Murree Beyond Mall Road: Hidden Gems
While thousands crowd onto Murree's commercial Mall Road each weekend, the hill station's true magic lies in its secret spots - colonial-era viewpoints forgotten by time, forest trails known only to locals, and tea houses serving generations-old recipes with panoramic Himalayan views.
Why Go Offbeat?
- Experience Murree without crowds
- Discover authentic colonial history
- Find perfect solitude in nature
- Support local businesses
Local Insights
- All spots within 10km of Mall Road
- Accessible year-round
- Free or minimal costs
- Safe for solo travelers
1. Kashmir Point - The British Governor's Secret
Why It's Special
Established in 1860 as the private sunset viewpoint for British governors, Kashmir Point offers identical Himalayan vistas to Patriata but with Victorian-era flower gardens and absolute tranquility.
The stone viewing platform was designed so the governor's wife could sketch the mountains without sun glare, creating perfect lighting conditions even today.
How to Find It
Walk past GPO Building on Mall Road → Follow "Kashmir Point" sign uphill (10 min walk)

Best Time: 4-6PM for golden light
Don't Miss
- The hidden Anglican cemetery with fascinating colonial-era epitaphs
- Original stone benches with 19th-century carvings
- Wild strawberries growing along paths (June-July)
Local Secret
The caretaker's family has maintained the gardens since 1923. For Rs. 100 tip, they'll show you the "Governor's Seat" - a perfect photo spot hidden by hydrangea bushes.
2. Pindi Point's Forgotten Ridge Trail
The Hidden Hike
While tourists queue for the crowded chairlift, few notice the unmarked trail behind Pindi Point's ticket booth that winds through old-growth pine forest to a secluded ridge with 270° views.
The 40-minute moderate hike follows the original British foresters' path, with occasional sightings of Himalayan foxes and golden eagles.
Trail Details
Distance: 1.5km roundtrip | Elevation Gain: 200m | No facilities

Landmark: Look for the triple-trunk pine tree
3. Sunny Bank - Murree's Time Capsule
Colonial Grandeur
This 1865 British bungalow near Ghora Gali hosted Rudyard Kipling and other luminaries. Its original furnishings, creaky wooden floors, and wraparound veranda remain untouched by modernization.
The 5-acre property includes what many consider Murree's finest mountain vista - a sweeping lawn where guests can enjoy tea while watching the weather change over the Himalayas.
Visiting Tips
Open daily 9AM-5PM | Rs. 300 entry fee | No commercial photography

Unique Feature: Original 19th-century telescope on veranda
4. The Original Murree Brewery Ruins
Industrial Archaeology
Before the famous beer company, Murree's first brewery operated in this now-crumbling stone structure near Kuldana from 1856-1890. The forest has reclaimed most buildings, but adventurous explorers can still find:
- Moss-covered fermentation tanks
- The original spring water channel
- Manager's office with intact fireplace
Getting There
From Kuldana village, follow "Old Brewery Trail" markers (30 min hike each way)

Caution: Wear sturdy shoes
Local Tips for Visiting Hidden Murree
Timing Advice
- Best Months: April-June & September-November
- Weekdays: You'll likely have spots to yourself
- Mornings: Clearest views before afternoon clouds
What to Bring
- Sturdy walking shoes
- Layers (weather changes rapidly)
- Cash for small entrance fees/tips
- Reusable water bottle
Responsible Tourism
- Pack out all trash
- Respect closed areas
- Support local tea stalls
- Share locations discreetly
Final Thoughts
These hidden spots reveal Murree as it existed before mass tourism - peaceful, majestic, and rich with history. By venturing beyond Mall Road, you'll not only escape the crowds but help preserve alternative economies that sustain local families.
As you explore, remember you're walking in the footsteps of colonial officers, independence activists, and generations of hill station lovers who all sought the same thing: breathtaking beauty and a respite from the plains below.

Pro Tip: Carry a notebook - these views inspire reflection