5-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Islamabad

  • Day 1: Faisal Mosque
    20 minutes (8.5 km) from Islamabad city center

    The Faisal Mosque is one of the largest mosques in the world and a famous landmark in Islamabad. It's a beautiful and peaceful place where families can explore the stunning architecture and enjoy the serene surroundings. Women and children can also visit the special prayer area.

  • Day 2: Lok Virsa Museum
    15 minutes (6.7 km) from Faisal Mosque

    The Lok Virsa Museum showcases Pakistan's cultural heritage and traditional lifestyle through exhibits, artifacts, and performances. It's a great educational experience for families to learn and appreciate the country's diverse cultural history.

  • Day 3: Islamabad Zoo
    30 minutes (14.5 km) from Lok Virsa Museum

    The Islamabad Zoo is a fun excursion for families to get up close with various animals, including lions, zebras, monkeys, and many more. There are also picnic areas and playgrounds for children to enjoy.

  • Day 4: Pir Sohawa
    40 minutes (20 km) from Islamabad Zoo

    Pir Sohawa is a scenic hilltop viewpoint that overlooks the entire city of Islamabad. Families can enjoy panoramic views, go on a hike, and have a picnic with fresh air and beautiful surroundings.

  • Day 5: Rawal Lake
    30 minutes (12 km) from Pir Sohawa

    Rawal Lake is a serene and tranquil retreat where families can enjoy boating, fishing, and other water activities. It's also a great place for a picnic with plenty of relaxation, nature, and scenic views.

Time and Costs Estimates:

  • Faisal Mosque (1-2 hours, free)
  • Lok Virsa Museum (2-3 hours, PKR 500)
  • Islamabad Zoo (2-3 hours, PKR 300 per person)
  • Pir Sohawa (3-4 hours, PKR 500 for transport plus food expenses)
  • Rawal Lake (2-3 hours, PKR 700 for boating plus food expenses)

  • Total Estimated Costs: PKR 2,000 per person

Transportation:

Islamabad has various transport options, including taxis, ride-sharing services, rented cars, and public buses. Families should consider hiring a private car for the day trips, which can cost PKR 2,000-3,000. Public transportation can be crowded and unpredictable, and taxis may not have car seats for children.

Useful Tips:

If you have more time, you can visit other family-friendly places in Islamabad, such as Daman-e-Koh, Saidpur Village, or Shakarparian. You can also spend a day at the nearby hill station of Murree or go on a day trip to Taxila for a historical perspective. If you have less time, you can skip one or two of the day trips based on your family's interests.

Airports:

The main airport in Islamabad is Islamabad International Airport (ISB), located 22 km from the city center. The airport serves domestic and international flights and has various transport options such as taxis, ride-sharing, and shuttle buses. It can take around 30-40 minutes to reach the city center by taxi, depending on traffic.

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