Square63 goes snowing and adventuring in Nathiagali.

We live in Pakistan; it is not just a statement but an exclamation of honor since our dear homeland has got some of the most breathtaking scenic places in the Northern areas of the country. The amazing part is whether you visit the hill tops in summers or winters they remain a feast for the eyes as well as a tiring yet adventurous routine for the bodies. Since we at square63 are pretty much positively adventurous not only in our professional learning but also in enjoying our recreational time so we decided to head to Nathiagali, a postcard style hilltop which is located around 100 kilometers from Islamabad and around 35 kilometers from Murree. Interestingly not many people know that both these astonishingly picturesque hilltops are in two different provinces with Murree located in Punjab and Nathiagali in Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa province of Pakistan. Nonetheless before leaving for the journey which laid two days ahead everyone was geared up for the snowy adventure.

 

The itinerary of the trip was very simple, explore and enjoy the places as much as we can over the weekend while keeping in mind that we have to be present in the office on Monday ;). The 1^st goal of the trip was to reach our hotel in Nathiagali. Luckily we did reach Nathiagali but due to heavy snowfall the road to the hotel was virtually inaccessible by car so we had to leave our van at the main market of Nathiagali and get the services of the local transporters. 

 

After settling in the hotel and all geared up we head towards a 3 hour hike towards Mushkpuri top. Although most of us were frequent walkers but still hiking on fresh snow was an experience to remember. The whole hike was overwhelmed with the amazing scenery and natural marvels. Although some of us were pretty slow but still all of us did make it to the top and enjoyed the hike thoroughly.  Tired and exhausted we descended from the other side. At this stage Tanzeel, our SEO and content executive had some pretty close encounters with the mountains by slipping frequently. Fortunately all of us came back safe and sound.

 

The next day was scheduled to be another trek but the overnight snowing in the area did provide us with another level of adventure and excitement. For most of us it was the first experience to witness snowfall and that too with such intensity. We played in the snow like kids play in water. After the previous day’s trek, the most memorable and amazing experience was the walk in the snow from our hotel to the main market of Nathiagali. With snowfall happening and everything covered in snow it was a walk to remember. Although the 2^nd day mostly involved traveling in our van but still the passing mountains and well natured people did provide us with happy memories, apart from the not-so-good food at regular stops. Having said all this, we still believe a picture is worth a thousand words. So please take a look at the collection of pictures that we have uploaded. Happy adventuring!