The hour-long drive south of Abbottabad climbs steeply through a chain of small British-era hill resorts strung along the ridge: Changla Gali, Khaira Gali, Dunga Gali, Nathia Gali, Ayubia. "Gali" means "lane" or "pass" in the local language. The combined area is the Galyat.
Nathia Gali, the largest, sits at 2,500 metres in pine, oak, walnut, and maple forest. The views over the Kunhar valley are excellent and the cool air is the immediate reward. Ayubia has Pakistan's only chairlift, which lifts visitors above the forest for a short ride and a view. Dunga Gali is the quieter alternative — a small village on the slopes of Mukshpuri Hill (2,376m), from which a footpath leads to the summit and on to the higher Miranjani peak (2,990m).
The whole circuit is the standard summer outing from Abbottabad. Day trips are easy; for a slower visit, several hotels operate in Nathia Gali. Roads are open year-round but can be snowed in for a few days in January and February.