A few hundred steps away, where the British-era landmark Nicholson's Column still stands as a testament to history along the Grand Trunk (GT) Road, a new natural story — Trail 3 — has emerged, nestled in the mountainous terrain between Islamabad's B-17 sector and the modern residential development of Faisal Hills in Taxila.
This new trail, distinct from the famous Daman-e-Koh Trail (Trail 3), is rapidly capturing the attention of hikers, nature enthusiasts, and photographers. The tranquil valleys, silence, and breathtaking landscapes provide a temporary escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life for those who venture here.
The GT Road, once known by several names, such as Uttarpath, Sarke Azam, Shahrah-e-Azam, and Badhshai Sarak (King's Road), is one of Asia's oldest and longest highways. For at least 2,500 years, it connected Central Asia to the Indian subcontinent. The original remnants of this road are still present at the very location where Trail 3 has been established.
History enthusiasts, when walking along this trail, are transported back in time, traversing paths and regions mentioned in the writings of the famous Mughal Emperor Jahangir in his memoirs, Tuzk-e-Jahangiri. Constructed during the reign of Sher Shah Suri, the Grand Trunk Road, also known as the "Grand Military Road," remains intact to this day.
Stretching over approximately 3,655 kilometers (2,271 miles) from Bangladesh to Kabul, it passes through key cities, including Chittagong, Dhaka, Kolkata, Kanpur, Agra, Aligarh, Delhi, Amritsar, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Peshawar. Over centuries, this key road served as a commercial route, facilitating travel and postal services.
Today, portions of it have been expanded and integrated into the national highway system, continuing to serve as a vital transportation artery. These historical connections make Trail 3 a unique experience, drawing an increasing number of tourists and morning walkers.
If one has even a slight interest in history, walking along this track offers a sense of connection to ancient times, where one can almost feel the presence of Sher Shah Suri, Emperor Jahangir, Emperor Ashoka, the founder of the Maurya Empire Chandragupta Maurya, and the hoofbeats of Mongol horses.
A local hiking group called the "Hiking Team" from B-17 Islamabad has a WhatsApp group with over 400 members and continues to grow. They visit the trail daily or weekly, with 60-year-old Tahir Zada leading the way.
Shariq Khan, a 30-year-old from Faisal Hills, said: "There is no crowd here, no commercialized pathjust nature and us."
What makes Trail 3 even more remarkable is its direct accessibility via the GT Road. The connecting roads from GT Road to Faisal Hills and B-17 make it easily reachable. This accessibility is why it is becoming increasingly popular not only with local residents but also with nature lovers from Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
Environmental experts view this new hiking activity as a positive development, but they also warn about the dangers of uncontrolled tourism and plastic waste. "This area is still protected, but if we don't regulate it, the natural beauty could be lost."
The current location of Trail 3 holds significant historical importance. Nicholson's Column, built in memory of British General John Nicholson, now serves as a reminder of the past. Today, this new trail is a source of relief, peace, and natural balance for contemporary citizens.
Nestled between developing areas like Faisal Hills and B-17, Trail 3 isn't only a natural treasure but also a beautiful bridge between urban and natural life. However, to preserve this site, immediate policies, awareness, and community engagement have become crucial.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ