Islamabad Capital Territory takes in the city, Rawal Lake and the national park in the Margalla Hills along its northern edge. The city is divided into lettered sectors, and the green F and E sectors run right up to the foot of the hills. Saidpur, a village tucked into the hillside, has been restored with craft shops and restaurants around its Hindu temple. The Faisal Mosque, shaped like a desert tent, stands at the head of Faisal Avenue with the ridge rising behind it.
Walks and viewpoints
Trail 3 is the classic hike. It starts on Margalla Road in sector F-6 and climbs steeply for 30 to 50 minutes to a viewpoint over the city. From there it continues more gently to Pir Sohawa on the ridge. Trail 5 starts a short way east in F-5 and is an easier, shadier climb along a stream bed. Connecting paths near the top let you walk up one and down the other, a loop of three to four hours. A quieter trail climbs from Saidpur village along a stream. Daman-e-Koh, a terrace partway up the hills, looks out over the city grid and the Faisal Mosque. For climbers, limestone crags around Saidpur and above Daman-e-Koh have bolted sport climbing routes, most of them for experienced leaders.
Booking on adventuro
Guided hikes here are short, so they fit around your arrival or a northern flight. Use the Book here tab to see live dates and prices from local centres.
