Why Tourists Flooded KP’s Nathiagali Hills This Eid
Fakhar-e-Alam
Nathiagali: As the summer sun scorched the plains, the cool pine-covered hills of northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP)’s Nathiagali offered a refreshing escape to thousands of families celebrating Eidul Azda amid clouds, forests and sizzling BBQ gatherings.
From the winding roads of Nathiagali and Ayubia to the lush valleys of Kaghan, Naran, Kalam and Malam Jabba, the province’s scenic hill stations transformed into vibrant holiday retreats during the Eid break. The laughter of children echoed through the mountains while the aroma of grilled kebabs drifted through the chilly evening air.
Tourists from across Pakistan poured into the region to enjoy nature, family time and the festive atmosphere that blended Eid celebrations with patriotic spirit ahead of Youm-e-Takbeer.
Among the early arrivals was Riaz Khan, an academician from Nowshera, who travelled with his family before dawn to avoid the heavy rush towards Galiyat.
“We wanted to experience the peaceful beauty of Nathiagali before the roads became crowded,” he said while preparing BBQ near the famous Miranjani hiking trail.
Surrounded by towering pine trees and mist-covered hills, Riaz watched his family enjoy the cool weather and scenic landscape.
“These mountains, forests and waterfalls always bring peace to our hearts,” he added. “Every visit feels like reconnecting with nature.”
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Nearby, patriotic songs such as Dil Dil Pakistan, Hai Jazba Junoon and Sohni Dharti played from portable speakers as groups of young tourists celebrated Eid with visible excitement.
Dressed in a green tracksuit and wearing headphones, Umar Khan, Riaz’s son — danced cheerfully along the hiking trail with friends while singing national songs.
“Nathiagali and Ayubia are my favorite tourist destinations,” Umar said. “This Eid feels even more special because we are celebrating not only with our families but also with love for Pakistan.”
Across the hill stations, tourists gathered around campsites and picnic spots, preparing traditional foods including chapli kebabs, tikka and freshly grilled meat from Eid sacrifices. Children played in open meadows while families captured photographs against breathtaking backdrops of drifting clouds and dense green valleys.
For many visitors, the journey was not only about escaping the heat but also about rediscovering Pakistan’s natural beauty.
“Pakistan is blessed with incredible landscapes,” said tourist Riazul Haq during a break on a hiking trail. “These valleys, waterfalls and mountains can attract tourists from around the world if promoted properly through digital media.”
He believed tourism had the power to strengthen the economy while also bringing people from different regions and cultures closer together.
The Eid rush was visible across major tourist destinations including Nathiagali, Thandiani, Dongagali, Harnoi, Bagnotar, Kanshpur, Saiful Malook and Naran, where hotels, roadside cafes and camping sites remained packed throughout the holidays.
Officials from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority said special arrangements had been made to facilitate visitors and organize family-friendly activities during the festive season.
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Cultural shows, traditional games, theatre performances and sports competitions were arranged to entertain tourists, while tribute events were also planned to honor the heroes behind Pakistan’s nuclear achievements on May 28, 1998.
“Tourism strengthens people’s connection with their country,” said Muhammad Ali Syed, General Manager of the Tourism and Culture Authority. “These celebrations help families enjoy Pakistan’s beauty while promoting national pride.”
The provincial government is also focusing on expanding tourism infrastructure to support the growing number of travelers visiting northern areas every year.
Officials said hiking tracks linking Thandiani, Nathiagali and Kaghan are being restored, while waterfalls including Sajkot, Noori, Chajjan, Jarogo and Umbrella are being upgraded to improve visitor facilities.
Plans are also underway to establish new camping pods in Kumrat, Kalam, Shangla, Chitral and Dir to provide affordable accommodation for tourists seeking adventure experiences in remote valleys.
Meanwhile, tourism authorities hope the proposed Kumrat-Madaklasht cable car project will open a new chapter for adventure tourism in the province.
The 14-to-16-kilometre cable car project, estimated at around US$200 million with expected World Bank assistance, would connect Upper Dir with Lower Chitral and include hotels, parking facilities and walking tracks.
As evening settled over the Galiyat hills, smoke rose gently from BBQ grills while families gathered around campsites under the cool mountain sky. Songs, laughter and the crackling of firewood filled the air as tourists celebrated Eidul Azha surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s northern valleys.
