Hill resorts see influx of families amid freezing temperatures

Punjab gave 21 holidays to shield students from cold, but families instead travelled to far colder regions

As winter holidays were announced across Punjab to protect students from cold, fog and smog, families instead travelled from comparatively warmer areas to regions experiencing extreme cold and snowfall.

With the start of winter, government and private schools, colleges, universities and academies across Punjab were given 21 holidays.

However, instead of avoiding cold and smog, students, parents and teachers headed to much colder regions, including Murree, Kalam Valley, Galiyat, Malam Jabba and Swat.

Students, parents and teachers have now demanded an additional week of winter holidays. Meanwhile, as severe cold and snowfall began, families from Murree, Galiyat and Malam Jabba moved to Rawalpindi, Islamabad and Peshawar to protect children from extreme weather.

ملکہ کوہسار مری میں سال نو کی پہلی برفباری
نتھیا گلی سے حامد ظفر کی رپورٹ#Murree #FirstSnowfall #NewYear2026 #QueenOfHills #NathiaGali #WinterTourism #PakistanScenery pic.twitter.com/sbEsvlsLV8

— APP (@appcsocialmedia) January 1, 2026

In Murree, Galiyat and Malam Jabba, winter vacations at educational institutions last from December 24 to March 5, spanning nearly two and a half months, while summer vacations are limited to two weeks.

Residents from these areas have temporarily relocated to Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Attock and Chakwal.

❄️ Extremely Beautiful scenes of Fresh Snowfall in Kalam 2 Hours ago 😍❄️🌨️❄️ pic.twitter.com/dlX3n6g5XL

— Weather Updates PK (@WeatherWupk) December 30, 2025

At the same time, families from Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sargodha and northern Punjab have arrived in Murree and Galiyat for winter holidays.

All small and large hotels, motels and rest houses in Murree and Galiyat are fully booked, with families enjoying snowfall and winter weather.