Margalla Hills National Park Islamabad
A vast national park in Islamabad's Himalayan foothills, offering diverse wildlife, scenic hiking trails, and breathtaking city views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour for stunning views
Margalla Hills National Park Islamabad
Best Time
Golden hour for stunning views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast national park in Islamabad's Himalayan foothills, offering diverse wildlife, scenic hiking trails, and breathtaking city views.
"Margalla Hills is one of the best choices for hiking and adventure, with fantastic environment and views."
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Essential for hiking the various trails. :athletic_shoe:
Check Trail Status
Some trails may be closed for wildlife protection.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Daman-e-Koh Viewpoint
Daman-e-Koh
Panoramic views of Islamabad city and Faisal Mosque. Perfect for sunset.
Margalla Hills Trails
Various trailheads
Explore diverse hiking paths, from easy walks to challenging treks. Trail 5 is highly recommended.
Shahdara Valley
Near Margalla Hills
A beautiful picnic spot with a freshwater stream, ideal for a relaxing day out.
Rawal Lake
Near Bani Gala
An artificial reservoir offering scenic beauty and a vital water source for the twin cities.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Trails for Hiking
Timing Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Essential for hiking the various trails. :athletic_shoe:
Check Trail Status
Some trails may be closed for wildlife protection.
Pack Water & Snacks
Stay hydrated and energized during your exploration.
Capture the Views
Bring your camera for breathtaking sunsets and cityscapes.
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Essential for hiking the various trails. :athletic_shoe:
Check Trail Status
Some trails may be closed for wildlife protection.
Pack Water & Snacks
Stay hydrated and energized during your exploration.
Capture the Views
Bring your camera for breathtaking sunsets and cityscapes.
Respect Wildlife
Observe animals from a distance and do not feed them.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking natural beauty, well-maintained trails, and stunning city views, especially at sunset. The park's accessibility and diverse wildlife are major highlights. However, some trails can be closed for conservation, and wildfire occurrences are a concern.
"Really enjoyed Margalla Hills National Park, the environment, the trail, the water flowing down, the view from top, the species there and many more were fantastic and beyond my expectations. If you wanna go hiking and want some adventure, Margalla Hills is one of the best choices you can make."
Ashraf Ur Rahman
"Margilla hills national park is one of the more well maintained national parks of Pakistan. It is also probably the most easily accessible one, too. Flaura and fauna of the park are so breathtaking. Wildfires do occur though, almost every year.
The park is as safe as it gets, for a national park, since it is close to the city, data signals do appear from time to time, it is easy to call for help, animal encounters are also common but not dangerous.
The park offers about 7 different trails. All of which are worth trekking through. Trail 5 is the most well maintained with proper markings throughout the trail. I also recommend trail 3 and new one, trail 7. Before travelling, you may need to confirm if they are open or not, as a local I know that trail 6 has been close for quite some time now to protect wildlife whereas trail 5 was also closed for a week in August 2025.
There are different rock climbing spots across the parks, most famous of which is Beetle's nest located behind Saidpur Village.
Then, there's different camping spots in the parks, most common of which is trail 5 camping spot.
Furthermore, there are some historical spots in the Margilla hills as well, such as Shah Allah Dita caves.
Overall, The whole park cannot really be visited in just a day. My recommendation is to stay at least a week in nearby Islamabad and explore it. To be fair, I have been living in Islamabad for 10+ years and I have not really been able to explore all of it so It is justifiable. There are many other spots that I have visited in the park, which are not really mapped on Google Maps, such as the plane crash site in margilla hills"
Muhmmad Tahir Sajjad
"The Margalla Hills, located in Islamabad, Pakistan, are a stunning range of hills known for their breathtaking natural beauty and diverse wildlife. The area is home to wide, well-paved roads that wind gracefully through lush green mountains and dense clusters of tall, majestic trees. These scenic routes offer a peaceful and refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life."
Abbas
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Margalla Hills National Park is easily accessible from Islamabad. You can reach various points like Daman-e-Koh and Pir Sohawa via well-maintained roads. Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available.
While direct public buses to specific trailheads might be limited, you can take local buses or vans to areas near the park and then arrange for local transport or walk to your desired starting point.
Most popular trails have designated parking areas. You can drive or take a taxi to the trailhead. For Trail 5, parking is available near the starting point.
Generally, there are no entrance fees for the park itself, but specific attractions within or near the park might have nominal charges.
Margalla Hills National Park is approximately a 45-minute to 1-hour drive from Islamabad International Airport, depending on traffic conditions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are typically no entrance tickets required for Margalla Hills National Park itself. Access to the park and most of its natural areas is free.
The park is generally open 24/7, allowing for early morning hikes and late evening visits. However, specific facilities like restaurants or viewpoints might have their own operating hours.
No specific booking is required for general park entry. However, if you plan to visit popular restaurants like Monal or The Dome, reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours or seasons.
Yes, many visitors enjoy the night views of Islamabad from viewpoints like Daman-e-Koh. However, hiking on trails at night is not recommended due to safety concerns.
While the park is vast, some areas might be temporarily closed for conservation efforts or maintenance. It's always best to check local advisories or ask park rangers if you're unsure about specific trail access.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Trail 5 is highly recommended for its well-maintained path and clear markings. Trail 3 and Trail 7 are also popular choices for hikers of varying skill levels.
The park is home to diverse flora and fauna, including various bird species, monkeys, and even leopards in deeper areas. You might also spot interesting insects like the Golden Northern Orb-weaver.
Yes, there are designated camping spots, with the Trail 5 camping spot being a common choice for overnight stays.
Daman-e-Koh offers spectacular panoramic views of Islamabad. Pir Sohawa also provides stunning vistas, especially at sunset.
Yes, the park includes historical sites like the Shah Allah Dita caves, offering a glimpse into the region's past.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Monal Restaurant and The Dome Restaurant at Daman-e-Koh offer delicious Pakistani cuisine with breathtaking views. Smaller cafes and dhabas are also available along the routes.
Absolutely! Shahdara Valley is a popular picnic spot with a freshwater stream. Many trails also have designated picnic areas.
Dining at these restaurants can be on the pricier side, reflecting the premium location and views. The Dome offers an iftar buffet for around Rs4995 per head.
Yes, bringing your own food for a picnic is a great option, especially for exploring less developed areas or enjoying a more budget-friendly experience.
Most Pakistani restaurants will offer a variety of vegetarian dishes. It's always a good idea to check the menu or ask the staff for specific options.
📸 📸 Photography
Daman-e-Koh offers iconic cityscapes, especially at sunset. The hiking trails provide opportunities for landscape and wildlife photography.
The golden hours around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for landscape and city views.
While dedicated photography tours might not be common, many local guides or photography enthusiasts offer informal tours. You can also explore independently.
Landscape photography, wildlife photography (like insects and birds), and cityscape photography are very popular here.
For general personal photography, no special permit is usually required. However, for commercial shoots or professional equipment, it's advisable to inquire with park authorities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Viewpoints like Daman-e-Koh offer stunning sights without strenuous activity, making them accessible for all ages.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Adventure Seekers
Beyond hiking, the park offers opportunities for rock climbing at spots like Beetle's Nest.
📸 Photographers
Daman-e-Koh is an iconic spot for capturing panoramic cityscapes and the majestic Faisal Mosque. Explore the various hiking trails for stunning landscape shots, and don't miss the chance to capture the night view of Islamabad for a different, atmospheric perspective.
While general photography is free, professional or commercial shoots might require permits, so it's wise to check with park authorities. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Hiking Trails
It's crucial to note that trail conditions can change. Some trails, like Trail 6, have been closed periodically to protect wildlife, and Trail 5 has also seen temporary closures. Always verify the accessibility of your chosen trail before embarking on your hike.
Beyond the main trails, the park offers opportunities for rock climbing, with spots like Beetle's Nest near Saidpur Village being a known destination. The park's extensive network means you can spend days exploring its diverse terrains and discovering hidden gems.
Wildlife and Nature
+1 In the deeper, less-explored areas, there have even been sightings of leopards, though encounters are rare and caution is advised. Beyond the larger fauna, the park's smaller inhabitants are equally fascinating. Photographers have captured images of intricate insects, such as the Golden Northern Orb-weaver, showcasing the park's rich macro-photography potential.
The natural environment is a significant draw, with reviewers praising the beautiful wide roads, lush green mountains, and tall, majestic trees that create a serene escape from urban life. While the park is generally safe due to its proximity to the city and available data signals, it's important to be mindful of the environment. Wildfires are a recurring concern, with outbreaks happening almost every year. Visitors are encouraged to practice responsible tourism, avoid littering, and respect the natural habitat to help preserve this precious ecosystem.
Scenic Views and Relaxation
+1 Another well-known spot is Pir Sohawa, which also provides magnificent vistas and is home to restaurants like Monal. For a more tranquil experience, Shahdara Valley is a delightful picnic spot featuring a freshwater stream, making it an ideal location for a relaxing day amidst nature.
Beyond the visual appeal, the park provides a refreshing escape from the city's hustle. The clean air and the serene natural setting make it a perfect destination for unwinding, enjoying a picnic, or simply soaking in the beauty of the surroundings.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit