My younger sister Savera suggested the idea of hiking because our school is close to Margalla Hills in Islamabad. One Saturday morning during the last summer vacation, we got up early to go for hiking.

Both of us were very excited. We had a light breakfast because with a proper breakfast we would be too full to hike. We put on our sports shoes and wore comfortable shirts. Before leaving, we packed our bags with things to eat, like biscuits, chocolate, juice, chewing gum and water bottles.

It took 15 minutes to reach Trail 3 of Margalla Hills. The car parking lot was already crowded, but we were lucky to find a parking space. Close to the parking area was a map of trail 3 and 5. We choose trail 3 because it didn’t seem tricky.

While hiking, I saw monkeys on the trees jumping joyfully here and there, it felt like a jungle in there. The trail was tricky, but there was a pathway that was pretty steep. My mum was tired and needed a break half-way. My sister was scared and asked dad that we should turn back, but dad refused and urged us to go on.

As we had a light breakfast, we soon started to feel hungry so we ate biscuits and chocolates on the way. After two hours of hiking, we made it to the top.

My sister climbed a tree out of excitement but she fell down miserably, leaving all of us in laughter.

It was a scenic view of the whole city from the top. We saw Faisal Mosque and Centuras Mall. We saw many people, including kids and old men, hiking on the trail.

Although there were warning signs on the trail, telling people not to litter and use trash bins to throw any garbage, people kept throwing wrappers, cans and plastic bags wherever they went.

After enjoying the view from the top, we came down from another side of the hills. It was so much fun but tough too.

Everyone should try hiking on the Margalla hills as it offers an experience of its own.

Published in Dawn, Young World, January 19th, 2019