Abbottabad is popular tourist attraction because of its scenic mountains and beautiful hill stations like Ayubia, Thandiani and Galyat.
Abbottabad founded in 1853 and named after Major James Abbot, was headquarter of Hazara during British Raj. There are still few active churches in the city.
Abbottabad has been attracting tourists to the city since the colonial era, as it is a major transit point to all major tourist regions of Pakistan such as Nathiagali, Ayubia and Naran. The Karakoram Highway, which traces one of the paths of the ancient Silk Road, starts from Hasan Abdal on the N5 and heads north passing through the city, eventually reaching Khunjerab Pass. The Karakorum Highway is a major attraction itself for its views.
The Karakoram, Himalayas and the Hindu Kush ranges can be approached from Abbottabad, and it continues to be a transit city for tourists, serving as a base for visiting nearby places, such as Hunza, Gilgit, Skardu and Indus Kohistan, of the karakoram range.