Beautiful hiking trails and viewpoints offering outdoor adventures and panoramic city views
The Margalla Hills form the picturesque backdrop to Pakistan's capital city, Islamabad, creating a stunning natural boundary between the urban landscape and the wilderness. As the westernmost foothills of the Himalayas, this mountain range stretches approximately 30 kilometers from east to west and rises to elevations between 685 meters (2,247 feet) and 1,604 meters (5,262 feet) at its highest point. The hills are part of the Margalla Hills National Park, covering an area of 17,386 hectares, and serve as Islamabad's primary recreational area and natural lung.
These hills are renowned for their extensive network of hiking trails that cater to all levels of outdoor enthusiasts, from casual walkers to experienced trekkers. The trails wind through dense forests of pine, oak, and olive trees, offering breathtaking views of Islamabad and Rawalpindi below. The Margalla Hills are not just a recreational asset but also an important ecological zone, home to diverse flora and fauna including various species of monkeys, birds, and smaller mammals. The hills' proximity to the city makes them uniquely accessible, allowing residents and visitors to experience wilderness adventures just minutes from urban comforts.
The Margalla Hills have become an integral part of Islamabad's identity, providing not only recreational opportunities but also contributing to the city's climate regulation, air purification, and water conservation. The hills' preservation as a national park reflects Pakistan's commitment to environmental conservation while making nature accessible to its urban population.
The Margalla Hills have a rich geological and historical significance that predates the establishment of Islamabad as Pakistan's capital. Geologically, these hills are part of the Himalayan fold and thrust belt, formed millions of years ago through the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. The name "Margalla" is believed to derive from the Persian words "Mar" meaning snake and "Gall