About Galiyat Mountain Trail
Galiyat Mountain Trail (GMT) is an interconnected network of scenic trails located in the Galiyat region of the Abbottabad District. Stretching from Thandiyani to Khaira Gali (or vice versa), the route traverses the breathtaking foothills of the Himalayas.
Renowned for its lush greenery, panoramic vistas, and soft dirt paths, the GMT stands out as one of Pakistan’s most beautiful and runnable trails, ideal for both trail and hill running enthusiasts.
The highest point along the trail is the majestic Miranjani Peak, reaching an elevation of 2,955 meters, offering runners a rewarding challenge and stunning views.
In a historic milestone for Pakistan’s trail running scene, Margalla Trail Runners (MTR) organized 100K, 80K, 50K, 30K, and 20K races, officially recognized by the International Trail Running Association (ITRA) and contributing to the UTMB Index for the first time in the country.
Galiyat Mountain Trail is a flagship project of MTR, reflecting its commitment to promoting trail running and showcasing Pakistan’s natural beauty on the global stage.
2024 Event Gallery
Galiyat Mountain Trail is an inter-connected/linked trail of Galiyat, Abbottabad District of KPK, Pakistan. The trail starts from Thandiyani to Khaira Gali or vice versa. Galiyat Mountains are part of the Himalayan foothills. Galiyat Mountain Trail is one of the most beautiful, scenic, and soft dirt trails and one of the best routes for trail and hill running. The highest point of Galiyat is the Miranjani Top at an altitude of 2955 meters. Galiyat Mountain Trail is a project of Margalla Trail Runners (MTR). MTR organized the UTMB Index race (60km and 20km) for 1st time in the history of Pakistan.
2026-2027 annual
Events Schedule
Margalla Trail Runners (MTR) is a leading trail running organization in Pakistan dedicated to promoting trail running, endurance sports, and outdoor adventure through world-class events. MTR organizes a series of annual endurance events across Pakistan, including:
- Margalla Trail Running Festival – Held every February on the scenic Trail 4 and Dhok Jewan trails of the Margalla Hills, Islamabad. The festival features trail races ranging from 300 meters to the marathon distance and includes ITRA and UTMB Index certified races.
- Margalla Marathon – Conducted annually on the first Sunday of April, bringing together runners of all abilities for one of Pakistan’s premier road marathon events.
- Margalla Triathlon – Held on the third Sunday of April, offering athletes the opportunity to compete in a multi-sport endurance challenge.
- Galiyat Mountain Trail (GMT) – Organized during the third weekend of July on the spectacular trails of Galiyat, Pakistan. The event features 100 km, 70 km, 50 km, 30 km, and 20 km trail races, all recognized with ITRA and UTMB Index certification.
- Margalla Backyard Ultra (MBU) – Held annually on the first Saturday of December at Fatima Jinnah Park (F-9 Park), Islamabad. As Pakistan’s first-ever Backyard Ultra, MBU is officially affiliated with the international Backyard Ultra organization and follows the globally recognized “Last One Standing” race format.
Through these events, Margalla Trail Runners continues to develop Pakistan’s trail and endurance running community, providing professionally organized races that meet international standards while showcasing the country’s natural landscapes and fostering a culture of fitness, resilience, and adventure.