A hut in the hills

interior

This week You! takes a look at the quaint interior of the unique and picturesque resort on top of a hill in Galiat, near Nathiagali...

Today’s hectic life calls for a break every once in a while. Not only does it help one relax and rejuvenate but it also refuels one’s energies. But where does one go to sooth their senses and get in touch with nature again? Nothing beats our serene and scenic northern areas. And a hut, ‘Gali’s End’, on top of a hill near Nathiagali made with bricks and stones and traditional woodwork seems like a perfect getaway. ‘Gali’s End’ is a beautiful resort with four huts on top of a hill in Galiat, near Kalabagh. It’s really in the middle of nowhere and that is what makes it so unique. Secluded from the city of Nathiagali and its main market, the resort offers an experience like no other. Its placement, architecture and ambiance make sure the guests have an unforgettable experience. Every hut opens in to a private lawn with a breathtaking expansive view of the valley.

The resort offers the tranquillity of life in the hills, which takes you away from the tensions of everyday life and offers you a well-deserved break. With idyllic views for as far as the eye can see, you can enjoy a barbeque in the lawn outside the hut whilst listening to music and playing cards with your friends. In the morning, you can enjoy a homemade breakfast in the garden with pine trees and birds singing in the background.

While the exterior is stones and bricks with immense greenery in the background, the indoors are equally aesthetic. There is a huge influence of wooden walls inside the huts and the furniture is made of a beautiful shade of brown wood. Ethnic rugs and cushions are placed here and there to accentuate the traditional feel. Every room has huge windows that overlook the greenery and the valley. And there are times when it feels like the hut is in the clouds.

The resort is the brainchild of Late Retired Col. Aleem Afridi, who began the challenging construction in 1998. Back then, there was no water supply in the area and the material would be dropped off on the main road and labourers would carry it atop the hill. Initially, only a two-bedroom hut was built and the rest came much later.

According to Col. Afridi’s daughter, Aliya Ghaffar, who is also the interior decorator of the place, when the first hut was made, they thoroughly enjoyed the view from its rooftop. “The second hut was made just to see how the view would look from an even higher rooftop and that is exactly how the third and fourth storey came,” she says.

By 2003, the huts were ready but there was no road or track that led to the spot. “It used to be a long hike, making one feel like they have reached the end of Galiyat and this is why it was named Gali’s End,” adds Ghaffar.

When asked why the hut has such a huge influence of wood and bricks, she said that this style suits the mountains and they couldn’t think of any other way to do it. Col. Aleem Afridi was experienced in mountain construction and this project was his passion through which he tried to merge architecture with nature. “I think he attempted to see where the sun rises from and where it sets and tried to capture it from every apartment,” shares Ghaffar.

Regarding the inspiration behind the place, she reveals, “It was basically from the views in the area and the deep need to get away from the busy hustle and bustle of the hectic daily lives - to have some quiet and serene time to breathe and reflect on things that truly matter. The resort offers clean air, the chance to soak in nature and smell the pines.” Talking about the heavy influence of bricks, stones and wood, Ghaffar said that there is something soothing and comforting in using wood, brick and stone in the interior of a cottage or hut. “We feel like we have brought a little bit of nature inside with us.”

The ethnic feel of the hut including the traditional rugs and plants are a reflection of Ghaffar’s personal taste and style, but she believes that the big windowpanes have been deliberately designed to capture the views from the inside. “During the monsoon season, one can get stuck in for long so the windows make it easy to enjoy the view from indoor,” she explains.

The furniture is a mixture of their family’s personal collection and some that was ordered and customized specifically keeping the ambiance of Gali’s End in mind. The idea was to place furniture that is comfortable, so it makes people feel at home but at the same time ethnic enough to complement the overall theme of the huts.

The beauty of the place lies in its location, views, ambiance and decor but also in its exclusivity. “Since it is like a personal home, we don’t treat it like a hotel. That is the experience we offer to our guests also - a home away from home. This is precisely the reason, walk-ins are not welcome and we have never marketed the place either. We only rely on word of mouth because we believe in providing an exclusive experience,” concludes Ghaffar.