A Different Side of Murree
Lower Topa sits at roughly 7,000 feet, about 15 kilometres from Murree's main hills on the side closer to Patriata. Where Mall Road hums with shops and crowds, Lower Topa is defined by dense pine forest, a cool, settled climate, and a quiet cantonment-town character that dates back to the colonial era.
The area is best known today for PAF College Lower Topa, a Pakistan Air Force boarding school established in 1952 that gives the settlement its identity. Beyond that landmark, Lower Topa is less a checklist of attractions and more a place to slow the trip down — a scenic drive, a quiet walk in the pines, and mountain views that are especially striking once the snow arrives.
Routes to Lower Topa
There's more than one way to reach Lower Topa, and each route makes for a different kind of drive.
From Murree's Main Hills
- The most straightforward route, following the road out from central Murree toward Patriata.
- Roughly 15 km, giving you a chance to pass through pine forest and quieter settlements on the way.
- Easy to combine with a Patriata or Kashmir Point visit on the same day.
The Nilore–Simli Dam Route (from Islamabad)
- An alternate drive from Islamabad via Nilore and Simli Dam, joining the main road at Lower Topa.
- Known for breathtaking scenery and a refreshing mountain drive — a favourite for those who want the journey to be part of the trip.
- Carry a printed map or offline GPS, since this route is less signed than the main Islamabad–Murree road.
Combined with a Patriata Visit
- Lower Topa sits close to Patriata (New Murree), roughly 15 km from the main Murree hills on the same side.
- A natural pairing if you're already heading to the Patriata chairlift and cable car.
- Traffic on this side tends to be lighter than the direct Mall Road approach.
Cantonment Roots
Lower Topa's character traces back to the early 20th century, when the British government built military installations and cantonments in the hills around Murree — including Barian, Upper and Lower Topa, Gharial, Kuldana and Kalabagh — alongside a number of English-medium schools for the families stationed there.
That military heritage continues today through PAF College Lower Topa, an all-boys Pakistan Air Force boarding school established in 1952. The college isn't open to visitors, but its hilltop campus and the surrounding institutional quiet are very much what give Lower Topa its distinct, settled feel compared to the rest of Murree.
What to Do in Lower Topa
Hiking
Quiet forest trails around the settlement make for an easy, unhurried walk without the crowds of Mall Road.
Bird Watching
The dense pine cover supports a good variety of birdlife — bring binoculars if you're keen.
Picnicking
Open, forested spots make Lower Topa a natural picnic stop, especially if you're driving through rather than staying.
Scenic Photography
Snow-dusted pines in winter and layered green ridgelines in summer both make for strong, uncrowded photo spots.
Best Time to Visit
Winter is when Lower Topa is at its most striking — snow-capped peaks and frosted pine forest make it one of the best spots near Murree to take in a proper mountain winter scene. Roads can be slick, so drive carefully and check conditions before you set out.
Summer brings a cool, pleasant escape from the plains below, with the pine forest offering shade and quiet even on busier travel weekends elsewhere in Murree.
Monsoon season adds fog and mist to the forested slopes, which can be atmospheric but also makes the approach roads slower and slicker — worth factoring into your schedule.
Accommodation Near Lower Topa
Lower Topa's own lodging options range from simple guesthouses to more comfortable resort-style stays, generally quieter than anything on Mall Road itself. Many visitors instead base themselves in central Murree or near Patriata and treat Lower Topa as a scenic stop along the drive — either approach works well depending on whether you want a quiet overnight stay or just a peaceful detour.
Nearby Places
Patriata (New Murree)
The area's biggest chairlift and cable car system, an easy pairing with a Lower Topa detour.
Upper Topa
Sits at a similar elevation close by, home to Military College Murree.
Kuldana
A pine-forested stretch of the Murree hills, roughly 7,500 ft, on the way back toward town.
Murree / Mall Road
Back to the busier heart of Murree for shopping, food and the main viewpoints.
Visitor Tips
Set expectations for a quiet visit
Lower Topa suits travelers looking for scenery and calm, not markets or ticketed attractions.
Fuel up before the drive
Options thin out on the quieter approach roads, especially via Nilore–Simli.
Carry an offline map
Signage on the alternate Islamabad routes can be sparse — a downloaded map or GPS helps.
Drive carefully in winter
Snow and ice on these forested stretches build up fast — reduce speed and increase following distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Roughly 7,000 feet, similar in elevation to nearby Upper Topa, giving it a cool climate year-round.
Roughly 15 kilometres from the main Murree hills, on the side closer to Patriata (New Murree).
No. It's an active military boarding school and not open to public visitors, though it remains a notable landmark that gives the area its character.
Winter is especially popular for the snow-capped mountain views, while summer offers a cool, quiet escape from the heat. Monsoon season can bring fog and slippery roads.
Yes — the alternate route via Nilore, Simli Dam and Lower Topa is a popular scenic drive, and Lower Topa connects easily to both Patriata and the main Murree hills.
It's best suited to a quieter kind of visit — hiking, bird watching, picnicking, and enjoying the pine forest and cool air, rather than ticketed attractions or busy markets.