Ayubia: A Complete Guide

Ayubia is a green resort and park in the Galiyat hills. This cool retreat rests between Murree and Nathia Gali. Deep pine forests and a national park surround it. A famous chairlift carries visitors high above the valleys. Shady walking tracks wind through the woods. This guide covers Ayubia for the curious traveller. It explains the setting the forests the chairlift and track the walks the villages and how to visit.

This guide offers a general overview. Details and figures vary between sources.

Quick answer: Ayubia is a hill resort and national park in the Abbottabad District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, in the Galiyat range between Murree and Nathia Gali. It rests at around 2,400 metres. Named after a former president the park was created in 1984 to protect the Himalayan forest and its wildlife. Its highlights include the Ayubia chairlift and the famous Dunga Gali pipeline walking track. Ayubia rests around 26 kilometres from Murree. Summer draws walkers, while winter brings snow.

A park between the hill stations

Ayubia rests high in the Galiyat hills. It is located in the Abbottabad District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Around 2,400 metres lift the resort above the sea. Murree and Nathia Gali flank it on either side.

A central spot sets Ayubia apart. It rests midway along the Galiyat road. Both great hill stations lie close by. A fine base opens the whole area.

A great park surrounds the resort. Ayubia National Park spreads across the hills. Deep forests cover its rugged slopes. Rare wildlife shelters among the trees.

A famous name marks the place. Ayubia honours a former president of Pakistan. His name has graced the resort for decades. So the town and park carry his memory.

Forests and wildlife of Ayubia

Ayubia is famed for its rich forests. Pine, oak and cedar cloak the slopes. Deep woods shelter a wealth of wildlife. Nature lovers find much to enjoy here.

Dense forests crowd the mountain slopes. Tall conifers rise along the ridges. Broadleaf trees fill the lower woods. Green cover clothes the whole park.

Rich wildlife fills the deep forests of Ayubia. Leopards and bears roam the hills and monkeys leap among the tall trees while many birds fill the branches with song.

A protected park guards this world. Rangers watch over the forest and beasts. Rules keep the wild country safe. So the park shelters its rare life.

Chairlift and the pipeline track

Ayubia is famous for its chairlift and pipeline track. Both draw crowds through the warm months. Each offers grand views of the hills. Visitors find fun and beauty here.

A famous chairlift climbs the hillside. Cars carry visitors high above the valley. Grand views open across the forests. A fine ride thrills young and old alike.

A famous pipeline track makes a favourite walk. It runs from Dunga Gali towards Ayubia. A water pipe follows the level path. Tall pines shade the whole route.

An easy walk suits the whole family. Gentle steps wind through the woods. Birds flit among the shady trees. Fog often drifts across the trail.

Walks and viewpoints in Ayubia

Ayubia opens the way to fine walks. Trails wind through forest and meadow. Grand viewpoints crown the hills around. This park suits both stroll and trek.

Gentle trails reward the casual walker. Shady paths wind through the pines. Short loops suit a lazy afternoon. Fresh air rewards every step.

Longer treks climb to the peaks. Mukshpuri rises above the chairlift top. Miranjani crowns the wider Galiyat range. Hardy walkers set out from here.

Viewpoints crown the ridges around. Grand vistas open across the country. Snowy peaks gleam on clear days. Photographers find beauty at every turn.

Villages of the Galiyat

Ayubia rests among the villages of the Galiyat. Small towns dot the hills around. Each offers its own charm and food. Travellers pass through them on the road.

Dunga Gali guards the pipeline track. This small town marks the trailhead. Shops and eateries serve the walker. Cars park here before the walk.

Nearby towns line the Galiyat road. Khanspur and Changla Gali rest close by. Pines and meadows ring their streets. Each makes a fine stop on the way.

Local food warms the mountain traveller. Chapli kebab sizzles at the stalls. Fresh naan and hot chai please the walker. Simple dhabas serve the hungry visitor.

Planning a visit Ayubia

Come in summer for the finest weather. March to October brings mild, green days. Come in winter for snow and sport. Both seasons reward the traveller well.

Reach Ayubia by mountain road. Roads climb from Islamabad through the hills. A steady drive takes around two hours. Murree and Abbottabad lie close by.

Buy a pass for the park. A ticket opens the gates to visitors. Guards manage the flow at the entrance. Fees help protect the forest and wildlife.

Plan a day or two here. Rough trails and long walks fill the days. Warm clothes help even in summer. Bring good shoes and time to spare.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Ayubia? Ayubia is a hill resort and national park in the Abbottabad District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It is set in the Galiyat range of the Lower Himalayas, between the hill stations of Murree and Nathia Gali. This resort rests at around 2,400 metres amid deep forests of pine, oak and cedar, while the park around it spans several thousand hectares of mountain country. It rests around 26 kilometres from Murree, 34 kilometres from Abbottabad and about 80 kilometres from Islamabad. A drive from the capital takes roughly two hours. A cool climate and forest scenery make it a favourite summer retreat.

What is Ayubia National Park? Ayubia National Park is a protected forest area in the Galiyat hills, created in 1984 to preserve the Himalayan temperate forest and its wildlife. Covering more than three thousand hectares, it shelters rich biodiversity, including leopards, black bears, monkeys and many species of birds amid forests of pine, oak, cedar and fir. A former president of Pakistan gave the park its name. A wildlife department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa manages it today. Popular with hikers and nature lovers, it is crossed by walking trails and served by a chairlift, viewpoints and picnic areas.

What is the pipeline track? A famous pipeline track is the finest walk in Ayubia a scenic and easy trail of around four kilometres that connects Dunga Gali to Ayubia. It follows the route of a water pipeline that carries water towards Murree, running along a fairly level path shaded by tall pine trees. Gentle and family friendly the walk offers fine views of the forested hills and is popular for birdwatching, often wrapped in mountain fog. Taking around forty minutes to a couple of hours at a relaxed pace, it is one of the highlights of any visit to the area.

What can you do at Ayubia? Ayubia offers a wide range of activities, making it a favourite for families and nature lovers. A famous chairlift carries visitors high above the valley for grand views, while the pipeline track and other trails offer gentle walks through the pine forests. More adventurous visitors can trek to nearby peaks such as Mukshpuri, enjoy horse riding and watch for wildlife in the national park. In winter the snow brings skiing and snow trekking, while picnic spots, viewpoints and local eateries add to the appeal throughout the year.

When is the best time to visit Ayubia? A best time to visit Ayubia runs from around March to October, when the weather is pleasant and the hills are lush and green. This is also the busiest season. Summer offers a cool escape from the heat of the plains with mild days and cold nights. Winter from December to February, brings snow and the chance for skiing and snow trekking. Weekends and holidays can be very crowded with heavy traffic on the mountain roads, so an early start is wise. Whenever you come a day or two allows time to enjoy the park fully.

Green heart of the Galiyat

Ayubia is the green heart of the Galiyat. This cool resort rests between Murree and Nathia Gali. Deep pine forests and a national park surround it. A famous chairlift carries visitors above the valleys. Shady tracks wind through the woods. Few parks blend such forest, view and fun.

You may come to Ayubia for the forests the chairlift or the walks. This resort rewards the visit either way. You can ride the chairlift high above the hills. You can walk the shady pipeline track to Dunga Gali. You can trek to the peaks of the Galiyat range. Come to Ayubia and discover the green heart of the Galiyat. This is the forest jewel of the hills.