Abbottabad, a popular summer resort in the midst of spacious valleys, is surrounded by green hills and located at a distance of 116 km from Rawalpindi and 217 km from Peshawar. The city is located in a valley and is known for its pleasant weather, educational institutes of high standards and military establishments. It remains a hub of tourism in the summer.
From a tourist point of view abbottabad is noted for its verdant parks, gardens, golf course and pine covered hills, apart from this it is full of educational institutions and Academies. Its importance lies in the fact that it serves as an important gateway to almost all-beautiful places in Pakistan. The formidable Karakorams & the enchanting Himalayas can be approached from Abbottabad. The importance of this city has diminished with the completion of Karakoram Highway because in the past the only track available to reach the majestic Karakoram, was through Babusar Pass, which in its turn, could only be approached through Abbottabad. In spite of this development, the city continues to be a transit city for tourists. 
Abbottabad is the junction from where one can go to places like Hunza, Gilgit, Skardu and Indus Kohistan, of the Karakoram Range. One can easily reach Swat, Swati Kohistan, Dir and Chitral of the Hindukush Range along with Naran, Saif-ul-Muluk, Shogran and Babusar Pass of the Himalayan Range. Neelum, Lipa and Jhelum Valley of beautiful Azad Kashmir are also connected through Abbottabad.
While other hill stations are deserted during winter this place is blessed with visitors due to the bracing winter season. The place has beautiful gardens like; Jinnah Garden, Ladies Garden etc maintained by the local Cantonment Board. The splendid stretch of turf promises plenty of room for polo, football, hockey and golf. At the back of the station towards the west is the Brigade Center, which is an ideal place ideal for walks and picnic.
The Cantonment area of Abbottabad is still very British. The European bungalows, the club, the church and cemetery are still there.
Arround Abbottabad
Thandiani - meaning cool place, situated only 24Km from Abbottabad. An ideal spot for a half-day excursion. The road is surfaced in good condition and is open most of the year. The road twists and turns climbing steeply to the top (2400m) you can take a number of steep walks through the mature pine forest.
Shimla Hill, located in Abbotabad a nearby view point gives a birds eye view of Abbottabad town. Also located in Abbotabad is the famous Ilyasi Mosque - where the water from various springs is considered sacred by many of the people.
Tourism
Like much of the mountainous Northern Areas of Pakistan, tourism is one of the important sources of economic activity in Abbottabad, in summer when temperatures in the plains of Pakistan rise to well above 45 degrees Celsius , large number of tourists travel north to Abbottabad to shelter from the blistering heat. The Karakoram Highway, which traces one of the paths of the ancient Silk Road, starts from Havelian 15 km south of the Abbottabad town, and passes through the city. The Karakorum Highway is an attraction for the adventure tourists. Abbottabad is the last big town, the first mild-weather tourist city in Northern Pakistan for the tourists coming from the plains in the south.
Places of Tourism
The Karakorams, the Himalayas and the Hindukush mountains can be approached from Abbottabad. Abbottabad continues to be a transit city for tourists, serving as a base for visits to numerous nearby places, such as Hunza, Gilgit, Skardu and Indus Kohistan, of the Karakoram Range.
While other hill stations are deserted during the winter Abbottabad has visitors due to its mild winters. A cricket stadium, is located on the Murree Road. The Cantonment area of Abbottabad is still very British. The European bungalows, the club, the church and cemetery are still there. Abbottabad is an hour's drive from Nathiagali, the summer capital of the North West Frontier Province. Shmila hill, Ilyasi mosque, Lady garden and the city itself is a place where one can enjoy the every movement and liberty of life.
Taking the PMA exit rather the "Supply Road" will put you on a road which will give you pleasant view of the most beautiful area of the city. You will have to take left exit just before PMA Academy and then you will enjoy the lush green fields and extremely beautiful surrounding. Due to the lush green fields and surrounding you will feel the sudden drop in temperature and cool breeze.
The "Chinar Road" (the Maple Tree Road) is a beautiful 500 meters of the road with more than 60 years old Maple Trees on both side. The tree tops are hovering the road high above and you pass through a beautiful tunnel of trees. And during the winter season its so romantic and soothing to have a walk on this road.
Just on the outskirts of the city is a fantastic site and it takes only 15 minutes to reach there, the amazing "Harno", its an awesome place and has extremely picturesque views. Harno has high mountains which run in parallel until Nathiagali (mountains are almost 200 meters apart ) and a stream of fresh water from the mountains flowing in between these mountains. During the summers, on every weekend there is some musical event going on there or a temporary playland or zoo are the reason of tourist attraction. The best part is having some fun in the cold running stream and then having snacks at the local hotels.
