Start your trip with a hike in Margalla Hills National Park. Trail 5 is the most popular one, featuring a breathtaking view of the entire city. The hike takes around 2-3 hours, depending on your pace.
Rawal Lake is a gorgeous and peaceful place that offers different activities like boating or fishing. Take a stroll around the lake and enjoy a picnic or eat at one of the restaurants with a view of the water.
Pir Sohawa offers an incredible panoramic view of Islamabad. It's located at the highest point of Margalla Hills, and there are several restaurants that offer local cuisine. You can take a short walk around the area and enjoy the spectacular view of the sunset over the horizon.
Faisal Mosque is a marvel of modern Islamic architecture. You can take a guided tour to learn more about it or admire its beauty on your own. The mosque can hold up to 100,000 worshipers, and it's located in a picturesque area with manicured gardens around the mosque.
The Islamabad Zoo is spread over a vast area featuring different animal species in their natural habitat. The zoo also has a botanical garden, aquarium, and a bird aviary where you can see exotic birds. It's an ideal place for children and adults alike.
A visit to Patriata is like going on an adventure journey. The Patriata Chairlift is the longest Chairlift cable car service in Pakistan. The ride up is a fantastic viewing experience of the forest and the gushing waterfalls. At the top, there is a marketplace and several restaurants that serve local food.
Enjoy a day out in the beauty of nature with boating, hiking, and an adrenaline rush of paragliding. The place is very calming and composed with hills and crystal blue water. The sound of gushing water and swishing leaves will make you even more relaxed.
Shakarparian Hills is one of the best places to have a peaceful walk while overlooking the city of Islamabad. The hills are in the middle of Margalla Hills and Daman-e-Koh's view while the Japanese park is also located on the hills. It's a serene park in the middle of the city with beautiful gardens.
Saidpur is an ancient village located at the foot of the Margalla Hills, which is now revived into beautiful cafes and shops. The place shows the old civilization of Pakistan, which depicts a beautiful design and ancient architecture. The village is located with views of the Monal village and Minar-e-Pakistan.
Golra Railway Museum is a treat for train lovers. The museum has different old trains and the old equipment used in trains. It takes visitors to the past and gives a little insight into the Railways' history in Pakistan.
There are many options for transportation in Islamabad, including taxis, buses or car rentals. When traveling between the locations on this itinerary, you may hire a taxi or rent a car to make the journey comfortable, and it will cost around 2,000 PKR for a day.
For travelers with more time, there are other places like Daman-e-Koh, Lok Virsa Museum, and Islamabad Club. These places are also worth a visit. For anyone with less time, it's recommended to skip the Khanpur Dam or Golra Sharif Railway Museum.
Islamabad International Airport (ISB) is the main airport for Islamabad. It's located 34 km outside the city center, and it takes around 30-40 minutes to reach the city from the airport.