Murree, Ayubia and the Galiyat.

Murree, Ayubia National Park and the Galiyat
Ayubia National Park and the Galiyat are part of the Murree Hills but further North and not in Punjab, but in NWFP. Murree is about 2200 m high up and very cool in the summer. The British used it as a summer retreat to escape the heat of the Plains. The Galiyat is plural for Gali, which means narrow street in the local language Hindko.
Summer in Murree feels really refreshing. One can smell the fresh pines and across the valley see fresh crisp fog blanketing the higher peaks. A walk in the forests of Murree is extremely relaxing. Sadly Murree has lost most of its charm because it is getting hotter and hotter. The effects of global warming can be felt here. One can also see that so many hillsides are treeless. Deforestation at the local level will make things worse. Now there is talk of a new town to be built at Patriata, which could have alarming consequences for the environment and ultimately the people.
By driving further north you will come to NWFP and what is known as the Galiyat. The forests are much thicker ar Changla Gali, Doonga Gali and Nathia gali. It is here that the tallest peak is found at 2900 m plus and known as Miranjani. The Galiyat is not as busy as Murree but its serenity and tranquility are it's charms. You wil see bands of Rhesus Monkeys here more frequently almost tame. There isa chairlift at Ayubia which drags you up then down and one can see some extremely beautiful views, apparently one can see the Pir Panjal range in Indian controlled Kashmir. I managed a hike from Nathiagli to the tallest peak known as Miranjani. It was shattering but I will never forget the silence of the forests disturbed by bird song and fluttering. I managed to see 2 Koklass Pheasants and possibly a hunting Goshawk. Goshawks are recorded as only vagrants here.
Further North there is Thandiani - thand means cold and the place is aptly named. The forest is very eerie and we managed to see about 4 yellow throated Martens here - small but long cat type creatures for those who do not understand.
Leopards are quite common here and in the summer of 2005 6 women were reported killed by these beautiful but dangerous large cats. There may also be a few bears left. The Galiyat is an unspoilt, the finest section being Thandiani for sure. One would be suprised how British the area looks. It looks very like a mini England.