A Week of Adventure and New Experiences in Islamabad
Friday, October 6: Arrival and Exploring the City
Start your adventure in Islamabad by checking into a comfortable hotel. Use Kayak to find the best hotel deals that suit your budget. In the morning, visit Faisal Mosque, a stunning architectural masterpiece. Take a walk around its serene surroundings and enjoy panoramic views of the city. In the afternoon, head to the Trail 5 hiking trail in the Margalla Hills for a scenic walk and breathtaking vistas. In the evening, indulge in a delicious dinner at a new eatery in F-7 sector.
Faisal Mosque: Free, 2 hours
Trail 5 Hiking Trail: Free, 3-4 hours
Dinner at a New Eatery: $20-$50 per person
Restaurants
Head to Café Lazeez for breakfast, where you can enjoy a variety of delicious omelettes, sandwiches, and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 200 PKR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, visit Monal Downtown, which offers a wide range of Pakistani and international cuisines. Choose from their buffet or à la carte options and enjoy the stunning view of the city. Average cost for a meal is about 700 PKR per person.
For dinner, try the renowned Street 1 Café for a unique fusion of Pakistani and continental dishes. The cozy ambiance and live music performances make it a perfect spot to unwind. Average cost for a meal is about 1,000 PKR per person.
Saturday, October 7: River Rafting and Monal Excursion
Embark on an exhilarating river rafting adventure in the morning on the Kunhar River near Balakot, located a few hours drive from Islamabad. Experience the thrill of navigating through rapids amidst stunning natural beauty. Afterward, make your way back to Islamabad and spend the afternoon exploring the historical Rawalpindi Bazaar. In the evening, visit the Monal Restaurant on the Margalla Hills for a romantic date night overlooking the city.
River Rafting Adventure: $100-$150 per person, 6-8 hours
Rawalpindi Bazaar: Shopping budget, 2-3 hours
Date Night at Monal Restaurant: $30-$50 per person
Sunday, October 8: Visit Pakistan Monument and Explore Pir Sohawa
Begin your day by visiting the iconic Pakistan Monument, a symbol of national pride. Explore the museum inside and enjoy the picturesque view of the city from the viewpoint. In the afternoon, venture to Pir Sohawa, a hill station located in the Margalla Hills. Take a leisurely stroll, enjoy the scenic beauty, and have a picnic in the hills. Return to Islamabad in the evening and indulge in a spa session to relax and rejuvenate.
Pakistan Monument: Free, 2-3 hours
Pir Sohawa: Free, 4-6 hours
Spa Session: $50-$100 per person
Restaurants
Breakfast: Tuscany Courtyard serves a delicious breakfast buffet with a wide variety of options. Average cost for a meal is about 500 PKR per person.
Lunch: Monal Restaurant offers a diverse menu of Pakistani, Chinese, and Continental dishes with breathtaking views of Islamabad. Average cost for a meal is about 1000 PKR per person.
Dinner: The Jasmine Lounge is a luxurious restaurant that offers a fine dining experience with a fusion of Asian and Mediterranean cuisines. Average cost for a meal is about 2000 PKR per person.
Monday, October 9: Visit Lake View Park and Explore Saidpur Village
Start your day with a visit to the serene Lake View Park. Enjoy boating on the lake, take a walk in the lush green surroundings, and try out some thrilling rides. In the afternoon, explore the historic village of Saidpur. Immerse yourself in the traditional architecture, visit the picturesque temple and mosque, and enjoy a cup of tea at a local cafe. In the evening, take a walk along the charming Daman-e-Koh viewpoint and enjoy the panoramic view of the city.
Lake View Park: $5-$10 per person, 3-4 hours
Saidpur Village: Free, 2-3 hours
Daman-e-Koh Viewpoint: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Monal. Enjoy their wide range of breakfast options while taking in the beautiful view of the Margalla Hills. The average cost for a meal is about 500 rupees per person.
For lunch, head to Tuscany Courtyard. Indulge in their authentic Italian cuisine that offers a blend of flavors in a cozy atmosphere. The average cost for a meal is about 1,500 rupees per person.
For dinner, dine at Wild Rice Restaurant. This trendy restaurant offers a variety of Asian fusion dishes with a modern twist. The average cost for a meal is about 2,000 rupees per person.
Tuesday, October 10: Visit Lok Virsa Museum and Explore the Rawal Lake
Head to the Lok Virsa Museum in the morning to explore the rich cultural heritage of Pakistan. Admire the traditional crafts, musical instruments, and ethnographic exhibits. Afterward, visit the Rawal Lake for a relaxing afternoon. Go for a boat ride, enjoy a picnic by the lakeside, or take a hike on one of the surrounding trails. In the evening, dine at a rooftop restaurant in F-10 sector for a delightful culinary experience.
Lok Virsa Museum: $2-$5 per person, 2-3 hours
Rawal Lake: Free, 4-6 hours
Dinner at a Rooftop Restaurant: $30-$50 per person
Wednesday, October 11: Hike to Dunga Gali and Visit Nathiagali
Embark on an exciting hiking adventure to Dunga Gali, a scenic hill station near Islamabad. Enjoy the lush green trails, beautiful wildlife, and the refreshing mountain air. Continue your journey to Nathiagali, a charming hill resort known for its natural beauty. Explore the local markets, savor traditional delicacies, and take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Return to Islamabad in the evening.
Hiking to Dunga Gali: Free, 6-8 hours
Exploring Nathiagali: Shopping and food budget, 4-6 hours
Thursday, October 12: Rock Climbing Adventure and Departure
Spend your last day in Islamabad on a thrilling rock climbing adventure. Head to the Margalla Hills and challenge yourself by scaling the rocks under the guidance of professional climbers. Afterward, have a farewell lunch at a local restaurant, savoring the flavors of Pakistani cuisine. Bid farewell to Islamabad and depart for your onward journey with unforgettable memories.
Rock Climbing Adventure: $50-$100 per person, 4-6 hours
Farewell Lunch: $15-$30 per person
Restaurants
Start off your day with a delightful breakfast at Cafe Aylanto, offering a variety of international dishes and a cozy ambiance. Average cost for a meal is about 500 PKR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Rawal Bistro & Cafe where you can indulge in delicious Pakistani and continental cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 800 PKR per person.
End your day with a scrumptious dinner at Monal Restaurant, located atop the Margalla Hills, providing breathtaking views of the city. Enjoy a range of Pakistani and international dishes with an average cost for a meal of about 1500 PKR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For off the beaten path adventures, consider exploring the hiking trails in Khanpur, located near Islamabad. The scenic beauty and relatively untouched nature will provide a thrilling adventure for nature enthusiasts. Another hidden gem is the Chakwal Salt Range, known for its natural salt caves. Exploring these caves and experiencing the therapeutic properties of the salt minerals is a unique and memorable experience. Don't forget to interact with the locals to discover more hidden gems and lesser-known activities that cater to your adventurous spirit.