Clip-clop through clouds: Horses carry tourists across Ayubia–Nathiagali’s rain-kissed trails

By Fakhar-e-Alam

PESHAWAR, Apr 03 (APP): The forested hills of Nathiagali and Ayubia turned into a living postcard on Friday, as intermittent rains and bursts of sunshine amid rainbow transformed the region into a spring wonderland.

Tourists alongwith families poured in from across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab provinces, drawn by snow-kissed pines, trout-filled streams, and the promise of a nature-tinged weekend.

Low-hanging clouds rolled over the Hamaliya mountain range, bringing heavy showers on Friday that gave way to sunlight glinting off the snowy landscape amid beautiful rainbow.

 Against this backdrop of Nathiagali’s snow clad hills, horses clip-clopped along powdery trails, carrying excited tourists through the historic Ayubia–Nathiagali route and offering a journey that felt both timeless and magical.

For horse riders like Umar Khan, the season has brought both joy and income.

 “Ayubia turns into a spring wonderland. We have never seen so many visitors at this time of year,” he said. “The rainfall–sunshine interplay gives these rides a magical feel.

Tourists want to experience the colonial era snow tracks between forests of Nathiagali-Ayubia, the silence, the rain, and even chances of snowfall—all in one trip.”

Visitors engaged in a variety of activities—from snow games and trout tasting to scenic chairlift rides and hiking. Adventure seekers glided over dense pine forests on the three-kilometer Ayubia chairlift, landing near the picturesque Mukeshpuri Top.

“Riding on horses, chairlift and sharing photographs on social media make my visit to Aybia memorable” said Riaz Ul Haq, a tourist from Nowshera.

The 63 year old tourist said that t is my fifth visit to Aybia and whenever he came here take a ride on the chairlift and horse ride on Ayubia-Nathiagali trail.

Advising people to bring warm cloths,  he said the rains turned weather cold amid snowy peaks.

He said Pakistan can earn substantial revenue by highlighting such beautiful places through social media and magazines write ups.

Others preferred the slower, scenic horse rides along the four-kilometer historic trail, soaking in the seasonal beauty at every step.

The tourist surge also proved a boon for local photographers. White valleys contrasting with dark pine forests created perfect backdrops for families, couples, and groups eager to capture memories.

 “This spring has brought us joy, especially in April due to pleasant weather,” said Zeeshan, a local photographer. “People want professional photos with horses, lakes and snowy backgrounds. We have been busy all week.”

Ayubia National Park continues to charm nature lovers. Home to 203 bird species including golden eagles, falcons, koklas, and kaleej pheasants of 104 plant species like the national tree deodar, and 35 wildlife species including foxes and leopards, the park’s melodic birdcalls echo through valleys like Khanspoor, Dongagali, Changagali, and Thandyani.

Popular hiking trails, such as Dunga Gali, Ayubia, Miranjani, and Mukeshpuri Top, reward trekkers with sweeping views of Azad Kashmir, Galiyat belt, Harnoi, and the Jhelum River.

The provincial government is also working to strengthen tourism infrastructure in Upper KP, anticipating a rush of summer visitors.

Interest-free loans of up to Rs3 million are being offered to residents for building or repairing tourist accommodations.

In addition, the world’s longest and highest 14-kilometer cable car is planned to link Kumrat Valley in Upper Dir with Madaklasht Valley in Lower Chitral, expected to draw millions of tourists once completed.

Amid falling rains and bustling trails, local horse riders and photographers are not just witnessing the season’s beauty but they are also earning a livelihood while creating unforgettable experiences for visitors.

 In Ayubia–Nathiagali, spring arrives not only with flowers and sunshine but with the rhythmic clip-clop of horses and the laughter of tourists carried across the clouds and rains.