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Parks & gardens

Margala Hills National Park

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Margala Hills National Park

About the Park

Margalla Hills National Park sits along the northern edge of Islamabad at the foothills of the Himalayas. The protected area encompasses rugged hill terrain, Shakarparian Park, and Rawal Lake. Travelers visit primarily for outdoor recreation, including walking paths and marked hiking trails overlooking the capital.

Getting There

The park lies directly north of central Islamabad. A taxi or car ride from the city center to the main trailheads takes approximately 15 to 25 minutes depending on traffic.

Time to Spend

Allow 2 to 4 hours for a casual walk or visit to scenic viewpoints. If you plan to complete longer ridge trails across the hills, set aside half a day.

When to Visit

The cooler months from October through March offer the most comfortable walking conditions. In summer, early mornings are best to avoid midday heat. The area sees high visitor numbers on weekends and public holidays; visit on weekday mornings for quieter trails.

Nearby Attractions

Several sites can be combined with a visit to the park:

  • Daman-e-Koh (1.6 km)
  • Margalla Hills (2.1 km)
  • Islamabad Zoo (2.3 km)
  • Faisal Mosque (2.4 km)

Updated September 13, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

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Stays near Margala Hills National Park

Sorted by distance, walkable ones first. Distances are straight-line.

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Margala Hills National Park Nearby stays

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Itineraries including this place

2 nights, 3 days

Islamabad 3-Day Itinerary (2 Nights)

A 3-day route through Islamabad grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

3 nights, 4 days

Islamabad 4-Day Itinerary (3 Nights)

A 4-day route through Islamabad grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

Good to visit alongside

Daman-e-Koh

Attraction

Daman-e-Koh

A hilltop garden set in the middle of the Margalla Hills, north of Islamabad. Perched above the city, it's a beloved viewpoint offering sweeping views over Islamabad.

1.6 km away
Margalla Hills

Nature

Margalla Hills

These forested hills form the northern boundary of Islamabad, Pakistan, and are part of the Himalayan foothills. Home to diverse flora and fauna, they're a great destination for trekking.

2.1 km away
Islamabad Zoo

Zoos & aquariums

Islamabad Zoo

This zoo opened in 1978 and occupied about 82 acres in Islamabad. It closed at the end of 2020 amid growing controversy over animal welfare issues.

2.3 km away
Faisal Mosque

Temples & religious sites

Faisal Mosque

A mosque in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan. It's a worthwhile religious site to visit while exploring the city.

2.4 km away
National Art Gallery, Pakistan

Museums & galleries

National Art Gallery, Pakistan

Pakistan's first national art gallery sits on a hill in Islamabad. Through its varied exhibitions, visitors can discover the world of Pakistani art.

4.9 km away
Fatima Jinnah Park

Parks & gardens

Fatima Jinnah Park

This large park occupies the entire F-9 sector of Islamabad, Pakistan. Named after Fatima Jinnah, sister of Pakistan's founder, it's a great spot for a stroll and some relaxation.

5.7 km away