Danoi Top, an Amazing Alternate to Murree

Описание: Danoi Top & Beyond – A Traveler’s Guide to Murree’s Quiet Side

A concise, practical guide covering Danoi Top, Simly Dam, Lehtrar, Kotli Sattian, Karore, Patriata & Murree

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Quick Snapshot
• Region: Kotli Sattian / Murree Hills (near Islamabad)
• Best time to visit: April–June & September–October
• Terrain: Pine forests, ridges, occasional steep jeep tracks and viewpoints
• Travel style: Day trips, short treks, picnics, light camping

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Danoi Top (Danoi Forest Rest House)

A peaceful ridge-top viewpoint and historic forest rest house (built 1928) surrounded by tall pines. Danoi is a launching point for the Panjpeer/Danoi ridge treks; on clear days you can see ranges including Murree and nearby peaks.
Access: Hike/jeep track from Lehtrar rest house; vehicle access past Karore on some routes.

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Simly Dam

An 80m high earthen embankment dam on the Soan River, about 30–40 km east of Islamabad. Simly Dam supplies drinking water to Islamabad and rests in a scenic valley ideal for picnics and photography.

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Lehtrar (Lethrar)

A narrow valley and village acting as the gateway to Danoi hikes. Lehtrar houses a British-era rest house and is located roughly 29–30 km from Islamabad.

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Kotli Sattian & Karore

Kotli Sattian is the district/area hub with forest trails and quiet villages. Karore (Karor) is a small valley settlement and common stopover on routes toward Danoi Top and Patriata.

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Patriata (New Murree) & Murree

Patriata (New Murree) features chairlift and cable-car attractions and is a developed resort. Murree is the well-known hill-station with hotels, bazaars, and dining options—useful for supplies before heading to quieter spots.

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Routes to Danoi Top

From Islamabad/Rawalpindi:
Islamabad → Barakahu → Lehtrar → Kotli Sattian → Karore → Danoi Top
• Distance: ~70–80 km
• Terrain: road and jeep tracks
• Allow a half to full day for the round trip

From Murree/Patriata:
Murree → Patriata → Karore → Danoi Top
• Distance: 30–45 km depending on route
• Best as a detour from Murree

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Attractions Near Danoi Top
• Panjpeer Rocks and Shrine: Scenic viewpoint & popular trekking target on the Danoi ridge
• Danoi Forest Rest House (1928): Great picnic and hiking base
• Lehtrar Valley & Neela Sandh: Waterfall and nature walks
• Patriata Chairlift & Cable Car: Panoramic hillside rides
• Simly Dam: Calm reservoir and picnic photography spot

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Practical Suggestions — Food, Clothing & Weather

Food & Water:
Limited eateries along remote stretches. Karore and Kotli Sattian have dhabas and tea stalls. Carry water, snacks, and a packed lunch for full-day trips.

Clothing:
Layered clothing is essential.
• Summer: Mild days, cool evenings – light fleece/jacket.
• Winter (Nov–Feb): Cold with possible snow – heavy jackets, gloves, waterproof boots.

Footwear & Gear:
Sturdy hiking shoes or ankle boots for uneven jeep tracks. Carry a small daypack, rain cover, sunscreen, hat, and basic first-aid kit.

Weather:
Highlands are cooler than Islamabad; temperatures range from 5°C–25°C depending on the season. Check local forecasts before travel.

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Suggested Day Trip Itinerary

Option A — From Islamabad (Full Day):
• Early morning drive to Simly Dam (enjoy viewpoints & quick picnic)
• Continue to Lehtrar; start short hike/jeep ride to Danoi Forest Rest House
• Afternoon: Visit Panjpeer ridge viewpoints
• Return via Karore to Islamabad

Option B — From Murree (Half-Day to Full-Day):
• Morning at Patriata chairlift
• Drive to Karore and Danoi Top for quieter hill views
• Return to Murree for dinner/shopping on Mall Road

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Safety & Local Etiquette
• Respect private property and local customs; ask before camping.
• Mobile coverage may be patchy; inform someone of your plan and carry a power bank.
• Carry out all rubbish; avoid loud music in forested areas.
• For fishing or boating at Simly Dam, check for official permissions.

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Sources Consulted
• Simly Dam — Wikipedia entry (general facts and stats)
• Danoi Forest Rest House / Kotli Sattian — Local tourism and trekking sources
• Panjpeer Rocks / Danoi Ridge — Trekking blogs and travel reports
• Patriata Chairlift — Local visitor info pages


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