Thandyani: As dark monsoon clouds drifted over the pine-clad hills of Galiyat before bursting into refreshing showers, thousands of tourists escaping the sweltering heat of Pakistan’s plains found themselves immersed in what many described as a dreamlike paradise.
The dramatic interplay of sunshine, mist and torrential rain transformed the lush valleys of Thandiyani, Nathiagali and Galiyat region into a breathtaking landscape, where rolling clouds embraced emerald hills and cool mountain breezes replaced the oppressive heat gripping much of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa prior yesterday.
Following the Pakistan Meteorological Department’s forecast of widespread rainfall under a western weather system till July 23, visitors poured into the scenic hill resorts, bringing life, color and renewed economic activity to one of the country’s most popular summer destinations.
Hotels, restaurants, roadside caf©s and markets remained bustling throughout the day as families, students, honeymooners and adventure seekers flocked to Thandiyani, Nathiagali, Ayubia, Khanaspur, Harno and surrounding valleys.
Children laughed as they chased butterflies across flower-filled meadows, while parents relaxed over steaming cups of tea and traditional cuisine against the majestic backdrop of towering pine forests and the snow-capped peaks of Malka Parbat peeking through drifting clouds.
The flowers fragrance at rain-soaked Thandyani mixed with the scent of pine created an atmosphere that visitors said could not be experienced anywhere else.
“This weather makes you forget every worry,” said Ehtisham Khan, a lecturer from Peshawar, while capturing family photographs beneath the cloud-covered ridges of Mukeshpuri and Miranjani.
“The cool breeze, monsoon rain and breathtaking scenery take you into a different world. Every time I visit Galiyat, I feel refreshed mentally and physically. No other place matches the serenity and natural beauty of Thandiyani and Nathiagali during the monsoon season.”
Tourists gathered at scenic viewpoints as waves of mist swept across the valleys, often reducing visibility before revealing spectacular vistas moments later.
Along the famous hiking trails connecting Ayubia, Donga Gali and Mukeshpuri Top, streams of trekkers, horse riders and photographers made their way through rain-washed forests, pausing frequently to capture the ever-changing landscape.
The Ayubia chairlift remained packed throughout the day, with long queues forming as visitors waited patiently for panoramic rides above dense cedar forests glistening after the rain.
“It’s worth every minute of the wait,” said college professor Dr. Sundus Amin. “Watching the clouds float beneath the chairlift feels like flying through the mountains. The rain has made everything greener and more beautiful than we imagined.”
For many families, the journey was about far more than sightseeing. “We wanted our children to experience nature instead of staying indoors with mobile phones,” said Muhammad Junaid, who travelled from Mardan with his wife and three children at Nathiagali.
“Seeing them running freely through the meadows and enjoying the fresh air is the best part of this trip. Moments like these become lifelong memories.”
The monsoon rush has also provided a welcome boost to the local economy and employment generation. Hotel managers reported near-full occupancy, while restaurant owners, tea stalls, fruit vendors, horse handlers and local guides said business had increased significantly since the arrival of the rains.
“Our income depends on the tourist season,” said Sajid Ali, who has operated horseback rides in Ayubia for over a decade. “When it rains like this, more families come here. A good tourist season means we can support our families for months.”
Local photographer Rashid Khan, who has spent years capturing tourists in traditional mountain attire, said social media has transformed the tourism business. “Almost everyone wants Instagram-worthy photographs or short videos,” he said while editing pictures for a family from Lahore.
“Earlier people carried cameras. Now everyone has a smartphone and wants content to share immediately. This trend has created new earning opportunities for photographers and guides.” However, amid the celebrations, visitors also voiced concerns over sharply rising accommodation prices.
Several tourists complained that private hotels were charging between Rs20,000 and Rs30,000 per night, making family vacations increasingly difficult for middle-income households and demanded regulating hotels fare.
“Families save for months to visit these beautiful places,” said Ehtisham Khan.
“Nature belongs to everyone, but excessive hotel charges discourage domestic tourism. There should be proper regulation so that ordinary people can continue enjoying these mountains.”
Another visitor, property dealer Nasir Khan from Nowshera, who travelled with friends after touring Kalam and Malam Jabba, echoed similar concerns.
“My trip to Galiyat always feels incomplete without a ride on the Ayubia chairlift,” he said with a smile.
“The thrill, the clouds and the scenery make it unforgettable. But accommodation has become very expensive. If prices remain reasonable, many more families will choose to spend their holidays here.”
Despite the higher costs, the tourist influx showed no signs of slowing.
Visitors were seen recording drone footage, live-streaming scenic walks and sharing reels across social media platforms, reflecting the growing influence of digital tourism in promoting Pakistan’s northern destinations.
“People often decide where to travel after watching online videos,” Nasir said.
“Every photograph or short video shared from Galiyat encourages someone else to visit. If promoted professionally, these valleys can attract even more international tourists and strengthen the local economy.”
Omair Khattak, Grneral Manager at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Tourism and Culture Authority said the province possesses immense ecotourism potential stretching from Swat and Chitral to Waziristan and Dera Ismail Khan.
They highlighted destinations including Kumrat Valley, Malam Jabba, Mahodand Lake, Babusar Top, Dodipatsar Lake and the forests of Khanaspur and Bagnotar as key attractions capable of drawing both domestic and international visitors.
He said the government has introduced several initiatives to improve tourists’ experiences, including tourist police services, upgraded roads and affordable camping pods established under the province’s ecotourism project.
Camping facilities at Sharan, Gabeen Jabba, Bishigram and Thandiyani now offer accommodation ranging between Rs4,500 and Rs6,000 per night, providing economical alternatives to costly hotels. Similar facilities are planned for Swat, Upper Dir, Shangla and Chitral.
Officials credited improved motorway connectivity and enhanced security arrangements for boosting travellers’ confidence and encouraging more families to explore northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Omair Khattak said that construction of ITZs after completion would turn KP into a tourism hub.
As waterfalls roar with glacial melt, colonial-era hiking trails come alive beneath towering pines and mist continues to dance across the mountain ridges, Galiyat has once again emerged as one of Pakistan’s most enchanting monsoon destinations.
For now, with rain clouds continuing to embrace its hills, the region remains filled with visitors chasing cool weather, unforgettable adventures and the simple joy of losing themselves, if only briefly, in nature’s timeless beauty.