Pipeline Track Ayubia: SnowHike in Ayubia National Park 2024

Pipeline track Ayubia is one of the iconic tracks in Galiyat region starting from Dunga Gali to Ayubia. It passes through dense forest of long pine trees in Ayubia National Park. The track has an elevation gain of 200 ft with easy walking path makes pipeline track a suitable pick for any age group from kids, families, adults, and even senior citizens.

Distance of Pipeline track Ayubia from Islamabad International Airport:

Ayubia National Park is slightly above 100 km from Islamabad International Airport. The drive is comfortable on smooth Srinagar highway – wide Murree Expressway – single road from Kuldana chowk till Nathiagali. The last leg on single road from Kuldana chowk till Nathiagali is 35km. This section of the journey is sometimes congested due to high turnover of tourists during weekends and public holidays.

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Pipeline track Ayubia starting point

From the main market of Dunga Gali having few hotels and shops, the track starts taking the decline path where the first board pops up. Snow hike in Ayubia National Park is a blissful experience for nature enthusiasts.

Galiyat Development Authority had done an excellent job to mark the track with arrow directions. General boards installed at different locations help in providing basic guideline for tourists and hikers visiting the area.

History of Pipeline track Ayubia

Pipeline track as the name suggest was established in 1930 during British era to transport water via 8-inches water carrier pipeline from Dunga Gali to other galiyat regions including Murree. The water pipeline decommissioned in 1970 but the track is still there to enjoy comfortable forest walk in Ayubia National Park. The hinge barrier erected, and Army regimental badges carved on mountain in 19^th century is still intact.

This track was paved to connect Ghora Dhaka (currently Ayubia) with Murree for British Army officers to relax in serene and calm environment.

Length of Pipeline track Ayubia

The total length of pipeline track is 3.5 km with 40 – 50 minutes of comfortable walk year-round, except in snow when the conditions become challenging due to extra energy required to progress and move forward. For snow lovers this track is a perfect pick during snowfall season (December – February).

Resting areas on pipeline track ayubia

Pipeline track is well decorated having facilities of resting areas having shade, sitting benches and public washrooms every now and then. It is a useful facility for people going out for snow hike in Ayubia National Park. During summers the track is a busy place where one can witness lot of young couples, college and university groups, families, and solo travelers sitting on the benches.

Guardroom in Ayubia National Park

Historical construction done during British rule is still prevalent in Ayubia National Park. Century old guardroom is adjacent to Moto Tunnel on pipeline track Ayubia. The area being sanctuary of British Army, the guardroom served as a signaling and protection post.

Moto Tunnel in Ayubia National Park

Beside the guardroom, Moto tunnel established in 1891 during British colonial era is situated within Ayubia National Park, district Abbottabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Moto tunnel is 250 feet long, having a width of 4 feet and height of 6 feet carved from mountain rocks, stone, and clay.

Entry fee of Moto Tunnel Ayubia National Park

Nominal entry fee is charged by district authority to enter moto tunnel in Ayubia National Park. The fee collected is used for preserving flora and fauna of this majestic hill station.

Guideline for snow hike in Ayubia National Park

During summers pipeline track is an easy walking track, but with variation in weather snow hike on the track becomes quite challenging testing the endurance and mental strength of hikers. Following guideline is carefully prepared to cater the needs of hikers going out for their first attempt of snow hike in Ayubia National Park.

• Keep a check on weather forecast to know when snowfall is expected. Rule of thumb is when it rains in Islamabad during December till February, its snowfall in Galiyat region.
• Pack your bagpack a day before to avoid wasting time in morning.
• Start early morning from Islamabad (For day trip).
• Keep mobile phone battery fully charged.
• Keep snow chains with good condition tyres.
• Keep the fuel tank half-filled.
• Car radiator and water pipes should be at its optimum performance as during snow with elevation, vehicles use to heat up quickly.
• Keep emergency contact details of the area.
• Follow instructions of district authority in the pretext of road closures, weather update, pipeline track timings etc.
• During winters pipeline track ayubia opens at 0900 hrs in morning and closes at 1600 hrs in evening.
• Do not litter and carry trash to bins provided at multiple locations on the track.
• Do not feed animals on pipeline track ayubia.
• Do not carry pets along as it is not allowed on the track.
• Firing up of wood is not allowed in the jurisdiction of Ayubia National Park.

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Bag pack for snow hike in Ayubia National Park

A good strategy to go out for hiking in snow is to wear layered clothing.

Base layer:  a close-fitted undershirt that keeps your skin dry from sweat as it invites chill during the evaporation process.

Mid layer: Fleece, Merino wool, synthetic, silk, or bamboo fibers is recommended for the mid layer.

Outer layer: A zipper or jacket that protects you from chilly winds and rainy conditions.

• Extra warm clothing in your bag pack.
• First aid kit (recommended).
• Dry consumable food like dry fruits, nuts, chocolates, and biscuits.
• Extra cash in small wallet.
• Identification document.
• Warm gloves (inner wool and outside waterproof).
• Waterproof Warm cap.
• Waterproof jacket or zipper.
• Compass and torch (optional).
• Water bottle (1 liter is recommended).

Conclusion:

With good planning having a positive and optimistic mindset snow hike in Ayubia National Park is a divine experience to witness the first white flurries of snowflakes hitting the ground. Blend of history associated with pipeline track with rich biodiversity of the park is something that is a lifetime opportunity to attempt the track atleast once. If this blogpost helps you in any way, please comment and share.