Makhnial Ridge Trail Islamabad: Route and Hiking Guide

Makhnial Ridge Trail is an undeveloped hiking and off-road route in the Margalla Hills north of Islamabad. It passes through forested slopes, open ridges and rural settlements, with views towards Khanpur Lake and the surrounding valleys.
The route is sometimes described as the second section of a longer Margalla ridge journey beginning near Shah Allah Ditta. However, it is not a formally marked long-distance trail, and its exact course, accessibility and condition can change.
During our hike, we started near Makhnial Village and followed the dirt track towards the Masta, Gokina and Talhar side. This guide records our personal experience rather than guaranteeing that the same route will remain open or clearly visible.

For the preceding section of this journey, see our guide to the Margalla Ridge Trail from Shah Allah Ditta to Talhar.

Table of Contents

Makhnial Ridge Trail at a glance

Starting area used during our visit: Makhnial Village near Pir Sohawa Road
Route: Makhnial towards Masta, Gokina or Talhar
Difficulty: Moderate, with navigation and transport challenges
Surface: Dirt road, uneven ground and exposed sections
Route marking: Limited
Water: Carry your complete supply
Mobile coverage: May be inconsistent
Best for: Experienced hikers travelling in a group

Our recorded timings and distances are approximate. Route choice, weather, fitness, rest stops and navigation errors can significantly change the total journey.

Margalla Ridge Hike

I don’t think it is a good idea to complete the 44 km track from Shah Allah Ditta to Murree in one go, after all the intention is to enjoy the trip, not conquer a country.

How to reach the Makhnial Ridge Trail

We began near Makhnial Village from the Pir Sohawa Road side. At the time of our visit, a sign for Masta Village helped us identify the general starting area.

Because signs, roads and local access arrangements can change, confirm the current starting point and return transport before travelling. Download an offline map, save the location of your vehicle or arranged pickup and do not assume that a ride will be available at the other end.

Starting shortly after sunrise provides more daylight and helps avoid the strongest heat.

I reached there on a Careem Ride.

A motorcycle ride on Careem would be cheaper though, but you get one later in the day, as the riders wake up late.

The earlier to get there, the better, as the Sun starts heating up immediately after 7 am.

What to carry

Proper hiking shoes
At least two to three litres of water per person, adjusted for weather
Food and an electrolyte drink
Fully charged phone and power bank
Offline map or downloaded GPS route
Sun hat, sunscreen and sunglasses
Light warm or waterproof layer
Torch or headlamp
Compact first-aid kit
Whistle
Identification and emergency contact information

Travel with at least one reliable hiking companion.

How long does the Makhnial hike take?

During our visit, the walking section took approximately four hours, including periods of rest and time spent correcting our route. Our total door-to-door journey took about five and a half hours.

These figures should be treated only as a record of our experience. Another group may take considerably longer depending on its starting point, endpoint, pace and route-finding ability.

Plan additional time for delays and aim to finish well before sunset

Makhnial Forest Rest House

Near the beginning of our hike, we saw the old Makhnial Forest Rest House. The building appeared to preserve features from an earlier period, but its construction date, ownership and public-access status should not be stated without an authoritative source.

View historic or official buildings from permitted areas and do not enter closed property without permission.

Makhnial was probably a wonderful forest site once, but extensive illegal logging has not left much to see there.

I then started my walk on the dirt track from Makhnial to Talhar.

s the track suitable for vehicles or bicycles?

Parts of the route resemble an unpaved vehicle track, but that does not mean they are safe or legally open to every vehicle. During our visit, we encountered steep climbs, narrow sections and exposed drops.

Road conditions can deteriorate after rain, landslides or erosion. Drivers and mountain bikers should verify present access, use appropriate safety equipment and avoid attempting unfamiliar sections alone.

Seeing another vehicle on the route is not proof that an ordinary car can complete it safely.

How is the weather at Makhnial Track?

The hike is easy and cool, as the Sun is shaded by the 2^nd Margalla Ridge.

At the midway point, where the track opens up into a high altitude prairie for grazing, the forest is very thick and the breeze picks up speed.

So, take a Fleece jacket with you in autumn.

What we saw along the route

Depending on visibility and the chosen route, hikers may see:

Forested Margalla slopes
Rural settlements and grazing areas
Views towards Khanpur Lake
Distant views across the Islamabad region
Monkeys and woodland birds
The old Makhnial Forest Rest House

Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. Maintain distance from monkeys and other animals, do not feed them and carry food securely.

Some sections pass close to steep drops. These are not appropriate picnic, climbing, rappelling or base-jumping locations unless an authorised professional organisation has assessed and managed the activity.

After 3 hours of leisurely walk on the dirt road, you’d reach the village of Masta.

At the village of Masta, you can take the track down to Gokina Village and then hitch a ride towards the right side to Talhar village or towards the left side back to Pir Sohawa.

Makhniyal Hike End Point at Talhar (33.773418, 73.051712)

Plan your return before starting

Do not depend on hitchhiking, free motorcycle rides or finding informal transport at Talhar or Gokina. Arrange a pickup in advance or design the hike as a return route to your starting point.

Tell someone outside the hiking group your planned route, endpoint and expected return time. If transport or navigation becomes uncertain, turn back while sufficient daylight remains.

I was back at home at 1:00 pm.

Less-experienced hikers should begin with established routes such as Trail 1 Islamabad or Trail 4 in the Margalla Hills.

Travellers interested in the western Margallas can also visit the historic Shah Allah Ditta Caves.

Find additional hiking and climbing ideas in our guide to the best outdoor activities in Islamabad.

Is Makhnial Ridge Trail worth hiking?

Makhnial Ridge Trail offers forest scenery, open views and a greater sense of wilderness than Islamabad’s busiest numbered trails. Its relative isolation is also what makes preparation and navigation particularly important.

Experienced hikers may find it a rewarding day route, provided they start early, carry sufficient water, arrange return transport and travel with someone familiar with the area. Beginners should first gain experience on Islamabad’s established trails.