Endowed with treasures of natural beauty, Hazara region of NWFP is full of green mountains, mesmerizing valleys, enchanting rivers, thick natural forests and a series of attractive tourist resorts. Galyat region is among one of its most attractive summer resorts, step by step unfolding panoramic view of the grandeur, the nature has so lavishly showered on his mountain range. The wonders of nature can be seen in the shape of green pine forests and the hilly tracks where herds of monkeys freely move with no fear of anyone. The changing colors of unpredictable climate during summer add to Galyat’s fascination. Gushing rains and then sunshine and then patches of dark or brown clouds or occasional rainbow adoring the sky are almost daily features. Galyat comprises Nathiagali. Dungagali, Koozagali, Ayubia, Khanspur, Khairagali and Changlagali.

Nathiagali:

The picturesque Nathiagali, nestled in green mountains and thick forests, is the main and well planned hill station in Galyat range of Hazara division. It is 8200 ft above sea level and is on e of the, most frequented resorts during summer season. Old British period cottages. Chalets, a small church known as St. Matthew’s Church, sprawling bungalows, parks and the magnificent colonial era Governor’s House, are its architectural features, a blend of old British and modern Pakistani constructions. Being main town, Nathiagali is the most popular of the Gallies and for those who like walking, there are numerous short walks and pony ride tracks through the pine forests. Sarhad Tourism Corporation has set up its beautiful chalets here providing comfortable boarding and lodging to the visitors taking respite at this attractive hill station.

Thandiani:
 
Only an hour’s drive takes you to Thandiani, situated eastward of Abbottabad at a distance of 24 km. this small but fascinating hill station (8400 m above sea level) is a cool and comfortable place settled on a mountain. The panoramic view of the nearby and distant mountains is fully visible from here. Nathiagali is clearly mountains of Kohistan and Kaghan as well. The road to this soothing resort is in good condition and remains open most of the year. In peak winter, its mountains are covered with snow. There is a church, a post office, spacious cottages and a small bazaar, built in 19th century, this beautiful summer resort provides you with a number if treks. Thandiani means ‘cool air’ in the local dialect.

Dungagali:

Sitting on the slopes of Mushkpuri Hills, Dungagali being a famous resort awaits visitors in summer. It becomes hub of tourists during summer season. Mushkpuri is the second highest hill in the Galyat (9400 ft.) a two- hour trek to Ayubia starts from here and passes through beautiful Ayubia National Park. Popularly Known as “Pipeline walk”, visitors along with their families usually enjoy this long walk in summer.

Ayubia:

Four small hill resorts close to one another, Khanspur, Khairagali, Changlagali and Ghora Dhaka are Ayubia, named after a former President Ayub Khan who hailed from Haripur in then District Hazara. The small town is spread over an area of 26km. the central hill station of Ghjora Dhaka has a chairlift, providing broad charming view of the surroundings. It boasts of hotels and food outlets serving fast food, tea and coffee along with other eatables.

Treks:

Nathiagali provides you with several treks taking you to every direction. Trekking amidst chirping of enchanting birds adds to the charm of this outdoor adventure. Pine forests and fragrance of beautiful flowers and plants during trekking enhance attraction of this place.

Popular Treks:

1. Mushkpuri Trek:

A 3-hour trek takes you to Mushkpuri Hilltop, the second highest hill in Galyat, 9400 ft above sea level). Starting from Pines Hotel, Nathiagali the trek passes upward through lush green forests. Sweet fragrance of flowers on the way sets its romantic charm on the hikers mainly when the rainy season is over. From here one trek leads down the other side toward Dungagali unveiling beauties of Ayubia National Park downward. The trek to Mushkpuri top can also be taken from Dungagali.

2. Meranjani Trek:

Mostly covered in dark clouds, Meranjani (9953 m above sea level) is the highest hill in Galyat range. Two treks leads to Meranjani hilltop from near the Governor House in Nathiagali, a British-built attractive building with its interior settings made up of wood.

One trek leads to Meranjani ascending towards the top passing through Namlimera village. It is a safe but comparatively long and tortuous one. The second one takes you spirally up through low upward hills in the pine forest. This trek is a little steep, suitable for youngsters above 12 years of age. Taking drinking water along is advisable in the absence of any water facility during the venture.

3. Dungagali pipeline or Ayubia National Park:

This two-mile walkway, passing through pine-forests covered mountains, is really an enjoyable experience. The trek leads through the center of Ayubia Park starting at Dungagali and extending towards the Jehlm river across Ayubia and Khanspur boundaries.

A walk from Ayubia to Dungagali takes two and a half hours. A number of villages exists here. The Ayubia park has its own charm and attraction. A large variety of beautiful birds, animals and plants adorn this green place. Hill-cats can be spotted while brown monkeys are a common sight. Yellow-beaked magpie, red and yellow bodied finches, white cheeked or crested grey finch and many other species of birds make the park their home.

4. Durgri Trek:

Commonly known as “home of Leopards”, Dugri being a secluded mountain spot fat away from road is blessed with most dense pine forests in scenic Galyat. A 9 to 10 hour not to go outside the rest house after sunset. You can take along some cooked food. Tablets for fever, headache and digestive normalcy must be taken along.

Shopping:

Woolen garments, carved furniture of walnut wood, namda rugs, and hand made straw baskets and caps are favorite items all over Hazara region.