Murree on New Year's Eve is one of the busiest nights of the year for the hill road, and it is not a night to arrive without a hotel booking. Snow is possible at the end of December but far from certain, since Murree's heaviest falls more usually arrive between late February and early March. If you go, book a room in advance, reach the hills in daylight and treat the weather forecast as a condition of the trip.
This guide covers what to expect on the road, how to approach hotels, what happens when the snow does come, and who should simply skip the night.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Altitude | About 2,291 m |
| Snow on 31 December | Possible, not reliable |
| Entry to Murree on the night | Often controlled by the administration; hotel booking is the safest ticket in |
| Expressway toll (car, from 10 July 2026) | Rs 300 |
| Safest approach | Arrive in the afternoon of 30 or 31 December, or visit another weekend |
Why New Year in Murree is different
The roads into Murree were never built for a single night of holiday traffic. After the January 2022 storm, when more than 150,000 vehicles are reported to have entered Murree and 23 people died, mostly from cold and carbon monoxide poisoning in stuck cars, the administration has treated crowded weekends and snow days as emergencies. Wikipedia lists a traffic ban on later entry, extra parking plazas and a plan to strengthen policing among the measures that followed.
Since then it has become normal for Punjab Police, the Murree administration and traffic police to publish a New Year plan. Reports of the 2026 plan mention controlled entry after a cut-off time, preference for vehicles with confirmed hotel bookings, heavy vehicles banned, designated parking and one-way traffic if congestion builds. The details change every year, so check the announcements in the last days of December rather than relying on a previous year's rules.
How is the traffic on 31 December?
Expect slow traffic on the Murree Expressway from the afternoon, with the worst of it in the evening and again when people leave on 1 January. Our Murree Expressway guide covers the road, and Islamabad to Murree covers how long it takes on an ordinary day.
Practical points:
- Arrive early. Be on the road from Islamabad by midday, not after dinner.
- Fill the tank first and keep the phone charged.
- Leave late on 1 January or the morning of 2 January, once the first rush has cleared.
- Parking is limited. Read Murree parking before choosing where to stay.
Will it snow in Murree on New Year?
Sometimes. Winter 2025 to 2026 brought snow and an expressway closure for general traffic from the Phulgara toll plaza upward, with hotel bookings cancelled because the roads were blocked. Other years there is none. Wikipedia describes snowfall as typically between late February and early March, so a New Year trip is a gamble.
Our Murree snowfall and Murree in winter guides explain the cold and the road.
If snow is forecast:
- Check that the expressway is open before you set off.
- Do not run the engine with the exhaust blocked by snow; this caused deaths in 2022.
- Carry warm clothes in the car, a shovel if possible, water and snacks.
- If the road is closed, turn back and wait in Islamabad rather than joining a queue.
Hotels on New Year night
Rooms sell out and prices rise, and some travellers report overcharging or last-minute cancellations. We could not find a reliable official rate list, so we won't quote prices. The way to protect yourself is straightforward:
- Book directly and get written confirmation, ideally with a booking reference you can show at a checkpoint.
- Ask what happens if the road closes and you cannot arrive.
- Ask about heating and parking, since both matter in winter.
- Look at other options, including Bhurban and the Galiyat area. Our where to stay in Murree page lists the areas.
Should you go?
New Year in Murree suits groups of friends and families who book early, drive carefully and have no fixed expectation about snow. It does not suit anyone planning to turn up on the night and look for a room, travellers with a long drive behind them, or families with infants and elderly relatives who cannot cope with several hours in a queue. For a calmer visit, choose a weekday in January or a quieter weekend. Our when to go guide helps compare the seasons.
Frequently asked questions
Is Murree open on New Year's Eve?
Yes, but entry is often controlled and the roads are crowded. Hotel bookings help you get through.
Does it snow in Murree on 31 December?
Not every year. Snowfall typically comes later, from late February to early March, though early winter snow does happen.
Can I go to Murree without a hotel booking on New Year night?
You may be turned back or stuck. Recent plans have favoured vehicles with confirmed bookings, so do not rely on finding a room on arrival.
Is the Murree Expressway toll the same on New Year?
The car toll is Rs 300 since 10 July 2026. Rates change each year.
Is it safe to drive to Murree in winter?
It is manageable with preparation, but the road can close quickly in snow. Check conditions, carry warm clothes and never sleep in a car with the engine running in a snowdrift.
