The Margalla Hills is a hill range of subtropical moist broadleaf forest ecoregion in the Indomalayan realm within the Margalla Hills National Park in the northwestern Punjab region in Pakistan, forming the northern edge of the Islamabad Capital Territory, just south of Haripur District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. They are part of the Himalayan foothills on the Himalayan biodiversity hotspot. The Margalla range has an area of 12,605 hectares. It is a range with many valleys and rainforests as well as high mountains.
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In this Dossier
Margalla Hills in the context of Islamabad Capital Territory
The Islamabad Capital Territory is a federal territory of Pakistan, centred around Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan. It is located on the northern edge of the Pothohar Plateau, at the foot of the Margalla Hills, in the northwestern Punjab region. The Territory shares borders with the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the west and the province of Punjab in the remaining directions. It covers an area of 906.5 square kilometres (350.0 sq mi) and, according to 2023 census, has a population of over 2.3 million.
The area was separated from Rawalpindi District in 1967 to form a separate territory administered by the federal government. The territory is represented in the National Assembly by NA-52, NA-53, and NA-54 constituencies and by four seats in the Senate.
Margalla Hills in the context of Margalla Hills National Park
Margalla Hills National Park (Urdu: مارگلہ پہاڑیاں قومی پارک) is a national park in Pakistan located in Islamabad Capital Territory, near its northern boundary with Haripur District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The park includes the Margalla Hills, which form the foothills of the Himalayas, along with Shakarparian Park and Rawal Lake.
Established in 1980, it is the third-largest national park inPakistan with an area of 17,386 hectares (42,960 acres). Tilla Charouni, with a height of 1604 m, is tallest peak in the park. The Park is a major tourist destination, with Daman-e-Koh and Pir Sohawa serving as popular hill stations, while the Monal Restaurant, Shakarparian Cultural Complex, and Lake View Park are popular picnic spots.
Margalla Hills in the context of Faisal Mosque
The Faisal Mosque is the national mosque of Pakistan, located in Islamabad, the capital of the country. It is the sixth-largest mosque in the world, the largest mosque outside the Middle East, and the largest within South Asia, located on the foothills of Margalla Hills. It is named after the late King Faisal of Saudi Arabia (r. 1964–75). Designed by Turkish architect Vedat Dalokay, the mosque features a contemporary design consisting of eight sides of concrete shell and is inspired by the design of a typical Bedouin tent.
A major tourist attraction in Pakistan, the mosque is a contemporary and influential piece of Islamic architecture. Famous spots including the mosque as a masterpiece of modern Islamic architecture, and the Pakistan Monument, which represents the country’s cultural history, add to the city’s charm.
Margalla Hills in the context of Daman-e-Koh
Daman-e-Koh (Urdu: دامن کوہ) is a hilltop garden north of Islamabad. It is in the center of the Margalla Hills. The name is a fusion of two Persian words "Dāman" (دامن) meaning "skirt" and "Kōh" (کوہ) meaning "hill", which collectively denote "foothills". It is about 2400 ft above sea level and about 500 ft above Islamabad. The area is a popular destination for both residents and tourists.
Tourist treats are a popular attraction for monkeys. Leopards are reported to descend from higher hills of Murree during the winter months.
Margalla Hills in the context of Pir Sohawa
33°45′37″N 73°3′56″E / 33.76028°N 73.06556°E
Pir Sohawa (Urdu: پیر سوہاوہ) is a rapidly developing tourist resort located 17 kilometers (11 mi) from Islamabad on top of Margalla Hills. It has a 3000 plus ft elevation and is geographically part of Haripur District.