A restaurant In The Water - Namli Mera, Nathia Gali

 

Lo and behold! Finally, a place fit for family and friends to enjoy a nice cup of tea and some pakoras next to running water straight from the mountains! If you have ever been to Naran Kaghan, you have probably witnessed the hotels and tea stalls that place seats in the cold running water from the glaciers for the people to enjoy their tea and biscuits. Well! Namli Mera is somewhat of a closer alternative; you no longer have to drive 5-6 hours for a spot like that.

Situated past the route that goes to Miranjani’s hiking track starting point, Namli Mera is a beautiful location with a waterfall and flowing water. The road seems to be partially under construction but cars can easily pass through. My initial impression of the place seemed eerie as the route toward Namli Mera is quite deep into the forest; it might not be practical to visit during the evening as it gets completely dark and there were boards of leopard sightings nearby as well. However, after I reached the tourist point, it was simply majestic.

There is a series of small and large waterfalls; there is a steep road that goes to the top and a hotel is located at the dead end. This hotel also provides seating in the running water as well as rooms for overnight stays. Namli Mera’s food was just as good as its views; do enjoy the hotels’ pakoras and chai. If you are too tired due to consistent traveling, and this advice is especially for those coming from afar, there are beds available within the water that you can rest on. Listening to the sound of the running water and the waterfalls in junction with the coo of the quail was a mesmerizing experience.

If you want the best of this place, remember to visit it during the monsoon season when it is not raining or just before winter, or immediately during Spring to avoid crowdedness. The road is rather easy to find and a quick google maps location can get you there. You won’t have to ask the locals for directions. Visiting Namli Mera before the evening was a mistake as the place is pitch dark and it gets quite scary as the sun sets; the place is covered with mountains on all four sides so even moonlight is barely available for a few hours at night.

If you are a waterfall lover and a person who generally likes the sound of running water, then Namli Mera is the perfect place for you. Sipping on tea while chatting with friends was a pleasant feeling that I would forever be down to experience again. There is also a hiking trek above Namli Mera – visible when tracking the direction of the water to the top – that really does not lead to anywhere specified but it could be an adventure for you to explore. Please, do not litter in these places, and remember to bring trashcan bags to collect your waste materials. Do remember to tip the locals working at the restaurants as waiters and ushers.