You will very definitely pass through Islamabad if you travel to Pakistan. Admittedly, the city isn’t as attractive as the northern region of Pakistan, but it’s still an excellent place to visit if you want to see some of the country’s most famous sights.
Islamabad shows what a modern Pakistani city should be. Building clusters are divided into zones, set out in a grid with a massive network of roadways connecting them all like a spider web. Green vegetation is strewn across the city between the buildings, making it the greenest city in the country. Rickshaws are prohibited due to excessive noise, and the streets are spotless. It is precisely how the administration envisioned a capital city, and they went all out to make it happen.
Rawalpindi, Islamabad’s ugly twin sister city, is located adjacent to Islamabad. You may have also observed that buses heading to Islamabad from Lahore are named Rawalpindi rather than Islamabad.
Rawalpindi is a historic city that is opposed to Islamabad. It’s noisy, filthy, congested, and disorganized. I will avoid staying in Rawalpindi if you want a more relaxing experience. Also, double-check that the hotel you booked is in Islamabad and not Rawalpindi, as there is a significant difference.
When Should You Visit Islamabad?
The most significant time to visit Islamabad is between September and October, when the weather gets much more relaxed across the city, especially at night. If you want to go hiking in the north, September and October are ideal months to visit because the weather is typically pleasant, and the autumn colors are in full bloom. You can also check flights to Islamabad by Serene Air.
In Islamabad, Where Should You Stay?
The Jasmine Inn
Budget alternatives are limited in Islamabad because it is a new city. I’ve stayed in Rawalpindi (which isn’t worth it because you’ll have to deal with traffic to go to and from Islamabad, which will cost you more in the long run) and Islamabad, and Jasmine Inn is the best value for money. They have excellent facilities and are conveniently placed in the G-8 sector, which is regarded as in the heart of the city. Moreover, everything discussed in this guide can be reached with a quick Uber journey.
This place is less expensive than other countries, although not by much.
Keep in mind that this is only a proposed daily budget based on my travel style, which is more budget-conscious. Expect to sleep in dorms, dining out just a few times, and be comfortable taking the cheapest and most convenient mode of transportation, which is often walking, if you wish to stick to this budget.
Attractions in Nature
Islamabad is known for its nature-loving population and scenic sights, earning it the nickname “Green City.”
Daman-e-Koh Park and Margalla Hills
The Margalla range, which leads up to the Himalayas mountains, is visible near Islamabad and is frequently visited by vista-seeking aficionados.
Some of the range’s abundant species, such as the Rhesus macaque monkey and the Asian Paradise Flycatcher, a rare and unique bird with a long light-grayish tail, can be seen when hiking up the paths.
Daman-e-Koh, which translates to “foothills” in old Persian, is a stunning vista point in the Margalla hills with a panoramic view of Islamabad and the magnificent Faisal mosque on the horizon.
Village of Saidpur
Saidpur village is a terrific spot to see true country life in a 21st-century metropolis if you’re seeking a rustic, down-to-earth escape from Islamabad’s flashy malls and overcrowded bazaars. A Hindu temple and a Sikh gurdwara can be seen while wandering around the square-roofed town in a ravine of the Margalla hills.
Feel free to stroll through the town’s laid-back gravelly streets, where children run about greeting you and residents playing sitars enjoy the town’s basic and traditional lifestyle.
While gazing over the Himalayan foothills, high-end eateries such as Des Pardes and DeraPakhtoon will serve you hot dishes of spicy chicken masala.
What to Bring to Pakistan’s Capital, Islamabad
Walking/Hiking Shoes: I enjoy walking around different cities or going on short hikes, so I strongly advise you to bring excellent comfortable shoes on this trip. The Timberland Jackson’s Landing Shoes are my go-to shoes for most occasions, including lengthy hikes.
Breathable Shirts: When the sun is shining, and the sky is clear, it may get pretty hot outside, so bring along a few breathable shirts to wear when you’re out and about.
Outer Shell Jacket: When it’s raining or a little windy outside, an outer shell jacket is ideal. The Columbia Watertight Jacket comes highly recommended. It’s breathable, lightweight, and, best of all, it comes in various colors.
Camera: A good camera will be essential, however, if items in your bag capture the lovely moments you will be experiencing. The Sony a6600 camera with the Sony 16-55mm F2.8 lens is what I recommend. The best combination of outstanding performance and lightweight available.
Power Bank: A 20,000+ mAh Power Bank can keep your electronics charged while you’re on the run.
Water Bottle: The Lifestraw Filter Bottle is an excellent water bottle to bring with you in cities or hiking trails if you’re unsure if the water source is pure.
Universal Adaptor: To plug in your devices in whatever country you visit, you only need one universal adapter.
Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes can help you conserve room in your backpack while also organizing all of your items.
Large Backpack: To transport all of this gear, you’ll need a large backpack. The Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack is what I recommend. You can’t go wrong with Osprey because of the superb weight distribution and lifetime warranty.