Murree

Murree is a popular hill station in the Galyat region of northern Punjab, Pakistan, standing at 7,517 feet above sea level in the Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas. Once a charming colonial town founded by the British in the 18th century, it served as the summer headquarters of the British Raj until 1864. Today it is an exceedingly popular summer resort with Pakistani families, offering cool mountain air, dense evergreen forests, and views of the snowy peaks of Kashmir, with Nanga Parbat sometimes visible on clear days.

There is no airport or railway station in Murree due to its mountainous terrain, making it only accessible by road. The nearest air link is Islamabad International Airport, and the nearest rail connection is at Rawalpindi Cantonment Station. The Islamabad-Murree highway is the main route into town.

Driving through Murree is described as a nightmare due to narrow roads and heavy traffic. Taxis are readily available and most tourists hire one to visit sightseeing spots. Public transport including buses and vans are also available but generally crowded. The best approach is to take the old Murree Road and park north of the center, then walk in. For travel to Nathia Gali or towns north of Murree, use the old road as a bypass. Mountain driving skills are essential except on the Islamabad-Murree highway.

Murree's cool climate makes it an ideal summer retreat, with temperatures remaining pleasant even during evenings when it can turn chilly. Light rain is common in summer. Winter brings heavy snowfall, making Murree one of the world's beautiful sites for enjoying snowfall, with people playing with snowballs and enjoying snow skating. Winter is less crowded than summer, offering spectacular snowy views.

Murree offers a wide variety of lodgings to suit all budgets, from standard hotels on Mall Road to hired summer houses and government or private rest houses. Summer season rates are typically 5 to 6 times the winter off-season rates. Hotel prices range from around Rs. 500 in the off-season at budget options like Usmania Hotel to Rs. 6,000-8,000 per night at mid-range hotels like Hotel Metropole, with peak season (June-August) seeing significant price increases.

Restaurants in Murree are mostly concentrated along The Mall. Popular options include Al-mai-dah, Red Onion (a chain established in 1993 offering Mexican, Italian, Chinese, Pakistani, and Continental cuisine with a buy-one-get-one-free pizza deal), Saffron (with stunning hill views and a blend of continental and local favorites including chicken karahi), and Pesahawr Namak Mandi Restaurant at Kashmir Point (famous for traditional peshawar namak mandi dishes). Hard liquor is available at PC Bhurban hotel, and hotel staff can arrange drinks for a consideration, but there are no bars or pubs in town.

The main attractions of Murree are its natural scenery and refreshing atmosphere. Day trips can be planned to Nathia Gali, Ayubia, Patriata, and Bhurban, with Murree serving as a focal hub. The area offers mountain hiking and trekking opportunities, particularly around Patriata which has been developed with excellent hiking paths and a two-stage cable car. The Golf Course at Bhurban is unique due to its altitude and tough layout. A leisurely walk along The Mall is recommended, with 'strollers' available for those who prefer not to walk.

Murree has a variety of handicraft shops selling curios, traditional clothing items, head wear, carved walking sticks, jewelry, and leather goods. Millennium Mall on main Mall Road offers multinational brands including KFC, Pizza Hut, Nike, Gucci, and more, along with an amusement park on the first floor.

Murree is generally quite safe even for foreign travelers, though caution is advised during peak tourist seasons. Be wary of hotel agents who impersonate hotel employees on Mall Road and take commissions of 40-50% from hotel owners for bringing customers. The best way to avoid these agents is to book hotels in advance or avoid roaming with luggage on Mall Road. Winter travelers should carry appropriate clothing as temperatures can drop below freezing.

Ayubia is about 26 km from Murree, comprising four mini resorts (Khairagali, Changlagali, Khanspur, and Ghora Dhaka) spread over an area developed into a resort complex. Ayubia features riding trails, hiking places, picnic spots, and a chair lift at Ghora Dhaka offering scenic views of Pine Hills. The bracing air of surrounding Nathia Gali is described as pure as fresh spring water.