Jungle Rock is the best destination in Margalla for hard sport climbing, with steep overhangs and long sustained routes. Popular for its enduro pumpy climbing and big climbing, the crag has quickly become Islamabad’s climbing center.
Ideal Season/Time:
The best time is in cooler months. The wall gets shaded from early afternoon. Dry for most rain except very extended periods.
Access and Approach:
Start at the Daman-e-Koh main car park. Cross the road to the police checkpost and take the trail marked for “Cactus Ridge”. 2 zigzags are followed then straight up the fire-cleaned path. Having reached a shoulder, the tall crag is visible on the left. A very indistinct trail leads through trees to the base.
Time: ~20 minutes from car park.
Environment & Ethics
Keep Jungle Rock clean and natural. Do use locking carabiners for top-rope climbing to sustain anchors longer. Avoid fireworks since Margalas´s jungle is prone to wildfire. Helmets are recommended when belaying. Help by clearing the bushes on the way down. Once there has been seen a big reptile and the encounter with snakes is quite normal all over Margalas.
Climbing Style:
Sport climbing – overhanging routes involving technical and endurance climbing.
Quick Facts
- Number of routes: 10
- Grades range: 6a to 8a
- Route type: Sport climbing
- Average route height: 15–30 meters
- Recommended rope length: 60m (essential for Puzzled Monkey & Out of Action)
- Quickdraws needed: 10–14
- Rock type: Limestone
- Sun exposure: Shaded from early afternoon
- Bolting status: Well bolted with lower-offs; some routes may share anchors
- Developed by: John Arran (JA), Jens-Jacob Simonsen (JJ), 2010–2012
- Route setters: JA, JJ
How to Get There
- From Islamabad city center: Drive to Daman-e-Koh viewpoint in the Margalla Hills National Park.
- Transport: Private vehicle or taxi recommended. Public buses don’t reach the top.
- Parking: Available at the Daman-e-Koh car park.
- Trail: Follow signs to Cactus Ridge; the path becomes steeper and less distinct near the crag.
Safety & Local Considerations
- Mobile Signal: Generally available but can be patchy
- Water Sources: None at the crag – carry sufficient water
- Wildlife: Occasional monkeys and boars; keep gear close and food packed
- Weather Risks: Slippery trails after rain; check the forecast
- Emergency Contacts: Margalla National Park rangers, local rescue via 1122
Route Directory
1. Dog’s Dinner [6b+, 12m]
- Bolts/Protection: 6 bolts + anchor
- Quickdraws: 8
- Crux: Hard move just above half-height, airy left finish
- Rock quality: Excellent
- First ascent: JA, 2011
- Style: 3D Overhang
- Recommendation: Great warm-up
2. Girls and Other Animals [7a, 12m]
- Crux: Steep climbing along stalactites
- Style: Overhang from tree stump
- First ascent: JA, 2011
3. Wishful Thinking [6c+, 15m]
- Crux: Awkward pull onto ledge
- Style: Overhang + ledge transitions
- First ascent: JA, 2011
4. Moving in Mysterious Ways [7b+, 15m]
- Crux: Swing left and finish urgently
- Style: Technical start, dynamic finish
- First ascent: JA, 2011
5. Puzzled Monkey [6c, 30m]
- Quickdraws: 12–14
- Crux: Sustained throughout, traverse beneath 2nd bolt
- Style: Long endurance route
- First ascent: JA, 2010
- Rope: 60m required
6. Out of Action [8a, 30m]
- Crux: Independent crux, joins Puzzled Monkey at the top
- First ascent: JA, 2010
7. Action Direction [7b+, 25m]
- Crux: Pocket pulling 2/3rd height, ‘rose’ move at top
- First ascent: JA, 2010
8. Pig Party [6c+, 25m]
- Crux: 3rd bolt – can be avoided for softer grade
- First ascent: JA, 2010
9. Inner Actions [6a, 30m]
- Crux: Rightward move after 1st bolt
- First ascent: JJ, 2012
10. Jungle Boogie [6b, 15m]
- Location: ~50m left of Dog’s Dinner
- First ascent: JJ, 2011
- Style: Short but fun – worth seeking out
Topo / Crag Map
Community & Future Development
More potential remains at Jungle Rock for harder routes. Bolting efforts continue under responsible supervision. Foreign and Local climbers are contributing to setting new routes.
Acknowledgments
Thanks to Benedicte Terryn (BT), Gernot Frank (GF), Imran Junaidi (IJ), John Arran (JA), Jens-Jacob Simonsen (JJ), Jens Sommerfeld (JS), Karim Hayat (KH), Marianne Pecnick (MP), and Stefan Dunkel (SD) for their dedication to bolting and sharing their knowledge of this hidden climbing paradise in the Margalla Hills Islamabad.
Author & Contact
Compiled by: M Ajmal K. Masood
Contact: ajmalkhayaloo121@gmail.com
Corrections, topo additions, and route updates are welcome!