If the Margalla Hills were removed from Pakistan’s Federal Capital, Islamabad, then much of the city’s beauty would lose its significance.
During the tenure of Field Marshal Mohammad Ayub Khan, the new capital was chosen in part because of the stunning views offered by the Margalla Hills.
Brief introduction of Margalla Hills
The Margalla Hills form part of the Himalayan foothills and lie within the globally recognised Himalayan biodiversity hotspot.
Spanning approximately 12,605 hectares, this expansive range is a mosaic of deep valleys, lush forests and towering ridges that together create a landscape of exceptional natural richness and ecological diversity.
At the foot of these hills lies Islamabad, gracefully positioned on the Pothohar Plateau at an elevation of about 540 meters, 1,770 feet.
Renowned centre of Buddhist civilisation
The importance of the Margalla Hills is not only natural but also historical. On one side lies Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, and on the other is Taxila, a renowned centre of Buddhist civilisation.
Nestled within the scenic Margalla Hills lies the archaeological masterpiece of Shah Allah Ditta Caves, preserving nearly 2,400-year-old murals from the Buddhist era.
Over the centuries, these ancient caves have remained a focal point through the rise and transformation of religions across the subcontinent. Beyond their historical and archaeological value, the caves continue to hold deep spiritual significance for the local community.
Margalla Hills National Park
Margalla Hills National Park is located in the northern part of Islamabad. Established in 1980, the park covers approximately 17,386 acres. It includes eight hiking trails, climbing sites and attractions such as Pir Sohawa.
The hills are fertile and covered with greenery, including trees such as kachnar, deodar and various shrubs. The park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including leopards, monkeys, squirrels, deer, golden jackals and red foxes. Numerous colourful bird species and cold-water springs are also found here. There are plans to install a chairlift in the park.
Six well-known hiking trails
The Margalla Hills offer six well-known hiking trails for nature lovers seeking an active outdoor experience. Each trail winds through picturesque landscapes, and upon reaching the summit, hikers are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Islamabad.
Trail Six of Margalla Hills declared a ‘Leopard Preserve Zone’
Trail Six in the Margalla Hills was declared a ‘Leopard Preserve Zone’ after the presence of rare leopards was confirmed.
Public access to the area has been restricted. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when visitor traffic decreased, leopards were able to roam more freely, and their movements were captured by cameras installed in the park.
Over the course of a year, seven leopards, including a female, were sighted frequently between Trails Four and Six.
Margalla Hills face serious threats from forest fires
The Margalla Hills face serious threats from forest fires. Every year, several fires break out in the national park. During spring, these fires destroy bird nests and kill small mammals and reptiles. Once a forest fire starts, it causes widespread destruction.
Most forest fires in Pakistan, particularly in the Margalla Hills, are believed to be caused by human activity. Some result from disputes with authorities, while others are caused by the negligence of tourists. Throwing cigarette butts, burning garbage, or failing to extinguish campfires properly often leads to disaster.
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