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Travel: A town that never sleeps: Murree
Situated at an elevation of 2286 meters above sea level, about 64 km from the glittering capital of Pakistan, Islamabad, at a two hours drive, in a wonderful dreamland, mysterious and romantic, a city of many splendours, a hikers’ paradise, Murree, with its panoramic scenery of forested hills, wooded spurs, quiet, calm, serene atmosphere, is and has been the most popular summer resort of Pakistan.
The Queen of hills, Murree is full of surprises, and places where one would wish to spend a lifetime; not only this, it is a paradise for adventure seekers. The path, treks and marked trails, have been traversed by countless adventurers. Various suburban villages, present a breath taking challenge to hiking enthusiasts. Besides this, Hamlets scattered all around the foothills of sky-kissing peaks present a surprisingly marvellous view.
Lodged in the gentle sylvan slopes of the lower Himalayan range, it is distinguished for its refreshingly cool, crisp and bracing climate. Surrounded by forest-studded mighty hilltops giving a stunningly beautiful and breath taking view of the scenery, it is spectacularly located on a ridge high above the valleys, with its towering fantastic glory and abundance of wildlife. From placid plains, captivating scent of evergreen stately firs, conifers, pines and cedars, roses, cherries, daisies and graved ravines, to the alluring panorama of snow-capped mountains swathed in rosy, majestically sailing pink clouds, verdant slopes and the simmering peaks of the Himalayas, Murree offers all that is desirable and soothing during the sultry summer months; and is, indeed, the most popular hill station of Pakistan.
Murree is now known to all and sundry for its bracing, snowy climate, scenery and extreme price-hike.
A visit to Murree leaves the visitor with unforgettable memories of soaring snow-capped mountains, brisk walks through hillside woodlands, and delicious cuisine. This fairy-tale atmosphere of the place tends to obscure everything else. Murree, a land that shines like the sun under a starlit sky, with its fruit laden orchards, flower filled slopes, rainbow-hued butterflies hovering over the mountain blossoms, meandering road network and one-and-a-half-century (150 years) old cantonment, is known for its charmingly picturesque ideal location.
The road that leads to Murree is a standardized metallic road, which zigzags as it gradually climbs the green, steep hills dotted with houses and clusters of verdant coniferous trees as it reaches Charra Pani. Ahead of it is Ghoragali, which derives its name comes from the fact that carriage horses were exchanged at this point during the British rule. The famous Lawrence College can also be spotted on the way.
After the British conquered Punjab, they developed Murree in 1849 as a hill station to beat the scorching, stifling summer heat.
Thousands of visitors who flock this enchanting town every season, camp on the hill slopes, drawing sustenance and inner happiness direct from nature’s bounties. Here they avail the opportunity to test their skiing and riding skills as well. The chair-lifts at Pindi Point are bound to give tourists the time of their life. Sitting on these lifts one can watch the vast landscape of the world’s most beautiful hills. Besides this, you can see many lower peaks and pine-laden forests and watch jubilant visitors playing golf, horse-riding and shopping for handicrafts. Those who want a break from the traumas and the hustle bustle of hectic city life, must visit Murree and its adjoining areas, which include Ayubia National Park, Nathiagali, Khairagali, Changlagali, Kuzagali, Ghoragali, Khanpur, Bhurban, Dungagali, Jhikagali, Bansragali, Sawargali, Baragali.
Miran Jani (9000 ft) and Moshpuri (9200 ft), are the highest points in this area. Merrymakers from all over the world mostly frequent these two points. The local folk who are basically Gujars, Kashmiri and Kohistani are extremely social and hospitable. They observe an ancient lifestyle, offering a glimpse into the past that is a rare occurrence elsewhere.
Couples and families, stroll up and down shoulder to shoulder on the ever-busy Jinnah Road, previously known as the Mall, which is also known as the lifeline of Murree. The Mall, stretches from Kashmir point to Pindi point below which lie the twin cities that are barely visible. The Mall is the busiest street of Murree.
Murree provides its visitors amenities ranging from nicely furnished cottages, luxurious hotels, restaurants, cinemas and rest houses to easily accessible services such as the GPO, the telegraph office, clubs, parks and airline offices in close proximity.
Although all of Murree’s seasons — gentle summer, golden autumns, snow laden winters and flower laden springs — are charming. Yet during the winters the valley dons the look of a Christmas card and is a view worth watching.
Murree has lost its natural charm to quite an extent, this being mainly due to deforestation, urbanization, sprawling concrete structures and pollution. Provision of clean potable water, disposal of solid wastes, problem of unplanned mushroom growth of ugly buildings and smoke belching vehicles are issues that the authorities need to look into. Besides this, Murree’s charm and magic cannot be denied or forgotten.
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