Daman e Koh

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AttractionType

Park, View Point

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District

City

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   Photo Credit:
    Muhammad Ibrahim

Attraction Type

Park
View Point

Description

Daman-e-Koh, meaning “foothills” in Persian (from “Daman” meaning skirt and “Koh” meaning hill), is a renowned hilltop viewpoint in the Margalla Hills National Park, north of Islamabad. Situated at 2,400 feet above sea level and 500 feet above the city, it was developed in the 1970s by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) as a recreational spot. Offering breathtaking panoramic views of Islamabad, including landmarks like Faisal Mosque and Rawal Lake, Daman-e-Koh is a favorite for tourists and locals seeking nature, serenity, and stunning cityscapes. Its lush greenery, wildlife, and accessible terraces make it ideal for picnics, photography, and relaxation.

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What To Do

  • Enjoying panoramic views of Islamabad, including Faisal Mosque and Rawal Lake
  • Photography of the cityscape, Margalla Hills, and sunset vistas
  • Picnicking at designated terraces and green spaces
  • Hiking or trekking along nearby trails (e.g., Trail 2 to Daman-e-Koh)
  • Wildlife spotting, including monkeys and peacocks (avoid feeding monkeys)
  • Walking along well-designed paths and viewing platforms
  • Visiting food stalls for snacks and refreshments
  • Horse or camel rides (available occasionally near the parking area)
  • Relaxing in the serene, forested environment for meditation or family outings

What To Buy

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What is Around

  • Terraced viewing platforms with seating areas for city views
  • Walking paths and ramps (accessible for visitors with mobility challenges)
  • Food stalls offering snacks like pakoras, chai, and cold drinks
  • Small market stalls selling souvenirs and trinkets
  • Parking facilities (ample space for cars and buses)
  • Monkeys and peacocks roaming the area (exercise caution with food)
  • Lush greenery and forested areas of the Margalla Hills
  • Access to hiking trails leading to Pir Sohawa (3,600 feet above sea level)

Nearby Tourist

  • Faisal Mosque (7.5 km): An iconic mosque with modern architecture and city views.
  • Margalla Hills National Park (0-6 km): Offers additional hiking trails, wildlife, and viewpoints like Margallah View Point.
  • Fatima Jinnah Park (F-9 Park) (11 km): A large recreational park with jogging tracks and picnic areas.
  • Pakistan Monument and Museum (10 km): Located in Shakarparian Hills, showcasing Pakistan’s history.
  • Rawal Lake (13 km): A scenic lake for boating, picnicking, and bird-watching.
  • Lok Virsa Museum (11 km): Displays Pakistan’s cultural heritage with artifacts and exhibits.
  • Saidpur Village (5.8 km): A historic village with Mughal-era artifacts and cultural charm.
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Best Season to visit

December
February
January
March
November
October
September

Spring (February - March)

  • Spring brings mild temperatures (15-25°C) and blooming flowers, ideal for picnicking, hiking, and photography. The pleasant weather enhances the vibrant greenery and clear views of Islamabad, making it a popular time for outdoor activities.

Summer (April - June)

  • Summers are hot, with temperatures reaching 30-35°C. Early mornings or late afternoons are recommended to avoid midday heat. The shaded terraces and forested areas provide some relief, but hydration and sun protection are essential.

Monsoon (July - August)

  • Monsoon season brings occasional heavy rain and humidity, which may make trails slippery and affect visibility. The viewpoint remains accessible, but check weather forecasts and carry umbrellas or raincoats. Indoor food stalls offer shelter.

Autumn (September - November)

  • Autumn offers clear skies, mild temperatures (15-25°C), and low humidity, making it one of the best times to visit. The comfortable weather is perfect for sunset views, picnics, and exploring the Margalla Hills’ trails.

Winter (December - January)

  • Winters are cool (5-15°C), with sunny days ideal for daytime visits. The crisp air and clear city views are refreshing, though evenings can be chilly. Light jackets are recommended, and winter months may offer sightings of leopards from higher hills.
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How to Reach


  • By Air: Fly into Islamabad International Airport (ISB), approximately 40.7 km from Daman-e-Koh. From the airport, hire a taxi or use ride-hailing apps (available in Islamabad) to reach the viewpoint in about 45-55 minutes, depending on traffic. Use “Daman-e-Koh” as the destination. Ample parking is available at the site.
  • By Road from Major Cities:
    • From Lahore: Travel via the M-2 Motorway (approximately 390 km, 4-5 hours). Take the Islamabad exit, follow Srinagar Highway, and turn onto Margalla Road to reach Daman-e-Koh in Sector E-7.
    • From Karachi: Take the M-9 and M-2 Motorways (approximately 1,422 km, 18-19 hours) to Islamabad, then navigate to Sector E-7 via Srinagar Highway and Margalla Road.
    • From Peshawar: Use the M-1 Motorway (approximately 199 km, 2-3 hours) to Islamabad, then follow Islamabad Expressway and Margalla Road to the viewpoint.
  • By Train: Travel to Rawalpindi Railway Station (25 km from Daman-e-Koh) via trains like the Khyber Mail, Awam Express, or Tezgam from major cities (e.g., Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar). From the station, hire a taxi, use a ride-hailing app. Use “Daman-e-Koh” as the destination.
  • By Public Transport: In Islamabad, use the Islamabad Metrobus to the “Shaheed-e-Millat Station” or “7th Avenue Station,” then take a taxi, or local bus to Daman-e-Koh in Sector E-7 (10-15 minutes). Local vans and buses also stop near Margalla Road. To reach Daman-e-Koh, via bus you'll need to utilize the ST-01 route, a special electric bus service launched by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) from PIMS stations.
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Where to Eat / Stay

  • Where to Eat: Visitors can enjoy dining options at the viewpoint, including food stalls offering local snacks like pakoras and chai, as well as restaurants in nearby sectors serving traditional Pakistani and international cuisine.
  • Where to Stay: Islamabad offers accommodations for all budgets, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guest houses and mid-range options, primarily in nearby sectors like F-7, F-6, and the Blue Area. For bookings, explore luxury, budget hotels, and guest houses through the booking section of the National Tourism Portal.
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Emergency Contact Numbers


  • Hospitals:
    • Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS): (G-8, 5 km away)
    • Shifa International Hospital: (H-8, 7 km away)
  • Ambulances:
    • Edhi Ambulance Service: 115
    • Rescue 1122: 1122 (Islamabad Capital Territory)
  • Police Station:
    • Margalla Police Station (nearest to E-7):
    • Emergency Police Helpline: 15

Note: Verify contact numbers before visiting, as they may change.

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Location on Google Map

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Youtube Video