Peshawar — Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is gearing up to reopen one of its most scenic and historically significant trekking routes, the 66-kilometer Munro Hiking Trail, for six days of organized adventure tourism.
The announcement came after a joint meeting of the province’s Forest and Tourism departments, where officials finalized plans to make the century-old trail accessible to trekkers and nature enthusiasts once again.
A Legacy from the British Era
The Munro Trail, which winds through Mansehra’s Jabouri region, was originally carved out between 1900 and 1905 by A.V. Munro, a British-era forest conservator. What began as a horse trail connecting Kund to Kamal Ban in the Naran Valley is now being revived as a trekking and camping route for modern-day adventurers.
What the Track Offers
Stretching from Kund Bangla at 2,250 meters to the Kamal Ban Rest House, the trail meanders through lush forests, high meadows, and rugged mountain terrain that connect the Siran and Kaghan valleys. Along the way, trekkers will pass through natural attractions such as Mala Meadows, Sharan Forest, Manshi Top, and Galya/Darbei.
The route also features a series of historic rest houses—including Kund Bangla, Shaheed Pani, Nadi Bangla, Sharan, and Kamal Ban—positioned roughly a day’s walk apart, echoing the trail’s original purpose as a staging ground for long journeys.
New Plans for Eco-Tourism
The Forest Department has already upgraded parts of the trail and its facilities, while the Tourism Department is preparing to add more traveler-friendly services. According to officials, upcoming initiatives include a Tourist Facilitation Centre, local guiding services, and pony rentals to assist trekkers. Historic rest houses along the trail are also set for restoration.
A memorandum of understanding signed between the two departments aims to strengthen eco-tourism across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with the Munro Track positioned as a flagship project.
Positioning KP as a Tourism Hub
Secretary Forests Shahid Zaman described the trail as one of Pakistan’s most beautiful routes, while KP Tourism Secretary Dr. Abdul Samad noted that the project aligns with Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s vision of promoting tourism as a key provincial industry.
Officials believe the trail could attract both domestic and international adventure seekers, offering a sustainable tourism model that balances heritage preservation with economic growth for local communities.