Changla Gali is 2,804 metres (9,199 feet) above sea level, the highest point on the whole road between Murree and Nathia Gali. It is a roadside hill station in the Galiyat, in Abbottabad district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, about 16 km north of Murree. Most visitors know it only as a stop for tea and a view on the way somewhere else, and that is really what it is: a short, worthwhile pause rather than a destination in its own right.
This guide covers what Changla Gali offers, its history, and how to make the most of a short stop here.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Height | 2,804 m (9,199 ft), the highest point between Murree and Nathia Gali |
| Where | Galiyat, Abbottabad district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa |
| From Murree | About 16 km |
| From Nathia Gali | A short drive, on the way to Dunga Gali |
| What's here | Roadside tea stalls, a viewpoint, forest walks nearby |
| History | Headquarters of the British army's Northern Command School of Musketry |
| Best for | A short stop, not an overnight base |
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Where is Changla Gali, and why stop here?
Changla Gali sits on the ridge road between Murree and Nathia Gali, past Barian and Khaira Gali. Because it is the highest point on this stretch, it is often clear of the cloud and haze that sits lower down in the valleys, and on a good day the view runs out over forested ridges in more than one direction. In summer, cloud frequently sits below the road here even when Murree itself is misty, which is part of its appeal.
It was once the headquarters of the British army's Northern Command School of Musketry, and in the 1890s it was already noted by travellers as a natural halfway stopping point between Murree and Dunga Gali or Nathia Gali. That role has not changed much: it remains a place people pass through rather than stay in, with a scatter of tea stalls and a small amount of roadside development rather than a proper bazaar.
What is there to see and do?
Changla Gali's appeal is simple and doesn't take long to enjoy:
- The view from the roadside. Pull off where there is space, and take in the forested ridges falling away on either side. Early morning and late afternoon usually give the clearest light.
- Tea and a snack. A few stalls sell tea, snacks and simple food, useful as a break on a longer drive rather than a meal stop in itself.
- A short walk into the forest. The slopes either side of the road are wooded, and a gentle stroll off the road, staying close to it, gives a feel for the forest without committing to a marked trail.
- A base for nearby walks. Mushkpuri, the second-highest summit in the Galiyat, is a matter of a few kilometres away by road; our Mushkpuri Top hike guide covers the climb itself, which starts from Dunga Gali rather than Changla Gali.
There is nothing here in the way of formal sights, museums or monuments from its cantonment days; what draws people is the height, the air and the quiet compared with Nathia Gali's bazaar.
How much time to spend here
Fifteen minutes for tea and the view is enough for most people passing through on the drive from Murree. If you want a proper walk in the forest around Changla Gali, allow an hour or so, and stick to ground you can see clearly, since there are no marked, signed trails starting from the roadside here in the way there are at Dunga Gali.
Changla Gali is not somewhere to plan a full day around on its own. It works best as one stop on the drive between Murree and Nathia Gali, described in full in our Murree to Nathia Gali route guide, or as a brief detour if you are staying nearby in Khaira Gali or Dunga Gali.
Getting there and driving conditions
The road through Changla Gali is paved and manageable for an ordinary car, but it is narrow, with bends increasing as you climb, and buses and vans use the same road. Slow down through the small roadside settlement, where people cross to reach the tea stalls, and use a low gear on the descent either side.
In winter, as the highest point on this stretch, Changla Gali is among the first places to see snow and among the last to clear. Heavy snowfall can make the road here treacherous or impassable for a period, so check conditions locally before setting out between December and March, and see our guide to driving in Galiyat snow for what to carry.
Is Changla Gali worth stopping for?
Yes, briefly. It costs almost nothing in time to break the drive from Murree to Nathia Gali here, and on a clear day the view is better than anything lower down the road. It is not worth a special trip or an overnight stay on its own; for that, Nathia Gali, Dunga Gali or Khaira Gali, all a short drive away, offer more to do and somewhere proper to sleep. Our Galiyat guide compares all the hill stations along the ridge, and if you would like help fitting a stop here into a longer trip, send us your dates.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Changla Gali from Murree?
About 16 km by road, on the way to Nathia Gali.
What is the height of Changla Gali?
Changla Gali is at 2,804 metres, or 9,199 feet, above sea level, the highest point on the road between Murree and Nathia Gali.
Where is Changla Gali in Pakistan?
In the Galiyat hills of Abbottabad district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, on the ridge road about 16 km north of Murree, between Khaira Gali and Dunga Gali. From Islamabad it is about 65 km by road through Murree, usually one and a half to two hours with traffic.
Is there anywhere to stay in Changla Gali?
Very little formal accommodation; it is mainly a roadside stop with tea stalls. For a proper overnight stay, Khaira Gali, Dunga Gali or Nathia Gali are close by.
Why was Changla Gali important historically?
It was the headquarters of the British army's Northern Command School of Musketry during the colonial period, and a recognised halfway point on the road to Nathia Gali.
Is Changla Gali worth a special trip?
Not on its own. It is worth a short stop as part of the drive between Murree and Nathia Gali, for the view and a break from the bends.
