Trail 2 in Islamabad is the shortest and easiest of the Margalla Hills' numbered trails, climbing from behind the old Islamabad Zoo to the Daman-e-Koh viewpoint in about an hour. It is the trail most guides point families and first-time hikers towards, because there is a clear turnaround point, moderate gradient throughout, and a proper destination with food and views at the top.
This guide covers where Trail 2 starts, what the walk is like, how long it takes, and what makes it a good choice with children.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Start point | Behind the old Islamabad Zoo (Marghazar Zoo site), just above Pir Sohawa Road |
| Distance | About 1.5 km |
| Time | Roughly 40 minutes to an hour up; similar coming down |
| Difficulty | Easy to moderate; the gentlest of the numbered trails |
| End point | Daman-e-Koh viewpoint |
Where Trail 2 starts
The trailhead sits just above Pir Sohawa Road, behind the site of the old Islamabad Zoo, which closed in 2020 and now stands empty beside the road up to Daman-e-Koh. You can reach the start on foot from the zoo car park area, and it is one of the few Margalla trails where the finish, not just the start, has proper parking, toilets and food stalls, since it comes out directly at Daman-e-Koh.
What the walk is like
The path climbs steadily rather than steeply, on a well-used track through forest, and covers about 1.5 km to the viewpoint. Most people, including children walking at their own pace, cover it in 40 minutes to an hour. It is shorter and gentler than the lower section of Trail 3 or the stream stretch of Trail 5, which is why it is usually the first trail recommended to anyone hiking the Margallas for the first time.
Some hikers continue past Daman-e-Koh onto the higher ground towards the ridge, sometimes described locally as a cactus ridge extension, but this is a separate, harder undertaking and not part of the standard Trail 2 walk families do.
Why it suits families
- A short, predictable distance. An hour up and an hour down is manageable for most children old enough to walk steadily, without the open-ended climbing of Trail 1 or Trail 3's full route to Pir Sohawa.
- A real destination at the end. Daman-e-Koh has a terrace over the city, a playground, and food stalls, so the walk has a clear reward rather than just a turnaround point on a hillside.
- Moderate, consistent gradient. There is no single very steep pitch to manage, unlike the early climb on Trail 3.
- An easy retreat if needed. The short distance means it is realistic to turn back partway if a child tires or the weather changes, without losing much of the outing.
Planning the visit
Go in the morning if you can, both for cooler temperatures and to beat the crowds that build up at Daman-e-Koh by midday and especially at weekends. Carry water for everyone in the group; there is nowhere to refill on the trail itself, though there are drinks for sale at the top. Trainers or comfortable walking shoes are fine for this trail, unlike the rougher ground higher up the mountain.
If you would rather skip the walk altogether, Daman-e-Koh is also reachable by road and by CDA golf cart from its own car park, which our Daman-e-Koh guide covers in full, including what there is to see and eat once you arrive.
How it compares to the other easy options
Trail 2 is one of three routes usually put forward for a first Margalla hike, alongside the lower stretch of Trail 3 and the stream section of Trail 5, all covered together in our guide to the easiest hikes in Islamabad. What sets Trail 2 apart is that it is the only one of the three built around a single, short, one-way climb to a proper viewpoint rather than an out-and-back walk to a turnaround point partway up a longer trail.
Is Trail 2 worth it?
For a family outing, a first hike, or anyone short on time who still wants to walk rather than drive up, yes. It delivers a genuine view over Islamabad for a fraction of the effort of Trail 1 or the full length of Trail 3 or Trail 5. If you are already a regular hiker looking for a workout, this is the wrong trail; Trail 3's climb or Trail 1's longer route, covered in our roundup of every Margalla trail, will suit you better.
Frequently asked questions
Where does Trail 2 in Islamabad start?
Behind the site of the old Islamabad Zoo, just above Pir Sohawa Road, a short distance below Daman-e-Koh.
How long does Trail 2 take?
About 40 minutes to an hour to walk up, covering roughly 1.5 km, with a similar time to come back down.
Is Trail 2 suitable for young children?
Yes, more than any other numbered Margalla trail. The gradient is gentle and consistent, the distance is short, and the walk ends at a proper viewpoint with facilities.
What is at the top of Trail 2?
The Daman-e-Koh viewpoint, with a terrace looking over Islamabad towards Faisal Mosque, along with a playground, food stalls and parking for those who prefer to drive up instead.
Can I drive to the end of Trail 2 instead of walking?
Yes. Daman-e-Koh has its own road access and car park, separate from the Trail 2 walking route, so you can drive up and only walk down, or skip the trail entirely.
