Introduction: Planning Your Weekend Getaway
Escape to Pakistan’s most beloved hill station with this carefully crafted weekend itinerary. From colonial-era charm to breathtaking mountain vistas, discover how to experience the best of Murree in just two days – with perfect timing to beat crowds and maximize your experience.
Itinerary Highlights
Day 1 Focus: Colonial heritage, Mall Road exploration, sunset viewpoints
Day 2 Focus: Nature trails, Patriata adventure, authentic local culture
Perfect For: Couples, families, and solo travelers
Best Season: April through November (snow season requires adjustments)
Key Benefits of This Itinerary
Avoids common tourist mistakes and overcrowding
Balances sightseeing with relaxation time
Includes hidden gems alongside must-see attractions
Optimized timing to experience each location at its best
“Most visitors spend just a few rushed hours in Murree. This itinerary helps you discover the hill station’s true charm by slowing down and exploring beyond the obvious spots.” – Aisha, Travel Blogger
Day 1: Classic Murree & Colonial Charm
Your first day focuses on Murree’s historic heart, with strategic timing to enjoy popular spots before crowds arrive.
7:00 AM – Departure from Islamabad
Route: Take the Islamabad-Murree Highway (60km, approximately 2-hour drive)
Travel Tip: Leave early to avoid traffic and enjoy the cool morning air
Breakfast Stop: Kala Khan Hotel in Bhara Kahu for fresh parathas (opens at 6:30 AM)
9:30 AM – Arrival & First Impressions
Parking: Secure parking at Pindi Point (Rs. 200 per day)
Morning Activity: Walk along Mall Road as shops open (least crowded time)
Must-See Attractions: Christ Church (built in 1857) and the historic Murree Brewery building
11:00 AM – Kashmir Point Exploration
Why Go: Stunning valley views without the Patriata crowds
Activity: Short nature walk along flower-lined paths
Hidden Gem: The old British cemetery with fascinating historical gravestones
1:00 PM – Lunch with a Mountain View
Recommendation: The Himalayan Restaurant near Mall Road
Must-Try Dishes: Their signature trout fish and fresh garlic naan
Alternative Option: Cafe de Bambino for Italian cuisine with valley views
Reservation Tip: Request window seats when booking your accommodation
Meal Timing: 1:00-2:30 PM (avoid the 2:00-3:00 PM lunch rush)
3:00 PM – Pindi Point & Chairlift Experience
Experience: Short scenic chairlift ride (Rs. 300 per person)
Best For: Panoramic photographs of the Jhelum Valley
Family Alternative: Children’s Park if traveling with young kids
5:00 PM – Sunset at Patriata (New Murree)
Drive Time: 30 minutes from central Murree
Golden Hour: Arrive by 5:30 PM for the best lighting
Local Pro Tip: Skip the crowded main viewpoint – ask locals for directions to “Photographer’s Rock”
7:30 PM – Dinner & Evening Stroll
Dinner Recommendation: Savour Foods for authentic Pakistani cuisine
Evening Magic: Experience Mall Road lit up with fairy lights
Perfect Nightcap: Kashmiri chai at a roadside stall
Day 2: Nature Trails & Local Experiences
Your second day ventures beyond tourist areas to discover Murree’s natural beauty and authentic culture.
6:30 AM – Sunrise at Ghora Gali
Why Go Early: Misty morning views are worth waking up for
Location: 20-minute drive from central Murree
Activity: Short walk to the Lawrence College viewpoint
8:30 AM – Breakfast in Nature
Location: Sunny Bank (historic British-era bungalow)
Experience: Outdoor breakfast with panoramic mountain views
Order Recommendation: Their famous omelets and fresh seasonal juice
10:00 AM – Ayubia National Park Adventure
Drive Time: 45 minutes through scenic mountain roads
Activities Available: Chairlift rides, hiking trails, wildlife spotting
Must-Do Activity: Trek to Mushkpuri Top (2 hours roundtrip)
1:00 PM – Village-Style Lunch Experience
Recommendation: Dunga Gali Village Restaurant
House Specialties: Organic chicken karahi and makai ki roti
Authentic Experience: Village atmosphere with traditional hospitality
Local Tip: Try their homemade rhododendron juice
Location: Conveniently located en route back from Ayubia
3:00 PM – Bhurban Resort Relaxation
Option 1: Day pass at Pearl Continental Bhurban (Rs. 2,500 with food credit)
Option 2: Leisurely walk around the Bhurban golf course
Pampering Option: Spa treatments available at PC Bhurban
5:30 PM – Last-Minute Shopping
Best Buys: Woolen shawls, handmade jewelry, local honey
Best Location: Bhurban roadside stalls (better prices than Mall Road)
Bargaining Tip: Start negotiations at 50% of the quoted price
7:00 PM – Farewell Dinner
Recommendation: The Den restaurant at PC Bhurban
Weekend Special: Live music performances on Saturdays
Alternative Option: Cafe Lazeez in central Murree
“Day two is when you’ll fall in love with Murree – when you escape the tourist bubble and discover the quiet magic of its pine forests and village life.” – Raza, Local Guide
Where to Eat in Murree
Best Fine Dining Options
The Den (PC Bhurban): International cuisine with live weekend music
Himalayan Restaurant: Renowned for fresh trout dishes and mountain views
Residency Hotel Restaurant: Colonial ambiance with quality dining
Best Local Eats
Savour Foods: Authentic Pakistani flavors at reasonable prices
Murree Coffee House: Cozy spot for breakfast and coffee
Roadside Corn Stalls: Must-try roasted corn with local spices
Best Restaurants with Views
Cafe de Bambino: Italian cuisine with stunning valley vistas
Sunny Bank: Historic bungalow with terrace dining
Pindi Point Cafeteria: Quick snacks with panoramic mountain views
Dining Pro Tips for Murree
Timing: Book dinner by 6:00 PM to avoid long waits
Budget Range: Meals typically range from Rs. 800-3,000 per person
Must-Try Foods: Trout fish, corn bread, and authentic Kashmiri chai
Hidden Gem: Ask locals about “dhabas” for the most authentic local flavors
Where to Stay in Murree
Luxury Accommodation Options
Pearl Continental Bhurban: 5-star hotel with golf course access
The Residency Hotel: Colonial charm meets modern comfort
Hotel One Murree: Centrally located with comprehensive amenities
Mid-Range Hotel Choices
Hilltop Hotel: Great mountain views at reasonable prices
Al-Haram Hotel: Clean, comfortable rooms near Mall Road
Pine View Hotel: Cozy atmosphere with friendly service
Budget-Friendly Stays
PTDC Motel: Government-run reliable option
New Shalimar Hotel: Basic but clean accommodation
Backpackers Hostel: Dorm-style affordable lodging
“Book at least 2 weeks in advance for weekends, 2 months for holiday periods. Many good hotels don’t appear on booking sites – call directly for better rates.”
Essential Weekend Trip Tips for Murree
Packing List Essentials
Warm clothing layers (even during summer months)
Comfortable walking shoes for uneven terrain
Power bank for charging devices (frequent power outages)
Sufficient cash (many establishments don’t accept cards)
Transport and Navigation Advice
Arrive before 10:00 AM to secure parking
Consider hiring a local driver for Day 2 explorations
Metro buses available from Islamabad as an alternative to driving
Cultural Considerations
Dress modestly when visiting areas outside tourist zones
Ask permission before photographing local residents
Note that Friday prayer times may affect business opening hours
Final Thoughts on Your Murree Weekend
This itinerary balances must-see attractions with authentic local experiences, all while avoiding the crowds that overwhelm Murree on weekends. The key is starting early, booking key meals and activities in advance, and allowing flexibility for weather changes or unexpected discoveries.
Murree reveals its true beauty when you move beyond the souvenir shops and crowded viewpoints. Follow this guide to create a weekend getaway that feels both exciting and restorative – the perfect mountain escape just hours from Islamabad.
Remember: The journey through the mountains is often as beautiful as the destination itself.
