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Located north of Islamabad, Abbottabad town has lofty peaks and pine-scented air. Among Pakistan's towns and cities, Abbottabad -- small, neat, and clean in a spacious valley -- is a rarity. Apart from being famous for its educational institutions and Pakistan Military Academy, Abbottabad also serves as the gateway to some most stunning sites in Pakistan. While other hill stations are deserted during winter this place has visitors due to its bracing weather all year around. The town has beautiful gardens tall, tree-lined roads: and splendid stretches of turf with plenty of room for polo, football, hockey, and golf.

At 1,250 meters above sea level, Abbottabad lies below the lush pines of the Murree Hills. The importance of the town has been diminished a little after the completion of Karakorum highways because, in the past, the only track available to reach Karakorum was through Babusar pass, which could only be approached through Abbottabad. Despite this development, it continues to be a transit town for those who want to venture to northern areas of Pakistan. Abbottabad is the junction point from where one can go to places like Hunza, Gilgit, Skardu, and Indus Kohistan of the Karakorum Range. One can also reach Swat, Dir, and Chitral of the Hindukush Range or can approach Naran, Lake Saif-ul-Muluk, Shogran, and Babusar Pass of the Himalayan Range. Neelum, Lipa, and Jhelum Valleys are also connected through Abbottabad. It is where the hills start.