Mountain trails in Islamabad

There are very few capital cities in the world that are blessed with such close proximity to nature as Islamabad. The Greek architects designed the city to lie parallel to the Margalla hills, which is now the Margalla Hills National Park.

During your visit to the Park please follow these safety warnings: Stay on the marked tracks at all times. Preferably walk or climb with another person, particularly in the areas that are not frequented by visitors.

The Capital Development Authority has developed walking trails in the eastern part of the National Park, opposite the F/6 and F/5 sectors. Driving past the zoo and the Japanese children's park, the first is a walking track which lies below Saidpur village and encircles a cricket ground. The second track is in the adjacent valley, is known as Trail 3, and is Islamabad's most popular mountain walk. Trail 3 has its own parking lot to accommodate nearly a hundred cars and ascends over 600 meters up to the Monal restaurant and Gokina Chauki on the Pir Sohawa road.

Carry and drink one litre of water for every hour you walk or climb in hot weather. 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.

The third and the newest development is called Trail 5. This trail lies in the Darra Jangla valley, a half kilometer beyond Trail 3 and is one of the most wooded and quiet valley in the National Park. The visitor facilities in this valley are located at the entrance of the valley and include a medium sized car park, a large forest nursery to raise indigenous plants, a visitor information and education center, picnic areas, and a campsite. The first half of Trail 5 is a very gradual ascent of about 3 km. This easy walk terminates at a fresh water spring, following which the remaining two kilometers of the trail steeply ascends to the head of the valley and the Pir Sohawa road, about 400 meters above. From the spring a sub trail turns left to rise about 300 meters to join the Trail 3 in the adjacent valley. Short of the spring on the right another sub trail rises sharply to the top of the ridge and descends into the adjacent Ratta Hotar valley.

Do not climb or do a strenuous walk if you have: High or low blood pressure, heart problems, breathing problems, or if you are not reasonably fit. Obey all safety directions, notices and warning signs. If you feel ill or have been injured, stay where you are and tell someone to arrange help.

Looking after the environment

Leave everything as you find it - including branches on trees, sand and rocks. 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. Please be considerate of other visitors, avoid playing music or speaking loudly on mobile phones or otherwise.

Visitor safety and responsibilities

Margalla Hills National Park is a beautiful but vulnerable environment. In accordance with the Islamabad Wildlife Conservation Ordinance 1979, visitors are requested to be respectful of the nature and to enjoy themselves in an appropriate manner by following all instructions on signs, regulations and directions of Park staff. This will help ensure your safety and protect the rich natural landscape for future generations.

GUIDE MAP

Trail 3 & Trail 5

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Copyright 2008 by Himalayan Wildlife Foundation. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced or publicly sold/distributed without the written consent of the Foundation. Copies can be obtained from the Himalayan Wildlife Foundation: Contact (+92 51) 285 6981.

Gokina Chauki Monal Restaurant

Antena Point 1.3 km 1.0 km
TRAIL 5A

0.8 km

TRAIL 3
TRAIL 5C TRAIL 5C

TRAIL 5

Ficus Point Spring

1.3 km

TRAIL 5B

2.5 km

Spring

1.5 km

TRAIL 5A

TRAIL 3 TRAIL 5

0.7 km

Campsite Spring Trail

View Point
TRAIL 3A

Fire Line Paved Road Stream Sitting Area

1.5 km 1.8 km

TRAIL 3

1.9 km

TRAIL 5
YOU ARE HERE

To Ratta Hotar Valley

Picnic Area Distance Between Points

BHERI VILLAGE P F-6

Spring Picnic Areas Margallah Road

Visitor Information Center Forest Nursery

To Ratta Hotar Valley