This Ayubia National Park travel guide covers a compact protected forest in the Galyat hills of Abbottabad District, between Murree and Nathia Gali. Its main draws are the Pipeline Track walk, the chairlift and short forest trails, all within about two to three hours of Islamabad. It is one of the easiest nature outings from the capital, and suitable for families.
Quick answer: what is Ayubia National Park known for?
It is known for pine and mixed forest, the roughly 4 km Pipeline Track between Dunga Gali and Ayubia, a summer chairlift and wildlife that includes monkeys, birds and leopards. Most visitors spend half a day to a day and combine it with Nathia Gali or Mushkpuri Top.
Ayubia National Park quick facts
| Detail | Ayubia National Park |
|---|---|
| Province and district | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Abbottabad District (Galyat) |
| Established | 1984 |
| Area | About 3,312 hectares (33 km2) |
| Managed by | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife and Parks Department, under the 1975 Wildlife Act |
| Park office | Dunga Gali, about 34 km from Abbottabad and 30 km from Murree |
| Altitude | Roughly 2,300 to 2,600 m for the main hill stations |
| Key walk | Pipeline Track, about 3.5 to 4 km between Dunga Gali and Ayubia |
| Distance from Islamabad | About 75 km to Nathia Gali area |
| Languages | Hindko, Urdu and Pashto |
| Facilities | Petrol stations, shops, taxis and hotels nearby |
Location
The park was developed from a group of hill stations, including Khaira Gali, Changla Gali, Khanspur and Ghora Dhaka, in the Galyat tract. It is surrounded by Thandiani, Nathia Gali, Ayubia and Khanspur and several villages. Miranjani, the highest peak in Galyat, sits in the Namli Maira area of the park; see our Miranjani travel guide.
History
Ayubia takes its name from Field Marshal Ayub Khan, the second president of Pakistan, and was declared a national park in 1984. The Galyat hills developed as British-era hill stations, and the park keeps that colonial-era resort character in its old rest houses and tracks.
How to reach Ayubia National Park
- Nearest airport: Islamabad International Airport.
- Nearest railway station: Rawalpindi, with onward travel by road. There is no rail line to the hills.
- Road access: From Islamabad or Rawalpindi, take the Murree road and continue toward Nathia Gali, Ayubia and Dunga Gali. A drive of about two to three hours is typical, depending on traffic. Our Murree guide covers the first part of the route.
Best time to visit and weather
The park can be visited through the year, though the chairlift is reported to operate in the summer months. Summer is cool and green, autumn is clear, and winter brings cold and snow that can close roads. Weather and cloud change quickly. We do not quote temperatures because they vary by season.
Places to visit and things to do
- Pipeline Track: a gentle forest walk of about 3.5 to 4 km that takes roughly 40 to 50 minutes one way for most walkers.
- Chairlift: a ride toward the Mushkpuri side; queues can be long on busy days.
- Mushkpuri Top: a longer hike reported at about 2,814 m; see our Mushkpuri guide.
- Dunga Gali and Nathia Gali: hill-station bazaars, churches and picnic spots.
Wildlife and photography
The park supports about 31 mammal species according to one summary, including monkeys, leopards and other forest animals, along with many birds. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, and leopards are very rarely seen. Photograph from a distance and never feed monkeys. Ask permission before photographing other visitors.
Where to stay and what to eat
Hotels, a PTDC motel and guesthouses are found in Ayubia, Nathia Gali and Abbottabad. See our Abbottabad guide. Small restaurants serve tea, parathas and simple meals, and stalls near the chairlift sell snacks.
Estimated costs
We do not publish PKR prices we cannot verify. Costs include transport, the chairlift ticket, any park fee collected at the entrance, meals and a hotel. Confirm ticket and entry fees on arrival.
Packing checklist
- Comfortable shoes with grip
- Rain jacket and a warm layer
- Water and snacks
- Sun protection
- Bag for rubbish
Travel tips
- Go on weekdays; weekends and holidays are crowded and the chairlift queue can be long.
- Families can walk the Pipeline Track at an easy pace.
- Solo and female visitors should use daytime hours and busy sections.
- Respect local customs; see our etiquette guide.
Safety tips
- Stay on marked paths and avoid feeding monkeys.
- Do not hike in storms or poor visibility.
- Check road and snow conditions in winter before driving.
- Tell your hotel your plans and return time.
Responsible tourism
This is a protected national park, so carry out all rubbish, do not pick plants and keep fires and loud music out of the forest. Support local guides and stalls.
Emergency contacts
Ask your hotel for the nearest hospital and save the number. We do not publish a phone list because numbers change; confirm local emergency lines before you travel.
Possible itinerary
- Morning: Leave Islamabad for Ayubia.
- Late morning: Walk the Pipeline Track from Ayubia to Dunga Gali.
- Midday: Lunch in Dunga Gali or Nathia Gali.
- Afternoon: Take the chairlift if it is operating, or visit Nathia Gali.
- Evening: Return to Islamabad.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Ayubia National Park?
In Abbottabad District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, between Murree and Nathia Gali.
How long is the Pipeline Track?
About 3.5 to 4 km, depending on the source, and it takes around 40 to 50 minutes one way.
When was Ayubia National Park established?
In 1984.
How big is Ayubia National Park?
About 3,312 hectares.
Is there an entry fee?
Fees can apply at the entrance and for the chairlift. Confirm current amounts on arrival.
Nearby attractions and related guides
Conclusion
Ayubia National Park is an easy forest escape with a famous walking track and a classic Galyat atmosphere. Go early, visit on a weekday and treat the park with care.
Sources and official information
Last reviewed October 2026. Fees, operating times and conditions change; verify before you travel.