Matthias Samuel
The perfect hike is one that leaves you breathless as you climb the summit of the mountain, with some inspiring views. Some are short, some are long but all of them are amazing. Following are some of the best hiking tracks in Pakistan;
Dunga Gali Pine Line Track
Dunga Gali is located in Nathia Gali in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. The track goes through the pine forest. It is about 4 km (2.5 mi) long from Dunga Gali to Ayubia. Most of the route is surrounded by a dense forest of pine trees. The trail is completely safe during the day, but you should still follow the road, and don’t go exploring the forest without a guide. At both ends of the journey you will find small restaurants, with plenty of benches providing rest spots along the way. You can walk along the track, or ride on horseback.
Trail 3
Trail 3 is the most frequented and quiet old hiking trail (of the total 6) in Islamabad. Old and frequented means well maintained by CDA (capital development authority). Regularly cleaned for plantation growth. As far as safety is concerned, it is advised not to use it after sunset because there are a large number of monkeys around this trail. The monkeys increase their activities on the trees just before sunset. And in summers, these hills are prone to bush fire – if you see or smell smoke stay away from it.
Mukshpuri Top
It is located in the Nathia Gali Hills, in the Abbottabad District of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. It is a 3 hours safe hill trek to Mushkpuri Top. The hike starts from the Pines Hotel in Nathigali spiraling upwards through the beautiful green pine forest. There is another trek that descends to the other side towards Dunga Gali giving you the bird eye view of Ayubia National Park down below but note that it is not advisable for people with fear of height.
Burji La Pass
Burji la is an old British route between Srinagar and Skardu, is a snow-covered north-south pass between the Skardu Valley and Deosai Plains. The trek starts from the deosai entry point and passing by the ali malik pass. However, from the pass, only 16km south but some 2600m high mountains, K2, the Gasherbrum and Masherbrum are distantly visible.
