DoubleTree by Hilton Nathiagali opens in Pakistan

Published on Aug 25, 2025, 8:35 am CDTUpdated on Aug 25, 2025, 4:54 pm CDT

5 min read

Hilton has entered Pakistan with the launch of DoubleTree by Hilton Nathiagali, a 110-room alpine retreat in the Galiyat hills, about 85 kilometers from Islamabad. Owned and managed by The Baron Pakistan, the property places travelers near Lalazar Park, Mushkpuri Top, Miranjani Peak, and Ayubia National Park. The hotel introduces multiple dining venues, a spa, a fitness center, and an indoor infinity pool. Meeting and event spaces include two 200-guest ballrooms. Hilton Honors benefits, including Digital Key, apply for direct bookings.

Key Points

Why it matters: Hilton's first hotel in Pakistan signals confidence in the country's tourism growth.
Travel impact: Year-round mountain base near Islamabad, with quick access to Galiyat trails.
What's next: A mountain padel court, a lounge with private cinema and children's zone.
Event friendly, with two 200-guest ballrooms and smaller meeting rooms.

Snapshot

Set steps from Lalazar Park, DoubleTree by Hilton Nathiagali blends warm-wood interiors, panoramic pine-forest views, and service aimed at families, couples, and small groups. The 110 rooms include 14 suites positioned for Mushkpuri and Miranjani vistas. Dining spans a lobby Coffee Shop, Pan-Asian at Shogun, all-day global plates at Zareen, and alfresco high tea and barbecue at Lalazar Terrace Café. Wellness features a spa, a gym, and an indoor infinity pool framed by floor-to-ceiling glass. Islamabad International Airport (ISB) is the nearest gateway, with typical drive times of about two to three hours, road conditions permitting.

Background

Nathiagali sits in the Galiyat region, a classic Pakistani hill-station belt known for summer hiking and winter snow. The hotel offers a base for popular routes, including the Dunga Gali Pipeline Track and nearby St. Matthew's Church. Hilton calls the opening a milestone for its Middle East and Africa portfolio, citing Pakistan's cultural depth and scenic appeal. The move follows wider brand expansion in full-service and lifestyle flags across emerging and established markets, complementing other recent openings, such as Embassy Suites by Hilton Chattanooga Downtown opens. For Pakistan's domestic and inbound markets, the combination of recognizable branding and alpine access supports weekenders from Islamabad and longer leisure stays.

Latest Developments

Rooms, dining, and wellness at DoubleTree by Hilton Nathiagali

Guestrooms pair natural textures with modern conveniences, and suites add expanded seating and balcony outlooks over forested slopes. The culinary lineup is designed to cover casual, pan-Asian, and all-day needs, capped by terrace service for high tea or an evening barbecue. The spa program ranges from massages to holistic therapies, while the fitness center supports daily routines. The indoor infinity pool, set behind tall glass, targets year-round appeal during monsoon rain or winter chill. Hilton Honors members can unlock Digital Key, select rooms in the app, and combine Points with cash during booking.

Meetings, access, and new recreation in the Galiyat

Events are anchored by two named ballrooms, Mushkpuri and Miranjani, each accommodating up to 200 guests. Two smaller rooms, Sohni and Nouri, suit board meetings or breakouts. Technical support includes in-house audiovisual and high-speed Wi-Fi, with tailored menus for weddings and corporate functions. On the horizon, the hotel plans what it describes as Pakistan's first mountain padel court, plus a lounge with a private cinema, a children's zone, and salon services. Access is by road from Islamabad International Airport, with the 85-kilometer trip commonly taking two to three hours in mountain traffic.

Analysis

Hilton's debut in Pakistan gives the Galiyat a globally recognized flag during a period of rising domestic leisure demand. The choice of Nathiagali, rather than a primary metro core, fits a strategy that spreads full-service inventory into scenic secondary destinations while leveraging brand familiarity. For travelers, the calculus is straightforward, a known service standard, rooms with mountain views, and proximity to marquee trails. For planners, two 200-guest halls plus smaller rooms cover weddings, offsites, and retreat-style programs, which are common uses in hill-station markets.

Location also matters. Islamabad provides the nearest air hub, with onward mountain roads that shift in pace by season. Positioning the hotel near Lalazar Park and within a five-kilometer radius of Mushkpuri, Miranjani, and Ayubia enables short-haul hikes without committing to full-day transfers. The scheduled padel court and family-oriented lounge are smart for shoulder seasons, increasing reasons to stay when trail conditions vary. If Hilton adds additional Pakistan properties, this foothold should seed cross-selling and Hilton Honors stickiness across the region.

Final Thoughts

Pakistan's Galiyat blends alpine scenery, cool summer air, and snow-season intrigue, and a DoubleTree-level service standard makes the area easier to book and explain to international guests. With multiple dining options, a spa, and flexible meeting space, the property targets both weekenders and event planners. Road access from Islamabad is manageable for first-timers, and Hilton Honors perks simplify arrival. As seasonal amenities come online, expect stronger year-round demand and broader awareness of the Galiyat. For travelers mapping Pakistan's northern hills, the opening puts a clear pin on DoubleTree by Hilton Nathiagali.