourite corner of the Galiyat. The historic town sits in a quiet valley off the main road, with viewpoints over pine-covered slopes and scenery that feels like a corner of Switzerland. It is about 18 km from Dunga Gali, around 35 minutes by car. Allow 4–5 hours for the trip; it is well worth it, and an easy add-on from Dunga Gali or Changla Gali. --- Two- and three-day Galiyat itineraries -------------------------------------- Both plans work from any base, because the hill stations are so close together, but they are easiest from Dunga Gali, where the main walks start in town. Leave Islamabad early to beat traffic on the Murree Expressway, and plan to be back on the main road before dark. ### Two days: a weekend from Islamabad - **Day 1:** drive up in the morning and stop at Changla Gali for the ridge views. Check in, then spend a relaxed evening at your home with a BBQ. - **Day 2:** walk the Pipeline Track from Dunga Gali to Ayubia (about 4 km one way; walk back, or arrange for your car to meet you at Ayubia), then have lunch in Nathia Gali and see the bazaar and St. Matthew's Church before driving home. ### Three days: walks, chairlift and a peak - **Day 1:** arrive, stop at Changla Gali on the way, and settle into your base. - **Day 2:** walk the Pipeline Track from Dunga Gali to Ayubia in the morning and, if it is running, ride the chairlift at the Ayubia end. Spend the evening in Nathia Gali's bazaar. - **Day 3:** make an early start up Mushkpuri Top from Dunga Gali, rest over lunch, then head home. With young children, swap the hike for Elites Adventure Park, or spend the afternoon in Khanspur for its views and the historic town. **Adding Murree on the way home:** the road back to Islamabad passes through Murree, so families who want a short visit can stop on check-out day. Have lunch on Murree's famous Mall Road and stroll for an hour or two; for many families, it is a chance to relive childhood memories. For more ideas, see our [Murree travel guide](https://havenholidayhome.com/blog/ultimate-travel-guide-to-murree-hills-attractions-hiking-trails-and-where-to-stay). Travelling on a budget? See our [5 budget tips for the Galiyat](https://havenholidayhome.com/blog/5-budget-friendly-tips-for-traveling-across-the-galiyat). --- When to visit the Galiyat ------------------------- - **April to June:** mild, clear days and green forest. The best time for the Pipeline Track and the peaks. - **July to August:** monsoon season. Expect mist, rain and lower visibility at viewpoints, though the forest is at its greenest. - **September to October:** settled weather and fewer crowds than summer. Another good window for hiking. - **December to February:** the most reliable snow, especially at higher Changla Gali and Nathia Gali. Roads can be icy, so we recommend travelling in a 4x4 to avoid getting stuck in snow. For snow play with children, pick a level area well away from roads and steep slopes. Weekends, public holidays and the days after a fresh snowfall bring the heaviest traffic, as day-trippers drive up from Islamabad and Rawalpindi. If you can, arrive on a weekday or early in the morning. --- Getting there and getting around -------------------------------- - **From Islamabad and Rawalpindi:** take the Murree Expressway, continue past Murree, and follow the road north through Barrian into the Galiyat. - **From Abbottabad:** the same road enters the Galiyat from the other end, reaching Nathia Gali first. - **Getting around:** a car, a hired driver or a taxi is the easiest way to move between the hill stations. Visitors can also try the recently launched bus tour between Murree and Nathia Gali; check the current timings and booking details before you go. - **Cash and fuel:** carry cash and fill up before you leave Murree or Abbottabad. ATMs and card machines are scarce in the Galiyat. - **Offline maps:** phone signals are weak in the hills and often drop completely once a big hill is between you and the nearest tower. Download offline maps before you set off for easy navigation. - **Driving:** the road is narrow and winding. Avoid driving it after dark if you don't know it. --- Where to stay in the Galiyat ---------------------------- Haven Holiday Homes manages 12 private homes across the four main hill stations, from 1-bedroom units to 6-bedroom villas, each with a caretaker on site. Groups can book neighbouring homes together. In Dunga Gali, our two villas are within walking distance of the Pipeline Track and the Mushkpuri trail. Hill stationHaven homesLargest group in one place [Khaira Gali](https://havenholidayhome.com/holiday-homes-in-khaira-gali)7 homes: 4 in the gated Pine Ridge Residences and 3 Snowra cottages nearbyUp to 41 guests across the 4 Pine Ridge homes [Changla Gali](https://havenholidayhome.com/holiday-homes-in-changla-gali)2 homes: a 5-bedroom stone villa and a 2-bedroom cottageUp to 23 guests across both [Dunga Gali](https://havenholidayhome.com/holiday-homes-in-dunga-gali)2 villas, one of which can also be booked as smaller 1- and 2-bedroom unitsUp to 31 guests across both [Nathia Gali](https://havenholidayhome.com/holiday-homes-in-nathia-gali)1 home: a 6-bedroom villa in Upper Nathia GaliUp to 16 guests Wondering whether a whole home is worth it over hotel rooms? See our comparison of [hotels vs private villas for families](https://havenholidayhome.com/blog/khaira-gali-hotels-vs-private-villas-for-families), or browse [villas in Nathia Gali and Dunga Gali](https://havenholidayhome.com/blog/villas-in-nathia-gali). --- Galiyat FAQs ------------ **What is the Galiyat?** The Galiyat is a group of hill stations on the road between Murree and Abbottabad in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The best known are Nathia Gali, Dunga Gali, Changla Gali and Khaira Gali, along with Ayubia and Khanspur. **Is the Galiyat in Punjab or Khyber Pakhtunkhwa?** Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The Galiyat lies in Abbottabad District, just beyond Murree and Bhurban, which are in Punjab. **Which is the best base in the Galiyat?** Dunga Gali, for most visitors. The Pipeline Track and the Mushkpuri Top trail are within walking distance, it has cafés and restaurants such as Gloria Jean's, Reeves Café and Butt Karahi, and accommodation usually costs less than in Nathia Gali, which has the widest choice of food and shopping and is only about 3 km away. **Which Galiyat hill station is closest to Islamabad?** Khaira Gali and Changla Gali, at about 2 hours by car. Dunga Gali and Nathia Gali are about 2.5 hours away. **Can you visit all four hill stations in one trip?** Yes. They sit one after another on the same road, and driving from Khaira Gali to Nathia Gali takes well under an hour, so you can stay in one and visit the others easily. **How long is the Pipeline Track?** About 4 km one way between Dunga Gali and Ayubia, or 8 km if you walk back to your starting point. It is mostly flat and suits families. A longer forest track of about 8 km continues from Ayubia's Moto Tunnel to the Jandala side of Khaira Gali. **When does it snow in the Galiyat?** Usually from December to February. Higher hill stations such as Changla Gali and Nathia Gali see the most reliable snow. Check road conditions before you set off, and travel in a 4x4 to avoid getting stuck in snow. **Where should a large group stay in the Galiyat?** Khaira Gali's Pine Ridge Residences has 4 neighbouring homes for up to 41 guests in one gated community. Dunga Gali's two villas take up to 31 guests, and Changla Gali's two homes up to 23. --- Plan your Galiyat stay ---------------------- Haven Holiday Homes offers private, fully furnished homes for families and groups across the Galiyat. Book direct for our best rates. - [**View all Haven holiday homes →**](https://havenholidayhome.com/collection) - [**More travel guides →**](https://havenholidayhome.com/travel-guides) - [**WhatsApp for quick booking help: +92 300 4422529 →**](https://wa.me/923004422529?text=Hi+Haven+Holiday+Homes%2C+I%27d+like+to+check+availability+in+the+Galiyat.+Dates%3A+%E2%80%A6+Guests%3A+%E2%80%A6) Planning a stay? ---------------- Private, fully furnished homes for families and groups. Book direct for the best rates. [Check availability & prices](https://havenholidayhome.com/collection) [← All travel guides](https://havenholidayhome.com/travel-guides) Book with HavenStay in a private home ---------------------- 25+ fully furnished homes across Islamabad, Lahore, Murree and the Galiyat, with caretakers and replies within 5 minutes. 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