Legacy Wall is one of the most accessible and well-liked crags in Margalla. It features a series of well-bolted sport climbs across a wide grade range. With good quality limestone, excellent bolting, and varied climbing styles, it’s a perfect spot for climbers seeking good challenges around Islamabad. Most routes stay dry even in light rain, making it an excellent option for all seasons.
Ideal Season/Time:
Best from September to April. The wall comes into shade by mid-afternoon during summer, allowing for cooler late-day climbing.
Access and Approach:
From the Trail 3 car park, take the left-hand path (Trail 3a) and hike up gently until you’re nearly level with the wall. A small trail will appear leading left through the bushes directly to the base.
Time: ~15 minutes from the Trail 3 parking.
Environment & Ethics:
Keep the site by not trimming excess bush, removing all trash, and limiting chalk marks. Avoid fireworks since Margallas are prone to wildfires. Do use locking carabiners for top-rope climbing to sustain anchors longer. Take care of wildlife, there are snakes in the crag, and Monkeys are always there, seeing the climbers as their competitors. Follow the Margalla National Park guidelines posted at the entrance of the trail.
Climbing Style:
Sport climbing — face climbing with pockets, crimps, and technical moves.
Quick Facts
- Number of routes: 12
- Grades range: 6a to 7c+
- Route type: Sport climbing
- Average route height: 17–20 meters
- Recommended rope length: 50m is sufficient
- Quickdraws needed: 8–10
- Rock type: Limestone
- Sun exposure: Mid-afternoon shade in summer
- Bolting status: Solid and modern bolts
How to Get There
- From Islamabad city: Drive to the Trail 3 car park in F6 sector.
- Parking: Available and usually safe
- Trailhead: Take the left-hand trail 3a (not the main trail 3!) and watch for a smaller trail on the left after ~10 min of hiking.
Safety & Local Considerations
- Mobile Signal: Generally available
- Water: Bring your own; no sources at the crag
- Hazards: Possible loose rock in a few spots; helmets are advised
- Weather: It can get hot midday in summer; bring sun protection if climbing early
Route Directory
1. Men Holding Hands [7c+, 18m]
- Protection: 9 bolts
- Quickdraws: 10
- Crux: A very hard move into Osama by the third bolt; direct line not yet completed
- First ascent: JA, 2010
- Style: Powerful face climbing
2. Osama Bin Climbing [7a+, 17m]
- Protection: 8 bolts
- Crux: Hard start with the best layback sequence on the wall
- First ascent: JA, 2010
- Style: Steep technical climbing
3. Reluctant Fundamentalist [7b, 17m]
- Protection: 8 bolts
- Crux: Shares first two bolts with Osama Bin Climbing but then diverges to trickier sequences
- First ascent: JA, 2010
4. God-Shaped Hole [7a+, 17m]
- Protection: 8 bolts
- Crux: Better to stay left of the Legacy ledge for more continuous climbing
- First ascent: JA, 2010
5. Legacy [6a+, 18m]
- Protection: 7 bolts
- Crux: Easy start from a boulder; harder if started direct
- First ascent: SD, 2008
- Style: Perfect warm-up route
- ⭐ Legacy classic!
5a. Leg-Up [6b+, 17m]
- Protection: 8 bolts
- Crux: Hard top moves — tougher for shorter climbers
- First ascent: JA, 2010
5b. Leg-Over [6a, 17m]
- Protection: 7 bolts
- Crux: Easiest direct line up the face
- First ascent: JA, 2010
6. Progressive Thinking [6b+, 17m]
- Protection: 8 bolts
- Crux: Direct start through the Legacy lower wall; sustained climbing
- First ascent: JA, 2010
7. Catfight [7a, 17m]
- Protection: 8 bolts
- Crux: Direct start through Legacy’s lower wall; technical moves
- First ascent: JJ, 2012
8. Kidnapped by Jesus [6c, 17m]
- Protection: 8 bolts
- Crux: Hardest sections are mid-route with a tricky sequence
- First ascent: JA, 2010
Bonus Wall (50m to the Right)
9. Family Pressures [6c, 20m]
- Protection: 8–9 bolts
- Crux: Technical moves midway; a little off-trail scramble needed to reach
- First ascent: JJ, 2010
10. Cemented Marriage [6b, 25m]
- Protection: 9 bolts
- Crux: Tough start; easier flowing climbing after the first crux
- First ascent: JJ, 2011
7. Topo / Crag Map
Community & Future Development
Legacy Wall remains a frequent visiting and training crag for Islamabad’s climbers. Occasional re-bolting and cleaning keep the routes safe. There’s potential for a few harder direct starts to be opened up in the future. 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!