Field guides / Islamabad Capital Territory / Islamabad / Pir Sohawa
Field guide · Nature
Islamabad
Islamabad District · Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan
Pir Sohawa
A viewpoint on top of the Margalla Hills, 17 km from Islamabad, where several hiking trails end.
Pir Sohawa sits on the crest of the Margalla Hills, at over 3,000 ft and about 17 km by road from Islamabad. Several Margalla hiking trails finish here, and the road up is lined with restaurants looking back over the city.
Why go
- ✦Views over Islamabad from the top of the Margalla Hills
- ✦The end point of several hiking trails
- ✦Restaurants along the ridge road
- ✦Dino Valley theme park for children
About
Geographically Pir Sohawa is part of Haripur District, on the far side of the ridge from Islamabad. Its popularity has brought heavy weekend traffic and building on Margalla Hills National Park land, so go on a weekday if you can, and walk up rather than drive if you are fit. Snow is rare; a few inches fell in January 2012 for the first time in six years.
How to Reach
About 17 km from Islamabad up the Pir Sohawa road through Margalla Hills National Park, or on foot by the Margalla trails.
Responsible Travel
Use Leave No Trace principles, carry out all rubbish, avoid disturbing wildlife and livestock, and respect private/community land.
Planning tip
Best Time to Visit, October to April; summer evenings are cooler at the top but crowded.
Getting there, About 17 km from Islamabad up the Pir Sohawa road through Margalla Hills National Park, or on foot by the Margalla trails.
Allow, Two to three hours by road; half a day if you hike up.
