In This Post:
– Why is it called a national park?
– Activities at Ayubia National Park
– History of Ayubia National Park
– Wildlife at Ayubia National Park
– Wildlife Sanctuaries in Pakistan
Situated between two of the most popular hill stations of Pakistan, Murree and Nathiagali, Ayubia National Park is located at an elevation of 8,000 feet above sea level. When you step into the natural forest you are surrounded by pristine views of the lush green plains, set against the backdrop of tall pine trees and steep mountain slopes. Every now and then you hear the chirping of exotic birds echoing across the forest, giving you goosebumps as you trail through the park.
In this blog, we will discuss everything there is to know about Ayubia National Park in Pakistan, including its history, management, picnic spots and variety of wildlife.
So, without further ado, let’s get started.
Why is Ayubia National Park Called a National Park?
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), a land can only be termed as a national park if it is spread over 1,000 hectares or more. Another prerequisite is non-exploitation of any kind of natural resources.
The main function of a national park is to conserve wildlife, flora and fauna in their natural setting and habitat. Ayubia National Park fulfills the criteria set by the IUCN as it is spread over a sprawling 3,312 hectares of land. Government authorities are leaving no stone unturned in conserving animals and rare birds at the park.
What Makes Ayubia National Park a One-of-its-Kind Natural Forest?
The park is one of the best remaining examples of Himalayan temperate forests in Pakistan surrounded by seven villages and three towns namely Nathiagali, Thandiani and Khanspur. It is covered with coniferous pine trees, as if God had pegged nails deep into the earth, to keep the mountains fixed. The forest spreads out on both the northern and western side giving an expansive feel.
There are also numerous picnic points at Ayubia National Park, well-suited for everyone. For adventurists there are ample opportunities for hiking and trekking, You can easily reach the highest mountain peak in the Galyat region – the Miranjani peak, which is located in the Namli Maira area in Ayubia National Park. When you reach the peak, enjoy the breathtaking sight with a set of binoculars, take a deep breath and inhale fresh oxygen the trees produce, fill your ears with nature’s sounds – the chirping of birds and the gushing water stream. Be prepared to hear a leopard’s roar or the howl of a wolf! Nathiagali, Mukshpuri Peak and Azad Kashmir can be viewed from the top.
Since you can reach Islamabad in only a 2-hour ride via car, you will find throngs of foreign tourists and visitors, mainly from Islamabad and Abbottabad. Although there are no official figures available, the local estimates suggest that there is a footfall of about 250,000 visitors per year.
The journey uphill is equally enjoyable, with green trees on both sides of the road and pointed mountain peaks set in the backdrop giving a dreamy feel. You can’t explore the entire national park in a day. So, if you plan to stay near Ayubia National Park, then check in any of the available hotels and acclimatize yourself to the mountainous landscape. Next day you can plan the pipeline walk through the Ayubia National Park and climb the Mukshpuri Top, which is at an elevation of 9,800 feet above the sea level. Enroute to the journey, you will see numerous exotic wild flowers and fluttering butterflies decorating the pathway. Not to mention unforgettable views overlooking Kashmir and Abbottabad. You can also enjoy the beautiful forest side by taking a ride at the chairlift in Ayubia National Park.
There are numerous natural springs that abound the slopes and their water is stored in different water reservoirs which are a source of water supply for Murree and the adjoining areas. Only about 3 km further up and about 14 km from Murree, on the main Abbottabad-Murree Road is Changla Gali which is situated at an altitude of 2,560 metre above sea level, amidst thick pine forests.
The 2,743 metre above sea level, Changla peak commands a fine view of the Jhelum Valley and on the other side it presents a beautiful panoramic view of the Murree hills. From Nathiagali to Abbottabad the road runs downhill from about 9,000 ft. to an astounding 4,500 ft. About three miles down the road, there lies Baragali, which is a small hill station, located at an altitude of 2,408 metre. The last of the chain of Galis is only 24 km from Abbottabad on the road to Nathiagali.
History of Ayubia National Park
Ayubia National Park in Pakistan was termed as a national park in 1984, based on IUCN standards. Originally, it was spread over only 857 acres, but in 1998 it was expanded to an area size of 1,684 hectares of land. As of now, Ayubia National Park stands at 3,312 hectares of land and since then is being managed by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife Department.
Wildlife at Ayubia National Park
Ayubia National Park is home to a variety of bird species and is therefore considered one of the best places for bird watching. Invest in a good set of binoculars and watch exotic birds perched on forest trees or flying across the park. You can easily spot these birds:
- Golden Eagle
- Himalayan Griffon Vulture
- Honey Buzzard
- Peregrine Falcon
- Kestrel
- Indian Sparrow Hawk
- Hill Pigeon
- Spotted Dove
- Collared Dove
- Koklass Pheasant
- Kali Pheasant
Other animals that are living in their natural habitat in the national park are:
- Asiatic Leopard
- Black Bear
- Yellow Throated Marten
- Kashmir Hill Fox
- Red Flying Squirrel
- Himalayan Palm Civet
- Masked Civet
- Rhesus Macaque
Other Wildlife Sanctuaries in Pakistan
Pakistan is home to several other wildlife reserves which are quite popular among tourists and adventure seekers. For those planning to get off the beaten track, explore these best wildlife sanctuaries in Pakistan.
- Astor Wildlife Sanctuary
- Baltistan Wildlife Sanctuary
- Chasma and Taunsa Barrage Dolphin Reserve
- Cholistan Wildlife Sanctuary
- Hub Dam Wildlife Sanctuary
- Kargah Wildlife Sanctuary
- Mahal Kohistan Wildlife Sanctuary
- Naltar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Nara Desert Wildlife Sanctuary
- Rann of Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary
- Sukkur and Guddu Barrage Dolphin Reserve
So, would you like to pay a visit to the most exotic national park of Pakistan? Do share your experiences with us at bog@zameen.com.
Meanwhile, if you are looking for other adventurous trips, then don’t forget to check out some of the best trekking places in Pakistan, best camping sites in the country and some unique hidden tourist destinations in Pakistan.
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