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Islamabad was built in the 1960s as Pakistan's new planned capital, laid out in a grid of sectors at the foot of the Margalla Hills. Tree-lined avenues, government buildings and green belts give it a calmer, more orderly feel than most South Asian cities, and its older twin, Rawalpindi, sits right alongside.
Faisal Mosque, a striking modern design inspired by the shape of a desert tent, rests beneath the hills and ranks among the largest mosques in the world. On a hill to the west, the petal-shaped Pakistan Monument honors the nation's provinces, close to the Lok Virsa Heritage Museum and its displays of folk traditions. The viewpoint at Daman-e-Koh looks over the city from the Margalla Hills, and numbered hiking trails climb through forest along the ridge. Saidpur Village, a restored hillside settlement, has restaurants and an old temple, while the Shah Allah Ditta caves hint at much earlier spiritual history. Rawal Lake and Lake View Park are popular for picnics and boating. The shrine at Golra Sharif draws devotees, and the ancient Gandharan ruins of Taxila, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lie a short drive northwest.
Islamabad suits hikers and travelers wanting a comfortable base before heading north. Summers are hot, and monsoon rains arrive around July. Rawalpindi's bazaars offer a busier contrast.
WiserMap travel guideIslamabad Pakistan Faisal Mosque Margalla Hills and SaidpurPlan a trip to Islamabad with this guide to Faisal Mosque, the Margalla Hills trails, Saidpur Village, Taxila, local food and current safety advice.Read the guide
One of the largest mosques in the world, designed by Turkish architect Vedat Dalokay and finished in 1986. Its tent-like shape and four tall minarets stand at the foot of the Margalla Hills. Visitors can enter outside prayer times. Remove shoes, dress modestly, and women should cover their heads. Sunset is a lovely time to visit.
A Sufi shrine on the western edge of Islamabad, the resting place of Pir Meher Ali Shah, with a richly decorated tomb and courtyards. Thursday evenings bring qawwali music and large crowds of devotees. Nearby is the Golra railway station museum. Dress modestly and remove shoes in the shrine area.
A national monument on the Shakarparian hills shaped like four large petals, representing the provinces, with murals of historic sites and leaders inside. The museum next to it explains the independence movement. It gives views over the city. Visit at sunset and stay to see it lit up at night.
Pakistan's national heritage museum, showing traditional crafts, costumes, musical instruments, jewelry and life-size village scenes from each province. Its grounds often host craft fairs and folk festivals. It is a good way to see the country's diversity in one place. Allow at least two hours, and check if it is open on Mondays.
A viewing terrace in the Margalla Hills above Islamabad, reached by a winding road, with views over Faisal Mosque, the city grid and Rawal Lake. There are snack stalls, a small restaurant and monkeys around. Hiking Trail 3 nearby also leads up to it. Go in the evening for city lights and cooler air.
Numbered trails climb into Margalla Hills National Park from Islamabad's northern sectors, with Trail 3 and Trail 5 the most popular. They pass through forest and streams, leading to viewpoints and Pir Sohawa. Leopards and monkeys live in the park. Start early to avoid the heat, and carry water.
A restored old village at the foot of the Margalla Hills, with Hindu and Sikh era buildings, a small temple, a pond and lanes of craft shops. Several restaurants with outdoor seating make it a popular evening spot. It can be crowded on weekends. Go on a weekday afternoon for a calmer walk around.
An old village on the western edge of the Margalla Hills with rock caves once used by Buddhist monks, as well as a large old banyan tree and Mughal era remains. The site is calm and less visited than Saidpur. A local guide helps explain the history. Combine it with a drive along the Margalla road.
Rawal Lake is a reservoir supplying water to Islamabad and Rawalpindi, with boating and a viewpoint over the water and hills. Lake View Park on its shore has gardens, rides, a bird aviary and picnic spots popular with families. Weekends are busy. Sunset over the lake is a good time to visit.
Commonly called F-9 Park, this is one of the largest urban parks in South Asia, with walking and jogging tracks, gardens, fountains and quiet woodland in the middle of the city. It is popular with joggers in the early morning. Some areas are isolated, so visit during daylight and stay on busy paths.
A hilly park near the Pakistan Monument and Lok Virsa, with terraced gardens, viewing points over Rawalpindi and Islamabad, and many trees planted by visiting foreign leaders. It has a sports complex and picnic areas. Combine it with the Pakistan Monument and Lok Virsa for a half day visit.
A UNESCO World Heritage area about 35 kilometers from Islamabad with ruins of cities and Buddhist monasteries dating back more than 2,000 years, including Sirkap, Jaulian and the Dharmarajika stupa. The Taxila Museum holds Gandhara sculptures. Hire a guide and start early to cover the sites before afternoon heat.
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