Margalla Hills facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Margalla Hills |
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Margalla Hills
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| Highest point | |
| Peak | Tilla Charouni |
| Elevation | 1,604 m (5,262 ft) |
| Geography | |
| Location | Islamabad, Pakistan |
| Country |  Pakistan |
The Margalla Hills (Urdu: مارگلہ پہاڑیاں) are a beautiful group of hills. They are located at the northern edge of Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan. These hills are part of the Himalayan foothills. They cover a large area of 12,605 hectares. The Margalla Hills are known for their many valleys and tall mountains. They are also part of the Margalla Hills National Park.
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Discovering the Margalla Hills' Past
Scientists and archaeologists have studied the Margalla Hills. They believe these hills were formed a very long time ago. This was during a period called the Miocene epoch. The hills are mostly made of limestone. This rock is mixed with sandstone and some shale.
Archaeologists have made exciting discoveries here. They found two human footprints preserved in sandstone. These footprints are over one million years old! This shows that ancient humans once walked in this area.
Plants and Animals of Margalla Hills
The Margalla Hills are home to many different kinds of plants. There are about 250 to 300 species of plants here. Many of these plants are used by local people. They use them for their medicinal effects. These plants help treat various illnesses.
The hills also have a rich variety of wildlife. You can find monkeys and many kinds of exotic birds. There are also carnivores, which are meat-eating animals. A special and rare animal here is the Margalla leopard. These leopards are currently endangered. They usually stay high up in the hills. However, villagers sometimes see them.
Bird Watching in Margalla Hills
The Margalla Hills are a fantastic place for people who love watching birds. Many different bird species live here. Some common birds include robins, sparrows, and kites. You might also see larks, pheasants, and spotted doves.
Larger birds like Egyptian vultures, falcons, and eagles also live here. The Himalayan griffon vulture and peregrine falcon are among them. Other beautiful birds include the paradise flycatcher and golden oriole.
A special bird called the cheer pheasant lives in this area. It is native to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Efforts are being made to protect these birds. The World Pheasant Association and Capital Development Authority are working together on this.
Fun Activities in Margalla Hills
Hiking Trails for Adventure
The Margalla Hills offer several exciting hiking trails. Trails 3 and 5 are very popular. They start from Margalla Road. This is opposite sector F-6 in Islamabad. The trails end at the Pir Sohawa Road. These paths are great for exploring the hills.
Protecting the Margalla Hills Environment
The natural environment of the Margalla Hills faces some challenges. Stone-crushing plants near Taxila are digging into the hills. This removes material used for building. Also, trees are being cut down illegally. Fires also cause deforestation. Poachers also threaten the wildlife.
Margalla Hills Society
The Margalla Hills Society was created in 1989. This group works to protect the hills.
World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Pakistan
The WWF-Pakistan also helps protect the Margalla Hills. They have a 'Green School Programme'. This program works with the Capital Development Authority (CDA). They organize 'Eco-Adventure Activities' for school children. These activities teach kids about protecting nature. They also learn how important it is to be responsible for the environment.
Notable Events in Margalla Hills
- On 28 July 2010, Airblue Flight 202 crashed in the Margalla Hills.
- On 6 January 2012, snow fell over the Margalla Hills.
- On 11 February 2016, snow fell over the Margalla Hills again.
Places to Visit in Margalla Hills
- Daman-e-Koh
- Pir Sohawa
- Shahdara, Islamabad
See also
- Margalla Hills National Park
- Birds of Islamabad
- Airblue Flight 202
- Faisal Mosque
