See all the good places: A 5-day itinerary in Islamabad

  • Day 1: Faisal Mosque
    15 minutes (6.6 miles) from Islamabad City Centre

    The Faisal Mosque is the largest mosque in Pakistan and an iconic landmark in Islamabad, known for its unique modernist design featuring Turkish-inspired architecture. Visitors can explore the mosque's beautiful interior and exterior and enjoy stunning views of the city from the surrounding hills.

  • Day 2: Margalla Hills National Park
    20 minutes (9.8 miles) from Faisal Mosque

    Margalla Hills National Park offers a perfect escape from the bustle of the city. The park is home to numerous hiking trails of varying difficulty that offer scenic views from the top. At the park, visitors can also find restaurants, cafes, and picnic points.

  • Day 3: Pakistan Monument Museum
    10 minutes (4.1 miles) from Margalla Hills National Park

    The Pakistan Monument Museum is located inside the Pakistan Monument, which was built to commemorate the history and culture of Pakistan. Visitors can learn about the country's heritage and view various exhibits and galleries showcasing Pakistan's past and present through multimedia displays and interactive installations.

  • Day 4: Rawal Lake
    30 minutes (8.7 miles) from Pakistan Monument Museum

    Rawal Lake is a popular picnic and recreational spot in Islamabad located at the edge of the Margalla Hills. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and other water activities and relax in the serene atmosphere amidst beautiful panoramic views of the lake and surrounding hills.

  • Day 5: Lok Virsa Museum
    20 minutes (6.2 miles) from Rawal Lake

    The Lok Virsa Museum showcases the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Pakistan through various exhibitions, displays, and workshops. Visitors can learn about Pakistan's folk traditions, crafts, music, and arts and browse through the museum's extensive collection of artifacts and objects.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Faisal Mosque (1-2 hours, free)
  • Margalla Hills National Park (4-5 hours, 500-1000 PKR for transportation)
  • Pakistan Monument Museum (2-3 hours, 200 PKR for entrance fee)
  • Rawal Lake (3-4 hours, 1000-1500 PKR for boat rides)
  • Lok Virsa Museum (2-3 hours, 300 PKR for entrance fee)
  • Total Estimated Costs (excluding accommodation): 2000-3000 PKR

Transportation

Travelers can get around Islamabad using taxis, buses, and ride-hailing services like Uber and Careem. Taxi fares are negotiable, whereas ride-hailing services charge fixed rates. Additionally, visitors can rent a car or hire a driver for a day, which costs around 3000-5000 PKR.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting other notable attractions in Islamabad such as Daman-e-Koh, Islamabad Zoo, and Shakarparian. For adventure enthusiasts, hiking the trails in Margalla Hills is a must-do activity. If you have less time, prioritize visiting the Faisal Mosque, Rawal Lake, and Pakistan Monument Museum, which are the top attractions in Islamabad.

Airports

Islamabad has one airport: Islamabad International Airport (ISB), which is located approximately 19 miles from the city center. The airport operates both domestic and international flights and is well-connected to the city through taxis, car rentals, and shuttle buses.

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