Abbottabad: a popular summer resort in the midst of spacious valleys, is surrounded by green hills and located at a distance of 116 km from  Rawalpindi and 217 km from Peshawar.

It is situated at the southern corner of the Rash (Orash) plain at 1,260 m (4,120 ft) above sea level. Abbottabad has cool summers and cold winters, and it receives 200 mm (8 in) of rainfall annually. The Buddhist inscriptions of Ashoka, a ruler of ancient India who left his teachings on rocks in various places, are situated close by and indicate that the area was inhabited in early times. The area surrounding Abbottabad includes part of the mountain valleys watered by the Dor and Harroh rivers, and the hill country eastward. The city is a popular health resort. Population (1981) 32,000.

   From a tourist point of view Abbottabad is noted for its verdant parks, gardens, golf course and pine covered hills, apart from this it is full of  Academies. Its importance lies in the fact that it serves as an important gateway to almost all-beautiful northern areas in Pakistan. The formidable Karakuram & the enchanting Himalayas can be approached from Abbottabad.  The importance of this city has diminished with the completion of Karakuram Highway because in the past the only track available to reach  the majestic Karakuram, was through Babusar Pass, which in its turn, could only be approached through Abbottabad. In spite of this development, the city continues to be a transit city for tourists. Abbottabad is the junction from where one can go to places like Hunza, Gilgit, Skardu and Indus Kohistan, of the Karakuram Range. One can easily reach Swat, Swati Kohistan, Dir and Chitral of the Hindukush Range along with Naran, Saif-ul-Muluk, Shogran and Babusar Pass of the Himalayan Range. Neelum, Lipa and Jhelum Valley of beautiful Azad Kashmir are also connected through Abbottabad.

       While other hill stations are deserted during winter this place is blessed with visitors due to the bracing winter season. The place has beautiful gardens like; Jinnah Garden, Ladies Garden etc maintained by the local Cantonment Board. The splendid stretch of turf promises plenty of room for polo, football, hockey and golf. At the back of the station towards the west is the Brigade Center, which is an ideal place  for walks and picnic. The Cantonment area of Abbottabad is still very British. The European bungalows, the club, the church and cemetery are still there.