Skip to content
Sunset

Golden Hour at Nicholson's Obelisk

A brief stop to watch the sun dip below the Margalla Pass, framed by the stark silhouette of a Victorian memorial.

Best time: 15 AprAbout 45 min

Timeline

  1. 18:09

    Nicholson's Obelisk

    Arrive at Nicholson's Obelisk in the Margalla Pass. The monument stands above the Grand Trunk Road, offering a quiet vantage point. Use this time to find a comfortable spot on the grass or a rock facing west, preparing for the final descent of the day.

  2. 18:39

    Nicholson's Obelisk

    Watch the sunset. On this date, the sun sets at 18:39 toward the WNW. The golden light that began at 18:05 will have washed over the landscape, highlighting the rugged terrain of the pass before the sky turns deep blue.

  3. 18:54

    Nicholson's Obelisk

    Stay for a few minutes as the light fades. The contrast between the stone obelisk and the darkening sky is the perfect finale. There are no facilities here, so this is a moment for stillness and observation.

Local tip

The site is located in the Margalla Pass above the Grand Trunk Road. Check the route for access from Rawalpindi or Taxila, as there is no public transport specified. Wear sturdy shoes if you plan to walk up from the road.

Check before you go

  • There are no food or drink shops at Nicholson's Obelisk. Bring water and any snacks with you.
  • The site is an outdoor monument with no opening hours, but access depends on daylight and road conditions.
  • Check the route from your starting point, as the location is above the Grand Trunk Road and may require a short walk from the main road.

Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Taxila (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).

Back to Taxila