The Balaj cottages

Overview

Up in Birmi Gali, a quieter fold of Nathia Gali, The Balaj Cottages offers a nightly stay pitched between PKR 7,000 and PKR 13,000 per day — a middle-ground range that works for a weekend escape or a ... read more

Up in Birmi Gali, a quieter fold of Nathia Gali, The Balaj Cottages offers a nightly stay pitched between PKR 7,000 and PKR 13,000 per day — a middle-ground range that works for a weekend escape or a slightly longer stretch in the hills. The standout comfort here is an on-site cook, meaning guests can eat home-style meals without heading out to find a restaurant along the winding roads, which counts for a lot when the evenings turn cold and dark early. The Abbottabad area stays within reach as well: COMSATS Abbottabad is roughly 19 kilometres from the door and Ayub Medical just over 19, useful bearings for anyone driving up from the town or needing to slip back down. Its spot in Birmi Gali leans toward the calmer side of Nathia Gali, away from the busier stretches, which suits travellers who came up for the quiet as much as the scenery. Settle in, let the kitchen handle dinner, and spend the days out on the forest trails and viewpoints the area is known for.