Exploring the picturesque landscape of Abbottabad District unveils the majestic Mushkpuri mountain, nestled in the enchanting Donga Gali – Nathia Gali region. This formidable peak reaches a staggering altitude of over 9400 feet, securing its place as the second-highest summit within the captivating Galiyat Region, only surpassed by the towering Miranjani, standing tall at 9872 feet.
Known by various names, such as Mushkpuri top, Mukshpuri , and Mukeshpuri, the mountain offers two distinct trails leading to its summit. Join us as Graana.com embark on a virtual journey to uncover the wonders of this remarkable mountain.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Mukeshpuri |
| Elevation | 2,800 meters (9,200 feet) |
| Location | Nathia Gali Hills, Circle Bakote Region, Abbottabad District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan |
| Proximity to Cities | 90 kilometers (56 miles) north of Islamabad |
| Surrounding Area | Located above Nathia Gali in Ayubia National Park |
| Vegetation | Western Himalayan subalpine conifer forests |
| Access Routes | – Route from Nathia Gali: 4-kilometre-long steady climb |
| – Route from Dunga Gali: Steeper slope, with a bird sanctuary on this side | |
| Notable Features | – Second highest peak in the Galyat Region after Miranjani |
| – Offers views of Circle Bakote, Abbottabad University of Science and Technology, Jhelum River, Bagh District of Azad Kashmir, Murree, Islamabad, among others | |
| Nearby Attractions | Ayubia National Park, Nathia Gali, Murree Tehsil |
Situated 90 kilometres (56 miles) to the north of Islamabad, Mushkpuri top finds its home within the Nathia Gali region, nestled amidst the pristine Ayubia National Park and overlooking Dunga Gali.
This mountain, standing at an impressive altitude of 2,800 meters (9,400 feet), graces the Nathia Gali Hills, a part of the Abbottabad District. Mushkpuri is renowned for its captivating hiking and trekking opportunities, making it a prime attraction for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Mushkpuri Peak, standing at an elevation of 9452 feet (3150 meters) above sea level, is a popular trekking destination in the Galiyat region of Pakistan. This three-hour trek offers breathtaking natural beauty, lush pine forests, colourful meadows, and scenic views. Here’s how to reach Mushkpuri top and what you can expect on your trek:
Trek to Mushkpuri Peak: Mushkpuri Top is one of the highest peaks in the Galiyat region and is renowned for its stunning landscapes. The trek starts from the Pines building and winds its way up through beautiful pine forests, showcasing the natural beauty of the area. As you ascend, you’ll be treated to a carpet of colourful wildflowers in the green meadows. The peak offers scenic views and a serene environment.
For those seeking an alternative route, there’s another trek that descends towards Dunga Gali, providing a bird’s-eye view of Ayubia National Park below. However, this route is not recommended for those afraid of heights. The trek starts at Dunga Gali and stretches toward the Jhelum River.
The hike to Mushkpuri Peak can also be initiated from Dunga Gali, making it a suitable option for families to explore the natural pine forests of Galiyat. At the top, you’ll find a small water spring, and you can enjoy panoramic views of the wild valleys.
If you’re traveling from Islamabad, you can access Mushkpuri Peak by taking a well-maintained road. Head towards Murree from Islamabad, and this route will take you through various Gali’s such as Banasura Gali, and Ghora Gali. After approximately 2.5 to 3 hours of driving, you’ll arrive at Donga Gali. From there, you can access Nathia Gali.
If you prefer using local transport, you can access Mushkpuri as well. Local wagons typically take about 3 hours from the Pir-Dwadashi bus stop to access Donga Gali. You can catch wagons heading towards Kalabagh from Pir-Dwadashi.
Kalabagh-bound wagons will take you to Donga Gali and Nathia Gali, while Khaira Gali-bound ones will drop you at Khaira Gali. From Khaira Gali, pickups usually take 15 minutes to reach Donga Gali. Frequent local transport is available from Murree to Donga Gali and Nathia Gali, with pickups running every 10 minutes. Custom-hired Suzuki Bolan and pickups are also accessible for transport from Murree town to Donga Gali.
There are two popular trekking routes to reach Mushkpuri Peak: The Donga Gali Track and the Nathia Gali Track. The Donga Gali Track spans approximately 2.5 kilometers and allows completion in approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. It is renowned for its relative ease and is suitable for families and children.
The Nathia Gali Track is longer, around 4 kilometres, and usually takes approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes to reach the summit. For the safety of trekkers, KPK Tourist Police help and information along the trekking routes. They are known for their helpfulness and may even offer to carry baggage for hikers.
Overall, the trek to Mushkpuri Peak is a rewarding adventure, offering a memorable experience for nature enthusiasts and hikers alike.
You can explore Ayubia Park along its trails. Ayubia Park, spanning 3312 hectares and established in 1984, was named after President Ayub Khan of Pakistan. On the Donga Gali Trail, there’s a tower that provides panoramic views, allowing you to see Bagh District in AJK, Murree town, and Islamabad.
| Expense | Cost (PKR) |
| Full tank for round trip (Islamabad) | Varies |
| Local wagons (Pir-Dwadashi to Kalabagh) | 200 |
| Local wagons (Khaira Gali) | 140 |
| Pickups (Khaira Gali to Donga Gali) | 20 |
Among the few charming lodgings in Nathia and Donga Gali, Amore Hotel in Donga Gali stands out due to its excellent structure and furnishings. While it may be slightly more expensive than other options, it offers great facilities. There’s a range of hotels in the area, with prices varying from PKR 1500 to PKR 15000, depending on the amenities provided.
Understanding the trek is crucial. During the summer, reaching the summit is relatively easy and takes about half an hour for a healthy person. However, those unaccustomed to walking might find it challenging. We do not recommend inexperienced hikers attempt the trek within a week of heavy rainfall. Nevertheless, with proper precautions, physically fit individuals can and should undertake it.
In winter, the trek becomes slippery, and certain sections are only about the width of a single person. This is the riskiest part of the trek, where one misstep can be life-threatening. The main issue for beginners in winter is not the difficulty of the trek but their excessive fear and constant focus on the ground, which can make the trek perilous. Keep in mind that the overall difficulty level of the trek is moderate, and you can verify this information on various websites or by asking locals.
Mushkpuri peak is one of the top tourist destinations in the northern region of Pakistan. For more information, visit Graana.com.
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