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Abbottabad, a popular summer
resort in the midst of spacious valleys, is surrounded by
green hills and located at a distance of 116 km from
Rawalpindi and 217 km from Peshawar.From a tourist point of view
abbottabad is noted for its verdant parks, gardens, golf
course and pine covered hills, apart from this it is full of
educational institutions and Academies. Its importance lies in
the fact that it serves as an important gateway to almost
all-beautiful places in Pakistan. The formidable Karakorams
& the enchanting Himalayas can be approached from
Abbottabad.
The importance of this city
has diminished with the completion of Karakoram Highway
because in the past the only track available to reach the
majestic Karakoram, was through Babusar Pass, which in its
turn, could only be approached through Abbottabad. In spite of
this development, the city continues to be a transit city for
tourists. Abbottabad is the junction from where one can go to
places like Hunza, Gilgit, Skardu and Indus Kohistan, of the
Karakoram Range. One can easily reach Swat,
Swati Kohistan, Dir and Chitral of the Hindukush Range along
with Naran, Saif-ul-Muluk, Shogran and Babusar Pass of the
Himalayan Range. Neelum, Lipa and Jhelum Valley of beautiful
Azad Kashmir are also connected through Abbottabad.While other hill stations
are deserted during winter this place is blessed with visitors
due to the bracing winter season.
The place has beautiful
gardens like; Jinnah Garden, Ladies Garden etc maintained by
the local Cantonment Board. The splendid stretch of turf
promises plenty of room for polo, football, hockey and
golf. At the back of the station
towards the west is the Brigade Center, which is an ideal
place ideal for walks and picnic. The Cantonment area of
Abbottabad is still very British. The European bungalows, the
club, the church and cemetery are still there.
Abbottabad |
Batagram |
Haripur
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Kohistan
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Mansehra |