Islamabad is the 9th largest city in Pakistan, while the larger Islamabad-Rawalpindi metropolitan area is the country’s 4th largest with a population of about 7.4 million The city is the political seat of Pakistan and local government setup is run by the Islamabad Metropolitan Corporation, supported by the Capital Development Authority. Islamabad is located in the Pothohar Plateau in the northeastern part of the country, between Rawalpindi District and the Margalla Hills National Park to the north. The region has historically been a part of the crossroads of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with the Margalla Pass acting as the gateway between the two regions.
Visiting Spots in Islamabad
Faisal Mosque
Modern Bedouin Inspired Mosque
The Faisal Mosque is a mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan. It is located on the foothills of Margalla Hills in Islamabad. This mosque features a contemporary design consisting of eight sides of concrete shell and is inspired by a Bedouin tent. This mosque is a major tourist attraction in Pakistan, Islamabad in particular, and is referred as a contemporary and influential feature of Islamic architecture. Construction of the mosque began in 1976 after a $120 million grant from Saudi King Faisal, whose name the mosque bears. The unconventional design by Turkish architect Vedat Dalokay was selected after an international competition. Without a typical dome, the mosque is shaped like a Bedouin tent, surrounded by four 260 feet tall minarets. The design features eight-sided shell shaped sloping roofs forming a triangular worship hall which can hold 10,000 worshippers. Combined the structure covers an area of 54,000 square ft, the mosque dominates the landscape of Islamabad. It is situated at the north end of Faisal Avenue, putting it at the northernmost end of the city and at the foot of Margalla Hills, the westernmost foothills of the Himalayas. Visit the grand mosque when you are in Islamabad.
Pakistan Monument
National Landmark with a Museum
The Pakistan Monument is a national monument and heritage museum located on the western Shakarparian Hills in Islamabad, Pakistan. The monument was constructed to symbolize the unity of the Pakistani people. It is dedicated to the people of Pakistan who sacrificed their "today" for a better "tomorrow". Its elevation makes the monument visible from across the Islamabad-Rawalpindi metropolitan area and is a popular tourist destination.
Daman-e-Koh
A Scenic view point of the City
Daman-e-Koh is a viewing point and hill top garden north of Islamabad and located in the middle of the Margalla Hills. Its name is a conjunction of two Persian words, which together means foot hills. It is about 2400ft from sea level and almost 500ft from the city of Islamabad. It is a popular destination for the residents as well as the visitors to the capital. Daman-e-Koh is a midpoint for tourists on their way to the higher view point Pir Sohawa which is located at the top of Margalla Hills at an elevation of about 3600ft. There is a plan to construct a chairlift from Daman-e-Koh to Pir Sohawa. Monkeys are a common sight during winter. Cheetahs are frequently reported to descend from higher hills of Murree during snowfall.
Margala Hills
Lush Green Hills of the Capital
The Margalla Hills is a hill range which is part of the Himalayan foothills located within the Margalla Hills National Park, north of Islamabad, Pakistan. The Margalla range has an area of 12,605 hectares. The hills are a part of Murree hills. It is a range with many valleys as well as high mountains. On 6 January 2012, after almost six years, Pir Sohawa, the city's highest tourist spot, received few inches of snowfall. Another measurable snow event occurred on 11 February 2016 where 2 inches fell after four years.
Rawal Lake
Rawal Lake in Pakistan is an artificial reservoir that provides the water required for the cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Korang River along with some other small streams coming from Margalla Hills have been set to form this artificial lake which covers an area of 8.8 km². Korang River is the outlet stream of Rawal Dam. Rawal Lake is located within an isolated section of the Village Malpur, Bani Gala and Margalla Hills National Park that offers a great picnic spot for families
Lok Virsa Museum
A Museum devoted to Pakistani Culture
Heritage Museum, also known as Lok Virsa Museum is a museum administered and managed by Lok Virsa - National Institute of Folk & Traditional Heritage. It is a museum of history and culture in Islamabad, Pakistan, located on the Shakarparian Hills showcasing the living cultures of Pakistan. The museum opened in 1974. The museum consists of several buildings as well as an outdoor museum which can accommodate up to 3000 visitors. Visitors & Tourists witness the different cultures of Pakistan, their traditions showcased through soveniours, live handcrafts, their traditional culinary items and much more.
Saidpur Village
Architecture
A small village in Islamabad, well preserved, offers a unique experience of local tradition. The village offers heritage architecture and museum. You can enjoy a calm evening in this followed by a local traditional Pakistani cuisine. Other places of mention are listed below that you must not miss during your trip to Islamabad.
Pir Sohawa Road
A trail of road carved around the margalla hills take you to different restaurants, picnic points and resorts. The road is an exciting view and takes you to a calm hill away from the busy city.
Hiking Trails
If you seek an adventure and a hike while your stay in Islamabad, we would highly recommend you to take a hike to Trail 3, 5 & 6
Family Parks
Take your family to our local parks namely Jinnah Park, Rose & Jasmin Garden & Fatimah Jinnah Park.
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