Galiyat Region Sees Surge In Winter Tourism As Snowfall Draws Visitors To Nathiagali, Donga Gali And Ayubia

Published on December 21, 2025

Winter is arriving in the northern regions of Galiyat of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is a place to be in for snow-lovers. Nathiagali, Donga Gali, Ayubia, and the like have become that lively destination where snow creates family fun; nature lovers, and adventurers can all be there at the same time. These hill stations are located in the breathtaking western Himalayan range and are famous for their chilly weather, green pine forests, and white-topped mountains, thus they are the perfect winter retreat for explorers trying to get away from the noisy city life.

The weekend snowfall, as predicted by the Pakistan Meteorological Department, brought in an influx of tourists, with most visitors hailing from neighbouring provinces, particularly Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The roads leading to these popular destinations were filled with families, couples, and solo travellers, all eager to experience the serene beauty of the snowy hills.

Nathiagali: A Heartwarming Winter Experience

Nathiagali has long been regarded as the crown jewel of the Galiyat region. With its picturesque surroundings and an ideal winter climate, it has been drawing visitors for decades. During the winter months, tourists stroll through misty forests, sip warm tea at local cafés, and admire the breathtaking snow-covered Mukshpuri and Miranjani peaks that loom above the town.

Nasir Khan, a tourist from Nowshera, expressed his love for Nathiagali, saying that the place offers everything one could want in a winter retreat. He highlighted the easy accessibility, clean air, and cooler weather that Nathiagali provides.

Rising Demand for Winter Tourism in Galiyat

The demand for winter tourism in northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa continues to rise, with the region becoming an increasingly popular spot for travellers seeking the ultimate winter experience. Ayubia, Donga Gali, and Thandiani have seen a steady flow of tourists, each seeking their slice of paradise amidst snowflakes. The picturesque trails linking Donga Gali to Ayubia and the renowned Mukshpuri Top attract trekkers, photographers, and nature lovers keen to explore the diverse landscapes of the region.

Local businesses have also benefited from this surge in tourism, with guides, photographers, and horse riders offering services to those keen to explore the area’s natural beauty. Children, wrapped in warm clothes, have been seen playing in the snow, while the older generation takes time to soak in the serene mountain atmosphere.

Challenges Faced by Tourists and Local Communities

Despite the influx of tourists, some challenges remain, particularly for families looking to stay in the region during peak season. The rising cost of accommodations in the area, particularly during holidays, has led to complaints from tourists about high hotel charges. Some visitors expressed their concerns, noting that these inflated prices discourage families from returning in the future.

In response to this issue, the provincial government has launched the Stay Home initiative, offering interest-free loans to local residents in tourist areas. The goal is to help them build quality guest rooms that will offer affordable accommodation options, thus preventing overcharging by hotels.

Government’s Push to Develop Galiyat Region as a Key Tourist Destination

The KP Tourism Department has undertaken several initiatives aimed at supporting the growing tourism sector in the region. According to official sources, the provincial government is working on developing Integrated Tourism Zones (ITZs) in areas like Thandiani, Ganol, Mankial and Madaklasht, with support from the World Bank. These zones will feature modern hotels, resorts, and upgraded infrastructure to accommodate the increasing number of visitors.

These efforts are in line with the government’s broader plan to ease the pressure on popular destinations like Nathiagali and Swat, while simultaneously promoting lesser-known gems like Madaklasht and Kumrat. The tourism department is also working on restoring colonial-era walking tracks, as well as proposing ski resorts and new hill stations to diversify tourist flow and ensure a more balanced distribution of visitors across the region.

Promising Future for Northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Tourism

The winter tourism surge has sparked hope for the future of local economies. The last winter season saw record numbers of tourists visiting Swat, Chitral, Nathiagali, and Kaghan, generating significant economic activity in these areas. With new infrastructure projects, including massive road expansions such as the Swat Motorway and a 14-kilometre cable car linking Kumrat Valley with Madaklasht, the region is set to become even more accessible and attractive to tourists.

The cable car, once completed, is expected to be one of the longest and highest in the world, drawing nearly a million tourists annually. This ambitious project is expected to be a game-changer for the region, opening up new vistas for adventure tourism.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Galiyat

As evening falls over Nathiagali and temperatures continue to dip, the anticipation of snowfall only adds to the excitement. Visitors gather around heaters, swapping stories and eagerly waiting for the snow to fall. Whether it’s a light dusting or a blanket of snow that covers the northern hills, the winter rush in the Galiyat region has already begun, bringing not just joy to visitors, but a renewed sense of hope and opportunity for the livelihoods of local communities.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the winter season has become associated with a variety of activities, such as snowboarding, skiing, and nature-loving retreats. Ongoing investments in infrastructure, eco-friendly tourism practices, and the active participation of the local community have made the future of winter tourism in Galiyat bright.