15-Day City Experience Itinerary in Islamabad

  • Day 1: Faisal Mosque
    30 minutes (14.9 km) from Islamabad International Airport

    The Faisal Mosque is an iconic mosque located in Islamabad. It is the largest mosque in Pakistan and a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can take a guided tour of the mosque and learn about Islamic art and culture.

  • Day 2: Lok Virsa Museum
    10 minutes (3.6 km) from Faisal Mosque

    The Lok Virsa Museum showcases the rich cultural heritage of Pakistan through exhibits of traditional clothing, musical instruments, and artwork. Visitors can also enjoy live performances of music and dance at the museum.

  • Day 3: Rawal Lake
    30 minutes (13.8 km) from Lok Virsa Museum

    Rawal Lake is a popular picnic spot in Islamabad. Visitors can relax by the lake, go boating, and enjoy the scenic views of the Margalla Hills. There are also various restaurants and cafes around the lake where visitors can grab a bite to eat.

  • Day 4: Saidpur Village
    20 minutes (9 km) from Rawal Lake

    Saidpur Village is a restored historical village that offers a glimpse into the traditional way of life in Pakistan. Visitors can explore the village's architecture, arts and crafts, and enjoy local delicacies at the restaurants in the village.

  • Day 5: Pakistan Monument Museum
    30 minutes (11.9 km) from Saidpur Village

    The Pakistan Monument Museum features the history and culture of Pakistan through exhibits of art, artifacts, and multimedia displays. The museum also has a beautiful outdoor park with gardens and fountains.

  • Day 6: Shakarparian
    15 minutes (6.9 km) from Pakistan Monument Museum

    Shakarparian is a hilltop park with panoramic views of Islamabad. Visitors can enjoy a picnic, take a scenic hike, or visit the nearby Butterfly Park. There is also a mini-golf course and a children's play area in the park.

  • Day 7: Margalla Hills National Park
    20 minutes (8.5 km) from Shakarparian

    The Margalla Hills National Park is a beautiful nature reserve located on the outskirts of Islamabad. Visitors can go hiking, birdwatching, or take a jeep safari to explore the park's diverse flora and fauna.

  • Day 8: Daman-e-Koh
    20 minutes (8.3 km) from Margalla Hills National Park

    Daman-e-Koh is a scenic viewpoint located in the Margalla Hills. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Islamabad and the surrounding areas, go hiking on the nearby trails, or have a picnic with family and friends.

  • Day 9: Taxila Museum
    1 hour (40 km) from Daman-e-Koh

    The Taxila Museum showcases the ancient Gandhara civilization that existed in the region over 2,000 years ago. Visitors can view various artifacts, sculptures, and coin collections that reflect the cultural and religious diversity of the region.

  • Day 10: Shah Faisal Mosque
    1 hour (39 km) from Taxila Museum

    The Shah Faisal Mosque is a modern mosque located in the city of Rawalpindi. It is one of the largest mosques in the world and an architecture marvel. Visitors can explore the mosque and its surroundings, which include botanical gardens and a small lake.

  • Day 11: Golra Sharif
    20 minutes (10 km) from Shah Faisal Mosque

    Golra Sharif is a famous Sufi shrine located in Islamabad. Visitors can explore the shrine's architecture, attend religious ceremonies, and learn about Sufi philosophy and teachings.

  • Day 12: National Art Gallery
    30 minutes (12.3 km) from Golra Sharif

    The National Art Gallery showcases a diverse collection of Pakistani art, including paintings, sculptures, and calligraphy. Visitors can also attend art workshops and events at the gallery.

  • Day 13: Pir Sohawa
    30 minutes (15.5 km) from National Art Gallery

    Pir Sohawa is a hilltop resort located in the Margalla Hills. Visitors can enjoy the cool breeze, panoramic views of Islamabad, and indulge in delicious Pakistani and international cuisine at the various restaurants and cafes in the area.

  • Day 14: Jinnah Super Market
    30 minutes (12 km) from Pir Sohawa

    Jinnah Super Market is a popular shopping district located in Islamabad. Visitors can shop for traditional souvenirs, clothing, and handicrafts at reasonable prices. There are also many restaurants and cafes in the area to grab a bite to eat.

  • Day 15: Pakistan National Council of Arts
    10 minutes (3.1 km) from Jinnah Super Market

    The Pakistan National Council of Arts is a premier arts institution in Pakistan that showcases traditional and contemporary Pakistani art forms. Visitors can attend exhibitions, workshops, and cultural programs at the center.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Faisal Mosque (1 hour, free)
  • Lok Virsa Museum (2 hours, PKR 500)
  • Rawal Lake (4 hours, PKR 1000)
  • Saidpur Village (3 hours, PKR 800)
  • Pakistan Monument Museum (2 hours, PKR 400)
  • Shakarparian (3 hours, free)
  • Margalla Hills National Park (5 hours, PKR 1500)
  • Daman-e-Koh (2 hours, free)
  • Taxila Museum (4 hours, PKR 800)
  • Shah Faisal Mosque (3 hours, free)
  • Golra Sharif (2 hours, free)
  • National Art Gallery (2 hours, PKR 300)
  • Pir Sohawa (3 hours, PKR 1500)
  • Jinnah Super Market (3 hours, PKR 1000)
  • Pakistan National Council of Arts (2 hours, PKR 500)
  • Total Estimated Costs: PKR 11,800

Transportation

Public buses and taxis are available in Islamabad. Visitors can also rent a car for a self-guided tour of the city. Taxis are recommended for shorter distances, while buses are better for longer distances. The approximate cost of a taxi ride is PKR 200 for the first 2 km, and then PKR 20 for every subsequent km. Buses cost around PKR 20 per person per ride.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting the Islamabad Zoo, Centaurus Mall, and the Pakistan Museum of Natural History. If you have less time, you can skip visiting the Shah Faisal Mosque and the Golra Sharif shrine. It is advisable to dress modestly and respect local customs and traditions. For a comfortable trip, carry sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes, especially for hiking and walking.

Airports

Islamabad International Airport (ISB) is the primary airport in Islamabad, located 30 minutes (14.9 km) from the city center. It is well-connected to major cities in Pakistan and around the world, with regular flights from international airlines such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines.

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