Rest Houses in Pakistan

Rest houses are the older layer of accommodation in and around Islamabad: forest and irrigation department properties, tourism corporation motels, and university and corporate rest houses. They sit in Nathia Gali, Ayubia, Murree, Khanpur, Taxila and along the Kaghan approach. Rooms are simple, large and often better positioned than commercial hotels, with rates from about Rs 6,000 to Rs 12,000 a night.

Availability is the constraint rather than price. Most properties have four to twelve rooms, and department quotas take priority in summer. Public bookings open through the managing office or an authorised booking channel, and confirmation can take a few days rather than minutes. For June to August, and for the Nathia Gali forest rest houses in particular, apply three to four weeks ahead.

Set expectations properly before you go. Housekeeping is minimal, meals may be cooked by an on-site chowkidar for a modest charge rather than served from a menu, and hot water can run on a schedule. In exchange you get quiet, large verandas and locations inside forest land that no commercial property can match. Confirm heating arrangements in winter and whether bedding is provided.