Trail 5 in Islamabad starts on Margalla Road opposite sector F-5, a few hundred metres east of the Trail 3 car park, at a spot called Dara Jangla. The first part follows a stream through shaded forest on an easy gradient; after that the path turns steeper and rockier as it climbs to the Pir Sohawa road near the top of the ridge. The CDA gives two and a half to three and a half hours for the trail. It is one of the two busiest hikes in the capital and a good choice for first-timers, because you can walk as little or as much of it as you like.
It is free, open in daylight, and busy on weekend mornings. This guide covers where to park, how the route unfolds, how long it takes, how hard it really is, and what to know before you go.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Start | Dara Jangla, Margalla Road, opposite sector F-5 |
| End | Pir Sohawa road, near the top of the ridge |
| Time | 2.5 to 3.5 hours by the CDA's estimate |
| Recorded route | About 6.8 km out and back, with some 330 m of climbing (AllTrails) |
| Difficulty | Easy along the stream, moderate on the climb |
| Water | Stream in the first section; not safe to drink |
| Entry | Free for individual hikers |
| Best time | Early morning, October to March |
Where does Trail 5 start?
Trail 5 begins on Margalla Road opposite sector F-5, just a few hundred metres east of the Trail 3 trailhead, which sits opposite F-6. The start area is known as Dara Jangla (you will also see Dera Janglan), and it is more developed than most trailheads in the hills: there is a car park, a plant nursery, a picnic area and a campsite, with the trail itself leading off into the forest.
Getting there:
- By car: drive along Margalla Road towards the eastern end of the city and look for the Trail 5 signs opposite F-5. On weekend mornings the car park can fill early, so arrive early or go on a weekday.
- By ride-hailing: the simplest option, especially if you plan to walk out at the top and be collected there.
- From Trail 3: the two trailheads are close enough to walk between along Margalla Road.
How long is Trail 5?
Figures vary, because people count the route differently. The CDA gives two and a half to three and a half hours for the trail. AllTrails, which records routes by GPS, logs the popular out-and-back route at about 6.8 km (4.2 miles) with some 330 metres of climbing, and an average of a little under two and a half hours for the round trip. Other accounts put the distance from Dara Jangla to the Pir Sohawa road at about 5 km one way.
What matters more for planning is this:
- The stream section is the easy part, and walking it there and back makes a short outing on its own.
- The full climb to the Pir Sohawa road and back down needs a half-day at a steady pace with rests.
- Fit, regular hikers go considerably faster than any of these estimates. First-timers, families and anyone hiking in the heat should plan on the slow end.
The route, section by section
The stream section
From the trailhead the path follows a stream up a wooded valley, in shade for most of the way and on a gentle gradient. This is the part that gives Trail 5 its reputation. After a few days of rain, and through the monsoon, the water runs clear and loud over the rocks, and there are several places to stop and sit beside it. In dry spells it can shrink to a trickle.
In places the path runs over rocks beside and across the stream. Take care: the rocks are slippery when wet, and after heavy rain the water can rise quickly. If it is running fast, don't cross.
The climb
Beyond the stream section, the trail leaves the valley floor and climbs. The gradient steepens and the path becomes rocky, with steps and loose stones. This is where most of the height is gained and where first-timers slow down.
Take it at your own pace. Stop in the shade, drink regularly, and don't feel you have to reach the top. Turning back at any point is a perfectly good hike.
The top
The trail comes out on the Pir Sohawa road, near the top of the Margalla ridge, with views back over Islamabad. Small licensed kiosks were allowed to stay along the road, but don't count on them. The big restaurants that used to stand at Pir Sohawa, including Monal, were demolished in 2024 under a Supreme Court order, so bring your own snacks rather than planning a meal at the top.
Getting back
- Walk back down the same way. This is what most people do and what the wildlife board recommends: using the same trail for the descent is the easiest way to avoid getting lost.
- Be collected on the Pir Sohawa road. If you want to walk one way only, arrange a car to meet you at the top in advance. Don't count on picking up a ride-hailing car there.
Trail 5 also has side paths that link across to Trail 3, and Trail 4 connects the two trails higher up. They make good loops for people who know the hills, but they are easy to get wrong on a first visit. Stick to the main path until you know it.
How hard is Trail 5 for a first-timer?
For most healthy adults, the stream section is easy and the climb is moderate: sustained, rocky, sweaty work, but no scrambling or exposure. Children who walk regularly can usually manage the stream section and some of the climb.
It will feel hard if you are not used to walking uphill, if you start late on a hot day, or if you try to keep up with regular hikers. It is a better first hike than Trail 3, whose fire lane is steep from the first few minutes; our Trail 3 guide explains that one.
If you have knee problems, the descent over loose stone is often harder than the climb. A walking pole helps.
When is the best time to hike Trail 5?
Time of day: early morning, all year. The light is soft, the air cool and the trail quieter. Be off the trail well before dusk: the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board advises hiking in daylight only, as leopards and other wildlife are most active at dawn, dusk and night.
Season:
- October to March is the most comfortable season, with cool mornings and clear air. December and January mornings can be cold; take a layer you can tie round your waist later.
- April to June is hot. Start at first light, carry more water, and be down by late morning. This is also fire season in the hills.
- July to September is the monsoon. The stream is at its best and the forest greenest, but the rocks are slippery and the water can rise fast after heavy rain.
Weekdays or weekends: Trail 5 is one of the two busiest trails in the Margallas. On weekend mornings it is full of families, groups and runners, and the car park fills early. Weekday mornings are far quieter.
Rules and etiquette
- No fee for individual hikers. Organised groups, school trips and events need permission from the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board, which charges a fee per participant for activities on Trail 5.
- Daylight only. Evening and full-moon hikes are specifically discouraged.
- Take your rubbish home. The board runs a no-plastic policy on the trail, with staff on patrol.
- No fires, no smoking, especially in the dry months.
- Don't feed monkeys, and keep food packed away when they are around.
- Keep music off. Many people come to the stream for the quiet.
What to carry
- Water, at least a litre per person, more in summer; don't drink from the stream
- Shoes with good grip; the stream rocks and the descent are slippery
- A small snack
- A hat and sunscreen from April to October
- A light layer for winter mornings
- A charged phone, and someone at home who knows your plan
- A bag for your rubbish
Who Trail 5 suits
Trail 5 suits almost everyone who is reasonably active: first-time hikers, families with children who like walking, people who want a gentle hour by water before work, and fitter walkers who want a steady climb to the ridge. Its great advantage is that it scales: the stream section alone is worth the trip, and the full climb is there if you want it.
It suits people less well if they want solitude on a weekend, or if they dislike rocky paths on the way down. For quieter options, and for how Trail 5 compares with the rest, see our guide to every Margalla Hills trail. For what else to see in the capital, from Faisal Mosque to the Pakistan Monument, see our guide to places to visit in Islamabad. And if the Margallas are practice for a trek further north, tell us what you have in mind.
Frequently asked questions
Where does Trail 5 start in Islamabad?
On Margalla Road opposite sector F-5, at Dara Jangla, a few hundred metres east of the Trail 3 car park. There is parking, a nursery, a picnic area and a campsite at the trailhead.
How long does Trail 5 take?
The CDA gives two and a half to three and a half hours. Walking only the stream section and back takes much less, and fit hikers are quicker; first-timers should allow a half-day for the full climb and return.
Is Trail 5 easy or hard?
The first stream-side section is easy and shaded. The climb to the Pir Sohawa road is moderate: steady, rocky and hot in summer, but with no scrambling.
Where does Trail 5 end?
On the Pir Sohawa road near the top of the Margalla ridge. Most people walk back down the same way; if you want to walk one way only, arrange a car to meet you at the top.
Is there water on Trail 5?
There is a stream in the first section, strongest after rain and in the monsoon, but it is not safe to drink. Carry all the water you need.
Is Trail 5 safe?
Yes, in daylight. It is busy and well used. Hike in company on quiet days, take care on wet rocks and at stream crossings, and be off the trail before dusk.
