Ladies’ Day Out on the Doonga Gali Pipeline Hike

The Doonga Gali pipeline track adventure began with two coasters, a diverse group of ladies, and a weekday escape from the city heat. I was initially skeptical—so many people, different age groups, and a full day in the hills, two hours away from Islamabad. But what unfolded turned out to be one of the most refreshing and rejuvenating experiences I’ve had in a long time.

The Start

We gathered at DHA Central Park, with two more ladies joining us from I-8, Islamabad. The meet-up time was set for 7:30 a.m., and to everyone’s credit, we were on the road by 8:45. You could feel the excitement in the air.
We made a brief stop along the way to stretch our legs and gear up for the adventure that lay ahead.

Doonga Gali Pipeline Track

By 11:00 a.m., we reached Ayubia Moto Tunnel, the starting point of the historic Doonga Gali Pipeline Track.

Our tour guide, Haris ( you can contact him at 03455369969), gave us a brief history of the tunnel and the track, which were built during British rule, originally as a maintenance route for the water pipeline supplying hill stations like Murree and Nathia Gali.

Today, the trail is a peaceful hiking route, winding through pine forests, lined with different species of birds and butterflies, and towering Deodar trees—one of which we spotted proudly standing alone, reminding us why this tree is considered Pakistan’s national treasure. Deodar means “wood of the gods.

The Hike Experience

The Pipeline Track is around 4 kilometers long—flat, shaded, and ideal for all fitness levels. It took us about 1 hour and 10 minutes to complete. Since it was a weekday, the trail wasn’t crowded, allowing us to fully enjoy the beauty of our surroundings—massive trees, a cool mountain breeze, and the occasional rustle of birds we couldn’t see.

Scattered along the trail were small stalls selling tea, pakoras, and french fries. We tried them, of course—and let me tell you, those pakoras and French fries were crunchy, spicy, and perfectly satisfying.

Upon reaching Doonga Gali, our coasters picked us up and took us to our next destination.

Lunch in Nathia Gali

We planned to eat at Alpine Restaurant in Nathia Gali, nestled among the pines. The ambiance was beautiful—serene and green. There were raised levels with seating arrangements that offered lovely views.

The food was simple: chicken karahi, mixed vegetables, and sweet gulab jamuns for dessert. But after the hike, even the simplest meal felt divine. We finished it off with a strong, hot cup of tea.

 A Mindful Closure

At the end, there was a meditation session organized by the ever-thoughtful Maria of Artilious Studio. We sat in stillness under the open sky, surrounded by new friends. It grounded us, calmed us, and brought a peaceful close to an already beautiful day.

Final Thoughts

This was more than just a hike—it was a soulful retreat. A reminder that nature heals, that strangers can become friends, and that sometimes, the best thing you can do for yourself is to step away, breathe deep, and walk under tall trees.

To every woman on that trail: thank you for the laughter, warmth, and stories. Here’s to more journeys that restore the spirit.

You can also do this hike in winter

Doonga Gali Hike in winters