The Margalla Hills, an extension of the Himalayan mountain range, are located in the northern region of Islamabad, Pakistan, and are part of Margalla Hills National Park. These hills, which connect to the Murree Hills, cover an area of 12,605 hectares and are known for their spectacular natural beauty. The lush vegetation and enchanting scenery that surround the Margalla Trails highlight Pakistan’s magnificent splendor, which rivals that of any other country.
The soil around the hills is fertile, which is why herbaceous plants, scrubs, and green trees grow there. This is the natural habitat of a variety of birds and animals, including leopards, tigers, and monkeys. This location is ideal for bird watching. A variety of bird species can be observed here, including kites, vultures, falcons, hawks, doves, and buntings. Not only have around 54 species of butterflies been recorded here so far.
There are several hiking trails available here, ranging from Trail 1 to Trail 7, the most well-known of which are Trails 3 and 5. Tourists have access to a variety of rock climbing areas. The Margalla hills are home to Daman-e-Koh, Pir Sohawa, and Shahdara. Margalla Hills, an extension of the Himalayan mountain range, is located in the northern section of Islamabad, Pakistan. These hills are part of the Margalla Hills National Park. These hills have an area of 12605 hectares and are part of the Murree Hills. The flora and splendor of the Margalla Hills speak for themselves, demonstrating that Pakistan is as beautiful as any other country.
The soil around the hills is fertile, which is why herbaceous plants, scrubs, and green trees grow there. This is the natural habitat of a variety of birds and animals, including leopards, tigers, and monkeys. This location is ideal for bird watching. A variety of bird species can be observed here, including kites, vultures, falcons, hawks, doves, and buntings. Not only have around 54 species of butterflies been recorded here so far.
Detailed Guide for Margalla Trails in Islamabad
There are numerous wonderful hiking paths in Islamabad, most of which begin on the slopes of the Margalla Hills. Seven of the natural hiking routes in Islamabad are renowned tourist sites.
Trail 1
Trail 1 starts at the Margalla hills, behind Sectors E-8 and E-9 in Islamabad. It takes around two hours to reach Pir Sohawa Highway. If tourists decide to climb this track, they will need to put forth a lot of effort. After a 20-minute trip on the main road, guests will arrive in Pir Sohawa, a picturesque place with amazing views of the city from the top.
Trail 2
Trail 2 is a short hike that begins right outside Pir Sohawa Street, behind the Islamabad Zoo, and ends near Daman-e Koh. It takes roughly an hour to hike to the viewpoint, which includes a playground, street food, and tea booths. Trail 2 is the shortest path to Daman-e-Koh among the two options available.
The first is a little dirt track adjacent to Marghazar Zoo.
The second is a recognized track near the beginning of Pir Sohawa Road. It’s just a short walk from the Trail 4 parking lot.
Trail 3
The most well-known and oldest hiking trail in Islamabad is Trail 3. It starts from Margalla Road Sector F-6. The trail can be difficult owing to steep hills. The course will lead you to a viewpoint that takes approximately 30 to 50 minutes to achieve. After reaching the viewpoint, continue for a further 45 to 60 minutes to Pir Sohawa. There are two restaurants to select from for cuisine. Monal and La Montana. It takes about one hour and thirty minutes to walk.
Trail 4
It connects hiking trails three and five. Trail 4 is the ideal alternative for those who wish to go a long distance while admiring panoramic sights. This track, which is located in the hills and has lovely scenery, is ideal for travelers who want to extend their trekking time and have an active day. La Montana restaurant, located about a mile from Marghzar Zoo, marks the start of the walk. Following a 300-metre turnabout from the parking lot, the route continues along Pir Sohawa Road. The trail then turns right onto the Dhok Jeevan Loop Trail.
Trail 5
Darra Janglan is Trail 5’s beginning point. It is a half-mile walk from Trail 3. This is the most popular and tranquil hiking track, which starts at the northern end of Margalla Road in F-5. Tourists can easily travel to Trail 3. Hiking Trails 3 and 5 run parallel for a short distance and are occasionally joined by Route 4. It has a parking lot, a big plant nursery, an educational center, a picnic area, and a campsite. There is a tourist information center where guests can be escorted through the trip.
Trail 6
Trail 6 may be accessible from Sector E-7 in Darra Kavani, a settlement north of Faisal Masjid. The first half mile of the trek is rather straightforward, as the tourists stroll through the lush jungle. Following that, the trail becomes more challenging and rough. This is one of the nicest hiking paths in the area, surrounded by lush vegetation and natural beauty. The entire route will take three to four hours to complete. There used to be a brook on Trail 6, but it’s been dry for years. The trail also features a mountain biking track. The Chak Jabbi Trail, which is around 4 km long, leads to Village Jabbi.
The journey leads visitors through a lush grove of dates and palm trees. Budho Ban Hill is located in the north and is accessible by a route. The trail is marked and well-kept. The Ridge starts from Boulder Pass (Kot Ban) and ends at Pir Sohawa. The route is around eight miles long. The drive from Kot Ban to Pir Sohawa Road takes approximately four to five hours.
Trail 7
CDA Chairman Muhammad Usman opened Trail 7 on Margalla Hills in August 2022, which begins in Sector C-12 and ends at Kanthala. The route has been opened to the public to encourage the inhabitants of Islamabad to live a healthy and active lifestyle. The trail is five kilometers long, and signposts, rest areas, and rubbish bins will be built.
