History of Abbottabad

Abbottabad was a city of British India and the headquarters of Hazara Division (then a district). It was named  after Major James Abbott. Major Abbott settled this district in 1853 after the annexation of the Punjab and he became its first Deputy Commissioner. Abbottabad was  an important military cantonment and sanatorium, being the headquarters of a brigade in the second division of the northern army corps. The garrison consisted of four battalions of native infantry (Gurkhas) and four native mountain batteries^. In 1901 the population of the town and cantonment was 7764. In 1902 income averaged around Rs. 14,900 and the expenditure around Rs. 14,000. In 1903 the  income averaged Rs. 22,300, chiefly derived from octroi, while expenditure was around Rs. 18,110. The receipts and expenditure of cantonment funds during the ten years ending 1902-3 averaged Rs. 7,301. The chief public institutions were the Albert Victor unaided Anglo-Vernacular High School, a municipal Anglo-Vernacular High School and a Government dispensary.  Before leaving, Major Abbott wrote a poem titled "Abbottabad

Travel Guide to Abbottabad

From a tourist point of view abbottabad is noted for its verdant parks, gardens, golf course and pine covered hills, apart from this it is full of educational institutions and Academies. Its importance lies in the fact that it serves as an important gateway to almost all-beautiful places in Pakistan. The formidable Karakorams & the enchanting Himalayas can be approached from Abbottabad. The importance of this city has diminished with the completion of Karakoram Highway because in the past the only track available to reach the majestic Karakoram, was through Babusar Pass, which in its turn, could only be approached through Abbottabad. In spite of this development, the city continues to be a transit city for tourists. Abbottabad is the junction from where one can go to places like Hunza, Gilgit, Skardu and Indus Kohistan, of the Karakoram Range. One can easily reach Swat, Swati Kohistan, Dir and Chitral of the Hindukush Range along with Naran, Saif-ul-Muluk, Shogran and Babusar Pass of the Himalayan Range. Neelum, Lipa and Jhelum Valley of beautiful Azad Kashmir are also connected through Abbottabad.

While other hill stations are deserted during winter this place is blessed with visitors due to the bracing winter season. The place has beautiful gardens like; Jinnah Garden, Ladies Garden etc maintained by the local Cantonment Board. The splendid stretch of turf promises plenty of room for polo, football, hockey and golf. At the back of the station towards the west is the Brigade Center, which is an ideal place ideal for walks and picnic.

The Cantonment area of Abbottabad is still very British. The European bungalows, the club, the church and cemetery are still there.

Abbottabad, apart from being famous for its educational institutions and Military Academy, also serves as the gateway to almost all beautiful places in Pakistan.

The formidable Karakorams, the enchanting HImalayas and the deadly Hindukush, can also be approached from Abbottabad.

Though the importance of the city has been diminished a little by the completion of Karakoram Highway because, in the past, the only track available to reach Karakoram was through Babusar Pass, which in its turn, could only be approached through Abbottabad.

In spite of this development, the city continues to be a transit city for the tourists. Abbottabad is the junction from where one can go to places like Hunza, Gilgit, Skardu and Indus Kohistan, of the Karakoram Range. One can reach Swat, Swati Kohistan, Dir and Chitral of the Hindukush Range. And one can approach Naran, Saif-ul-Muluk, Shogran and Babusar Pass of the Himalayan Range. Neelum, Lipa and Jhelum Valley of beautiful Azad Kashmir are also connected through Abbottabad.

While other hill stations are deserted during winter this place has visitors due to the bracing winter. The place has beautiful gardens, Jinnah Garden, Ladies Garden and another garden maintained by the Cantonment Board. To the splendid stretch of turf with plenty of room for polo, football, hockey and golf. At the back of the station to the west is the Brigade Centre, ideal for walks and picnic.

The Cantonment area of Abbottabad is still very British. The European bungalows, the club, the church and cementery are still there.

Abbottabad is an hour's drive from Nathia Gali, the summer capital of the North West Frontier Province, which is from Nathia Gali to Abbottabad is about 34 km dropping steeply through the beautiful valleys with few trees to the river bed.

Abbottabad is named after its founder James Abbot, Hazara's first British Deputy Commissioner. It is at a distance of 121 km from Islamabad via Hasan Abdal. It is 1220 meters above sea level and is situated at the crossroads of most of the areas of tourist interest in Pakistan like Nathiagali, Murree, Thandiani, Kaghan valley, Swat valley, Skardu, Gilgit and Khunjrab. Taxila, one of the most important archaeological treasures of the subcontinent is not very far from here. There are two hills towering above Abbottabad, Shimla Peak and Sarban Peak. There are very fine panoramic views of the town and its surroundings from Shimla Peak. The famous Pakistan Military Academy is on the hill to the north-east side of the town. Shimla Park located on a nearby hill with a pine forest is well worth a visit. Abbottabad has still a very British air with its European style bungalows, the club, the church and the cemetery.

Abbottabad as Gateway to Silk Route.

Abbottabad is a small neat and clean town in a spacious valley surrounded by green hills. It is a popular summer resort, located at the end of Murree-Abbottabad hill tract at a height of 1,220 meters, noted for its verdant parks, gardens, golf course and pine covered hills. Abbottabad, apart from being famous for its educational institutions and Military Academy , also serves as the gateway to most beautiful places in Pakistan .

The formidable Karakorams, the enchanting Himalayas and the deadly Hindukush, can also be approached from Abbottabad. Though the importance of the city has been diminished a little by the completion of Karakoram Highway because, in the past, the only track available to reach Karakoram was through Babusar Pass , which in its turn, could only be approached through Abbottabad. In spite of this development, the city continues to be a transit city for tourists. Abbottabad is the junction from where one can go to places like Hunza, Gilgit, Skardu and Indus Kohistan, of the Karakoram Range . One can reach Swat, Swati Kohistan, Dir and Chitral of the Hindukush Range . One can approach Naran, Saif-ul-Muluk Lake , Shogran and Babusar Pass of the Himalayan Range . Neelum, Lipa and Jhelum Valley of beautiful Azad Kashmir are also connected through Abbottabad.

While other hill stations are deserted during winter this place has visitors due to the bracing winter. The place has beautiful gardens, Jinnah Garden , Ladies Garden and another garden maintained by the Cantonment Board. To the splendid stretch of turf with plenty of room for polo, football, hockey and golf. At the back of the station, to the West, is the Brigade Center , ideal for walks and picnic. The Cantonment area of Abbottabad is still very British. The European bungalows, the club, the church and cemetery are still there. Abbottabad is an hour's drive from Nathiagali, the summer capital of the North West Frontier Province , emerging steeply through beautiful valleys with trees right to the riverbed.

Ayubia Chair Lifts.

A cluster of four small hill stations of Khanaspur, Khairagali, Changlagali and Ghora Dhaka is called Ayubia and was named after former President Ayub Khan. The complex is spread over an area of 26 KM. The central place of Ghora Dhaka has Chair Lifts, which gives a panoramic and mesmerizing view of the surrounding. Ayubia is 38 KM from Abbottabad.

Dungagali.

Dungagali is a picturesque small resort situated on the slopes of the Mukshpuri hill (2,376 meters.). It commands a charming view of a series of wooded spurs projecting towards the river Jhelum on the western side. From Dungagali one can climb the 2,813 meters peak of Mukhshpuri , which is the highest point in the range. Natural springs abound on the slopes. It is 34 KM from Abbottabad.

Nathiagali.

Nathiagali is clad in pine, walnut, oak and maple trees, is the prettiest hill resort in the Galliat region. It can be approached both from Murree and Abbottabad. It is 32 KM from Abbottabad as well as from Murree. Nathiagali is 2501 meter above sea level and is surrounded by lush green lofty mountains. Breathtaking landscapes, spring water and fresh air make it one of the most peaceful hill stations in Pakistan .

Thandiani.

Thandiani means “cold” in the local language. Therefore being a cool place it got the name of “Thandiani”. It is 2,700 meters above sea level on a small plateau surrounded by pine forests. This beautiful spot can easily be approached from Abbottabad, and is 31 KM from main Abbottabad City and 25 KM from Thandiani-Nathiagali crossing. The drive takes more or less 80 minutes from Abbottabad with lovely views on both sides of the road. The road rises more than 1,219 meters above Abbottabad. On the way along with tall majestic pine trees you come across groups of monkeys. The major place on the way is Kalapani at 23 KM from Abbottabad. It has a beautiful local Dak bungalow. Hule Ka Danna is about two KM North of Thandiani. It is one of the most beautiful glades in the region

Back to home page