Day 2:
The previous night we had decided to leave Multan at around 8 am after breakfast. Fajar time starts much before 4 am in Multan, so we were up at the crack of dawn and after Fajar we decided to have an early breakfast. Nothing is more satisfying than garma garam parathaas and omelette with karhak chai, of course.
We were on our way at 6:53 am. Topped up the fuel before hitting M4. At around 10 am we stopped at the Go rest area to freshen up. The new concept of executive toilets is just zabardast. Remember to keep some change as they charge Rs. 50 per visit. After a 20 mins pitstop, we were back on M4 headed to Islamabad.
Bhera was where we took our second break at 11:30 am. It was time to freshen up and grab some early grub. Got ourselves a family deal at McDonald’s. Shukar Alhamdolillah!
So, with an early breakfast and an early lunch, we were finally on our way to Islamabad… and beyond. It was my turn to drive, and my first time on the motorway on this trip. What a pleasure. By Allah swt grace and blessings, we drove past Islamabad and up to the mountains all the way to our surprise destination. More about that in a moment.
Being a Sunday there was some traffic but we managed to reach our destination in Bhurban by around 4 pm. Note of caution, following Google may not always lead you to the most appropriate route, as we learnt the hard way. The route recommended by Google looked fairly simple on the map but in actuality, it could have been done without any hassles had I been behind the wheel of a 4x4. We drove up the steep inclines till my car and I could manage, but then my nerves gave up. I decided to tread back to the route I should have taken in the first place, via Jhika Gali.
I wish I had seen the Hotel's message earlier, which would have saved us from some anxious moments. As they say, you have to strive to achieve something great. And had it not been for my wrong turn, I would not have realized the beauty of this gem of a place, which is off the beaten track in Bhurban. Ma sha Allah!
Welcome to Insignia Resorts. As the name suggests, this place has all the right ingredients to be a badge of excellent hospitality on the map of Murree/Bhurban.
My family and I were delighted to be there. Thank you Nauman bhai and team. We loved what they have done to the place. Definitely sets it apart from the competition. Our executive room was great, with a wonderful view. The hotel management was very welcoming, and the staff was efficient, humble, accommodating and provided excellent service. The whole team went out of their way to make our stay as memorable and comfortable as possible. The food was freshly cooked and very tasty. And the garden was wonderful with an amazing selection of plants and flowers. The hotel gardener definitely has a green thumb. Very pleasing to the eyes and the soul. Subhan Allah!
Being peak season, we booked in advance and paid 22k per night for a large executive room with two extra mattresses. I will now let the pictures do the talking.
More in my next. In sha Allah!
