Book in Nathia Gali

Nathia Gali is the quiet centre of the Galyat, a small bazaar surrounded by dense pine and oak forest at around 2,500 metres. It suits walkers rather than shoppers. The Pipeline Track to Dunga Gali is a flat four-kilometre forest walk almost anyone can do, and the Miranjani summit trail climbs to just under 3,000 metres in about three hours. Accommodation runs from forest department rest houses and small guesthouses in the bazaar to a handful of larger hotels along the Governor House road.

Rooms cost less than Murree for comparable quality. Expect Rs 6,000 to Rs 12,000 a night off-peak and Rs 14,000 to Rs 25,000 in July and August, when Islamabad families arrive in force. Forest and tourism department rest houses in Nathia Gali and Ayubia sit at Rs 6,000 to Rs 12,000 year-round but have four to twelve rooms each and need a written booking three to four weeks ahead. Restaurant options in the bazaar are limited, so check whether your property serves dinner.