Trail 4 Islamabad: Route, Map and Hiking Guide

Trail 4 is a comparatively quiet hiking route in Islamabad’s Margalla Hills. It connects with the wider network of Trails 3, 5 and 6 while providing forest views and several possible exits towards the upper ridge.
During my visit, I found it greener and less crowded than some of Islamabad’s better-known trails. However, its junctions can be confusing, and access conditions, signs and permitted routes may change.
This guide describes my experience of Trail 4, including its approximate distance, route, difficulty and essential safety precautions. Always consult the latest Islamabad Wildlife Management Board information before setting out.

Table of Contents

Trail 4 Islamabad Map

Trail 4 at a glance

Location: Margalla Hills National Park, Islamabad
Approximate distance: Around 8 kilometres for the longer route described
Approximate duration: Around 3 hours, depending on route and fitness
Difficulty: Moderate
Route type: Connected trail with several junctions
Water: Carry your own
Best time: Early morning during suitable weather
Camping: Only with current official permission
Official information: Check the IWMB trail map and notices

Where does Trail 4 start?

The approach described during our visit began along Pir Sohawa Road near the former Islamabad Zoo area, now associated with the IWMB facilities at Old Murghazar Zoo.

Trail entrances and parking arrangements can change, so confirm the current starting point from the official map rather than relying entirely on an old tea stall, café or signboard.

Trail 4 route

From the starting area, Trail 4 initially climbs through the forest roughly parallel to Pir Sohawa Road. The route gradually gains elevation and reaches viewpoints overlooking Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
Farther up, Trail 4 intersects with routes leading towards Trails 3, 5 and 6 and the upper Margalla ridge. Because several paths meet in this area, hikers should consult the current IWMB map and not assume every visible path reaches the same destination.
Do not follow the old instruction to “keep going right” if lost. If the route becomes uncertain, retrace your steps to the last confirmed marker.

Experienced hikers looking for a quieter but more demanding route can read our guide to Trail 1 Islamabad.

Who all can go to Trail ?

Trail difficulty depends on the selected route, weather and the hiker’s fitness, balance and experience. The initial section may be manageable for reasonably active visitors, while longer connections require more stamina and navigation.
Suitability cannot be judged by age or gender alone. Children should remain with responsible adults, while anyone with cardiac, respiratory, balance or mobility problems should choose a route appropriate to their condition.
Descending from the upper road is not automatically easier because steep downhill walking can place greater strain on the knees and increase the risk of slipping.

The western Margalla landscape also contains the Ban Faqiran Buddhist stupa, although it should be visited without climbing on or disturbing the archaeological remains.

Wildlife on Trail 4

Trail 4 lies within Margalla Hills National Park, which supports leopards, barking deer, wild boar, jackals, monkeys, pangolins, reptiles and many bird species. The Islamabad Wildlife Management Board documents these animals as part of the park’s biodiversity. iwmb.gov.pk

Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Do not leave the marked route to search for animals, approach them for photographs or feed them.

Follow every closure or diversion issued by IWMB. Such restrictions protect both visitors and wildlife and must not be treated as optional.

Can you camp on Trail 4?

A flat platform or clearing does not automatically mean that overnight camping is permitted. Because Trail 4 lies inside a protected national park, visitors should obtain current guidance from IWMB before camping.
Never light a fire, cut vegetation, leave food behind or camp across a trail. Open flames can cause devastating forest fires and abandoned food attracts wildlife.
Unless official permission and suitable arrangements are confirmed, treat Trail 4 as a day hike.

What to carry

Carry:

Adequate drinking water
Food or energy snacks
Hiking shoes with good grip
Sun protection
Weather-appropriate clothing
Small first-aid kit
Charged phone and power bank
Offline trail map
Whistle
Headlamp for emergencies

The amount of water required varies with weather, route length and individual needs. Do not state that exactly three litres suits everyone.

Is Trail 4 safe?

Outdoor hiking is never entirely risk-free. Trail 4 may present loose stones, slippery ground, confusing junctions, heat, sudden weather changes and wildlife encounters.

Reduce the risk by:

Hiking during daylight
Checking current weather and trail notices
Using the official map
Carrying sufficient water
Wearing shoes with reliable grip
Keeping a charged phone and offline map
Hiking with a companion
Establishing a turnaround time

Do not assume that rangers will always be present along the route.

Visitors seeking a supervised technical activity can also try rock climbing in Islamabad.

Best time to hike Trail 4

Begin after daylight and early enough to complete the planned route well before sunset. Avoid the hottest part of summer days and do not enter the trail during thunderstorms, heavy rain, extreme heat, forest-fire warnings or official closures.
A sunset view may be attractive, but descending an unfamiliar forest trail after dark is not advisable.

For more activities across the capital, see our guide to the best things to do in Islamabad.

Other Margalla Hills trails

Trail 4 connects with Islamabad’s wider network of numbered and western Margalla trails. Each route has a different length, difficulty and access status.
Do not assume that every old route remains open. Consult the current IWMB maps and notices before selecting an alternative.

Conclusion.

Trail 4 is a worthwhile option for hikers who want a quieter Margalla route with forest scenery and views over Islamabad. Its connecting paths also make careful navigation important.
Treat it as a daytime hike unless camping permission has been explicitly confirmed. Check the official map, begin early, remain on recognised paths and respect every closure protecting wildlife or habitat.