Rawal Lake and Lake View Park Islamabad
Rawal Lake and Lake View Park in Islamabad form a massive artificial reservoir and eco-recreational park featuring water sports speedboating a walk-in bird aviary and pine gardens.
ExplorePir Sohawa Margalla Hills Islamabad
Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory
Overview
Situated at an elevation of approximately 5000 feet 1524 meters above sea level at the crest of the Margalla Hills National Park Pir Sohawa is the ultimate high-altitude eco-tourism destination and scenic mountain retreat overlooking Islamabad. Located 17 kilometers from the city center along a picturesque winding mountain drive past Daman-e-Koh Pir Sohawa marks the boundary between Islamabad Capital Territory and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Famous globally for its cliffside mountain dining establishments including Monal La Montana and Highland Country Club Pir Sohawa offers spectacular bird-eye views of the capital city grid layout Faisal Mosque Rawal Lake and the surrounding Himalayan foothill ranges. Featuring cool mountain breezes pine forests hiking trail terminals Trail 3 and Trail 5 and vibrant night skylines Pir Sohawa is a premier destination for travelers.
Highlights
- Highest scenic tourist crest in the Margalla Hills National Park elevated at 5000 feet
- World-famous cliffside mountain resort dining featuring Monal La Montana and Highland Country Club
- Spectacular panoramic 360-degree bird-eye views of Islamabad city lights Faisal Mosque and Rawal Lake
- Surrounded by thick pine forests crisp mountain air wildlife habitats and hiking trail terminals
- Terminal point for major Margalla Hills hiking routes including Trail 2 Trail 3 and Trail 5
- Year-round cool mountain climate providing a refreshing escape from lowland city summer heat
Things To Do
- Dine at iconic cliffside mountain restaurants Monal or La Montana while enjoying panoramic city views
- Photograph the breathtaking sunset over the Pothohar plateau and the glittering city lights at night
- Hike up scenic forest mountain routes including Trail 3 and Trail 5 terminating near Pir Sohawa
- Experience zip-lining sky-cycling and outdoor adventure sports at nearby Highland Country Club
- Enjoy fresh mountain air Doodh Patti chai hot pakoras and traditional Pakistani BBQ under pine trees
Local Transportation
Located 17 km from main capital avenues via Daman-e-Koh Road / Pir Sohawa Road 30 to 40 minutes drive from Sector F-6. Accessible via private car sedan 4x4 taxi or ride-hailing apps Uber Careem Yango InDrive.
Accommodation
Mountain resorts and capital city hospitality hub. Highland Country Club Whispering Pines resort and luxury 5-star hotels Serena Hotel Marriott Hotel or boutique guest houses in Islamabad sectors are widely available.
Food & Cuisine
World-class mountain dining hub. Enjoy authentic Pakistani Mutton Karahi Chicken Sajji Shinwari BBQ Continental buffets wood-fired pizzas Doodh Patti chai and desserts at famous cliffside restaurants Monal La Montana and local roadside cafes.
Safety Information
Highly secure, peaceful mountain national park destination protected by ICT Police and Islamabad Wildlife Management Board. Drive cautiously on narrow winding mountain turns, avoid feeding wild monkeys, stay on designated viewing terraces, and carry warm clothing in winter.
Travel Tips
Book restaurant terrace tables in advance for sunset or weekend dinners, drive steadily along mountain curves, bring a jacket or sweater even in summer evenings, and combine with Daman-e-Koh or Trail 3 hike.