Plizio Visual Lab
Margalla Hills National Park
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
park
Weather…
Water temperature…
Margalla Hills National Park, located at the foothills of the Himalayas, is a vast protected area adjacent to Pakistan's capital, Islamabad. Covering approximately 17,386 hectares, it serves as the city's green lung and a popular recreational area. The park is known for its rich biodiversity, which includes hundreds of plant and animal species. Hikers and nature lovers appreciate the extensive network of trails, such as Trail 3 and Trail 5, which lead to viewpoints like Daman-e-Koh and Pir Sohawa. From here, panoramic panoramic views of Islamabad unfold. The park's fauna is noteworthy, including species like the Rhesus macaque, barking deer (muntjac), and occasionally even the Asian leopard. Conservation efforts focus on protecting the park from illegal logging and urbanization to preserve this valuable ecosystem for future generations.
- Location: Pakistan
- Top sights: Selfie Point Trail 4 · Chak Jabbi
- Nearby: Rawalpindi (5 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Oct, Nov.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 11 | 13 | 18 | 24 | 30 | 34 | 32 | 30 | 27 | 23 | 17 | 13 |
| Rain mm | 40 | 90 | 88 | 59 | 62 | 112 | 220 | 184 | 80 | 24 | 18 | 25 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
Located immediately adjacent to Islamabad, numerous trailheads are easily reached by car from the city center.
Best season
Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant hiking weather, though early mornings in summer are also popular.
Terrain & paths
A network of well-trodden, forested trails ranging from gentle walks to steep, rocky inclines.
What to bring
Good hiking shoes, a daypack with water and snacks, and a hiking stick can be helpful on steeper paths.
Parking
Designated parking areas are available at major trailheads like Trail 3, Trail 5, and Daman-e-Koh.
Safety
Beware of local wildlife including monkeys and wild boars; it is advisable to hike during daylight hours.
Time needed
Most visitors spend a few hours on a day hike, while avid hikers might explore for a full day.
Geography
Facts
- Part of the Himalayan foothills
- Third largest national park in the world
- Hosts over 600 plant species and 250 bird species
- The Pir Sohawa viewpoint is a popular destination
- Monal pheasants can be found here
- Leopards are occasionally spotted on camera traps
- Important water catchment area for Islamabad
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Margalla Hills National Park (2)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Are the hiking trails safe?
Yes, well-maintained and very popular with hikers.
Are there wild animals?
Yes, monkeys and occasionally leopards; stay on the trails.
Is there food at the top?
Yes, there are cafes at the Daman-e-Koh viewpoint.
When is the view best?
At sunset, the view over Islamabad is magnificent.
Is the terrain steep?
There are both easy and very steep ascents.
Margalla Hills National Park: where is it located?
Margalla Hills National Park is located in Pakistan.
Margalla Hills National Park: what is there to see?
Highlights include Selfie Point Trail 4, Chak Jabbi.
Margalla Hills National Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Oct, Nov.
Margalla Hills National Park: why is it worth visiting?
Margalla Hills National Park, located at the foothills of the Himalayas, is a vast protected area adjacent to Pakistan's capital, Islamabad.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Asia
More places in Pakistan →
Nearby cities
Rawalpindi
The bustling 'Twin City' of Islamabad with rich military history and vibrant bazaars.
Abbottabad
Abbottabad is a charming hill city known for its mild climate and as a gateway to the northern areas of Pakistan.
Mansehra
Mansehra is a city in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, serving as a gateway to northern areas like the Kaghan Valley.
Thandiani
Thandiani is a serene hill station in the Galyat range, known for its cool climate and lush pine forests.
Murree
Pakistan's most popular hill station, known for its colonial architecture and dense pine forests.
Nathia Gali
A picturesque and serene hill station in the Galyat range, known for its lush greenery and hiking trails.
Ayubia
A popular hill station complex in the Galiyat region, known for its national park, chairlifts, and dense pine forests.
Muzaffarabad
The capital city of Azad Kashmir, nestled at the scenic confluence of the Jhelum and Neelum rivers.
Shogran
A picturesque hill station in the Kaghan Valley, known for its lush meadows and pine forests.
Mandi Bahauddin
Mandi Bahauddin is a city in the Punjab province, known for its fertile soils and agricultural output.
Malam Jabba
Pakistan's premier ski resort in the Karakoram range, attracting visitors in both winter and summer.
Kaghan
A picturesque village that gives its name to the entire valley, known for its pristine nature and tranquility.
Chiniot
Chiniot is a city in Punjab, famous for its exquisite wooden furniture craftsmanship.
Swat (Kalam)
The 'Switzerland of Pakistan', known for its green valleys, sparkling lakes, and dense forests.
Naran
A vibrant resort town in the Kaghan Valley, famous for its proximity to the legendary Saif-ul-Muluk Lake.
More places
Faisal Mosque
The national mosque of Pakistan, located in Islamabad.
Daman-e-Koh Park
A terraced park in the hills of Islamabad with panoramic views of the city.
Pakistan Monument
A national monument and museum located in Islamabad, representing the nation's four provinces and three territories.
Pothohar Plateau
The Pothohar Plateau is located in northern Punjab and is characterized by hilly terrain with severe erosion.
Taxila Ruins
A complex of archaeological sites showcasing the remains of an ancient Gandharan city.
Katas Raj Temples
A complex of Hindu temples dedicated to a pond that is considered sacred to the god Shiva.
Khewra Salt Mine
The world's second-largest salt mine and a major source of pink Himalayan salt.
Tarbela Dam
A massive earth-filled dam on the Indus River, one of the largest in the world.