Overview: What Is Patriata (New Murree)?
Patriata, popularly known as New Murree, is a hill station about 15 km southeast of Murree and roughly 60–65 km from Islamabad. Sitting near 2,300 m (about 7,500 ft) above sea level, it's one of the highest points in the Murree region and stays noticeably cooler than the city below — even in peak summer.
The reason most visitors come here isn't the town itself, but the chairlift and cable car system that carries riders up over dense pine forest to viewpoints overlooking the Murree hills and, on a clear day, distant peaks toward Kashmir. It's widely considered one of the longest and most scenic lift rides in Pakistan.
Quick Snapshot
| Location | Patriata (New Murree), Punjab, Pakistan |
|---|---|
| Distance from Murree | ~15 km (20–30 min drive) |
| Distance from Islamabad | ~60–65 km (1.5–2 hrs) |
| Elevation | ~2,300 m (7,500 ft) |
| Ride duration | ~10–15 minutes one way |
| Best for | Families, photographers, first-time visitors |
| Operating hours | Typically 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (seasonal, weather dependent) |
🚠 The Chairlift & Cable Car: What to Expect
The lift system at Patriata combines an open chairlift and an enclosed cable car (gondola), giving visitors a choice depending on comfort level and budget. Both routes follow the same corridor over pine-covered slopes, climbing toward a ridge-top viewpoint with panoramic valley views.
- Chairlift: Open-air seating, best for photography and the full mountain-breeze experience.
- Cable car: Enclosed cabins, more comfortable for children, elderly visitors, or anyone uneasy with heights.
- The ride passes over forest canopy and small valleys before reaching the upper station and viewpoint.
- On clear days, riders can see across the Murree hills and toward the Kashmir mountain range in the distance.
💵 Ticket Prices (Approximate)
Rates are set locally and change with season, fuel costs, and demand, so treat these as a planning estimate rather than a fixed price:
- Chairlift (one-way or return): roughly PKR 300–600 per person
- Cable car (one-way or return): roughly PKR 500–1,000 per person
- Combined chairlift + cable car packages may also be available at the ticket counter
*Always confirm the current price board at the ticket counter — this guide gives a general range, not an official tariff.
🏞️ Things to Do at Patriata
Ride the Chairlift & Cable Car
The main draw — plan at least an hour for queueing and the round trip.
Forest Trail Walks
Short walking trails wind through pine forest near the upper station.
Viewpoint Photography
The ridge-top viewpoint offers some of the best panoramic shots in the region.
Horse Riding
Occasionally available near the base station, especially in peak season.
Local Tea Stalls & Cafés
Small cafés near the base and top serve chai, snacks, and light meals.
Family Picnics
Open grassy patches near the base make for an easy family picnic stop.
🗓️ Best Time to Visit Patriata Chairlift
- Summer (May–August): Cooler than Islamabad and Rawalpindi, clear skies for valley views, and the busiest season overall.
- Winter (December–February): Snowfall transforms the area into a white landscape — beautiful, but the lift may pause temporarily during heavy snow or high wind.
- Spring & Autumn: Fewer crowds, mild weather, and often the most comfortable time for photography.
- Time of day: Weekday mornings have noticeably shorter queues than weekend afternoons.
🚗 How to Get to Patriata from Murree & Islamabad
- From Islamabad, take the Murree Expressway toward Murree (~60–65 km, 1.5–2 hrs depending on traffic).
- From Murree's Mall Road, follow the Patriata/Kohala road southeast for about 15 km (20–30 minutes).
- Parking is available near the base station, though it fills up quickly on weekends and holidays.
- Public transport options are limited — most visitors arrive by private car, rented van, or ride-hailing service from Murree or Rawalpindi.
🧭 Travel Tips for Visiting Patriata
Go Early
Arrive before 11 AM to avoid the longest queues, especially on weekends.
Pack Warm Layers
Temperatures at the top can be several degrees cooler and windier than the base.
Check for Fog
Heavy fog or high winds occasionally pause operations — check conditions before you drive up.
Carry Cash
Ticket counters and small food stalls near the site may not always accept cards.
⛰️ Nearby Attractions Worth Combining
Patriata pairs well with other stops along Murree Road if you're planning a full day out. Consider combining your chairlift visit with these nearby spots:
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Patriata chairlift ticket price?
Prices vary by season and ride type (chairlift only, cable car, or combined). Expect roughly PKR 300 to 1,000 per person on average. Always confirm the current rate at the ticket counter before riding, since prices change over time.
How far is Patriata from Murree?
Patriata (New Murree) is about 15 km southeast of Murree and roughly 60–65 km from Islamabad — usually a 20–30 minute drive from Murree's Mall Road.
What is the best time to visit the Patriata chairlift?
Weekday mornings offer the shortest queues year-round. Summer (May–August) is best for clear valley views, while December–February brings snow-covered scenery, though the lift can pause in high winds or heavy snowfall.
Is the Patriata cable car safe for kids and elderly visitors?
The enclosed cable car cabins are generally considered family-friendly and suitable for most ages. The open chairlift needs a bit more caution for very young children or anyone uneasy with heights, so many families choose the cable car instead.
How long is the Patriata chairlift and cable car ride?
The full ride over the pine-covered slopes typically takes around 10 to 15 minutes one way, making it one of the longer chairlift and cable car routes in Pakistan.
👉 Also read: Islamabad to Murree Distance & Travel Time · Best Places to Visit Near Murree Road