Ghora Gali is a small hill settlement on the old Murree road, about 10 to 12 kilometres before Murree itself, best known for Lawrence College, one of the oldest residential schools in Pakistan, and for a chairlift that runs across to Pindi Point. It sits at around 1,691 metres, lower and usually a little warmer than Murree, and makes a natural stop on the drive up rather than a destination in its own right.
This guide covers what's actually there, the history behind Lawrence College, and how the road through Ghora Gali fits into the wider route to Murree.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Altitude | 1,691 m |
| Distance from Islamabad | About 58 km via the Murree Expressway to this area |
| Distance to Murree | Roughly 10-12 km further up |
| Main sights | Lawrence College, Ghora Gali–Pindi Point chairlift |
| Best for | A short stop on the way, not a full day |
Getting to Ghora Gali
Ghora Gali lies on the old GT Road route between Islamabad/Rawalpindi and Murree, one of the two roads used to reach the hill station, the other being the newer Murree Expressway (Kashmir Road). In 2026, the district administration repeatedly advised tourists to use the Expressway rather than the old GT Road while it underwent repair work, so check the current road status before planning to come this way specifically. If the old road is open and in good condition, it is the more scenic of the two, winding through pine forest with the town appearing and disappearing around the bends.
Our Islamabad to Murree guide covers both routes and current road conditions in more detail.
Lawrence College: the reason most people stop
Lawrence College is the main landmark at Ghora Gali, and one of the oldest institutions of its kind in Pakistan. It was founded in 1860, endowed in memory of Sir Henry Lawrence, a British administrator in Punjab, and originally built to house and educate the orphaned children of British and Indian soldiers. Construction began on the hilltop in 1859, and the school grew through several name changes over the following century: Lawrence Memorial School after the Punjab government took it over in 1914, Lawrence College once the Lower Estate was built in 1927, briefly Pine Hills College in 1973 and Ghora Galli College in 1979, before reverting to its current name, Lawrence College Ghora Gali, in 1986.
It remains a working residential school today, set inside its own extensive grounds of pine forest on the hilltop above the road. It is a private institution rather than a public attraction, so there is no general visitor access to the campus; what most travellers see is the gate, the surrounding hillside and the views over the valley from the road nearby.
The Ghora Gali to Pindi Point chairlift
A chairlift connects Ghora Gali to Pindi Point, on the Murree side of the ridge, running for about 1.1 kilometres across the forested slope between them. It gives a slow, quiet way to cross between the two points above the treeline, with views down into the valleys on both sides, and is a straightforward add-on if you are travelling between Ghora Gali and Murree rather than driving the whole way. Ticket prices and operating hours change from season to season, so confirm both locally before planning around it.
Pindi Point itself is covered in more depth in our Pindi Point Murree guide.
Ghora Gali's history beyond the school
Ghora Gali was developed as a resort for British troops and colonial officials during the same period Murree itself was built up, and it once had its own brewery supplying the garrison, a building that was closed after independence in 1947. Little of that industrial history survives to see today; what remains is mostly the setting itself, pine-covered slopes above the Rawalpindi plain, and Lawrence College as the clearest physical link to the town's colonial past.
Is Ghora Gali worth stopping for?
As a planned destination on its own, no; there isn't enough to fill even half a day. As a stop on the way to or from Murree, yes, particularly if you want to see Lawrence College's setting, break up a longer drive, or link across to Pindi Point by chairlift instead of driving the last stretch. Combine it with a short stop rather than building a trip around it, and put your time instead into Murree itself once you arrive; our places to visit in Murree guide covers what to do once you're there.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Ghora Gali from Murree?
Roughly 10 to 12 kilometres, or about 15 to 20 minutes' drive in normal traffic on the old road.
Can visitors enter Lawrence College?
No. It is a working residential school and not a general tourist attraction, so there is no public access to the campus itself. Most visitors see it from the road or the surrounding hillside.
Which road passes through Ghora Gali?
The older GT Road route to Murree, as distinct from the newer Murree Expressway (Kashmir Road). Check current road conditions before relying on this route, since it has been closed for repairs at times in 2026.
Is the Ghora Gali to Pindi Point chairlift running year-round?
Operating hours and availability vary by season and can be affected by weather, so confirm locally on the day rather than assuming it is running.
Is Ghora Gali cooler than Murree?
It sits about 600 metres lower than Murree, so it is generally a little warmer, though the difference is modest and both places share the same broad hill-station climate.
