A 5-Day Nature Itinerary in Islamabad

  • Day 1: Daman-e-Koh
    20 minutes (10.5 km) from Islamabad city center

    Daman-e-Koh is a popular lookout point located in the hills above Islamabad. It offers stunning panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. Visitors can hike the many trails, see different birds such as the white-eyed buzzard, and enjoy the beautiful greenery of Islamabad from the clifftops.

  • Day 2: Margalla Hills National Park
    1 hour (19 km) from Daman-e-Koh

    The Margalla Hills National Park is located in the foothills of the Himalayas and is home to many different species of wildlife, including deer, leopards, and various bird species like the Himalayan vulture. It is a great spot for hiking, camping, picnicking or simply walking and enjoying the natural beauty Islamabad has to offer.

  • Day 3: Lake View Park
    30 minutes (12 km) from Margalla Hills National Park

    Lake View Park is a large recreational area in Islamabad with beautiful gardens and a lake offering boating adventures with stunning views of Margalla Hills. Visitors can also picnic, go-kart, swim or take boat rides around the park's lake.

  • Day 4: Fatima Jinnah Park
    35 minutes (10 km) from Lake View Park

    Fatima Jinnah Park is a famous park located in the heart of Islamabad city. It is famous for its lush green lawns, beautiful rose gardens and cascading waterfalls. The park is also home to a variety of animal species, and visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery while strolling through its picturesque trails.

  • Day 5: Pakistan Monument Museum
    25 minutes (6 km) from Fatima Jinnah Park

    The iconic structure of Pakistan Monument Museum represents the country's diversity – it’s made up of four 'petals,' each representing a province, with unique handicrafts and cultural items from each province displayed in the museum. This is a great way to learn about Pakistan's history and culture.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Daman-e-Koh (3 hours, free)
  • Margalla Hills National Park (5 hours, free)
  • Lake View Park (4 hours, 300 PKR entry)
  • Fatima Jinnah Park (3 hours, free)
  • Pakistan Monument Museum (2 hours, 500 PKR entry)
  • Total Estimated Costs: 800 PKR

Transportation

The best option for transportation during the trip is hiring a car or taxi. Buses may be cheaper but will take longer to reach the destinations. The average estimated cost per day is 5,000 PKR per day including driver for eight hours.

Useful Tips

If you have extra time, you can visit Rawal Lake, Lok Virsa and Shakarparian, which are also great places to visit. On the other hand, if you have less time, you might want to skip one of the destinations or combine some of the spots together in one day.

Airports

Islamabad International Airport (ISB) is the main airport that serves Islamabad. It is located 30 km southwest of the city center, with an approximate driving time of 45 minutes to one hour depending on traffic.

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