Ayubia National Park is located in the charming region of the Galyat Range in Northern Pakistan, it is well-known for its lush greenery, walking trails, abundant wildlife, and refreshing mountain climate. The national park was founded in 1984 and is a great choice for those looking for some peace in the middle of natural charm of the foothills of the Himalayas.
Moreover, its convenient location allows visitors to explore other sites in close proximity to Ayubia including Dunga Gali, Nathia Gali, Khanspur, and Murree. In this blog, I will share the Ayubia National Park location, directions, weather conditions, hiking trails, wildlife, attractions, and practical travel tips from my personal experience.
Ayubia National Park Location
Ayubia National Park is located in Abbottabad District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, within the Galyat mountain region. Government protected-area records place the park in Abbottabad District and list its area at 3,372 hectares. The park is surrounded by several villages and nearby hill stations, including Ayubia, Khanspur, Nathia Gali and Thandiani. Ayubia lies at roughly 8,000 feet (2,400 metres) above sea level, although elevation varies across the wider park area. The name Ayubia comes from Muhammad Ayub Khan, Pakistan’s second president, who served from 1958 to 1969. The area was named in his honor, while Ayubia National Park was officially declared a national park in 1984.
How to Reach Ayubia National Park
Ayubia is accessible by road from Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree and the surrounding Galyat destinations. Because mountain driving times can change considerably with traffic, rain, fog or snowfall, treat distance figures as approximate rather than fixed journey times.
Starting Point | Approximate Distance | Travel Consideration |
Islamabad | Around 75–85 km | Allow extra time for mountain traffic |
Murree | Around 30 km | Shorter route through the Galyat area |
Nathia Gali | Around 7–20 km depending on destination point | Convenient to combine with Ayubia |
Rawalpindi | Similar route to Islamabad | Journey time varies with Islamabad/Murree traffic |
Distance From Islamabad To Ayubia
The approximate distance by road is 75–85 km, varying according to the starting location in Islamabad and the chosen destination in Ayubia. Given favorable circumstances, it may take about two hours to reach Ayubia; however, traffic and climatic conditions might add time to the trip.
Distance From Murree To Ayubia
The approximate distance between the two places is 30 km, depending on where the journey starts and ends. One reliable travel source provides an approximate distance of 31 km from Murree to Ayubia and 30 km to Dunga Gali.
Distance Between Ayubia And Nathia Gali
This distance may vary based on your starting and destination points. Some travel guides provide the distance between Nathia Gali and Ayubia as 7 km, while others provide longer distances for certain routes.
What Makes Ayubia National Park Worth Visiting?
Ayubia offers more than a scenic mountain drive. Its combination of forests, trails and nearby attractions makes it suitable for different types of travelers.
Dense Himalayan Forests
Due to the presence of moist temperate forests in the park area, it provides a cool and peaceful atmosphere especially during hot weather. Strolling under these huge trees is one of the easiest ways of enjoying nature in Galyat region.
Hiking and Walking Trails
Pipeline Trail, which is quite popular, links Dunga Gali and Ayubia and runs through the dense forests of the park. It is a 4 kilometer long trail and it is relatively easy as compared to the difficult treks in the mountains around.
Wildlife
Ayubia supports various kinds of mammals and birds such as rhesus monkeys, yellow-throated marten, flying squirrel, common leopard and many varieties of pheasants.
Mountains Scenery
The Galyat area is full of scenery with mountain views and valley views which are covered with forests.
Family Fun
Easier walk paths around Ayubia mean that it can be enjoyed by families without the need for a hard mountaineering expedition.
Ayubia Weather
Ayubia changes considerably with the seasons, so the best time depends on what you want from your visit.
| Season | Average Temperature | What to Expect | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | 10°C–20°C | Fresh greenery and pleasant temperatures | Nature walks |
| Summer | 15°C–25°C | Cool mountain weather and lush forests | Hiking and family trips |
| Autumn | 8°C–20°C | Crisp weather and changing foliage | Photography |
| Winter | 0°C–10°C | Cold weather and possible snowfall | Snow and winter scenery |
Ayubia National Park Wildlife and Animals
Ayubia’s protected forests provide habitat for a variety of wildlife.
Records of the area’s fauna include:
- Common leopard
- Rhesus monkey
- Yellow-throated marten
- Flying squirrel
- Red fox
- Common palm civet
- Several pheasant species
- Golden eagle
- Peregrine falcon
- Griffon vulture
A World Bank environmental framework lists the common leopard, rhesus monkey, flying squirrel, yellow-throated marten, Koklass pheasant, Kalij pheasant and Chakor among the key wildlife associated with Ayubia National Park.
Animals in Ayubia National Park
Wildlife exists in the park, but that does not mean visitors should expect to see large mammals during a normal walk.
Animals such as leopards are hard to spot and generally avoid human activity. Sightings should be considered unusual rather than guaranteed.
Birds and Other Wildlife
The forest environment supports a variety of birds, including pheasants and birds of prey. Patient visitors may notice birds and smaller animals while walking quietly along the trails.
If you are interested in birdwatching, carry binoculars and avoid loud behavior around forested areas.
What Wildlife Can You Actually See in Ayubia?
You are more likely to notice smaller or more visible wildlife than elusive predators. Rhesus monkeys and birds may be easier to spot, while leopards and other shy mammals generally remain hidden.
Never approach, feed or attempt to photograph wild animals at close range.
Things to Do in Ayubia National Park
Visitors can enjoy several activities in and around Ayubia National Park, including:
Walk the Pipeline Track from Dunga Gali to Ayubia.
Ride the Ayubia Chairlift for scenic mountain views.
Explore Dunga Gali and its surrounding forests.
Visit Khanspur and the historic Moto Tunnel.
Enjoy hiking and wildlife spotting in the forested landscape.
Best Hiking Tracks Near Ayubia National Park
Ayubia is part of a larger hiking network in the Galyat region, so don’t confuse the park’s own walking routes with nearby mountain treks.
Ayubia National Park Track
Pipeline Track located between Dunga Gali and Ayubia National Park is the most suitable one for a relaxing stroll in the woods. The total length of the track is 4 km and the path is much easier in comparison with the other peaks in the region.
Miranjani Track
Miranjani is a tougher mountaineering track located near Nathia Gali and is more appropriate for tourists that prefer to have a real experience of walking up in the mountains.
Mushkpuri Top
Mushkpuri is yet another great Galyat peak that attracts a lot of people with its trail. For the families with kids or elderly members the Pipeline track can become more comfortable.
Ayubia National Park One-Day Itinerary
Morning: Dunga Gali and Pipeline Track
Start early and head toward Dunga Gali. Walk the Pipeline Track toward Ayubia, allowing enough time for photographs and rest stops.
Afternoon: Ayubia and Chairlift
Once you reach Ayubia, explore the surrounding area and consider the chairlift if it is operating. Always confirm its current operational status before relying on it.
Evening: Return via Nathia Gali or Murree
Depending on your route and remaining time, you can stop in Nathia Gali for refreshments or continue toward Murree before returning to Islamabad.
Ayubia National Park Travel Tips
- Wear comfortable shoes with good grip.
- Carry enough drinking water.
- Take snacks if you plan to hike.
- Bring a light jacket even during warmer months.
- Check the weather before leaving.
- Mountain roads can become slower during rain, fog and snowfall.
- Keep some cash with you because payment options can vary.
- Check trail and attraction conditions before starting your trip.
- Do not feed or approach wildlife.
- Keep noise to a minimum in forested areas.
- Take your waste with you and avoid littering.
- If hiking unfamiliar routes, travel with someone who knows the area.
- Don’t rely on old online information for chairlift prices or operating hours.
Final Thoughts
More than just a short break on the journey from Murree to Nathia Gali, the park’s features make it a relatively easily accessible getaway spot within the Galyat range.
Especially for those new to the area, the Dunga Gali to Ayubia Pipeline Trail can be an excellent option for experiencing the landscape without embarking on an arduous climb up the mountains. You can even pair your trip to Ayubia with a trip to Nathia Gali, Mushkpuri, Miranjani or Murree if you wish.
Regardless of where you choose to go in Galyat, ensure that the road conditions and weather permit before setting out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Ayubia National Park famous for?
Ayubia is best known for its forested mountain landscape, Pipeline Track, chairlift, hiking opportunities and wildlife.
Q: Is Ayubia National Park suitable for families?
Yes. Families can enjoy the scenery, easier walking routes and accessible attractions, although trail choices should be based on the group’s fitness and weather conditions.
Q: What trees are in Ayubia National Park?
Ayubia National Park is home to Kail, Deodar, silver fir, Himalayan spruce, Himalayan yew, holly oak, walnut, and maple trees.
Q: What is the flora and fauna of Ayubia?
Ayubia National Park has diverse flora including coniferous trees such as blue pine, Deodar and silver fir, along with oaks, ferns and medicinal plants. Its fauna includes leopards, foxes, flying squirrels, rhesus macaques, pheasants and more than 200 bird species.
