Islamabad , Pakistan

Islamabad City Tour

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About this experience

Serving as the capital of Pakistan since the Sixties, Islamabad was built according to a carefully organized plan, divided into sectors along a grid of clean, tree-lined streets. The city is sheltered by the Margalla Hills, the foothills of the Himalayas and the home of rare species of leopard, deer, birds, and even porcupines. Several hiking paths end at Daman-e-Koh, a picnic spot with a splendid view of the entire city, including the massive modernist Faisal Mosque and even the Rawal Dam.
A guided tour to Islamabad includes the modern buildings, religious places, Old village of Saidpur, couple Museums and visit to Monal is not included in the itinerary but we can take them on request.

Available options

Islamabad City Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

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

Stop 2

The eye-popping Shah Faisal Mosque, nestled at the foot of the Margalla Hills, is one of Asia's largest and reflects an eclectic blend of ultramodern and traditional architectural design styles. Topped by sloping roofs (a stark contrast to the traditional domes found on most mosques), the main prayer hall and courtyard is said to hold around 100,000 people. it was a gift from King Faisal of Saudi Arabia.

Stop 3

Saidpur, a little quaint village, famous for its pottery, is part of Islamabad today. It is located off the Hill Road to the east of Daman-e-Koh. Saidpur was founded by Sultan Said Khan, son of Sultan Sarang Khan. He gave his daughter in marriage to Mughal Prince Saleem who later became Emperor Jahangir. Saidpur was a garden resort and a perpetual spring provided water for drinking and for watering gardens an attractive destination, where cultural exhibitions and restaurants provided a great ambiance among the hills during the Mughal period. It has recently been renovated into an attractive tourist destination, where exhibits and restaurants provide a great view among the hills.

The Museum depicts ancient civilization, freedom struggle of Pakistan, birth of Pakistan and major achievements of Pakistan to-date.it also has the facilities of reference library, audio-visual archive, conference hall along with a sixty-two (62) seat capacity auditorium, located on the western Shakarparian Hills in Islamabad,

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

What's not included

Lunch

Dinner

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 4.7

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Islamabad

Islamabad is the capital city of Pakistan, known for its modern urban planning, lush greenery, and stunning natural backdrop of the Margalla Hills. It offers a blend of cultural heritage, contemporary amenities, and proximity to historical sites, making it a unique destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Faisal Mosque

One of the largest mosques in the world, the Faisal Mosque is an iconic landmark of Islamabad. Its unique design, inspired by a Bedouin tent, makes it a must-visit.

Religious/Architecture 1-2 hours Free (donations welcome)

Margalla Hills National Park

This national park offers stunning views, hiking trails, and a chance to escape the city's hustle and bustle. It's a great spot for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Nature Half-day to full day Free

Lok Virsa Museum

This museum showcases the rich cultural heritage of Pakistan through traditional artifacts, music, and art. It's a great place to learn about the country's diverse cultural traditions.

Museum/Cultural 1-2 hours PKR 50-100

Must-Try Local Dishes

Nihari

A slow-cooked stew made with beef or lamb, spices, and herbs. It's a popular breakfast dish in Pakistan, often served with naan or bread.

Breakfast Non-vegetarian, contains beef/lamb

Biryani

A fragrant rice dish cooked with spices, meat (usually chicken or mutton), and sometimes vegetables. It's a staple dish in Pakistani cuisine.

Lunch/Dinner Non-vegetarian, contains meat (can be made vegetarian)

Gulab Jamun

A sweet dessert made from deep-fried milk-solid balls soaked in sugar syrup. It's a popular dessert in Pakistan and other South Asian countries.

Dessert Vegetarian, contains dairy and sugar

Popular Activities

Hiking in Margalla Hills Paragliding in Muree Chairlift ride in Ayubia Picnic in Fatima Jinnah Park Shopping at Jinnah Super Market Dining at Monal Restaurant Visiting Lok Virsa Museum Exploring Taxila's archaeological sites

Best Time to Visit

March to May, September to November

These months offer pleasant weather with mild temperatures, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

20-35°C 68-95°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Urdu
Widely spoken: English, Punjabi, Pashto
English: Moderately spoken, especially in urban areas and among the younger generation

Currency

Pakistani Rupee (PKR)

Time Zone

PKT (UTC+5)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Islamabad is generally safe for travelers, but petty crime and scams can occur. Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and at night. Avoid traveling alone in isolated areas.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and at night.
• Avoid walking alone in isolated areas.
• Use reputable tour guides and drivers, and agree on prices in advance.

Getting there

By air

Islamabad International Airport • 25 km from city center

By train

Islamabad Railway Station

By bus

Sihala Bus Terminal, G.T. Road Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The Metro Bus Service is a modern and efficient way to get around Islamabad. Buses are air-conditioned and run frequently.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Careem, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

F-6 G-5 Blue Area, Rawalpindi

Day trips

Muree

60 km from Islamabad • Half day to full day

Muree is a popular hill station known for its scenic beauty, cool climate, and adventure activities. It's a great destination for a day trip from Islamabad.

Taxila

40 km from Islamabad • Full day

Taxila is an ancient city known for its rich history and archaeological sites. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

Nathia Gali

50 km from Islamabad • Full day

Nathia Gali is a beautiful hill station known for its lush greenery, cool climate, and scenic views. It's a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Festivals

Eid al-Fitr • End of Ramadan (dates vary each year) Independence Day • August 14 Basant • February (dates vary each year)

Pro tips

Visit the Faisal Mosque at night for a stunning light show and panoramic views of the city.
Explore the Margalla Hills for hiking, picnicking, and wildlife spotting.
Try the local street food, such as samosas, chaat, and gol gappa, for an authentic taste of Pakistani cuisine.
Shop at Jinnah Super Market for a variety of items, from clothing to electronics, and don't forget to bargain.
Experience the vibrant café culture in Islamabad by visiting popular cafes like Café Flo and Gloria Jean's.