Trail 5 Islamabad — Complete Guide (Location, Map, Timings, Distance, Ticket Price) Updated for 2026
Trail 5 is one of Islamabad’s most popular and scenic hiking trails, located in the Margalla Hills National Park. Known for its natural water streams, shaded paths, and diverse wildlife, Trail 5 is perfect for beginners, families, and fitness enthusiasts.
If you’re planning a visit, this guide covers exact location, map, route, duration, timings, entry fee, safety tips, and parking info.
Quick Overview of Trail 5 Islamabad
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Starting Point | Margalla Road, F-5/3 (near Trail 3 junction) |
| Total Length | 5.5 km (one way) |
| Total Duration | 2–3 hours one way |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate |
| Highest Point | Dirt Track leading to Pir Sohawa Road |
| Timings | Open from 5:00 AM to sunset |
| Entry Ticket | Free |
| Parking | Available at the trail entrance |
| Family Friendly? | Yes |
| Water Stream? | Seasonal (visible in monsoon & winter) |
Trail 5 Islamabad Location
Trail 5 begins on Margalla Road F-5, close to the parking area shared with Trail 3. You’ll see a big green signboard saying “Trail 5” at the entrance.
Exact Location
➡️ Margalla Road, near F-5/3, Islamabad
Trail 5 Islamabad Map (Google Map)
Directions to Trail 5 Islamabad
✔ From F-7 / Jinnah Super
Drive straight to Margalla Road → Continue towards Trail 3 signage → Trail 5 entrance is 300m ahead.
✔ From Blue Area
Take Hill Road → Go straight to Margalla Road → Trail 5 appears on your right.
✔ From Daman-e-Koh
Drive down towards F-6/F-5 → Join Margalla Road → Trail 5 on your left.
Public Transport:
No bus service goes directly to the trail. Use Careem / Uber and select “Trail 5 Islamabad” as destination.
Trail 5 Islamabad Timings — Open Today?
| Day | Status & Timings |
|---|---|
| Monday–Sunday | Open |
| Opening Time | 5:00 AM |
| Closing Time | Before sunset (around 6:00–7:00 PM) |
🚫 No nighttime entry allowed because the trail is part of a protected national park.
Trail 5 Islamabad Ticket Price (2026)
Trail 5 is completely FREE to enter.
No ticket fee is required.
Parking is also free.
How Long is Trail 5 Islamabad? (Distance + Duration)
Trail 5 is approximately:
✔ 5.5 km one way
✔ Total hiking time: 2–3 hours one way
If you continue to the top ridge and join Pir Sohawa Road, the total round-trip becomes:
✔ 11 km round trip
✔ 4–5 hours total duration
Trail 5 Route Breakdown
1. Starting Point (0–1 km)
Shaded forest path, easy incline, small water stream.
2. Mid Point (1–3 km)
Moderate climb, stone steps, wider forest views.
3. Ridge Area (3–5 km)
Steeper sections, stunning views of Islamabad.
4. Final Track to Pir Sohawa Road (optional)
Flat dirt track leading to the road.
You can walk to Monal Restaurant from here in ~25 minutes.
Trail 5 Islamabad Pics (Photo Spots)
Here are the best spots for photography:
- Stream area near the start point
- Big Banyan tree (1.2 km mark)
- Red rock formations (mid-section)
- Viewpoints overlooking the city
- Ridge with golden sunset views
(If you’d like, I can generate high-quality AI images or insert stock images with copyright-safe visuals.)
🦌 Wildlife on Trail 5
You may spot:
- Monkeys
- Partridges
- Foxes (rare)
- Various birds
- Butterfly clusters in spring
⚠️ Do not feed monkeys — they can become aggressive.
🚻 Facilities on Trail 5
| Facility | Availability |
|---|---|
| Washrooms | ❌ Not available on trail |
| Water | ❌ Bring your own |
| Parking | ✔ Available |
| Rest areas | ✔ Benches at some points |
| Cafes | ❌ None on trail (available near Monal) |
🔒 Safety Tips for Trail 5
- Hike early morning (best time: 6–9 AM)
- Wear joggers with good grip
- Carry 1–1.5 liters water
- Stay on marked path
- Avoid hiking alone before sunrise or near sunset
- Watch out for slippery stones after rain
📍 Nearby Attractions
- Daman-e-Koh
- Trail 3
- Faisal Mosque
- Monal Restaurant
- Margalla Ridge Track
How Many Trails Are in Margalla Hills Islamabad?
Margalla Hills National Park has more than 10 marked hiking trails, but the 7 main official and most popular trails are:
Trail 1, Trail 2, Trail 3, Trail 4, Trail 5, Trail 6, and Saidpur Trail (Buddha Cave Trail).Each trail offers a different level of difficulty, scenery, and hiking experience.
1. Trail 1 – From Sector E-8 to Pir Sohawa
Trail 1 is one of the steeper and lesser-crowded hikes in Margalla Hills. Beginning near the navy area (E-8), it offers a challenging incline and leads directly to Pir Sohawa Road. It’s ideal for experienced hikers looking for a quiet, adventurous route with minimal foot traffic.
2. Trail 2 – Zoo to Daman-e-Koh Track
Also known as the “Zoo Trail,” Trail 2 starts near Islamabad Zoo and goes up to Daman-e-Koh. It’s short but steep, making it a great workout trail. Hikers enjoy city viewpoints, shaded paths, and a quick route to one of Islamabad’s most famous viewpoints.
3. Trail 3 – The Most Popular Fitness Trail
Trail 3 is the busiest and most fitness-focused trail in Margalla Hills. Starting near F-6, it climbs sharply and connects to the ridge before joining Trail 5. Many people hike Trail 3 daily for exercise because it offers a tough workout, defined steps, and great views near the top.
4. Trail 4 – Connecting Trail (Between Trail 3 & 5)
Trail 4 acts as a connector between Trail 3 and Trail 5 on the ridge line. It’s not a standalone main trail but a scenic walk along the top of the hills. Perfect for those who like ridge walks, sunsets, and less crowded tracks.
5. Trail 5 – Family-Friendly & Scenic Trail
Trail 5 islamabad is the most scenic and beginner-friendly trail in the Margallas. Starting from Margalla Road near F-5/3, it features streams, rocky formations, shaded paths, and wildlife. The trail leads to the ridge and connects to Pir Sohawa. Ideal for families, tourists, and casual hikers.
6. Trail 6 – The Most Beautiful & Peaceful Trail
Beginning near Faisal Mosque, Trail 6 is famous for its natural beauty, dense forest, and abundance of wildlife. It has a running track at the base and a serene hiking path leading up to Pir Sohawa Road. One of the quietest and most well-preserved trails, perfect for nature lovers.
7. Saidpur Trail (Buddha Cave Trail)
Starting from the historic Saidpur Village, this trail passes through ancient Buddhist caves and scenic rock formations. It’s a moderate hike and great for tourists who want a mix of nature and cultural history. The trail eventually connects to the higher ridge tracks.
BONUS: Other Margalla Hiking Routes
These are less common but still known to hikers:
- Shah Allah Ditta Trail – Historical route with caves and village views
- Ratta Hotar Trail – Rural and forested, used mostly by locals
- Korean Trail – A short, steep trail near the Korean embassy area
- Margalla Ridge Track (35 km) – Long-distance ridge trail for advanced hikers
- Pir Sohawa Forest Paths – Short nature walks near Monal
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Trail 5 open today?
Yes, Trail 5 is open daily from 5 AM to sunset.
2. How long does it take to finish Trail 5?
Around 2–3 hours one way.
3. Is Trail 5 safe for families?
Yes, it’s one of the safest and most popular trails in Islamabad.
4. Is there a ticket for Trail 5?
No, it’s free.
5. Is Trail 5 difficult?
Moderate — suitable for beginners with average fitness.
