The first snowfall of the season has transformed Galiyat’s scenic hills into a winter retreat, drawing thousands of visitors from the plains over the weekend. Snow-covered slopes, pine trees and rooftops created picturesque views, while families travelled to enjoy the cold weather and capture memorable photographs.
Snowfall Covers Nathiagali, Ayubia and Nearby Valleys
Fresh snow blanketed Nathiagali, Ayubia, Dongagali and Khanspur in Abbottabad district, bringing a lively atmosphere to the normally peaceful hill resorts. Children played in the snow, families posed for photographs, and visitors shared the winter scenery on social media.
Nathiagali experienced a significant increase in domestic tourism after the Meteorological Department forecast snowfall. Consequently, hotels, guesthouses, motels and private accommodation facilities reported heavy occupancy as tourists arrived from Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Meanwhile, Ayubia attracted families eager to experience its famous chairlift and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The snow-covered landscape offered visitors a memorable glimpse of the region’s winter beauty.
“The chairlift ride at Ayubia takes tourists to a new height of thrill and excitement,” said Professor Dr Naveed Farooq, a lecturer at Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, while enjoying the scenery with his family.
He also praised the natural beauty of Khanspur, Dongagali and Bagnotar, noting that the snowfall and cool breezes from the Kashmir hills had made the experience even more enjoyable.
Winter Tourism Boosts Local Businesses
The arrival of tourists provided a welcome boost to businesses across Galiyat, where hotel owners, restaurant operators, horse riders, photographers, transporters and shopkeepers benefited from increased visitor activity. In addition, some residents opened extra rooms in their homes to provide more affordable accommodation.
However, the growing influx of tourists also renewed concerns about high accommodation charges and rising prices of essential commodities during the busy winter season. Visitors travelling with limited budgets may find it difficult to manage expenses if prices increase without proper oversight.
Dr Naveed Farooq urged the district administration to monitor hotel tariffs and commodity prices while ensuring adequate parking facilities at major tourist destinations. Better arrangements, he suggested, would help families enjoy the snowfall without facing unnecessary difficulties.
Calls for Fair Hotel Prices and Better Facilities
Former ambassador Manzoorul Haq said private hotels were reportedly charging between Rs10,000 and Rs15,000 per room per night in Nathiagali, Naran-Kaghan and Kalam. He warned that unchecked overcharging could discourage families with limited budgets from visiting these popular destinations.
As winter tourism gains momentum, the snowfall has brought excitement to Galiyat and created new business opportunities for local communities. Nevertheless, fair accommodation rates, reasonable commodity prices and effective visitor management remain important for keeping the region accessible to tourists.
