The wandering spirit and the curiosity of exploring and knowing more propels us to choose to go outdoors and explore untamed nature. The voice inside urges us to seek new pathways and connections. Going on the same route sometimes becomes boring and monotonous. Margalla Ridge Trail being the longest trail of Pakistan (44 km) is an extra-ordinary opportunity to witness and experience the raw untamed nature. In this blogpost Margalla Ridge Trail 2nd leg (Talhar to Tret, Murree) is attempted and documented for the ease of new hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
1. Preparation for Margalla Ridge Trail 2nd leg
For anything to happen in our reality we need to seek action and act accordingly to accomplish the task at hand. 2nd leg of Margalla Ridge Trail is a long tiring journey, which requires proper planning. For the ease of hikers consider following key points for a safe hiking experience:
- Pack your bagpack a day before to save time on the expedition date.
- Be mentally prepared to experience the pain and suffering of staying out of your comfort zone for some 12 hours in the wilderness.
- Arrive on the track at sunrise time. MRT (Margalla Ridge Trail) is not for late comers, as starting late would eventually becomes more difficult to accomplish the target in a single day.
- Winter is the best time for long distance hiking.
- Check the weather forecast and choose an appropriate day (sunny, cloudy, hazy conditions are all okay to proceed except the rain). It is anyone’s personal preference to pick a rainy day for long distance hike.
- Keep a rain jacket in bagpack just in case of rain on the track.
- Read the map, online reviews, videos of the area to identify key locations.
- Prefer to go on Margalla Ridge Trail 2nd leg (Talhar to Tret) with a hiking buddy.
- Keep mobile phone battery fully charged.
- Extra cash in wallet.
- Extra shirt, trousers and warm clothes in your bagpack.
- Multi-purpose toolkit having a knife.
- Dry fruits, nuts, chocolates, biscuits etc.
- Mini portable stove with camper gas to prepare food on the go.
2. Margalla Ridge Trail 2nd leg starting point
One of the key elements in a long-distance hike is starting from the right location and heading towards the right direction. Talhar mor on Pir sohawa road is the starting of Margalla Ridge Trail.
Majestic Margalla Ridge Trail | Talhar to Kenthla hike
Missing the starting point could pose a serious risk of losing the opportunity to complete the leg and the whole day would be wasted. Margalla Ridge Trail being the longest hiking trail of Pakistan spanning over 44 km starting from Shah Allah Ditta village and closing at Summa village, near Tret. Completing the entire trail in a single day is a tedious task. Therefore, it is recommended to break the trail and attempt in two separate legs. 1st leg starting from Talhar mor to Kenthla (Move towards west) and the 2nd leg (Talhar to Tret) moving towards East.
3. Margalla Ridge Trail is trans-provincial
Margalla Ridge Trail has a unique significance of passing from 3 provinces. Starting from Talhar Mor being in Islamabad, crossing KPK and finally exiting in Punjab. Islamabad – KPK border arrives after 4 – 5 km of trekking on Asphalt Road.
4. Asphalt to ridge conversion at Dino Valley theme park, district Haripur, KPK
The initial portion of MRT 2nd leg starting from Talhar mor moving towards East is on Asphalt Road until Dino valley theme park. Total distance on Asphalt is 7 – 8 kms. Asphalt walking drains the energy quickly; applying a cheat code and hitch hiking / bike ride / lift to parking of Dino Valley Theme Park is not a bad idea.
It saves 60 – 80 minutes, which is crucial as the journey ahead is still a whooping 30 km till Tret exit.
5. Earthy track on Margalla Ridge Trail 2nd leg
After crossing Dino valley theme park, district Haripur, KPK, one touches the earthy portion of MRT. This patch of 2nd leg trekking on Margalla Ridge Trail provides a beautiful opportunity to cleanse the soul with forest bathing; a Japanese concept called “shinrin yoku”, first termed in early 80’s in 20th century. Forest bathing or forest walk is going out in nature, specifically in the forest and completely immersing yourself in the environment. With big trees around, lush green area, a water stream and observing the chirping of birds breathing deeply boosts overall wellbeing in a natural way.
6. First resting point on Margalla Ridge Trail 2nd leg
A small hut also known as KPK guest house among seasonal hikers is a common stopover point. The first resting point arrives after 90 – 120 minutes of trekking on the earthy track after crossing Dino valley.
As it’s a long-distance hiking and trekking, it is recommended to start the hike with an empty stomach OR with fewer calories intake. This would help you cover a reasonable distance without feeling fatigued. Preparing breakfast with a cup of tea / coffee on a hiking trail is relaxing and calming for your nerves. With substantial energy boost after munching some food, the track opens up and trekking becomes comfortable in serene environment.
7. Margalla Ridge Trail 2nd Leg Move towards EAST
Be mindful of the fact that any hiking trail has multiple paths leading to different locations. Trekking on MRT 2nd leg is mostly moving in EAST direction. Using compass utility to locate east direction is a good choice. Similar helping gadgets in the bag pack makes your hiking experience more meaningful and hassle-free.
8. ‘PHARILA Rest House’ (district Haripur, KPK) on MRT
Pharila rest house is currently an abandoned structure without rooftop. Locals claim that fire in the woods have destroyed the structure and district forest department having insufficient funds to start any repair work.
The lawn area of Pharila rest house is equipped with sitting benches for hikers and tourists to sit and relax in ambient environment. Spending couple of minutes for a short break is recommended to flex and do some stretching to soothe your muscles after a long journey, 25 km approx.
Be mindful of the time constraint on Margalla Ridge Trail 2nd leg trekking. Sunset during winter times is just around 1700 hrs. Staying too long at any resting point could be a hindrance in achieving the target well on time.
9. Concrete patch on Margalla Ridge Trail 2nd leg (Talhar to Tret)
There are few patches of concrete portion while trekking on Margalla Ridge Trail 2nd leg from Talhar mor to Tret, Murree. The concrete portion is in district Abbottabad, tehsil Rakhala.
As concrete portion is descending part of the ridge, one can take a downhill run to cover the distance in minimum time.
10. Evening Tea break on MRT 2nd leg (Talhar to Tret)
Among other short breaks on Margalla Ridge Trail 2nd leg trekking, evening tea break witnessing the winter sunset hues is icing on the cake.
Sunset Hike: A Guide to Witnessing the Beauty of Nature
Keep a check on elapsed kilometers and time. Staying on the right trail head is critical, as losing the path in poor lighting conditions after sunset could pose a serious risk. To be sure on the aspect of perfect East, keep an eye on sunset. Winter sunset in Islamabad and surrounding areas happens to be perfect west. So, the opposite of where the sun is setting is a clear judgement for the right trail head moving towards east.
11. Few shops on Margalla Ridge Trail 2nd leg (Talhar to Tret)
Tehsil Rakhala and tehsil Lora in district Abbottabad having few shops is the ONLY facility to buy something on entire trekking on 2nd leg of MRT. These facilities appear almost 25 km of trekking after Dino Valley theme park.
12. Exit of Margalla Ridge Trail from Summa village to Arukas, Tret.
Summa village is considered the exit of ridge. Take a lift / hitch-hike / ride hailing service from Summa village. If energy permits and having no other option, take the downhill Asphalt Road till Arukas, Tret on old Murree Road. The total distance from Summa to Arukas, Tret is around 5 – 6 km. From old Murree Road, local transport / taxi service is available till Barakahu, Islamabad.
13. Conclusion
“You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” – Marcus Aurelius
2nd leg of Margalla Ridge Trail is a full day activity touching almost a complete marathon. Taking 45000 steps spending somewhere above 12 hours in pure wilderness is a long, tiring expedition. It is recommended to take appropriate precautions and attempt the trail at own risk calculation in terms of time management, route judgement, energy required, personal capacity and endurance. Margalla Ridge Trail 2nd leg (Talhar to Tret) is a lifetime excursion to remember. If this blogpost helps you in any way, please comment and share. Write us at: tendwaglobal@gmail.com for group hike or any guidance support.
