For lovers of the outdoors, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is preparing to unveil a hidden gem from its colonial past. The Monroe Hiking Trail in Mansehra, once a horse track carved out during British India, is now being revived and will soon welcome trekkers again.
The decision was finalized this week in a meeting of the KP Tourism Department and the KP Forest Department, with the Culture and Tourism Authority also on board. Officials keep on saying that the trail’s reopening is considered to be the part of a wider push to promote eco-friendly adventure tourism in the province.
A Walk Through History
The Munro Trail is not just another hiking path. Between 1900 and 1905, a British officer, A. V. Monroe, developed the route as a link between Kund and Kamal Ban in the Naran Valley.
Winding through rugged mountains and thick forests, it has worked to bridge the gap between the Siran and Kaghan valleys. For locals, it became a lifeline; for today’s trekkers, it promises a rare mix of natural beauty and colonial history.
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Modern Touch, Natural Charm
After years of neglect, the KP Forest Department has restored the trail with care. Accommodation has been added at the entry point, and steps have been taken to make the journey more comfortable without disturbing the environment. The intention is to let hikers enjoy nature in its raw form while still having access to basic kind of facilities.
Boost for Tourism and Communities
Officials keep on believing the reopening could attract domestic travelers and foreign trekkers alike. Pakistan’s northern areas are already celebrated for their mountains and valleys, and the Munro Trail will add a fresh, lesser-known choice for adventure seekers.
The move offers opportunity for the nearby masses, such as for running small guesthouses and teahouses to working as guides for visiting hikers.
In this way, the revival of the trail is not only about preserving heritage, but it will also help in creating livelihoods.
A New Chapter
For anyone who sets foot on the Munro Trail, it will be more than just a hike. It’s a chance to walk a path first laid more than a century ago, surrounded by
- Whispering pines
- Sweeping valleys
- The quiet promise of discovery