Murree is a mountain resort town, located in the Galyat region of the Pir Panjal Range, within the Muree District of Punjab, Pakistan. It forms the outskirts of the Islamabad-Rawalpindi metropolitan area, and is about 30 km northeast of Islamabad. The British built this town during their rule to escape the scorching heat in the plains of Punjab during the summer. Murree is by road to other towns of the area. These small towns are Khanspur, Ghora Gali, Sunny Bank, Jhika Gali, Bhurban, Nathiagali, Ayubia, Kalabagh and Patriata.

Altitude :

It has average altitude of 2,291 metres (7,516 ft).

Overview :

Since the Independence of Pakistan in 1947, Murree has retained its position as a popular hill station, noted for its pleasant summer weather. Many tourists visit the town from the Islamabad-Rawalpindi area. The town also serves as a transit point for tourists visiting Azad Kashmir and Abbottabad. The town is noted for its Tudorbethan and neo-gothic architecture. The Government of Pakistan owns a summer retreat in Murree, where foreign dignitaries including heads of state often visit.

When the British annexed Punjab in 1849, they soon decided to establish a hill station at Murree conveniently located near the important military cantonment of Rawalpindi. It was actually founded in 1851 on pastureland of a ridge and developed quickly. Today Murree is Punjab’s leading hill station attracting domestic and foreign visitors. The long Summer days are ideal for lazy strolls between Kashmir and Pindi points.

There are Gallies around Murree with thick pine forests. Gulehra Gali, also called Patriata, is most enjoyable place about 20 km beyond Murre where TDCP Chairlift and Sky Ride provides a fascinating and memorable experience among panoramic scenery and thrilling rides.

Weather in Murree :

Murree’s economy and whole life is very much dependent on its weather conditions. It has four distinguishable seasons in whole year.

Spring in Murree starts in March and ends in middle of May. Maximum temperature during this period hovers between twelve to twenty and minimum between four and ten. This season brings heavy rain and hail storms in this area. The fruit trees laden with flowers give a spectacular view.
Summer starts from middle of June and last till end of August. The lowest temperature during this season is between 13 and 16 degree centigrade while highest temperature is between 20 and 25 degree centigrade. This is the best season in the area and that is most of the people visit this area during this season.
Autumn starts with the arrival of September and lasts till the starts of winter in early December. Temperatures remain mild in this season. Clear sky could be seen in the region during autumn when one can enjoy full view of mountains around without cloud hindrance.
Winter starts in December and normally brings heavy snowfall. Murree and its surrounding areas are covered with thick sheet of snow during most part of the season. Temperature mostly drifts around the freezing point.

Language Spoken in Murree :

Paharai is the vernacular spoken in the areas locally. It is quite different from the language of same name use in the southern slopes of Himalays in Hamachal Pradesh and other parts of Northern India. The language spoken in Murree is an amalgamation of Hindko, Potohari and Hinko languages which is spoken in Rawalpindi, Hazara and western and south western sides of Kashmir. Punjabi /Potohari are also use in all the hilly areas of Rawalpindi district including Murree, Kahuta and Kotli Sattian with slight variations.

Foods :

Unlike other cities in Pakistan, Muree in itself holds no famous dish. However, Murree is very famous for Apples all over the world. This fruit is very important for export purposes.
Being a tourist place, It has places for almost every kind of food, whether Desi or International. There are many restaurants along the The Mall. Some names are Al-mai-dah, Fuschia Restaurant, Red Onion Saffron, The Huqqa Pani Lounge KFC, Pesahawr Namak Mandi Restaurant.
Local people prefer desi foods (Namkeen tikka and Karahai, chicken karahi and chicken makhani, mouthwatering barbeque dishes) but for the tourists, every kind of food is available to the leisure of their taste buds inclusive of English, Pakistani, and Italian -blend of continenta, orientall and local favorites.

Famous places for tourists in Murree :

Here is the list of the some best places.

Murree City
Patriata
Bhurban
Changla Gali
Ayubia
Ayubia National Park
Mukshpuri Tops
Sozo Adventure Park
Nathiagali
Sangrela Park
Chattar Park
Upper Topa and Lower Topa

Activities in Murree :

Following activities include :

Hiking
The area around Patriata has excellent hiking and trekking paths.

Chair Lift and Cable Car
Patriata has a scenic two stage cable car that would take the tourists to the highest point of Murree Hills. Those not interested in waiting in the queue for the ride can drive up to the Patriata top.

Murree Safari Train
Explore the scenic Kashmir Point with the Safari train.

Adventure Park
Another exciting thing to do in Murree is visiting Sozo Adventure Park. And get thrilled with haunted house and amazing adventure rides.

Golf
The Golf Course at Bhurban is unique because of its altitude and tough layout.

How to Reach Murree ?

Murree is also linked by road to the larger towns of Islamabad, Muzaffarabad and Abbotabad.
Driving in or through Murree is at best a nightmare – the roads are too narrow, and the cars too many. There are alternatives. Public transport (buses, taxis and vans) are readily available there.
The best way to negotiate Murree in a car is to take the old Murree Road and park to the north of Murree and walk in to the centre. Similarly if heading to Nathiagali or other towns north of Murree take the old road and turn on to the Abbottabad road. If you must take the expressway then take this past Murree to Lower Topa, then take the Lower Topa – Murree road, which will take you to the Abbottabad road. Just to restate avoid driving through the centre of Murree at pretty much all costs.

Except for the Islamabad-Murree highway all other roads are single / two lane roads and the driver should be conversant with mountain driving skills.

The nearest air link is Islamabad International Airport and the nearest rail Link is at Rawalpindi Cantonment Station.

Hotel Facilities in Murree :

As it is a truly wonderland of nature when. Furthermore, it has been observed, in contrast to summer, the hill station remains less crowded during the entire winter season. So, you don’t really have to worry about accommodation, which is always a major concern for visitors. If you are planning to take a trip to Murree anytime soon, then 100 of Hotels and Guest Houses are available to facilitate you.