A trip to Thandiani – Another Mountain Resort Page 1

Thandiani, another mountain top tucked away

in the KPK mountains

(Shaikh Muhammad Ali)

(34° 14' 0" North, 73° 22' 0" East)

“Not the least of the challenges of travel,

therefore, is learning how to import -- and

export -- dreams with tenderness.”….George

Santayana

A trip to Thandiani – Another Mountain Resort Page 2

Overview:

I had come to learn about Thandiani (another famous mountain resort close to

Nathiagali) from a colleague in 2005 and since then had been finding a reason

to visit this resort.

Where there’s a will there’s a way. Luckily, I had befriended the Director of

COMSATS University, Abbottabad and discussed with him the option of visiting

Thandiani in the summer break of 2007. He was more than happy to invite me to

take this excursion and arranged my stay at a guest house, the services of which

were hired by the university for their guests.

Come the evening of 19th May 2007, we packed our bags in our Margalla 1993

and off we went to Abbottabad. Abbottabad is at a distance of approximately

116 kms from Islamabad and takes around 3 – 4 hours to reach the destination.

(On the road from Havelian to Abbottabad)

We reached Abbottabad around Maghreb prayers and were put up in the

guest house which was nicely tucked away in a sleepy corner of the city

somewhere close to the Pakistan military academy, Kakul. After having a

comfortable night’s sleep at the guest house, we were up early around 7:00

a.m. the next morning to leave for our destination i.e. Thandiani.

A trip to Thandiani – Another Mountain Resort Page 3

(The family @ the guest house and ready for the excursion)

The distance from Abbottabad to Thandiani is approximately 31 kms and the

steep, snaky mountain road takes around 1.5 hours or more to reach the

destination. Thandiani is at an elevation of 8,497 feet above sea level.

(On the way to Thandiani from Abbottabad)

Before reaching Thandiani, we passed through a place called Kala Pani (Black

water) which used to be a huge river once and stopped by to take a few

pictures.

A trip to Thandiani – Another Mountain Resort Page 4

(A scenic view of Kala Pani which used to be a huge river once)

We stayed at Kala Pani for around half an hour and enjoyed tea, Pakoras and

took a stroll around the thin river side.

(The author besides the Kala Pani River)

A trip to Thandiani – Another Mountain Resort Page 5

History:

“Thandiani (literally meaning 'Very Cold') is a hill station in the Galyat area of

Pakistan. Thandiani was established as a Sanatorium during British rule, for the

convenience of officers stationed at the neighboring cantonment of

Abbottabad, it contained some European houses and a small bazaar, which

were occupied only during the summer months. Most of the local population

belongs to the Sarrara tribe”1.

Location:

“Thandiani at an elevation of 2,750 meters is supposed to be the coolest among

the hill stations of Pakistan. It commands grand and lovely views. To the east

beyond the Kunhar river may be seen the snow clad ranges of Kashmir. To the

north and northeast are the mountains of Kohistan, Bhogarmang and Kaghan.

To the northwest are the snowy ranges of Swat”2.

(http://www.pakwheels.com/forums/road-trips-vacations/147666-trip-thandiani-nathia-gali-

meeran-jani-top-patriata)

“To the west are the Black Mountains. To the southwest, one can have a

panoramic view of Abbottabad plains and the distant Tarbela Lake, and to the

south are Miranjani and Pine clad slopes of the Galliyat. The approach to

Thandiani is from Abbottabad, but it can also be reached from Murree -

1 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thandiani

2 http://www.nathiagali.com/places-to-visit/thandiani

A trip to Thandiani – Another Mountain Resort Page 6

Nathiagali route as well. Thandiani is 31 KM from Abbottabad and 25 KM from

the Thandiani-Nathiagali crossing”3.

(http://beautifulpakistan.com/bpk/command/preview/)

“The drive from Abbottabad takes more or less 90 minutes, with lovely views on

both sides of the road. The road is metalized all the way. Thandiani is an

undeveloped tourist spot. The abandoned buildings, a small church and GPO

are the only imposing structures around a few small huts and tea stalls. The

absence of electricity and water supply has not allowed this place to get

overdeveloped like Nathiagali and Ayubia. This place has all the potential to

develop as a good base for ecotourism activities. It is totally unspoiled and has

lovely views all around”4.

3 Ibid.

4 Ibid.

A trip to Thandiani – Another Mountain Resort Page 7

(Adil Shivering at the Thandiani top)

After taking a few more pictures at the top and enjoying a hot cup of tea and a

quickie lunch while enjoying the shivering weather, we descended from the mountains

and headed for home i.e. Islamabad while stopping by at Abbottabad for some snacks

and drinks.

(The author with little Ayesha who is barely two years old)

Shaikh Muhammed Ali ‘The Wandering Dervish’

E-mail: dushkashaikh@gmail.com Cell: +00-92-321-5072996

Saturday, 16th July 2011, 02:45 p.m. (PST)