A Day in Ayubia: Exploring the Historic Pipeline Track

 

Hi, my name is Arslan Rafiq, and today I want to share my adventure on the Ayubia Pipeline Track. Our journey began early in the morning at 7 am from Fazalabad, Rawalpindi. After setting off, we took a brief stop after crossing Bhara Kahu for breakfast. 

By 11 am, we had arrived at Ayubia. As we commenced our hike along the Pipeline Track, we were greeted by a sudden rain shower. We decided to wait out the rain for an hour at a nearby hotel, enjoying some hot tea. By noon, the rain subsided, and we resumed our hike.

Moto Tunnel: 

Our first stop on the track was the Moto Tunnel. As I stood before this historic passage, I felt a sense of awe. Dating back over 130 years to the British colonial era, the tunnel is located within Ayubia National Park in Abbottabad District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Constructed in 1891, it was rediscovered during a plantation excavation within the park. Due to years of neglect, it had become buried under refuse. In October 2020, a restoration project led by the Ministry of Climate Change, in collaboration with the Climate Change, Forestry, Environment & Wildlife Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, meticulously restored the tunnel to its former glory. The tunnel was officially reopened on October 29, 2020. This restoration was part of the Global Environment Facility and UNDP's Sustainable Forest Management initiative, recognizing the tunnel's archaeological significance as a cultural and heritage landmark.

Pipeline Track: 

Continuing our journey along the Pipeline Track, we were captivated by the natural beauty surrounding us. The 3.5-kilometer trail follows the pipeline from Ayubia to Donga Gali and is an easy walk, typically taking 60 to 90 minutes. At an altitude of approximately 8,200 feet, the track offers a serene experience with opportunities to capture unforgettable memories amidst charming weather and nature's wonders, such as rain, sunshine, fog, and clouds.

Dunga Gali:

We arrived in Dunga Gali at 3 pm, completing our hike. Walking through this picturesque town, I couldn't help but appreciate its historical significance. Dunga Gali, one of the towns in the Galyat area of Ayubia National Park, is situated at an altitude of 2,500 meters (8,200 feet). Located within the Nathia Gali Union Council of Abbottabad District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, it is just 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) from Nathia Gali. During British rule, Dunga Gali served as a sanatorium for British soldiers and housed a hotel, church, and post office. The area was also frequented by Europeans, many of whom had homes on the southern slopes of the nearby Mukeshpuri Mountains.

Way Back Home:

After completing our hike, we had dinner at 6 pm before heading back home, arriving at 10 pm.

This day-long adventure on the Ayubia Pipeline Track was filled with historical exploration, scenic beauty, and a touch of nostalgia, making it a memorable experience for anyone who loves nature and history.