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Hiking

Subgroup: 

Hikes

The   Hiking Subgroup conducts regular treks in and around Islamabad.The Margalla hills, which are the foothills of the great Himalayas are not just fine to look at, they contain numerous hiking trails of various lengths, the longest being the 50Km Margalla Ridge Trail. Hikes are rated according to their viability.

Coordinator: Ahtasham Ali Raja

Co-coordinator: Kamran Hashmi / Omar Haroon Khalid / Nouman Gillani

Subgroup Programmes: 

Hiking - THE GEAH FOREST TRACK

Hiking - THE GEAH FOREST TRACK

Saturday, 3 October 2026

NOC is required for foreigners and diplomats.

Ideal for experienced hikers, nature lovers, adventure seekers, photographers, and anyone looking to explore one of the quieter trails of the Galiyat region. Escape into the cool, peaceful forests of the Bara Gali area and join us for an exciting hike on the spectacular Geah Forest Track.

Come prepared for a challenging but rewarding day in the mountains, as we explore one of the lesser-known and exceptionally scenic hiking tracks of the Galiyat region!

Considered one of the most beautiful and well-managed hiking tracks in the Bara Gali region near Abbottabad and Nathiagali, Geah remains relatively lesser explored. The trail rewards hikers with stunning forest scenery, spectacular mountain views, and some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the area!

The Adventure!

  • Gather at the designated meeting point
  • Travel to the Geah Forest Track near Bara Gali
  • Hike through beautiful forest terrain and scenic mountain landscapes
  • Enjoy spectacular views from the higher sections of the trail
  • Reach the beautiful boulders at the top and enjoy a picnic surrounded by nature
  • Complete the loop trail and return to the starting point

Hike Details

  • Distance: Approximately 10 km
  • Difficulty: Hard
  • Trail Type: Loop
  • Location: Geah Forest Track, Bara Gali / Kalabagh, Nathiagali area

What to Bring

  • Sturdy hiking shoes with good grip
  • Sufficient drinking water and refreshments
  • Picnic food for the stop at the top
  • Camera/phone — the trail offers spectacular views and beautiful photography opportunities

 

 

 

Hiking - CHAJIYAN WATERFALL HIKE AND WATER FUN

Hiking - CHAJIYAN WATERFALL HIKE AND WATER FUN

Saturday, 19 September 2026

NOC is required for foreigners and diplomats.

Specially designed for nature lovers, adventure seekers, photographers, and anyone looking to reconnect with the outdoors away from the noise and heat of the city!

Escape the heat and hustle of the city and join us for a refreshing hike to the beautiful Chajiyan Waterfall, a hidden gem nestled in the hills near Khanpur. With a waterfall drop of approximately 30 feet, Chajiyan offers a wonderful combination of scenic hiking, lush surroundings, and the opportunity to cool off and enjoy some water fun along the way.

Leave the city heat behind and reconnect with nature!

  • Gather at the designated meeting point in Islamabad
  • Travel by chartered transport to the trailhead, approximately 75 km from Islamabad
  • Enjoy a scenic 6 km round-trip hike
  • Explore the beautiful hills, natural surroundings, and Chajiyan Waterfall. Take some time to relax, enjoy the water, and capture the scenery

Hike Details

  • Distance: 6 km round trip
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Location: Chajiyan, near Khanpur
  • Transport: Chartered transport from Islamabad

What to Bring

  • Sturdy and comfortable hiking shoes
  • Sufficient drinking water and refreshments
  • A change of clothes if you plan to enjoy the water
  • Camera/phone — the trail and waterfall offer plenty of beautiful photo opportunities

 

 

Hiking - WATER FUN AT THE 'BRUTI WATER STREAM'!!!

Hiking - WATER FUN AT THE 'BRUTI WATER STREAM'!!!

Sunday, 2 August 2026

Escape the city heat and step into the refreshing wilderness of the beautiful Bruti Water Stream, hidden deep within the lush green valleys of the Margalla Hills National Park.

Join us for a scenic monsoon-season adventure featuring shaded forest trails, flowing mountain streams, rocky crossings, and the soothing sounds of nature all around. The Bruti area becomes especially magical during the rainy season, with vibrant greenery, cool breezes, and crystal-clear water making it one of the most refreshing escapes near Islamabad.

The hike is designed for nature lovers, adventure seekers, photographers, and anyone looking to reconnect with the outdoors away from the noise of the city. Along the way, we’ll enjoy streamside breaks, explore hidden sections of the valley, and experience the unique beauty of the Margallas in their monsoon form.

  • We will gather at the meeting point
  • Travel as a convoy to the starting point
  • We will park our cars at the base.
  • Hike Distance: 6Km round trip
  • Hike Rating: Easy
  • Wear sturdy shoes; bring refreshments. Also do not forget your camera/phone as you do not want to miss taking shots of the beautiful views!
  • Bring refreshmets
Hiking - THE SECOND RIDGE

Hiking - THE SECOND RIDGE

Sunday, 19 July 2026

Pl. NOTE: NOC may be required for foreigners/ diplomats. The Second Ridge is just outside Islamabad, in the KPK region.

The Second Ridge is one of our favourite hiking tracks!

The views of the Himalayas make this very special, as it shows the diversity of the flora of the Margalla Hills. The whole track is covered with tall pine trees, and listening to the whispering of pines in the cool breeze is an experience on its own! The tree cover makes sure that it stays pleasant in any weather.

The climax of the hike is the lake's viewpoint from where both Khanpur and Rawal Lake can be seen!

The total distance is 12 km (return trip).

The hike rating is Medium (Easy long walk on top of the ridge)

We will go together in our own cars in a convoy.

Wear sturdy shoes; bring your own refreshments. Dress appropriately. Don’t forget your camera/phone for some special memories!

Hiking - THE 'PHARILLA' HIKE

Hiking - THE 'PHARILLA' HIKE

Sunday, 21 June 2026

As we hike along the Margalla Ridge from Pir Sohawa, a narrow and curvy stretch of the scenic Pharilla track offers pine trees, small streams, and a panoramic view of the nearby areas.

An old forest rest house from the British Era is located at Pharilla, approximately 8Km from Pir Sohawa. It was maintained by the CDA until a big forest fire destroyed it a couple of years ago. It still provides a perfect picnic spot!

  • We will gather at the meeting point
  • Travel as a convoy to the starting point
  • We will park our cars at Dino Valley parking.
  • Distance: 18Km round trip (from/to Pir Shoawa)
  • Elevation Gain: 450m
  • Hike Rating: Strenuous (because of the distance and heat)
  • Wear sturdy shoes; bring refreshments. Also do not forget your camera/phone as you do not want to miss taking shots of the beautiful views!
  • Bring enough water and fluids to survive the heat.

Please Note: People who have not registered will not be allowed to join the hike.

Hiking - THE GEAH FOREST TRACK

Hiking - THE GEAH FOREST TRACK

Saturday, 16 May 2026

Note: NOC will be required for foreigners/ diplomats

Geah Forest Track is one of the most beautiful and well managed hiking track at Bara Gali (Abbottabad/ Nathiagali) area. It is one of the lesser explored tracks but easily beats every other track in that area in terms of the beauty and the views from the track. It presents some of the most beautiful places for exploring nature.

The hike is a loop and we will return back to the start point at the end. It is located near Bara Gali (Kalabagh, Nathiagali etc)

Wear sturdy shoes; bring sufficient refreshments/ water. We will picnic at the beautiful boulders at the top!

Hike Rating: Hard with a distance of around 10 km

Hiking - BURJ To PATRIATA (PHOFANDI TRACK)

Hiking - BURJ To PATRIATA (PHOFANDI TRACK)

Saturday, 18 April 2026

Note: NOC will be required for foreigners/ diplomats

Patriata and Kotli Sattian -on the eastern side of Murree Hills- present some of the most beautiful places for exploring nature. Due to the proximity to Murree which is the central point of activity for tourists, this area has fortunately remained less explored!

There is an old track that connects Kotli Sattian to Patriata through the hills. The track passes through Phofandi -a hilltop near Kotli Sattian and on a clear day, it presents spectacular views of the Himalayas in the East!

The coaster will drop us off at Burj - near Kotli Sattian- and pick us up at the Patriata top.

Wear sturdy shoes; bring sufficient refreshments/ water. We will picnic at the Phofandi Top!

Hike Rating: Moderate with a distance of around 8 km

Hiking -A 'PRE-IFTAR' HIKE ON SAIDPUR TRAIL

Hiking -A 'PRE-IFTAR' HIKE ON SAIDPUR TRAIL

Wednesday, 18 March 2026

A hike timed for the golden hour before sunset... since we plan to get back in time for 'Iftar '- keeping the month of Ramzan/Ramadan in mind!

" Hiking Pals" invites ASG Members & Guests to a short hike on one of the most beautiful tracks in Islamabad... the back of Saidpur Village on a trail that ascends to the Pir Sohawa road near Monal.

Duration: 60-75 minutes. Easy to medium.

Wear sturdy shoes and don't forget to bring your camera/phone for some spectacular photography!

We will gather at the parking of the Saidpur model village.

Parking lot: https://maps.app.goo.gl/x9qHHCpNpT1oPkSa7

Hiking - SNOW HIKE TO MIRANJANI: THE HIGHEST PEAK IN GALIYAT

Hiking - SNOW HIKE TO MIRANJANI: THE HIGHEST PEAK IN GALIYAT

Saturday, 7 February 2026

Please Note: The area is outside Islamabad: Foreigners/ diplomats will require an NOC to participate.
Miranjani at 2980m (9800ft) is the highest mountain of the Galiyat region. The hike is around 5Km long (one way) and can become challenging in snow. It has stunning views of the beautiful valleys and the Himalayas of Kashmir.

If lucky, we may get a glimpse of the mighty Nanga Parbat from the top. We will take the road via Murree and it will take us about an hour and a half to reach Nathia gali from where the hike will start. Our transport will be a coaster with limited seats.

  • Please come fully prepared- Some tips that will help you with the hike.

1) Footwear is important. 'Gaiters' can be a good addition to such adventures.

2) Dress in layers.

3) When you are cold, it is tempting to not drink as much, or only drink coffee and hot chocolate. But you’re still sweating under all those layers, and your body needs water and electrolytes. Be sure to take sips of water when you stop. Keep enough water with you.

4) Hiking poles are handy on snow hikes.

Along with the necessary precautions, don't forget to bring cameras as the views will be amazing!

It is recommended to bring your own refreshments and not rely on the local vendor

Hike Rating is Hard (the same as Trail 3 hike and added difficulty due to snow) with a distance of around 10 Km for the complete loop.

Hiking - 'TILLA CHIRAUNI'- THE HIGHEST POINT OF MARGALLA HILLS

Hiking - 'TILLA CHIRAUNI'- THE HIGHEST POINT OF MARGALLA HILLS

Sunday, 11 January 2026

Tila Charauni at 1490 m, is the highest peak of the Margalla Hills ridge, adjacent to Islamabad. On a clear day, the views of the mountains in the north are amazing! During the winter season, the snowclad mountains of the North are a treat to watch!

We usually do the hike from Pir Sohawa road, but this time we will try a different route, all the way from Shah Darra.

Total distance of the hike is 15Km, half of which is the climb to the top. It is categorized as a hard level hike (due to the elevation gain and distance).

Please Note:

We will gather at the meeting point and travel in convoy to reach Shah Darra, from where we will start the hike.

Bring refreshments. Wear sturdy shoes & dress accordingly as it may get windy and cold !

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