Islamabad serves as a prime example of what a contemporary Pakistani city ought to resemble. Groups of structures are organized into sectors, arranged in a grid format, with an extensive network of roads interlinking them like a spider’s web. Between the buildings, lush greenery is distributed throughout the city, making it the most verdant city in the nation. Rickshaws are not allowed because of their noise, and the streets are impeccably clean. It is precisely what the government imagined a capital city should be, and they fully committed to that vision.
The Faisal Mosque is the national mosque of Pakistan, located in the capital city of Islamabad. It is the fifth-largest mosque in the world and serves as an iconic symbol of Islamabad. Completed in 1986, Turkish architect Vedat Dalokay designed it and shaped it like a desert Bedouin’s tent. King Faisal of Saudi Arabia was primarily funded by a donation, with the total cost estimated at $120 million today. It has a capacity to accommodate 300,000 worshippers, ranking it sixth among the largest mosques worldwide.
The history of this iconic building dates back to 1966, when the late King Faisal made a historic visit to Pakistan and expressed interest in constructing a mosque in Islamabad. Nearly three years later, in 1969, an international competition was held to select the design for the mosque.
The Faisal Mosque was conceived as a symbol of friendship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, and it is named in honor of the late King Faisal bin Abdulaziz, who supported the project both financially and morally.
Located on the outskirts of Islamabad, the park is well-marked and accessible by major roads. It is situated within the picturesque Margalla Hills, just a 10-minute drive from the Monal Restaurant in Pir Sohawa. Using a Dino Valley location map will help you find the best route, whether you’re coming from within the city or nearby areas. This map ensures that visitors can easily locate the park and enjoy a hassle-free journey to this exciting destination.
The cost to enter the valley is 200 Pakistan rupees for each individual, while kids below the age of 4 are free. As you venture deeper, the tickets for various areas begin at 700 PKR.
Dino Valley in Islamabad is an extraordinary family park that seamlessly combines entertainment with natural beauty. It offers a captivating journey back in time, allowing visitors to explore and appreciate the fascinating world of dinosaurs. Dino Valley is a must-visit destination that will leave you with cherished memories for years to come.
The Pakistan Monument is a national monument and heritage museum located on the western Shakarparian Hills in Islamabad, Pakistan. It was constructed to symbolize the unity of the Pakistani people and is dedicated to those who sacrificed their “today” for a better “tomorrow.” Due to its elevation, the monument is visible from across the Islamabad-Rawalpindi metropolitan area, making it a popular tourist destination.
Adjacent to the monument is the Pakistan Monument Museum, which features a wax museum that depicts significant events leading to the Pakistan Movement. Visitors should arrive early, as the museum closes in the evening. Additionally, the facilities include a reference library, an audio-visual archive, a conference hall, and a 62-seat auditorium known as Panorama Hall. From the air, the monument resembles a star at the center and a crescent moon formed by walls that create the petals, symbolizing the star and crescent on Pakistan’s flag.
The Lok Virsa Museum in Islamabad, also known as the Folk Heritage Museum, was initially founded in 1982 as the “Folk Art Museum.” It showcases the multicultural society of Pakistan by displaying the history and living traditions of the various ethnic groups from all regions of the country. The museum spans an area of 20,000 square feet and underwent renovations in 2004, at which point it was renamed.
The museum is open from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM from Sunday to Thursday and on Saturday. On Fridays, it closes for one hour from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM and is closed on Mondays.
The museum highlights the cultural heritage of the Pakistani people, featuring the living styles of different regions through statues, photographs, pottery, music, and textile work. Lok Virsa is one of the finest cultural museums in Pakistan, showcasing artworks that help preserve the living folk and traditional culture and crafts of the country. It is located near Shakarparian Hills and displays an extensive collection of embroidered costumes, jewelry, woodwork, metalwork, block printing, as well as ivory and bone work.
Additionally, traditional architectural facades exhibiting skills such as fresco painting, mirror work, marble inlay, tile, mosaic, and stucco tracery are also featured. Adjacent to the Lok Virsa Museum is the Lok Virsa Heritage Reference Library, which is well-equipped with resources on ethnography, anthropology, folk music, art, history, and crafts. The library’s sales center offers books on culture and heritage, as well as audio and video cassettes of folk and classical vocal and instrumental music.
The Margalla Hills are part of the Himalayas and surround Islamabad. These hills are lush and rocky, featuring springs scattered throughout the area. You can explore the mountains by car and hike various trails. There are six hiking trails, with Trails 1, 3, and 5 being the most popular.
Trail 1 is the easiest and takes about 45–50 minutes to climb to Daman-e-Koh. Trail 3 is steep and requires approximately three hours of strenuous hiking to reach the top at Monal Restaurant. Trail 5 spans 5 kilometers; the first 2–3 kilometers are relatively easy, but the final 2 kilometers are steep and require significant effort. It also takes around three hours to reach the summit, so be sure to bring along plenty of water. This trail is interspersed with streams and springs, and the views from the top are breathtaking and refreshing.
For the best experience, hiking these trails early in the morning or late in the afternoon is advisable. Don’t forget to wear a sun cap and good-quality hiking shoes or joggers!
Saidpur Village, located near Islamabad, is one of the oldest inhabited villages in the region. Founded in 1530 by Mirza Fateh Ali, it was initially named Fatehpur Baoli in honor of its founder. The village was later handed over to Said Khan Gakhar by Emperor Akbar as a reward for the Gakhar family’s contributions during the war against Sher Shah Suri.
Today, Saidpur Village is a major tourist attraction in Islamabad. It showcases a rich cultural heritage where Muslims, Hindus, and Sikhs coexisted. Following a recent remodeling, the village has become home to numerous restaurants, art galleries, and antique shops.
One notable establishment is the Des Pardes Restaurant, which offers delicious traditional food in an excellent atmosphere, complemented by attentive service. It is highly recommended for those seeking quality time and great dining experiences.
Visitors to Saidpur Village can enjoy a variety of sights, including the Des Pardes restaurant, the 16th-century Ram Kund Hindu temple, the 18th-century Sikh Gurdwara, a small photo gallery dedicated to Islamabad and the village, and a 120-year-old clay model of a railway.
On the way to Kashmir from Islamabad, there is a large park known as Rawal Park (also referred to as Lake View Park). This park has become a favorite picnic spot for the residents of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Although camping was once allowed, it has been banned by the authorities. However, the park features numerous grills in different areas where visitors can enjoy barbecues. There are also various small refreshment stalls throughout the park, along with a large restaurant that serves food and drinks to visitors.
In addition to its lush greenery, Rawal Park is home to a vast amusement park and the largest aviary in Pakistan. One of its main attractions is Rawal Lake, which covers an area of 106.25 square miles (275 km²) and is fed by water from Rawal Dam and nearby streams from the Margalla Hills.
The lake is an excellent spot for birdwatching, serving as a significant reservoir for wintering waterfowl, especially the mallard (Anas platyrhynchos). Other wildlife, including foxes, pangolins, porcupines, jungle cats, jackals, wild boars, and yellow-throated martens, can also be found around the lake. Additionally, the lake is home to nearly 15 species of fish, attracting many people who come to fish during the season. The setting sun creates a stunning ambiance at the lake.
Easily accessible by car or public transport, this park is a must-visit destination for tourists traveling to Rawalpindi or Islamabad for the first time. Please note that the park closes at 8 PM, so plan your visit accordingly, and don’t forget to bring a camera for some splendid photo opportunities.
Shakarpariyan is one of the most beautiful areas of Islamabad. There is a long, winding old road along the mountainside that takes you from the Islamabad Highway to 7th Avenue. Although the road is full of potholes and provides a bumpy ride, traveling along it is a pleasurable experience. It’s an excellent place to visit during the winter, spring, or autumn when the sun is gentle, and the hills are vibrant with color, whether from blossoming green leaves or the brown leaves falling from the trees.
On the main road, you’ll find a sign for an ancient Lotus Lake, accompanied by a pathway that offers a few kilometers of walking. This path, made of bricks and lined with trees, provides a soothing experience. Be sure to visit during the day and return to your car before sunset or when it gets dark.
In addition to the walkway, a couple of interesting attractions in the Shakarpariyan area, including a museum and several cafes. Overall, that particular walkway is a hidden gem of the hills that you must explore if you are ever in this beautiful area.
Melody Food Park in Islamabad presents a varied dining experience that comes with its own advantages and disadvantages. On the upside, the food park features a lively atmosphere, fostering an energetic environment for guests. The diverse food stalls and cuisines cater to a range of tastes, offering numerous options. The outdoor seating and occasional live performances enhance the overall vibe. However, there is a noticeable inconsistency in food quality among the stalls. While some dishes delight the palate, others do not meet expectations, resulting in a mixed culinary experience. Furthermore, the service quality can be unpredictable, impacting the satisfaction level of the visit. Melody Food Park, with its unique offerings, delivers a dynamic dining environment, but visitors should be ready for fluctuations in both service and quality.
The most popular destination for day trips is Murree. Almost everyone from Islamabad has visited at some point, and families have taken a trip to Murree at least once. Nature lovers come to Islamabad from all over, making one-day trips to Murree a common occurrence.
Murree is in the Galiyat region of the Pir Panjal Range. It offers beautiful natural vistas, cloudy skies, and vast outdoor spaces for both tourists and locals. You can enjoy trekking to nearby peaks such as Miranjani Peak, Mushkpuri Top, and Ayubia pipeline track. Travelers appreciate Murree for its delicious cuisine, breathtaking scenery, and pleasant or even chilly weather. On the other hand, numerous activities are available, such as shopping on Mall Road, visiting the family-friendly Sozo Adventure Park, and going on a sightseeing trip.
Just a 1-hour drive from Islamabad lies Taxila, a historic city in Punjab. Taxila provides a remarkable opportunity to explore and appreciate the richness of ancient civilization, as it is a vital landmark in Pakistan. In 1980, UNESCO recognized it as a site worthy of preservation. Its proximity to Islamabad makes Taxila the second-most popular tourist destination.
Taxila is an ancient city, thousands of years ancient. History enthusiasts will love exploring its various sites, and even those with little interest in history will find much to appreciate. You should not miss the well-preserved temples, stupas, and monasteries. And a trip to the Taxila Museum is essential for anyone interested in history.
The Siri Paye Meadows, located in the Kaghan Valley, is a stunning tourist destination set at a high elevation. It takes 3 to 4 hours to travel to visit this beautiful destination from Islamabad. Leaving early in the morning is highly encouraged, as it allows you to make the most of your day and enjoy a wonderful excursion before sunset.
The best time to visit the meadows is from June to September. It offers a splendid day trip option for families and friends seeking a refreshing escape. Tourists can enjoy picturesque views, lush greenery, and many other thrilling activities, such as horseback riding, camping, and trekking.
Khanpur Dam is another popular tourist destination for a great one-day getaway. One highlight is a large, enchanting garden filled with Maltas (oranges) located midway to the dam, where visitors can admire the orange trees and harvest fruits in the winter.
Mabali Island, found in Khanpur Dam, is a well-known picnic spot favored by both locals and tourists. Mabali Island boasts an array of restaurants and cafes, offering visitors the opportunity to savor delicious meals while taking in the picturesque surroundings. You can enjoy recreational activities such as jet skiing, kayaking, Tarzan jumping, swimming, boating, and ziplining, making it an ideal spot to have fun with friends or family.
Qila Rohtas is along the old GT Road, approximately 16 km northwest of Jhelum and 115 km from Islamabad, and a 3-hour drive on the GT Road. It was built by Sher Shah Suri to block the route from Peshawar to Lahore and to suppress the local Gakhar tribe of the Potohar region, who were allies of Humayun and refused to pledge allegiance to Sher Shah.
The Rohtas Fort features 12 gates, all constructed from ashlar stone. The fort is an exceptional example of military architecture that blends artistic and architectural traditions from Turkey and the Indian subcontinent, with influences from Afghan architecture.
This majestic fort stands as a significant historical landmark for tourists in Pakistan. However, its remote location, away from the main road, means that many tourists overlook this impressive structure.
Mushkpuri is a fantastic hiking location and is the second-highest peak in Galyat, Nathiagali, KPK. The summit is renowned for its hiking trails, captivating visitors with spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. It offers an easy hike that takes around three hours to summit, making it accessible for everyone. You can also enjoy a leisurely picnic at the summit with family or friends.
The Khewra Salt Mines, the second-largest mine in the world, are located just a few kilometers from Islamabad and are a popular destination for day trips. It takes about three hours to reach by car, but you can also opt for a train journey. The Khewra mines provide a unique interior, featuring beautiful, bright pink, white, and green crystals. This excursion is an excellent option for a one-day trip with loved ones or friends.
Bruti Waterfall is renowned for its pristine, crystal-clear waters, situated within the Margalla Hills of Islamabad. The waterfall is only 40 minutes away from Islamabad, but reaching it requires a challenging yet rewarding climb. Visitors and locals alike can enjoy the panoramic beauty of the waterfall and cool off in the water during hot summer days. It’s a perfect spot for picnics and fun in the sun with friends and family.
Pir Chinasi is located in Muzaffarabad, Azad Kashmir, and is a must-see destination. From the peak, you can admire the stunning landscapes of Kashmir, along with breathtaking views of the snow-capped Himalayan Alps. The journey takes about four hours, so it’s advisable to depart early in the morning. The best time to visit Pir Chinasi is during winter, when you can enjoy playing in the snow while taking in the magnificent mountain vistas.
Banjosa Lake is one of the two main attractions in Rawalakot, located about a 25-minute drive from the town along a slightly bumpy track. It is one of the most mesmerizing lakes in Azad Kashmir. The beautiful and lofty Mountains surrounding the lake showcase a surreal greenish hue. Boating options are available, and visitors can choose from a variety of restaurants offering different food options. Many rest houses and hotels are available for those who wish to stay overnight. For those who enjoy nature, taking a stroll through the woods around the lake is a perfect option.
You can experience small and pedal boating in the lake for as little as Rs. 300 per ride. Its beautifully constructed artificial lake, developed by the Public Works Department (PWD), is nestled in a lush green jungle surrounded by trees.
Shahdara Valley, nestled within the Margalla Hills, provides a charming retreat. Families appreciate the expansive grassy area by the river, which creates an excellent atmosphere for relaxation. Savor local delicacies such as Pakora and Samosa while you dip your feet in the streams. The area becomes vibrant in the summer as people enjoy swimming in the ponds and streams.
Situated in Tial Village, Haripur, Pakistan, the Noori Waterfall is approximately 53 miles (85 km) from Islamabad. The waterfall is about 10 feet in height and is found in a natural cave-like structure on the hillside. Although not exceptionally tall, the waterfall cascades with crystal-clear blue water. The bay surrounding it is deep, featuring a sandy bottom along the edges. Additionally, the waterfall is roughly 10 feet tall and deeper on both sides where it meets the bay. The pool is sourced from the summit of Koh Siri, the third-highest peak in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Life jackets can be rented near the bay’s entrance for about 100 rupees. This is an essential destination that is easily accessible from Islamabad.
