In This Post:
Location of Kotli Sattian
Best Time for Visiting Kotli Sattian
Exploring Kotli Sattian
Development of Kotli Sattian
The Government of Punjab, quite recently, has decided to declare Kotli Sattian – an alpine zone near Rawalpindi – as a brand new tourist spot in the province. As per the official statement, this site will be opened to tourists in summer with revamped restaurants, paved roads, top-class resorts, and much more.
Being Pakistan’s most popular portal for tourism, Zameen.com has compiled everything you should know about this scenic mountainous range. As per usual, we will begin by giving you an overview of the area, then we will take you on a virtual tour of Kotli Sattian, along with sharing a list of adventures to enjoy in the region. We will also keep you updated with the latest information on the development of Kotli Sattian.
So, pack your bags, and let’s get exploring!
About Kotli Sattian
Whether it is about exploring the wildlife in the largest forest of Pakistan or finding solace in the embrace of Galiyat Region, Punjab never ceases to amaze travellers. Kotli Sattian is one such wilderness filled and insanely gifted destination that will soon be opened to local and international tourists exploring Pakistan, especially Punjab.
Situated near the banks of Jhelum River, Kotli Sattian is a subdivision of Rawalpindi. The region is covered by Soan River from the southwest, while its northwestern division is near the queen of hill stations – Murree. The nearest city gateways to this brand new hill station in Punjab are Kashmir, Rawalpindi, and Islamabad.
At present, Kotli Sattian features minimal tourist facilities besides drivable roads. As per the Punjab Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), this destination is more beautiful than Murree, and the authorities are aiming to develop it as the main hub of tourism for the summer of 2020.
Location of Kotli Sattian
Located in the ranges of Pir Pangal, Kotli Sattian is almost 50 km from Islamabad via Lehtrar Road. Rawalakot Road runs southeast of this hill station while the northeastern side is connected to National Highway (N-75) via Bunns Road.
The government has selected Kotli Sattian as an alternative spot to Murree hill station, and the developmental work has already begun. We will share a brief overview of the development in the latter part of this blog. As of now, there aren’t any travel agencies that offer packages to this spot, but you can plan a trip with the help of our guide.
Planning a Trip to Kotli Sattian
If you are intrigued by the beauty of this region, you can use our guide to plan a trip to Kotli Sattian. Here’re a few important things to keep in mind:
Weather at Kotli Sattian
Due to its high elevation, Kotli Sattian regularly sees temperatures of below 15 degrees centigrade in winters, while the climate remains moderate during the rest of the year. Meanwhile, the weather is quite unpredictable, and it often rains. Just like any other hill station in Pakistan, January is the coldest month of the year with snowfall, while June and July are best for monsoon. So, the choice about when to visit is completely up to you and your schedule of vacations, of course.
Now that you have a better idea about the weather of Kotli Sattian, let’s give you an overview of the activities you can enjoy in the region, as a group or individually.
Things to do and Places to Visit in Kotli Sattian
Right after exploring the hill stations of Murree, visiting Kotli Sattian is going to be the most popular thing to do in Punjab in summer vacations or especially when there’s a long weekend coming up. That said, if you are also planning to visit Kotli Sattian in Rawalpindi anytime soon, here is a list of popular activities this hill station has to offer:
- Visiting Phofandi: One of the most interesting things in this region is the Burj Trek, which is situated about 6 km from the town. Hailed as the ‘abandoned jeep trek’, the trail starts from Burj and leads up to Phofandi – which is the highest point of this region, almost 7000 feet above sea level. Upon covering the trek and arriving at the highest point of this region, you will be welcomed by magnificent views of the Jhelum River and the scenic silhouette of AJK from a distance.
- Chevra Hills: If you are visiting Kotli Sattian, do not miss to stop by Chevra Hills. The ridge of these hills witnesses snowfall during winter and this region is populated with rocks and exotic species of trees and wildlife.
- Climbing Forest Fire-watch Tower: The tower was installed to keep an eye out on forest fires. The tower offers an extensive view of the forest and is around 0.8 km away from the main road.
- Camping: Since the region is still under development, tourists can enjoy camping at Kotli Sattian if they plan to stay for the weekend. Most backpackers stay the night to catch a glimpse of the Milky Way or witness the sun diving behind the mountains. There are several spots in the region along the mountain that are extremely ideal for camping or setting a bonfire. You can even light some coals for barbecue and make some koyla chai. If you are planning to camp at Kotli Sattian, make sure you are carrying enough blankets, pillows, and sleeping bags to keep yourself warm.
How to Get to Kotli Sattian?
The best way to get to Kotli Sattian is by car and with a person who has already been there. You can even tag a local along who is willing to help you explore the region. We have already shared the location and the route that you can use to get there.
Things to Keep in Mind When Visiting Kotli Sattian
Since Kotli Sattian is an under-development region, tourists are especially advised to keep these things in mind before setting off:
- If you are travelling to Kotli Sattian from Islamabad, you should know that the region has only has one fuel station, it takes approximately 2 hours to get there. Make sure your car is fueled, and you are carrying extra fuel to avoid any inconvenience.
- Kotli Sattian is less visited by international tourists, but it is a popular spot among locals and witnesses a lot of visitors during special occasions. If you do not like crowds, avoid visiting during summer vacations or national holidays.
- Just like any other hill station, the temperature drops significantly while driving up to the mountains. So, make sure you are carrying a sweater or a shawl to keep yourself warm.
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothes and avoid carrying too much stuff.
- There’s are less number of resorts, guest houses, and hotels in Kotli Sattian.
- Facilities such as parking, restaurants, and washrooms are minimum. So be prepared for a little wilderness and inconvenience.
- Make sure you are carrying water bottles, snacks, and enough food.
- If you are planning to stay the night, make sure you are carrying sleeping bags, camping tents, lighter, coal, fuel, and other necessary items.
Latest Updates on the Development of Kotli Sattian
In order to explore the potential of tourism at Kotli Sattian, Chief Secretary Yousuf Naseem Khokhar, along with Commissioner Saqib Zafar, quite recently, visited the region with a few other officials. As per the development policy, the government plans to install a chairlift in the region and develop as many facilities as possible to present a new Murree. Additionally, the development scheme aims to:
- Build greenbelts and rehabilitate the road network for tourists’ and locals’ convenience
- Rejuvenate the tourist spots in the region by building guest houses, cafes, and installing benches
- Take certain measures to preserve the forests and wildlife of this region
Briefing on their visit to the region, the commissioner said, “We visited the forest rest house constructed in 1926 during the British Raj, which is 4,000 feet above sea level and decided to renovate it. The rest house is located on an ideal location in the green hills of the area and also has a visitor book which has comments of prominent personalities”.
As per the Punjab Tourism Development Corporation, the developmental work is expected to complete by the end of May 2020 or the beginning of June 2020. In addition to completing the developmental work, the PTDC has also placed a ban on the hewing and logging of trees.
Commenting on the development work in the region, the Advisor to CM on Horticulture and Tourism Asif Mehmood said the government will officially launch tourism activity in the area with a summer festival.
This was our way of exploring Kotli Sattian in Rawalpindi. We will keep updating this blog with the crispiest information, so bookmark this page and visit often. If you have a place on your list that you want us to explore in our next blog, then send your suggestions at blog@zameen.com.
We aim to promote tourism in Pakistan, and you can also join our cause by sharing this piece with your friends and by subscribing to Zameen Blog. Also, do not forget to like us on Facebook.
In case you want to explore some other areas of Rawalpindi or Islamabad, you can take assistance from our virtual area guides.
