Abbottabad is a very beautiful, green, no-industrial, and historical city in the KPK province of Pakistan. It is a very eco-friendly, developed, and modern city in Pakistan. It is located 150 km north of Islamabad, 200 Km northeast of Peshawar on the main Karakoram Highway in Orash Valley. Abbottabad is also called the city of pines due to the huge quantity of pine trees within the city from place to place. Abbottabad is also famous for schools and colleges why this city is called the city of schools.
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| Top Popular Places for Tourists in Abbottabad |
It is well connected with the rest of the country through road, train, and high-speed motorway. The short United nations trade LOCODE for Abbottabad is PK AAW.
This article about Abbottabad is going to be a lengthy read, so you can jump into your section of interest. Below is the breakdown of this article about Abbottabad.
- Why Abbottabad is a famous and easy tourist destination.
- What are the annual weather averages near Abbottabad?
- What are the famous places in District Abbottabad?
- What are the top places in Abbottabad City?
- What are the top restaurants and hotels in Abbottabad?
- What are the famous food and beverages of Abbottabad?
Why Abbottabad is a famous and easy tourist destination.
It is a very famous and easy-to-access tourist hub for travelers and visitors in Pakistan due for the following reasons.
- Gateway for tourists due to its location on Karakoram highway N-35.
- The pleasant and cool climate around the year.
- Numerous tourist spots are inside and near the city.
- It is located in Orash valley surrounded by giant lush mountains.
- Important Military station since 1853 from the British era.
- Educational campuses of all big educational chains of Pakistan.
- Business hub due to tourists and visitor activity.
- Availability of quality amenities for tourists and visitors.
- Beautiful ordinary to 3-star hotels and restaurants with cheap rents.
What are the annual weather averages near Abbottabad?
Abbottabad has a very pleasant and cold climate around the year, due to the hilly terrain of the outer Himalayas, more trees and green built within the city as well as in the surroundings.
Is Abbottabad hot or cold?
The coldest month is January with an average temperature of 7 degrees Celsius. The hottest month in Abbottabad is June with an average temperature of 25 degrees Celsius.
Below is the chart of annual weather averages of Abbottabad and its 5 Km radius.
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| Annual Weather Averages of Abbottabad and its 5 Km radius |
Top Popular Places for Tourists in Abbottabad
There are two categories of famous and popular places for tourists in Abbottabad, Inside the city and outside the city with an easy access.
What are the famous places in Abbottabad city?
Below is the list of important tourist spots Inside the city of Abbottabad.
Shimla hill station is a very famous destination in Abbottabad. Shimla is a beautiful hill station on the Sherwan mountain range (outer Himalayas) to the west of Abbottabad city at a distance of 5 km from Sarban Chowk. This 1400 Kanal (70 Hectares) hill is covered with beautiful tall and very old pine trees. This place is an attraction for tourists and local people from outside. On this hill, an excellent, beautiful and modern family park of 12 hectares (250 Kanal) and a city viewpoint have been built, from where you can see the entire Abbottabad, which is quite relaxing.
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| Scenic view of Hawaiian Style Canopy at Shimla Hill Station Abbottabad |
Shimla Hill Park has a beautiful walking track that climbs the dunes to the top. Another attraction along the track is the Hawaiian-style canopies (Tiki Umbrella or Palapa) made of cement and the chairs placed under them, which are made of different colors and shapes. These chairs and huts have been constructed in the park and along the track for tourists to stay and rest for a while. Beautiful cement fencing has also been constructed along the whole track for outward safety and support. It is a great place for photography enthusiasts. The other attraction at Shimla Pahari is BBQ spots which are specially constructed for BBQ and food lovers.
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| Red Tikki Umbrella-style seating at Shimla Pahari Abbottabad |
Shimla Hill Park also has food and beverage facilities but sadly available in, limited quantity, quality, and diversity. There are modern swings and other amusement facilities for children to play in. Shimla Hill Park remains open for tourists from 8 am to 8 pm. However, the best time is after 4 pm as most visitors come in the evening and especially on the weekend.
2.Ilyasi Masjid Abbottabad
Ilyasi masjid is a famous tourist destination in Abbottabad. It is situated in Nawansher 7 Km from Sarban Chowk on Murree road in Awami street. Masjid has been underlying 1927 in more than 5,445-square-foot space. The foothill site was selected for the mosque to the gushing of water from an underground aquifer.
In the event that somebody comes to Abbottabad and returns without seeing Ilyasi Masjid and eating scrumptious Pakora outside the Ilyasi Mosque, unthinkable. Ilyasi mosque is a top sight and should visit place in Abbottabad.
Why is Ilyasi Masjid famous for?
- A historical landmark that is older than a century.
- It is a large masjid in Abbottabad.
- The beautiful architectural masterpiece. (فن تعمیر کا ایک عظیم شاہکار)
- The white glittering color inside and outside the building not only looks magnificent but it also symbolizes purity, cleanliness, innocence, and safety. Moreover, pictures of the white building at the foot of a green mountain look amazing.
- A huge spring of water is gushing out from an underground aquifer for years which is then collected in different ponds in the yard and at the basement, which is the top attraction for tourists.(پانی کا ایک بڑا چشمہ زمین سے پھوٹ رہا ہے )
- Tasty and delicious Pakora or Pakura outside the masjid for tourists (Pakora پکوڑے or Pakory is a traditional street food of the Indian subcontinent for centuries. It is a snack and spiced fritter. made from chickpea flour by adding meshed vegetables and then frying Pakoras in extremely hot oil in a large Pan)
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| Ilyasi Masjid Abbottabad is a beautiful architectural and historical masterpiece |
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| Abbottabad Ilyasi Masjid is a beautiful and Top attraction for tourists |
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| Inside view of Ilyasi Mosque Abbottabad |
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| A beautiful Inside view of Ilyasi Mosque Abbottabad |
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| A big pool and fountains of Spring-fed water in front of Ilyasi Masjid Abbottabad |
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| White glittering view of the western wall of Ilyasi Mosque in Abbottabad |
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| الیاسی مسجد ایبٹ آباد میں قدرتی پانی کا پرنالہ اور نچلہ تالاب |
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| Another water channel of spring-fed water in Ilyasi masjid basement |
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| Famous Pakoras of Abbottabad Ilyasi Masjid | Friends Pakora Shop |
3. Lady Garden Park
4. Old Lockhart House
Old Lockhart House is a historical icon and a famous place in Abbottabad for tourists and history students. It is located near FG public school for Boys, Abbottabad on pine view road.
It remained the residence of General Sir William Lockhart from 1841 to 1900 during British rule in the Indian subcontinent. General William Lockhart was actively involved in many frontier campaigns. Later on, he became the Commander-in-chief of India during the British empire. General Sir William and his family cherished Abbottabad without a doubt. That's why they used to spend summers each year in Abbottabad.
After the creation of Pakistan, this house was merged into FG School, and its building is now very dilapidated. It is a very rare spot for history students. There is a need to preserve this building and symbolically convert this historical asset into an exhibition hall or a library and also facilitate the place as a tourist spot for foreigners. Which may generate reasonable revenue for the country. It is very important to note that you need special permission to visit this old house from the inside.
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| Old Lockhart House is a historical icon in Abbottabad |
5. Jalal Baba Auditorium
A modern beautiful smoke-grey building on Allama Iqbal road at 600 meters from Karakoram highway in Abbottabad made for cultural and other governmental and non-governmental conferences and events.
This event's auditorium has been eponymous with Muhammad Jalal ud Din (Jalal Baba). Jalal Baba was a great and active leader of the All-India Muslim League, from Abbottabad. The auditorium was underlying 1993 and comprises a big hall, waiting room, VIP room, and other compulsory compartments.
Almost 500 to 700 people can sit in the hall during an event. Jalal Baba auditorium is also a most visited destination in Abbottabad.
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| Jalal Baba Auditorium Allama Iqbal road Abbottabad constructed in 1993 |
6. Hierarchy Gaming Lounge
It is a gaming lounge located in Jadoon Plaza phase 1 Abbottabad. It is a place you must visit with children. It provides a facility for online gaming to children, younger, and elders. Very good high-speed internet connection along with high-class gaming PCs and a good friendly environment.
7. Abbottabad Chair Lift Resort
Abbottabad chairlift resort is a very amazing tourist spot. It is located in a hilly area near Nawanshahr northeast of the main city. It is a very nice and amazing and suitable entertainment spot for families and adults. Abbottabad chairlift is the longest chairlift in Pakistan to date. You can enjoy a breathtaking view of the whole of Abbottabad city from this spot.
The starting point of the chairlift is Abbottabad Township and straightened to the Mera Rehmat Khan over to hills towards Thandiani hill station. In my opinion, it will provide you an amazing experience of scenic and unforgettable memories.
8. Flora Complex and Amusement City
Flora complex is located on the main Murree road near Thandiani chowk Ghari Banna Abbottabad. It is a marriage and other events management location. Besides the events hall, it is a big complex for the entertainment of families and children as well. It offers a variety of entertainment and food facilities like an online gaming zone, kid's amusement facilities, a garden, and a food, and beverages spot. It is a very good place to visit in Abbottabad.
The second category of famous places for Tourists nearest to Abbottabad city is very easy and secure access is available.
1. Thai Chair Lift
It is a Zipline Cabin over the Haro River for the transport of locals to cross the Haro river. It is located near Dhamtour Town 7 Km northeast of Abbottabad on Nathia Gali road. You can enjoy breathtaking views when the operator of the zipline stops the cabin in mid-zipline over the Haro river at a height of about 400 Meters from the river bed, which looks scary, but not for adventurers. You can take very amazing photos of rivers and valleys as well. The fare of the zipline cabin is
2. Harnoi Lake and Waterfall
Harnoi is a very famous and popular tourist destination in Abbottabad. It is located 11 km northeast of Abbottabad on Nathia Gali road. The famous thing in Harnoi is Harnoi lake, Haro river, Harnoi waterfall, suspension bridges, and fun and amusement parks for children and elders as well.
The other beautiful spot near Harnoi is a Zipline Cabin near Dhamtour Thai Chair Lift and Karlan waterfall. It is located deep in the valley, which is surrounded by lush green mountains, hills, and mounts. It is a gateway to Galiyat, It remains busy with tourists around the year due to its en-route location for tourists who travel from Abbottabad to Nathia Gali or vice versa.
There are many best restaurants and hotels in Harno to facilitate them comfortably. For more details about Harnoi visit the following link on this website.
3. Sajikot Waterfall
Sajikot Waterfall is a very famous thing in Abbottabad district. Sajikot is a very old explored waterfall in Abbottabad district. It is located 30 Km northeast of Havelian city on Sajikot road in the Abbottabad district.
Access to the waterfall is very easy as Sajikot road is newly constructed so you can take your vehicles and bikes just near the Sajikot waterfall. It is a very feasible tourist destination for one day trip in a radius of 100 Km. There is no accommodation and hoteling available at the spot.
However, some Milk Tea, Green Tea, water, cold drinks, Pakora, and Samosas (traditional spiced fritters) are available to take as a snack.
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| Amazing View of Sajikot Waterfall in Havelian Abbottabad District |
4. Umbrella Waterfall or Poona waterfall
Umbrella waterfall is located 35 Km from Havelian or 5 Km further from Sajikot waterfall. on Havelian-Kalabagh road near Poona village. Umbrella is a newly discovered waterfall in the Abbottabad district.
It is a very amazing and very unique waterfall in Pakistan located in a very narrower and deep valley. The stream is quite wide, and water divides and falls down in small streams just like heavy rain. The spot is not easy to access. You will have to make an off-road, difficult 45-minute trek down the hills to access the Umbrella waterfall site.
This is a newly discovered waterfall in KPK for tourism lovers. It is still organic and there is no food and beverages for visitors so you have to arrange the necessary food and beverage stuff from Havelian or before Poona village.
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| Umbrella Waterfall or Poona Waterfall near Poona village Havelian, Abbottabad |
5. Thandiani Hill Station
Thandiani is a very old and popular hill station in the northeast of Abbottabad. Its Elevation is 9020 feet from sea level. Thandiani is a very famous destination among visitors, tourists, and students.
Many study tours of education institutions are conducted around the year, especially in summer. Thandiani hill station is still organic, so keep it clean to prolong and maintain its organic beauty and shape. It is very beautiful due to following reasons:
- Highest Peak
- Cold climate
- Thick forest
- Easy access due to the new asphalt road
- Forest rest house
- Cricket playground
- Snowfall
- Lush meadows
- Forest animals
- Scenic views of many cities and towns of KPK and AJK like the mountains of Kashmir, Abbottabad, Haripur, and Mansehra.
- Cheap hoteling and accommodation, however lesser in quantity.
- Best for camping, hiking, and trekking.
All visitors pay special attention to bringing dress according to weather and season. Almost warm clothes are feasible around the year for a safe and secure tour to Thandiani.
You can easily segregate Thandiani Peak in the northeast of Abbottabad due to the many communication towers installed at a closer distance on the Top of Thandiani. Almost every telecom and mobile operator and TV broadcaster has its signal booster tower installed at Thandiani, so it can be seen easily from the farthest locations.
All types of traditional and fast food and beverages are available at the spot. However, Green tea, milk tea, Pakora, Samosa, Coffee, Paratha Chai, Biryani and Kabli pulao, Chicken Tikka, chapli kebabs and Chicken Karahi are famous foodstuffs here.
It is pertinent to mention that there is no natural gas for heating and warming in Thandiani.
There is a local dispensary, a post office, a masjid, and a church named St Xavier's Church available at Thandiani Abbottabad. The feasible time to visit Thandiani is April to October, however, travel enthusiasts can visit around the year. You can hire transport from Abbottabad very easily, but public transport is available in day time only.
6. Miranjani Peak
Miranjani is the tallest mountain peak in the Galiyat region at northeast of Nathia Gali and east of Abbottabad. The Miranjani peak elevation is 2,992 meters.
7. Samundar Katha Lake
8. Karlan Waterfall
Karlaan waterfall is situated in the locality of the famous Harnoi tourist spot near Bandi Mera Village. It is a drive of 25 minutes from Harnoi on Nathia Gali road and further on Bagh Karlan road. Just before climbing Bagnotar Hill, the road emerges on the right side. from there Karlan waterfall is only 4.2 km, 3 km is a good road, and then some rough and bumpy road. The last 300 meters is walking in the upstream path to reach the fall area.
Karlan waterfall is less visited but is still an organic and calm site. Not a developed site. It is located deep in a narrower valley. Avoid going during the rainy season. However, it is the best spot for weekends, especially for the nearest localities.
Carry food stuff with you and it is best to keep a walking stick with you as it will be needed during walking upstream on boulders and pebbles. Car, Bike, and other vehicles are feasible to reach the spot.
9. Nathia Gali
is a modern hilly resort town and beautiful hill station at a climbing drive of 35 km east of Abbottabad at an elevation of 8000 feet, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. Nathia Gali is located on top of the outer Himalayan range Shiwalik in the center of Galyat. Nathia Gali is also very easy to access from Murre 33 km northwest.
Nathia Gali is a famous tourist station and summer camp of the British era. Nathia Gali is surrounded by a thick forest of Deodar, blue pine, cedar, oak, and walnut trees. It is also located at the center of many other famous hill stations, and outclass scenery. There are the very best and cheap hotels for tourists. It is a very feasible spot for weekends and holidays for tourists of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Abbottabad, and the whole KPK.
Nathia Gali is a famous, most visited, and delightful snowfall destination in the Galiyat region especially in December, January, and February. Nathia Gali is a very developed and easily approachable location.
All types of food local as well as Pakistani Cuisine available. you can enjoy tasty and spicy recipes here. People are warm-hearted. Nathia Gali is the best location for camping, hiking, horse riding, walking, and cooking. Although it remains busy around the year still tourists, educational visitors, and other researchers are rushing towards Nathia Gali due to its mesmerizing scenery.
top attractions near Nathia Gali are Miranjani peak, Governer house, Church Park, Mukeshpuri, Donga Gali, Samundar Katha lake, Green spot, and Kalabagh. There are almost 50 plus hotels and restaurants in Nathia Gali from ordinary to luxury grade.
10. Bara GaliBara Gali is also a very popular tourist spot and hill station in the Galiyat range at an altitude of 2350 meters and 30 km east of Abbottabad. There is a famous summer camp at the University of Peshawar in Bara Gali. Bara Gali is also located in the outer Himalayas range of Shiwalik.
11. Donga GaliDunga Gali is a small beautiful town in Galiyat at 3,5 km from Nathia Gali. It is a part of Ayubia National Park. Dungan Gali was established as a sanatorium under the British empire for soldiers.
It is a very famous hill station among tourists and hikers due to the Dungan Gali pipeline trek. The beautiful track between Ayubia and Dungan Gali is following a pipeline. The length of the pipeline track is 3.5 Km at an elevation of almost 2500 meters. Dunga Gali track is located in a very beautiful geography in a thick forest. You can enjoy the track and experience wildlife as well.
When you trek especially in the monsoon you can enjoy clouds, wind, fog, the rustling sound of pine trees, and the chirping of birds. You can see money jumping around you from place to place and the chirping of special birds like finches, magpies, tropical red jungle fowl, and pheasants.
There are many luxury and ordinary hotels in Dunga Gali. the fares of Dunga Gali hotels are quite average and moreover, you can find a good and clean hotel in Dunga Gali at cheap rent while searching online or exploring at the spot. Most visitors prefer to spend the night in Nathia Gali and Dunga Gali who visits Galiyat during the season, as the Hotels in Murre remain full and costly during the season.
Some features of Dunga Gali for Tourists:
- Good and quality good and beverages
- Good and clean accommodation,
- Calm and cool climate especially from April to October
- Hospitable people and hoteling staff
- no extra amusement for tourists especially for kids playing
- Horse riding, trekking, hiking, camping, photography, cooking, and Bar B Que are the best activities at Dunga Gali.
- Easy access during the summer period, however, check the weather status during winter before your visit due to heavy snow congestion and land sliding access is a little difficult.
12. Mushkpori or Mukshpuri Hill station
It is a 2800-meter elevated mountain and famous tourist spot located in the east of Nathia Gali Abbottabad. It is also called Mukeshpuri or Mushkpuri.
Its hike is not much hard although its looks difficult but the elevation is inclined and you will enjoy the track with a cool breeze of the Himalayas pines.
13. Lower Tanawal valley in Sherwan ranges
The top attractions for tourists in lower Tanawal are:
- Tarbela Lake تربیلا جھیل
- Sherwan Mountains شیروان کی پہاڑیاں
- Serri Top in Koh e Beenghra or Binghra سری ٹاپ کوہ بھینگڑا
- Machi Tarap Waterfall مچھی ترپ آبشار
- Dhanaka Shareef Shrine دھنکہ شریف
- Gojra Bridge گوجرہ کا پل
- Siran River دریائے سرن
- Darband Town and its famous Tawa Fried Fishes نیو دربند تناوال
- Lassan Nawab لساں نواب
- Beer or Bir Village, Haripur بیڑ گاؤں ہریپور
- Ambi Benrh امبی بینڑ نزد دربند
What are the Best Restaurants in Abbottabad?
Abbottabad is a green, beautiful, developed, and famous city in the northern regions of Pakistan in the KPK province. Due to its location and historical importance, it remains full of tourists and visitors around the year.
Keeping in view the visitor's and tourists' activities in the area entrepreneurs are setting up their tourism, residential, and hospitality businesses in Abbottabad and its surroundings.
Tourism and hospitality businesses are progressing day by day in the area. In order to provide good residences, food, and a friendly environment almost all big chains of hotels are setting their branches in Abbottabad. There are nearly 50 plus small and big hotels, restaurants, and hostels available in Abbottabad which are online and can be reserved from booking.com or the booking App and same like TripAdvisor.
Otherwise, the total number of restaurants and hotels in Abbottabad is 100 plus.
Below is the list of the Best Restaurants and hotels in Abbottabad:
- Alpine Hotel
- Ittehad Hotel
- Serena Guest House Abbottabad
- Hotel City Center
- Hotel Deens
- Hotel one Abbottabad
- Abbott Crown Hotel and Restaurant
- Triple One Hotel Suite
- Stargaze Hotel & Apartments
- Tulip Guest Rooms
- Karakuram Hotel & Restaurant
- Alaf Laila Guest House
- Usmania Guest House
- Republika Central
- Marwa Hotel and Restaurant
- Republika Urban
- Hotel Abbott Gardens
- Hotel Da Ville
- Amore Hotel
- Magpie Lodge
- Ali Baba Hotels
- Royal Emirates Residence
List of popular amenities of Best Restaurants in Abbottabad:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Free Parking
- Free Breakfast
- Restaurant
- Room service
- Air-conditioned
- Full Laundry Service
- Local and Airport Shuttle service
- Onsite car rental service
- Family and Children friendly
- KFC
- MacDonald's
- OPTP
- Shinwari Dera
- Lahore Chaska Food Point
What are the famous food and beverages of Abbottabad?
Traditional and continental food is almost the same in all of Pakistan. However, you can see the influence of Pakhtun culture and Pakhtun-type cuisine over Abbottabad foods. Some dishes are rare in every location due to local culture. Abbottabad is the city of KPK so many dishes are same being served in the whole KPK.
The special and famous food in Abbottabad is Gurdwara Gali Chollay. Gurdwara Gali Chole are being served for the last 60 years and this is the trademark food of Abbottabad which is very cheap street food. Another famous food is Halwa Puri. The other famous food and beverages being served in Abbottabad are as follows:
- Biryani
- Bannu Beef Pulao
- Kabli Pulao
- Chicken Karahi
- China Rice
- Shinwari
- Chicken Tikka
- Bar B Que
- Chai Paratha
- Anda Paratha
- Naan Channa
- Halwa Pori
- Chapli Kabab
- Palak Gosht
- Daal Mash
- Daal Fries
- Green Tea
- Milk Tea
- Herbal Tea
- Chapati
- Roghni Nan
- Roti
- Roghni Naan
- Degi Rost
- Murgh Rost
- Chicken Qorma