Margalla Hills hiking from F-10: Trails 3 and 5
A practical guide to hiking the Margalla Hills from F-10 Markaz: where Trails 3 and 5 start, how long they take, the gentler Trail 2 and Trail 1, and what to bring.
Trail 3 and Trail 5 both start on Margalla Road: Trail 3 in Sector F-6 and Trail 5 in Sector F-5. Trail 3 is the steep, quicker climb, about 1.5 hours to Pir Sohawa. Trail 5 is an easier gradient but longer, about 2.5–3.5 hours to the top of Pir Sohawa Road. From F-10 Markaz, the simplest way to reach either trailhead is a taxi or ride-hailing car.
Times below are typical one-way walking times from published trail guides, including the Capital Development Authority (CDA). Your pace, the heat and how often you stop will change them.
Trails at a glance
| Trail | Starts | Leads to | Typical time (one way) | What it's like |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trail 3 | Margalla Road, Sector F-6 | A viewpoint, then on to Pir Sohawa | Viewpoint in 30–50 minutes; Pir Sohawa in about 1.5 hours | Steep and challenging in places |
| Trail 5 | Margalla Road, Sector F-5 | Top of Pir Sohawa Road | About 2.5–3.5 hours | Easier gradient, longer walk |
| Trail 2 | Near Islamabad Zoo | Daman-e-Koh viewpoint | About 1–1.5 hours | Shorter walk |
| Trail 1 | See the CDA trail map | Top of Pir Sohawa Road | About 2 hours | Demanding climb |
Trail 3: the steep classic
Trail 3 starts from Margalla Road in Sector F-6. The first stretch climbs steeply to a viewpoint, usually reached in 30–50 minutes. From there, walkers continue for a further 45–60 minutes to Pir Sohawa, so the whole climb is about 1.5 hours one way. Expect steep sections; it is a workout rather than a stroll.
Trail 5: longer but gentler
Trail 5 begins from Margalla Road in Sector F-5 and is an easier climb than Trail 3. It leads to the top of Pir Sohawa Road and takes about 2.5–3.5 hours. Trails 3 and 5 are about 1.5 km apart, and Trail 4 links the two, so fitter walkers can combine them.
Easier and alternative routes
Trail 2 starts near Islamabad Zoo and takes about 1–1.5 hours to the Daman-e-Koh viewpoint, which makes it a good choice for a shorter outing. Trail 1 climbs to the top terminal of Pir Sohawa Road in about 2 hours.
Trail starting points and conditions can change, so check the CDA's trail information or a recent map before you set out.
Before you go
- Stay on the marked tracks and follow any notices or warning signs.
- Walk with someone else where you can, especially on quieter trails.
- Carry plenty of water; in hot weather, hike in the coolest part of the day.
- Wear sturdy shoes with a good grip, a hat and sunscreen.
- Start early enough to be back down well before dark.
- If you have heart, blood-pressure or breathing problems, choose a gentler route or skip the steep climbs.
- Bring your own snacks: the restaurants at Pir Sohawa, including Monal, may be closed, so check locally before you go rather than planning to eat at the top.
Frequently asked questions
Which Margalla trail is best for beginners?
Trail 2, from near Islamabad Zoo to the Daman-e-Koh viewpoint, is the shortest of the routes covered here at about 1–1.5 hours. Trail 5 has an easier gradient than Trail 3 but is much longer.
How long does Trail 3 take?
About 30–50 minutes to the viewpoint and about 1.5 hours in total to Pir Sohawa, one way.
Where does Trail 5 start?
On Margalla Road in Sector F-5. It leads to the top of Pir Sohawa Road.
How do I get to the trailheads from Hotel Foresta?
Take a taxi or ride-hailing car from F-10 Markaz to the trail entrance on Margalla Road. Ask at the front desk if you would like help planning the day.
Planning a weekend of hiking? Stay in F-10 Markaz with free parking and breakfast included, and head for the hills after an early start.