Dunga Gali: A Gateway to the Scenic Trails of the Galyat Range

Dunga Gali is a beautiful hill station in northern Pakistan. It’s located inside Ayubia National Park and sits at a height of 2,500 meters. People love it for its stunning views and nice weather. It’s a great place to escape from busy city life.

Dunga Gali is in the Abbottabad District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. It combines natural beauty with history. It’s close to Nathia Gali, just three kilometers away, and is part of the Galiyat range. The British loved this area for its peaceful setting and beautiful views. Nowadays, many tourists visit Dunga Gali for its calm atmosphere and hiking trails, including a famous pipeline trek to nearby Ayubia.

History

Its history goes back to the time of the British Raj when it served as a health resort for British soldiers. The area still has some buildings from that time, like a hotel, church, and post office.

Dunga Gali Location

Dunga Gali is located inside Ayubia National Park which is just 3 km away from Nathia Gali. It sits at a high altitude of 2,500 meters (8,200 ft) on the slopes of Mushkpuri Hills. The area is part of the Nathia Gali Union Council, which is a smaller part of the Abbottabad District of KPK.

How to Get There?

Dunga Gali Distance From Islamabad

The distance from Islamabad to Dunga Gali is approximately 65 kilometers (40 miles). Travelers can reach Dunga Gali from Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, in roughly 2 to 2.5 hours depending on traffic and weather conditions. The journey traverses mountainous terrain, which provides travelers with scenic vistas before arriving at the destination.

Dunga Gali Distance From Abbottabad

To reach Dunga Gali from Abbottabad, you can travel directly by road. The distance is 34 km. Additionally, there are local wagons available that can drop travelers not only to Dunga Gali but also to other popular destinations in the Galiyat region such as Nathia Gali, Ayubia, and Ghora Gali.

Weather

Dunga Gali

Dunga Gali

6:19 pm, May 15, 2024

23°C

clear sky

Wind: 2 mph

Pressure: 1012 mb

Visibility: 10 km

Sunrise: 5:04 am

Sunset: 7:00 pm

Weather from OpenWeatherMap

Nearby Attractions

Dunga Gali, located in the highlands of Pakistan, offers great nature experiences. Its main attractions are as follows

Ayubia National Park

Ayubia National Park is a popular spot near Dunga Gali, just 6.9 km away. You can reach it in about 16 minutes via Nathia Gali Rd or take the slightly longer route of 7.1 km via Upper Nathia Gali Rd and Nathia Gali Rd.

Located in Abbottabad District, this park covers an area of 3,312 hectares. It has many animals like leopards and jackals and different kinds of birds. The weather is cool in summer and snowy in winter.

The park gets over 100,000 visitors every year. It offers picnic areas, hiking trails, and a famous walking track called the “Pipeline Walking Track” to Nathiagali. Tourists can also use a chairlift to reach the Mukeshpuri summit for a good view. Nearby Dunga Gali, which is part of the park, has a peaceful forest and a well-known walking track with tall pine trees. The nice weather in Dunga Gali makes the park even more enjoyable.

Nathia Gali

Nathiagali, a beautiful hill station near Dunga Gali, is just 6.9 km away and a 16-minute drive via Nathia Gali Rd. This town sits in the middle of the Galyat range and is famous for its stunning views, green meadows, and dense forests filled with oak, cedar, and pine trees. Because it’s high altitude which is about 2,410 metres, the weather here is cooler, especially in the summer.

Many tourists visit Nathia Gali for its attractions like the “Pipeline Walking Track,” Ayubia National Park, and St. Matthew’s Church. The town’s bazaar offers local crafts, and nearby peaks like Mukshpuri and Miranjani are popular for hiking.

Wildlife is also a draw, with birds, insects, and even leopards in the area. Compared to the busier hill-station Murree, Nathia Gali is quieter, making it a great place for a peaceful nature getaway.

Ghora Gali

Ghora Gali is a beautiful mountain resort town near Dunga Gali, just 34.9 km away. With an elevation of 1691m, it’s located in the northeastern part of Punjab province. It used to be a popular spot for British colonialists and troops during the British Raj.

In 1860, Lawrence College was built in Ghora Gali as a home for orphans of British soldiers. The town also had a brewery that made beer for the British troops, but it was destroyed in 1947 after Pakistan gained independence. Now, Ghora Gali offers fun activities like an 1,100m chairlift ride from Ghora Gali to Pindi Point. It’s a great place to visit for history buffs and nature lovers alike.

Mushkpuri Top

Mushkpuri, also called Mukshpuri, is a magnificent mountain peak close to Dunga Gali, just 1.2 km away. Standing tall at 2,800 metres (9,200 ft), it is the second highest peak of the Galyat Regio.

You can hike to the Mushkpuri top from Nathia Gali, which is a steady 4-kilometre climb. Another route from Dunga Gali is steeper. The mountain is mostly covered with beautiful forests.

At the peak, you can see stunning views of Circle Bakote, Jhelum River, Abbottabad University of Science and Technology, Murree, Islamabad, and even the Bagh District of Azad Kashmir.

There’s also a bird sanctuary on the Dunga Gali side, supported by the European Union. Whether you love nature or adventure, Mushkpuri top is a must-visit attraction near Dunga Gali.

Miranjani

Miranjani is the tallest peak in the Galyat Region, standing at 2,992 metres (9,816 ft), and it’s a must-visit tourist spot near Dunga Gali. Located in the beautiful Ayubia National Park, about 10.0 km away, it offers breathtaking views of Nathia Gali, Mushkpuri Peak, and even Azad Kashmir. On clear days, you can even spot Nanga Parbat which is the ninth highest mountain in the world.

The trek to Miranjani starts near the Governor House in Nathia Gali and is about 4.69 km long with a net elevation gain of 600 meters. The path is mostly soft dirt with some small rocky patches, making it easy for both beginners and experienced trekkers.

Intermediate to expert trekkers can complete the trek in 1 hour 15 mins to 2 hours, while beginners might take around 2–3 hours. The trail is lined with tall trees and lush greenery, providing a refreshing and scenic experience. So, if you’re looking for adventure and stunning views, Miranjani is a fantastic destination to explore near Dunga Gali.

Pipeline Track

The Pipeline Track in Dunga Gali is a favorite spot for tourists. It’s only 230.0 meters from the starting point and follows a 3.5-kilometer pipeline from Donga Gali to Ayubia. You can easily walk the track in about 40 to 50 minutes. The trail is at an altitude of around 8,200 ft, and it’s a great place to enjoy the beautiful weather and nature.

While walking on the track, you can see amazing views and capture photos of rain, sunshine, fog, and clouds. It’s a perfect spot for nature lovers! Plus, if you like birds, you’re in for a treat. You can spot birds like the Yellow Beaked Magpie, Red Blood and Yellow Body Finches, and White Cheek or Crested Grey Finch along the way.

So, if you’re in Dunga Gali and looking for a relaxing walk or some bird watching, don’t miss out on the Pipeline Track!

Dunga Gali Hotels

Here’s a list of Dunga Gali Hotels

Travel Essentials

When planning a trip to Dunga Gali, travelers should consider the weather and how it might affect their journey. Dunga Gali experiences a range of weather conditions; summers are pleasant and ideal for hiking, while winters can be quite cold with chances of snow. Visitors are advised to check the weather forecast before departure to pack appropriate clothing.

What to Bring?

• Clothing: Pack layering options including jackets, rain gear, and thermal wear, if visiting in winter.
• Footwear: Sturdy walking or hiking shoes for trails like the Dunga Gali Pipeline Track.
• Gear: Hiking sticks, a backpack, and water bottles for outdoor activities.
• Health: Basic first-aid kit and any personal medication.