Capital Development Authority
Home | Contact Us
Margalla Hills Hiking Trails
Islamabad Trails

There are very few capital cities in the world that are blessed with such close proximity to nature as Islamabad.

The Margalla Hills are the continuation of the Himalayan mountain range. The soil on the hill is fertile and completely covered with green trees, herbaceous plants and rocks. The forest on the hills is the natural habitat for a variety of animals and birds. The forestry department of Pakistan and the authorities has tried their level best to revive tourism in this area. Every year, many private clubs along with the authorities conduct a hiking excursion to fetch up the importance of the Margalla Hills among all age groups. The authorities have made possible for people to visit the forest, roam about safely, and explore the natural resort. For people who wants to experience hiking and overnight camping can come here as it is the safest place for the purpose.

The two sides of Islamabad are surrounded by the hills. Therefore, it is possible and much easier to access. There are eight trails that vary in distances, and are assigned with numbers, i.e Trails # 1,2,3,4, 5, and 6. The remaining two tracks are named as; the Saidpur trail, and Bari Imam Trail.

Popular Hiking Trails in Margalla Hills:

Trail No. 1:
It will lead you to the top terminal of the Pir Sohawa road, in more or less two hours. Upon extending the walkway, you will reach Monal Restaurant in twenty minutes

Trail No. 2:
Starts out just above the Pir Sohawa, the point located near Islamabad Zoo. It is 1 to 1.5 hours walk and leads you to Daman-e-Koh viewpoint. You can move beyond this spot upward to the cactus ridge.

Trail No. 3:
The most famous and old hiking track of Islamabad. Trail 3. It starts from the Margalla road sector F-6. The trail is exhausting to some extent, due to steep hills. The course will lead you to the which goes up to the Viewpoint and is about a 30 - 50 min. track. After the Viewpoint you can continue on for another easy-going 45 - 60 mins and reach the Pir Sohawa, where you can choose from 2 restaurants for food, The Monal and La Montana. In totality, it is approximately one hour thirty minute walk.

Trail No. 4:
It is the link between Trails 3 and 5.

Trail No. 5:
Begins from Margalla Road in sector F-5, and people find it easier to climb. The trails 3 and 5 run parallel up to some distance, and is connected via trail 4 at certain points. The trail 5 will lead you to the top of Pir Sohawa road. You can switch trail 3 to 5 by walking an extra distance of 1.5 Kms. The estimated time to cover the distance on the trail is about 2.5 - 3.5 hours.

Trail No. 6:
This trail is sparingly used as the entrance is not known to many people. It starts from the back of the Faisal Mosque in Sector E7, near tree planting Project sign is polled. Trails will run you through a valley along a well defined route that guides you to the top terminal of the Pir Sohawa road. The trail has a track for mountain bikes, and a bird watching point.

LOOKING AFTER THE ENVIRONMENT:

Leave everything as you find it - including branches. Take your litter away and dispose of it appropriately. Camping is not permitted within the park except in designated areas. Do not light fires within the Park. Barbeques are allowed in designated places only. Leave animals alone, observe them only. Leave your pets at home - pets are not permitted in the Park. Please leave plants (including firewood), saws, firearms and other potential weapons outside the Park.

 

Contact Person: DG Environment
Mob: 0334-5059166