Hills of Nathiagali and Ayubia: Fresh snowfall forecast drawing tourists in droves

AYUBIA: A fresh snowfall forecast by the Met Office has transformed the forested hills of Nathiagali and Ayubia into a bustling winter playground, drawing tourists in droves and opening new earning opportunities for local horse riders and photographers.

As clouds roll low over the Hamaliya mountain range and sunlight breaks through snow-laden pines, the Galiyat region has slipped into a postcard perfect scene.

Visitors mostly arrived from plain districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab have poured into Ayubia over the weekend, eager to enjoy snow games, savor trout fish, and capture fleeting winter moments amid nature’s grandeur.

For local horse riders, the winter season has brought both excitement and income especially influx of tourists during snowfall. Along colonial-era trails linking Ayubia to Nathiagali, horses clip-clop through powdery paths, offering tourists a slow, scenic journey through history and snow.

“We have never seen so many visitors at this time of year,” said Faraz Khan, a horse rider and tour guide in Ayubia. “The snowfall gives these rides in last week of December a magical feel. Tourists want to experience the forest, the silence, and the snow besides trout at Galiyat—all at once.”

Situated about five kilometers east of Nathiagali at an altitude of 8,000 feet, Ayubia witnessed intense tourist activity over the weekend. Hotels from simple charpaye setups to high-end resorts were packed, making accommodation scarce across Ayubia, Changagali, Khanspoor, Thandyani, Harnoi and Nathiagali.

Adventure seekers thronged the three-kilometre Ayubia chairlift, gliding over dense pine forests before landing near the picturesque Mukeshpuri area.

Others opted for the four kilometers horse ride along the historic Ayubia–Nathiagali trail, adding to the festive winter mood.

The snowfall has also proven to be a windfall for local photographers and camerman. With white valleys providing a dramatic contrast against dark pine forests, many have turned their craft into a seasonal business offering photo sessions for families, couples and groups keen to share snowy memories on social media.

“This winter has brought joy for us especially snowfall of December,” said Sajid Ali, a local photographer. “People want professional photos with horses and snowy backgrounds. We have been busy all week.”

Beyond leisure, Ayubia National Park continues to charm nature lovers and adventure hikers. The park hosts 203 bird species, including golden eagles, falcons, koklas and kaleej pheasants, along with 104 plant species such as the national tree deodar, and 35 wildlife species, including foxes and leopards.

The melodic calls of birds echo through valleys like Khanspoor, Dongagali, Changagali and Thandyani, enriching the visitor experience.