Margalla Hills, Islamabad

Peer Sohawa is one of my favorite place in Islamabad. Its at much higher altitude of Margalla Hills and receive snowfall in winter. Weather is also much cool and area is peaceful. In summers, the weather is really nice so you can get rid of hot weather of twin cities and relax at Peer Sohawa. The views are breath taking and you can see muree hills, twin cities, rawal lake and surrounding areas.

Your car should be in good condition as the road is very steep. If you don't have own car, they book transport for you which takes you there and brings back. Its not easy to get transport back from Peer Sohawa. You can also enjoy delicious BBQ at "The Khokha" which is always crowded because of its delicious food. "Sohawa Heights" is another good place to eat.

The Margalla Hills are a great place to view the city. Now it has become a National Park and is protected so visitors as well as city folk can come up here and relax, as well as take in the scenery. Again bring your camera!

I walked the state park hill trail number 3 on the Marghalla Hills and had a wonderful experience. Its quiet and relaxing as you walk your way up the 11km round trip. I saw some goats, birds and three monkeys.

During this time of season (June) you must start at 5am or so because it gets so hot, so early.

I saw mostly Pakistanis on the trail and its a good work out.

The Margallas are excellent for hiking purposes and cater to both the serious hiker and the less serious enthusiast. Trail lengths vary from 1.5kms to 15kms and ranging from heights of 640-1580m. There are a number of short walks and day or half day hikes. There are also longer treks of 2-3 days. For details check out the Asia Study Groups (ASG) publication Hiking Around Islamabad (1992, Revised Edition). The best season to hike are the mild winter months when there is less rain and the days are extremely pleasant. January and February may be too cold and wet but otherwise October to April are your best bet. Beware though that twilight is very short in Islamabad and once the sun sets, darkness falls very quickly.

To get rid of summer heat, residents of twin cities rush to Margalla Hills. You can go there for walk, hiking, cycling, camping and picnic.

Margalla Hills give amaizing views of Rawalpindi and Islamabad along with snow covered hills of Murree.

Various spots like Daman-e-Koh and Peer Sohawa have also been developed to fecilitate tourists in better way.

One of the lovely places in Islamabad is "Peer Sohawa". It is located near the top of the Margalla Hills after crossing Daman-e-Koh. The road for Peer Sohawa is very steep and not in so good situation so your car must be in good condition if you are planning to go there.

This spot is located at good height so weather is nice in Summers and in winters you may expect snow fall. From Peer Sohawa you can easily view snow covered hills of Murree and surroundings.

The famous "The Khokha" restaurant which is also known as "Sohawa Heights" is always crowded with people who come there especially to enjoy special food and bar-b-que over there.

Usually atmosphere in "Peer Sohawa" is very peaceful and calm. The views of twin cities and Murree hills are breath taking and weather is simply fantastic and romantic.

So if you are in Islamabad then Peer Sohawa is simply a Must Visit. So do not miss it !!!

:::Hiking
::: The Margallas are excellent for hiking purposes and cater to both the serious hiker and the less serious enthusiast. Trail lengths vary from 1.5kms to 15kms and ranging from heights of 640-1580m. There are a number of short walks and day or half day hikes. There are also longer treks of 2-3 days. For details check out the Asia Study Groups (ASG) publication Hiking Around Islamabad (1992, Revised Edition). The best season to hike are the mild winter months when there is less rain and the days are extremely pleasant. January and February may be too cold and wet but otherwise October to April are your best bet. Beware though that twilight is very short in Islamabad and once the sun sets, darkness falls very quickly