Dozens of diplomats and Serena Hotels staff trekked up the Margalla Hills on Saturday, this time taking Trail Six from Faisal Mosque to the plateau overlooking Talhar village.

Austrian Ambassador Brigitta Blaha said trekking in the Margallas reminded her of “the hills near Vienna where we are also blessed with such opportunities”.

“After long days at work, and good food at dinners and receptions, it is good to exercise, especially in the beautiful surroundings of Islamabad when autumn is coming,” she said.

Hungarian Ambassador Istvan Szabo and his wife are also among the regular hikers. This time, the meeting point was just near their house in the E-7.

“Few capitals of the world have such easy access to nature as Islamabad. That is why many diplomats and UN staff have Islamabad high on their wish list for postings. But few talk about that. We who have lived here for a while know it,” said a United Nations employee.

Published in Dawn, October 23rd, 2017