Mesmerising Nathiagali in Winters

I can give a million reasons why I love Galiyaat especially Nathiagali. But for this post maybe I'll skip the text part and focus more on the visuals. My love for Galiyaat developed and grew because of two main reasons: my love for travel and my best friend, both of us being travel bugs! Since I reside in Islamabad, it is fairly easy to plan a trip without much, and at times, any preparations at all! Without exaggerating I can say I visit these Galiyaats almost 3-4 times a year; both in summers and in winters. Nathiagali in particular since it is not thronged by as many tourists as the nearby hill station Murree is. Nathigali is a calm place and gives you an immense feeling of being close to nature. Forested with Pine, Oak, Maple and Walnut trees, it truely is a little piece of heaven for a nature lover like myself. I believe I can never get tired of this place ever.💗

A magical winter wonderland..

A rainy drive means it is already snowing at Galiyaat.

And then it starts to snow mid way!

KPK - The land of hospitality

Beautiful drive through out..

Piles and piles of fresh snow everywhere ..

Around Changlagali enroute Nathiagali..

Road conditions get really tricky at alot of points in winters - only for expert drivers!

🔹 Getting There

Typically our trip starts with basic car checks. Fuel, tyre pressure, a few minor checks, extra tyre, chains etc. Our typical trip starts from Kashmir Chowk in Islamabad towards Bhara Kahu till we reach Satra Meel (approx 13 kms). Onwards you have the choice of going via either Kashmir Road or Islamabad Murree Expressway. We usually take the Islamabad Murree Expressway N75 which is a longer route but a very comfortable drive and very scenic.

🔹 What we Pack

Weather in Nathiagali remains cool and pleasant throughout the year. Summers or winters we always take warm clothes with us whenever we visit Galiyaat. During day time in summers weather is really pleasant but as soon as the sun starts to set it starts getting cold! In winters temperatures will easily go below freezing even during the day. So the best thing to do is pack some warm clothes regardless of the weather especially extra pair of socks, a water-proof jacket as it can rain, a warm cap or hoodie, boots or waterproof sneakers, gloves and scarf etc. Pick and choose what makes you feel more comfortable. I always prefer knee length socks, sneakers and winter jacket.

🔹 Where we Stay

We always prefer staying at private cottages because it feels more like a home and less like a hotel. However there are plently of options to stay in at Nathigali. Hotels, rest houses, cottages all are available with basic facilities. During peak season, it is always a good idea to book in advance to avoid not staying at a place of your choice or facilities or budget. You will also find many affordable options in Nathiagali bazaar.

🔹 What we Eat

Since we are slightly picky about food, we almost always opt for butter chicken with fried rice since we feel it satisfies our tastebuds the most. Summer or winter soups are also a must while in Nathiagali since the whole atmosphere and weather makes you crave for it even more. We love having tea or coffee from roadside vendors whenever we step out for a drive or a stroll.

Best flavor ever..

All time favorite - Butter Chicken. 

And off course lots of tea...

🔹 What we Do

We love to be around nature so we spend most of the time outdoors either driving around or going for a walk or hike. The Nathiagali Bazaar is a great place to walk around and grab a cup of coffee, tea or even Kashmiri Chai. I always manage to buy good quality shawls for my mom and friends every time I visit. You can also find traditional clothes, handbags, decorations etc on affordable prices. Mushkpuri Hike is a wonderful way to challenge your fitness. We managed to make it to the top in around an hour. You also have the option to drive down to Dungagali and take the Pipeline Walk which is an easy 3.5 km track with breathtaking views. St. Matthews Church is another landmark standing the test of time. Made entirely of wood almost 100 years ago, it is a remnant from the days of the British. It can be reached after a steep hike from main Nathigali bazaar. Take a stroll from the church to the Governor House to enjoy the calm of nature and beautiful landscape. There's much more to discover while in Nathigali thus do so on a slow pace.

I've spoken enough already, lets watch more photos and I am sure you will fall in love with this winter wonderland. 

Untouched white carpet of snow everywhere!

100 year old wooden St Matthews Church

Super clean tyres, thanks to driving in fresh, clean snow..

Every evening you will witness the most magical sunset..

In peak season this is how your way back home will be like..

🔹 What about you?

I hope you enjoyed the post; it was really refreshing to go through all these photos of beautiful landscape of Galiyaat. Have you been to Nathiagali or any of the Galiyaat? How was your experience? 

Leave a comment below and let me know. 

Disclaimer: All photos in this post are mine taken by me via my phone and DSLR camera. 

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Labels: Natural Beauty of Pakistan , Travel , Wanderlust