Murree travel guide: when to go, where to stay and what to do
Murree is Pakistan's best-known hill station, a short drive from Islamabad and the gateway to the Galiyat. It works for a weekend, a family holiday or a group trip, in almost any season, as long as you plan around the crowds and the weather.
When to visit Murree
- Spring (March to May): mild days, fresh greenery and fewer crowds than summer.
- Summer (June to August): the busiest season, when families escape the heat of the plains. Expect full hotels at weekends and rain during the monsoon.
- Autumn (September to November): clear views, cool evenings and calmer roads.
- Winter (December to February): snowfall brings big crowds. Roads can close at short notice, so follow official weather and traffic updates and do not drive into heavy snow.
Getting there
From Islamabad, the Murree Expressway takes most visitors to Murree in around one and a half hours, depending on traffic. From Lahore, the drive via the motorway and Islamabad usually takes five to six hours. Weekend and holiday traffic near the town can add a lot of time, so start early.
Where to stay
Staying on or near The Mall means you can walk to restaurants, shops and viewpoints in the evening without moving the car. Quieter options sit along the roads towards Bhurban and the Galiyat. Families and groups should ask about family rooms, parking and heating in winter.
Our own Al-Maaz Hotel is on The Mall, with Dervash Restaurant for meals and group buffets.
Things to do in Murree and nearby
- Walk The Mall in the evening and visit Kashmir Point and Pindi Point for views.
- Patriata (New Murree): ride the chairlift and cable car over the pine forests.
- Ayubia and the Pipeline Track: a gentle forest walk between Dunga Gali and Ayubia.
- Nathia Gali: cooler air, old churches and hikes such as Mukshpuri and Miranjani for fit walkers.
- Bhurban: a quieter area with golf and wide valley views.
Practical tips
- Visit on weekdays if you can; weekends and public holidays are much busier.
- Carry warm layers, even in summer evenings.
- In winter, check road conditions before you leave and keep fuel, food and warm clothes in the car.
- Book hotels early for Eid, long weekends and snowfall season.
Plan your Murree trip
We are a Murree hospitality family on The Mall. We can arrange your hotel, meals, transport and day trips to the Galiyat, or a longer route onward to Naran or Kashmir.
