Murree is 65km from Islamabad and one of Pakistan's most beloved hill stations — pine forests, colonial-era architecture, and panoramic views across the Himalayan foothills. Here's how to plan the trip properly.
Murree has been the go-to hill station for residents of the Punjab plains since the British developed it as a summer retreat in the 1850s. At 2,291m above sea level — 65km from Islamabad via the Murree Expressway — it offers cool pine-scented air, colonial-era church spires, and views across the Kashmir foothills that on clear days stretch to distant Himalayan peaks. The proximity means Islamabad residents treat it as a day trip; for visitors with more time, Murree is a useful launching point into the deeper Galiyat (the string of hill towns beyond Murree).
Getting from Islamabad to Murree
By car (Murree Expressway — recommended): The N-75 Islamabad-Murree Expressway is a modern, well-maintained road that dramatically reduced journey times. From Blue Area Islamabad to Murree's Mall Road: 65km, approximately 1–1.5 hours in normal conditions. Toll: PKR 250–300 each way.
Via the old GT Road route: The old road through Rawalpindi and Taxila is slower but more scenic — used by residents who prefer avoiding the expressway toll. Journey time: 2–2.5 hours.
By coach: DAEWOO and Faisal Movers operate Islamabad/Rawalpindi–Murree services from Rawalpindi's Faizabad bus stand. Journey time: 1.5–2 hours. Fare: PKR 200–350. Useful if you don't have a car.
Important caution — winter and holidays: Murree's proximity to the capital makes it incredibly popular during snowfall events (December–February) and public holidays. A 2022 incident where visitors were trapped in their vehicles overnight during an unexpected snowstorm resulted in 22 deaths. The administration now imposes traffic limits during heavy snowfall and popular weekends. Check PDMA (Provincial Disaster Management Authority) advisories before travelling during potential snowfall periods.
Murree Town: The Mall and Main Attractions
The Mall (Murree's main street): A 2km pedestrianised street lined with restaurants, hotels, souvenir shops, and viewpoints. The Mall was laid out by the British — the old church (Christ Church, built 1857), the colonial-era buildings, and the general layout are all intact. A slow walk from one end to the other with stops takes about an hour.
Kashmir Point: The most popular viewpoint in Murree — on a clear day (October–April), the view extends over the Jhelum valley toward Azad Kashmir. At 2,300m, this is the highest accessible point in central Murree. 15-minute walk from the Mall; also accessible by car.
Pindi Point: A slightly higher viewpoint with a chairlift (operating summers only) that extends the view further. Best in early morning before cloud cover builds. Walking distance from Mall Road: 25 minutes.
GPO Chowk: The old post office square at the centre of Murree — where the British built their summer cantonment support buildings. The General Post Office building (1870s) is one of the best-preserved colonial buildings in the KPK/Punjab hills.
Beyond Murree: The Galiyat
The Galiyat — a string of smaller hill towns between Murree and Abbottabad — are reached by continuing on the mountain road past Murree. Less crowded than Murree and quieter in character, they offer a more peaceful hill experience:
Nathia Gali (28km from Murree): The most developed Galiyat town — a cluster of hotels, an 18-hole golf course (one of Pakistan's highest at 2,500m), and excellent forest walks. The 3-hour Miranjani Peak trek from Nathia Gali (3,087m summit) is one of the best day hikes in the Islamabad area.
Dungagali (5km before Nathia Gali): Quieter than Nathia, with a PTDC Motel and excellent views. The old British residency building here is one of the hill station's best-preserved Victorian structures.
Ayubia National Park: Encompasses 3,312 hectares of mixed conifer forest between Nathia Gali and Dungagali. Walking trails, a chairlift (seasonal), and decent birdwatching (western tragopan, khalij pheasant, and 250+ other species).
Where to Eat in Murree
Cecil Restaurant (Mall Road): The historic hotel restaurant on the Mall — roast chicken, hot soup, and old-fashioned continental dishes that feel exactly right in a cold hill station dining room. The history (open since 1890s) is part of the meal.
Barbeque Tonight (Murree): The reliable Pakistani chain's Murree outpost has the best views of any restaurant on the Mall — balcony seating over the valley. Consistent quality across the menu.
Local dhabas near GPO Chowk: For halwa puri breakfast and hot chai — the small dhabas on the lanes behind the Mall serve Murree's working population and are 40–60% cheaper than Mall-facing restaurants with equivalent quality.
Where to Stay in Murree
PTDC Motel Murree: Government-run, reliable, clean, and the best value on the hill. Book through PTDC website at least 2 weeks ahead for summer weekends.
Hotel One Murree: The mid-range chain option — consistent standards, reliable hot water, central location. Rates: PKR 8,000–15,000/night.
Pearl Continental (PC) Bhurban: The most luxurious option in the Murree area — 12km from Murree town in Bhurban. Golf course, heated pool, mountain views. Rates: PKR 30,000–60,000/night. Worth it as a splurge base for 2–3 nights exploring the Galiyat.
Taqi Naqvi
AI product builder, writer, and Islamabad enthusiast. Building the Top 10 network to document the best of Pakistan's cities — honestly.
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