Trail 4 Islamabad (Dhok Jeevan loop) is a regular trail of Margalla Hills National Park. It is located on Pir sohawa road near Islamabad zoo.
You May Also Like:
Trail 8 Islamabad | Buddha Caves to Ban Faqiran Stupa
Trail 3B Islamabad | Hike on trail 3B to trail 5
Trail 4 Islamabad Parking Area
Trail 4 Islamabad has a spacious parking to accommodate plenty of cars and bikes with adequate security. At wild mild cafe on Pri sohawa road there is a board installed directing towards trail 4 Islamabad.
Wild Mild Cafe at trail 4 Islamabad
The wild mild café is visited by hundreds of young girls and boys, families, tourists and hikers going for trekking on trail 4 Islamabad. Cafe offers snack items like French fries, sandwiches, pakora, rice , tea , coffee, water bottle, biscuits etc. Ambience of the cafe is peaceful and relaxed. Having facility of washroom with water facility available at this trail makes it a good choice to select among regular hiking trails of Margalla Hills National Park.
Map and Gate of trail 4 Islamabad
The gate of trail 4 Islamabad is visible from parking area. CDA along with Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) had done an excellent job to give valuable information for hikers and trekkers in the form of map. The arrow directions makes it easy to locate trail 4 Islamabad also known as “Dhok Jeevan Loop”. Markings on the map of trail 4 Islamabad gives a glimpse to understand difficult and confusing turns.
Trail 4 Islamabad is a narrow track
Unlike other regular hiking trails of Margalla Hills National park, trail 4 Islamabad is quite narrow track covered and passes through dense forest. Due to thick forest presence of rare wildlife cannot be ruled out. Wild boars and monkeys among the most common animals present in the area.
Water stream at trail 4 Islamabad
At trail 4 Islamabad, there is a water stream that used to flow within 500 meters of trekking. The water stream is seasonal, starts gushing with water during monsoon season. From July – September is the best time to observe water flowing at trail 4 Islamabad.
Trail 4 Islamabad is thick forest
From the beginning at trail 4 Islamabad, one enters into a dense forest and it continues for almost complete dhok Jeevan loop. The complete trail passes through shaded area and one can enjoy the hiking experience without direct sun exposure.
Elevation gain at trail 4 Islamabad
Trail 4 Islamabad is flat trekking at the beginning with reasonable elevation gain of max 1000 meters. After 1 km of trekking the trail becomes a bit steep. At some parts trekking becomes quite challenging due to substantial rise in elevation.
Trail 4 Islamabad is a loop track (Dhok Jeevan loop)
Trail 4 Islamabad is a loop trail of above 10km passing entirely through dense forest. Due to its length the trail becomes tiring journey sometimes. Once you enter the loop there is no turning back, as returning from the middle of the loop would cover the similar distance. So, its better to keep going on Dhok Jeevan Loop and come out with a sense of achievement.
Trail 4 Islamabad selfie point
At the beginning of trail 4 Islamabad, taking the left path would take you to selfie point earlier. After 2km of trekking on trail 4 to ‘Chak Jabbi and Talhar Mor’, one reaches the legendary selfie point. This selfie point is the ONLY vintage point of trail 4 Islamabad. As this is a loop trail, taking the right path ‘Dhok Jeevan trail to trail 4’, selfie point arrives after some 7-8 km of trekking.
Trail 4 Islamabad to Talhar Mor
From the top of the dhok Jeevan loop, one path leads to “Talhar Mor” on main pir sohawa road. One can take a lift / hitchhiking, hiring ride hailing service back to parking area of trail 4 Islamabad. Pir sohawa road is a busy road going to Monal restaurant (famous visitors spot) with thousands of cars, bikes, and local transport commuting daily.
Tips for beginners going on trail 4 Islamabad
Following guideline is carefully prepared to cater the needs of hikers and tourists going out for the 1st time on trail 4 Islamabad:
- Carry a hiking stick, cap, multi-purpose tool having a knife and cutter just in case.
- Set realistic goal keeping in mind about your capacity and endurance.
- Have plenty of water during summers, at least 1 liter of water recommended.
- Cucumber is a good addition to keep along having 96% of water element.
- Keep dry fruits , nuts and energy bar like chocolates or biscuits.
- Accompany a hiking partner if it’s your 1st attempt to go for complete 10km loop.
- Do not litter and carry trash to bins provided at the parking area.
Conclusion
Trail 4 Islamabad and dhok Jeevan loop is a nice trekking spot for hiking community within city limits of Islamabad. A nice café at the parking area with washroom and water facility available adds a good addition to consider going out for a long hike.