The first snowfall of the winter season has transformed the Galiyat hills into a winter scene, attracting thousands of tourists from the plains. The Galiyat snowfall blanketed the slopes, rooftops and pine trees of Nathiagali, Ayubia, Dongagali and Khanspur in Abbottabad district.
White flakes covered the resorts and brought the normally quiet hill stations to life. Children played in the snow, families posed for photographs and visitors shared images of the scenery on social media.
Nathiagali witnessed a substantial influx of domestic tourists following forecasts of snowfall by the Meteorological Department. Hotels, guesthouses, motels and private accommodation facilities remained heavily occupied as visitors arrived from across Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
Galiyat snowfall: where visitors went
At nearby Ayubia, families queued for the famous chairlift, enjoying panoramic views of the snow-covered mountains. The chairlift is one of the area’s best-known attractions, and the snowfall gave its riders a view across white slopes.
Professor Dr Naveed Farooq, a lecturer at Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, was among the visitors enjoying the scenery with his family. He said the chairlift ride at Ayubia took tourists to a new height of thrill and excitement.
He said the natural beauty of Khanspur, Dongagali and Bagnotar had left a lasting impression on visitors. He added that the snowfall and cool breezes from the Kashmir hills had enhanced the winter experience.
He said he had visited Babusar Top before coming to Galiyat, where the floating clouds were equally striking. Every hill station has its own attraction, he said.
The visitor pattern is familiar to Galiyat. Feature Pakistan reported on an earlier snow disruption in the area in Galiyat Roads Reopen Snow. That report showed how quickly snow can close and reopen the same roads that tourists now travel for leisure.
For readers planning a trip, Galiyat Travel Guide sets out the area’s resorts and routes. Ayubia National Park Travel Guide covers the park around the chairlift, while Khanaspur Travel Guide describes one of the smaller resorts named by visitors this weekend.
A boost for local business, and a warning on prices
The snowfall also provided an economic boost to local communities. Hotel owners, restaurant operators, horse riders, photographers, transporters and shopkeepers reported increased business.
Some residents opened additional rooms in their homes to accommodate tourists seeking affordable lodging. That response shows how the visitor influx spreads beyond hotels into private homes.
However, the influx renewed concerns about excessive accommodation charges and rising prices of essential commodities during the peak tourist season. The same snowfall that fills hotels also tests whether visitors feel fairly treated.
Dr Naveed Farooq urged the district administration to monitor hotel tariffs and commodity prices. He also called for adequate parking facilities at major tourist destinations. Parking is a practical pinch point when thousands of vehicles head for a small number of hill resorts at once.
Former ambassador Manzoorul Haq said private hotels were reportedly charging between Rs10,000 and Rs15,000 per room per night in Nathiagali, Naran-Kaghan and Kalam. He warned that unchecked overcharging could discourage families travelling on limited budgets.
That warning is the other side of the tourism story. Galiyat’s appeal brings visitors, but high room rates can turn a family trip into a burden. If prices stay high through the season, some families may cut their trips short or choose cheaper destinations.
What happens next
The immediate question is whether the snow holds and whether more falls in the coming days. A single weekend of snow starts the season, but sustained cold and further snowfall decide how long the resorts stay busy.
The district administration faces a practical task in the meantime. Monitoring tariffs and commodity prices, as urged by visitors, would protect the season’s reputation. Adequate parking at Nathiagali and Ayubia would ease the congestion that comes with a large influx.
For families planning a visit, the lesson from this weekend is simple. Book early, check room rates before travelling and allow extra time for the road journey. Galiyat in snow is a strong draw, but it rewards visitors who plan around the crowds.
Source: The Express Tribune (APP), “Snowfall lures tourists to Galiyat resorts”, 28 October 2026, https://tribune.com.pk/story/2637313/snowfall-lures-tourists-to-galiyat-resorts
Frequently asked questions
Where did the first snowfall of the season fall in Galiyat?
Snow fell on Nathiagali, Ayubia, Dongagali and Khanspur in Abbottabad district, covering slopes, rooftops and pine trees.
