CDA - Adventure

The Margalla Hills rise directly north of Islamabad. Six numbered trails start at the edge of the city and climb towards Pir Sohawa and Daman-e-Koh.

Summers are hot, the monsoon brings heavy rain, and winters are cold with light snow on the hills. The mild winter months are the best time to hike. The hills are part of Margalla Hills National Park, home to wildlife from wild boar to leopards.

Wooden sign reading Trail No. 3 in English and Urdu over a stone path into the forest — The start of Trail 3 on Margalla Road, F-6.

Hiking trails

Trail 1

Finish
Top of Pir Sohawa Road

Time
About 2 hours

Carry on along the walkway for about 20 minutes to reach Monal Restaurant.
See Trail 1 on the map
Trail 2

Start
Near Islamabad Zoo

Finish
Daman-e-Koh viewpoint

Time
1 to 1.5 hours

From the viewpoint you can continue up to the cactus ridge.
See Trail 2 on the map
Trail 3

Start
Margalla Road, F-6

Finish
Pir Sohawa

Time
About 1.5 hours

The oldest and best-known trail in Islamabad, with steep sections. A viewpoint comes after 30 to 50 minutes; from there it is an easier 45 to 60 minutes to Pir Sohawa, where Monal and La Montana serve food.
See Trail 3 on the map
Trail 4

Start
Trail 3

Finish
Trail 5

A link between Trails 3 and 5, which run side by side for part of the way.
See Trail 4 on the map
Trail 5

Start
Margalla Road, F-5

Finish
Top of Pir Sohawa Road

Time
2.5 to 3.5 hours

An easier climb than Trail 3. You can switch between Trails 3 and 5 by walking an extra 1.5 km.
See Trail 5 on the map
Trail 6

Start
Behind Faisal Mosque, E-7

Finish
Top of Pir Sohawa Road

A quiet trail, as few people know the entrance near the tree-planting project sign. A well-marked route through a valley, with a mountain-bike track and a bird-watching point.
See Trail 6 on the map

Rock climbing

Islamabad has good climbing right on its doorstep. More than 50 bolted routes are open in the Margalla Hills, and more are planned in the coming years.

With modern safety equipment and the right precautions, climbing is far less daunting than it looks, closer to learning to swim or trying gymnastics. Climb with respect for the hills and leave the rock as you found it.

Stay safe on the hills

Stay on the marked tracks at all times.
Follow all safety directions, notices and warning signs.
Walk or climb with another person, especially in less-visited areas.
In hot weather, carry and drink one litre of water for every hour you walk or climb.
Wear sturdy rubber-soled boots or shoes, a hat with a secure strap, a long-sleeved shirt and sunscreen.
In very hot weather, walk only in the coolest part of the day.
Don't climb or take a strenuous walk if you have high or low blood pressure, heart or breathing problems, or are not reasonably fit.
If you feel ill or are injured, stay where you are and ask someone to get help.