Margalla Hills can be found within Margalla Hills National Park, which is located along Rawal Lake or Shakarparian Park.
More than a quarter of the area Margalla hills covers is covered by them31 000 acres this includes the region that already contains several high mountain peaks as well as steep valleys.
If you are visiting Islamabad soon then Margalla Hills should be your top priority!
These hills are home to the most well-known locations, including Pir Sohawa and Daman-e-Koh.
Daman-e-Koh offers a great view of the city from a vantage point.
Many people stop to pause while they travel high up to Pir Sohawa at 3,600 feet. This is where the Monal Restaurant is situated.
Although Margalla Hills receive snowfall only once in a few years, overall the climate is hot and dry.
Access To Margalla Hills
It is easy to reach Margalla hills. It all depends on how you want to get there.
People prefer to walk up the long trails and take in the beautiful scenery, but there is a road that takes cars to Monal Restaurant or Pir Sohawa.
The road is called Pir Sohawa Road and it starts from Islamabad Zoo and the Japanese Children Park.
Activities You Can Do Near Margalla Hills
Bird watching
Hiking
Rock Climbing
Explore the Wild Life
1.Bird watching
You can spot a wide variety of birds in Margalla Hills.
If you want to spot beautiful birds in the region, then you need to bring a pair of binoculars. You won’t find many birds here.
Paradise Flycatchers
Spotted Doves
Eagles
Falcons
Yellow Vented Bulbul
Pheasants
Hawks
Himalayan Griffon Vulture
While some birds can be seen in this area all year, others migrate from the northern regions during winter.
Some birds visit the area only in spring and summer.
2.Hiking
There are many options for those who want to hike in Margalla Hills.
Margalla Hills has many hiking trails that are suitable for both beginners and professionals.
Pakistan usually has a hot climate in the summer, especially in Islamabad. This is the best season and time to hike in this area. The climate is mild and pleasant with very little rain.
Six hiking trails are listed, each one numbered according to its popularity. The most popular are Trails 3 and 5. The Bari Imam Trail is one of the trails, while Saidpur Trail is another.
Another thing to remember is that hiking in the hills can be dangerous and difficult.
However, you shouldn’t worry about getting lost as there is the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to direct you and guide you they are placed in every hiking milestone at regular intervals so that you do not stray away from your path.
You can also spot beautiful scenery while hiking, such as small springs or landscape viewing points.
Each trail has been listed for your convenience.
1.It takes approximately 1 to 2 hours to reach the Pir Sohawa Road’s top. You can reach Monal Restaurant within 20 minutes if you continue walking.
Trail 2Start near Islamabad Zoo, and walk approximately 1 to 1.5 hours to reach Daman-e-Koh.
Trail 3It starts at the Main Margalla Road. This is the most difficult climb due to steep inclines. You will reach the summit via the popular restaurant at Pir Sohawa. The walk may take up to 1.5 hours.
Trail 4Acts as a connecting trail between Trails 3 & 5, with a distance between 1.5 km.
Trail 5Starts at Sector F-5 on Main Margalla Road. It is somewhat connected to Trail 3. This is a more difficult climb that will take you to Pir Sohawa Road. This trail can be walked in 2.5 to 3.5 hours. This is the trail to follow if you want to see a waterfall in Margalla Hills.
Trail 6It isn’t as popular because it is hidden behind Shah Faisal Mosque, Sector E7. The trail leads through a valley to the top of Pir Sohawa Road.
Saidpur trail was named after Saidpur village. It follows a small stream, passes through the village, and enters a valley that leads to Monal Restaurant. The locals mainly use this trail.
Bari Imam TrailStart at the Main Margalla Road edge, close to the Bari Imam Cave. You will reach Pir Sohawa Road after climbing up the steep hills. A 5.5km walk can bring you to Trail 3. From there, you can continue your journey.
3.Rock Climbing
Margalla Hills offers many spots for climbers and hikers to enjoy an adventure.
Only a handful of climbing cliffs are available for those who love to climb. These cliffs are great for climbing enthusiasts:
Jasmine Corner
Saidpur Village
Skilled climbers
Musical Lounge
Shahdra Wall
For experts
Shah Allah Ditta
4. Exploring the Wild Life
Pakistan is truly blessed by Allah with many different landscapes and climate zones.
Margalla Hills is home to a variety of amazing plants. There are 54 types of butterflies, 53 species of amphibians and 37 species of fish. You can also find a variety of birds, 20 varieties of reptiles, almost 21 species of small mammals, and 15 species of large mammals.
Some of the animals you might spot in this area include:
Reptiles
Indian Cobra
Russell’s Viper
Viper with saw-scaled horns
Mammals
Asiatic Leopard
Barking Deer
Red Fox
Grey Goral
Golden Jackal
Porcupine
Wild Boar
Chinkara Gazelle
Fruit bats
Rhesus Macaque
Leopard Cat
Pangolin
Yellow-Throated Marten
Places To Visit Near Margalla Hills
Pir Sohawa
Faisal Mosque
Daman-e-Koh
Pakistan Monument Museum
Margalla Hills National Park
Rawal Lake
1.Pir Sohawa
Pir Sohawa has a stunning panoramic view and is a beautiful place. There are many restaurants that serve delicious Pakistani cuisine. This is the perfect place to take your family on a family trip.
2. Faisal Mosque
The stunning Shah Faisal Mosque is located at the foothills of the Margalla Hills. It is Asia’s largest mosque and offers an ideal blend of traditional and ultramodern architectural design styles.
Visitors are encouraged to come with an open heart, but non-Muslims should refrain from visiting during Friday prayer and Friday. Everybody is requested to remove their shoes from the counter before entering the courtyard.
3.Daman-e-Koh
Daman-e-Koh serves as a tourist viewing point. It is also the hilltop garden north of Islamabad and lies between the Margalla Hills.
Daman e Koh’s name is the combination of two Persian words that means foothills. Daman-e-Koh stands at 2400ft above sea level and is almost 500ft higher than Islamabad.
The Government plans to build a chairlift that will take you from Daman-e-Koh to Pir Sohawa.
MonkeysTourists see them often in winter.
CheetahsDuring snowfall, it is often reported that they appear from the Murree hills.
Because it offers a spectacular view of Islamabad, the top spot to the south is most popular.
People who enjoy close observation can use telescopes. A large display board is available that displays an original map of Islamabad.
4.Pakistan Monument Museum
The Pakistan Monument, a national monument and heritage center located at the Shakarparian Hills in Islamabad (Pakistan), is the Pakistan Monument.
The monument was constructed to bring together the unity of the people of Pakistan. It also pays tribute to those from Pakistan who gave their lives in order to create a better Pakistan.
5. Margalla Hills National Park
Margalla Hills National Park, located in Islamabad (Pakistan), is a stunning national park.
The park also includes the Margalla Hills, which together form the Himalayan foothills. It includes Shakarparian Park as well as Rawal lake.
It was built in 1980.