AYUBIA:
A fresh snowfall forecast by the Met Office has transformed the forested hills of Nathiagali and Ayubia into a bustling winter playground, attracting tourists in large numbers and providing new earning opportunities for local horse riders and photographers.
As clouds settle over the Hamaliya mountain range and sunlight filters through snow-laden pines, the Galiyat region has turned into a postcard-perfect scene. Most visitors, arriving from the plains of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab, flocked to Ayubia over the weekend to enjoy snow games, savour trout, and capture winter moments amid nature’s grandeur.
For local horse riders, the snowfall season has brought both excitement and income. Along colonial-era trails connecting Ayubia to Nathiagali, horses clip-clop through powdery paths, offering tourists a scenic journey through history and snow.
“We have never seen so many visitors at this time of year,” said Faraz Khan, a horse rider and tour guide. “The December snowfall gives these rides a magical feel. Tourists want to experience the forest, the silence, and the snow, along with the trout — all at once.”
Situated about five kilometers east of Nathiagali at an altitude of 8,000 feet, Ayubia witnessed intense tourist activity over the weekend. Hotels — from simple charpaye setups to high-end resorts — were fully booked, creating accommodation shortages across Ayubia, Changagali, Khanspoor, Thandyani, Harnoi, and Nathiagali.
Adventure seekers flocked to the three-kilometer Ayubia chairlift, gliding over dense pine forests before landing near Mukeshpuri. Others chose the four-kilometer horse ride along the historic Ayubia-Nathiagali trail, adding to the festive winter atmosphere.
The snowfall has also been a windfall for local photographers and videographers. With snow-covered valleys contrasting against dark pine forests, many have turned their craft into a seasonal business, offering photo sessions for families, couples, and groups eager to capture snowy memories.
“This winter has brought joy for us, especially the December snowfall,” said Sajid Ali, a local photographer. “People want professional photos with horses and snowy backgrounds. We’ve been busy all week.”
