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Islamabad- The Beautiful

 

Combining a rich cultural history, spectacular scenic beauty and temperate climate, Islamabad - the capital city of Pakistan, is one of the most beautiful cities in the South Asian region. Wide, tree-lined streets adorn the various sectors and zones of the city, making it accessible and spectacular.  . It became the new capital of Pakistan after Karachi and settlement in Islamabad began in the 1960s. A meticulously planned city by renowned town planners Doxiadis Associates, Islamabad is fast becoming a true metropolitan

Basic Information

Although Islamabad is a relatively young city, the region's history spans over thousands of years. The city is located on the Potohar Plateau which was one of the earliest sites of human settlements in Asia. The Aryans from Central Asia settled here first. This region was one of the routes through which the invading armies from North and North West passed to attack the Indian Subcontinent. Many great armies such as those of Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan, Timur and Nader Shah have used this route to invade the Indian Subcontinent. Relics and human skulls have been found dating back to 5000 B.C. that show this region was home to Stone Age man who used the banks of Swaan River as their settlement.

In spite of the difficult times that Pakistan faces today, Islamabad is a thriving hub of economic and cultural activities. The city offers beautiful parks and recreational areas, breathtaking scenery, museums and art galleries, busy shopping areas, mouth watering local and foreign cuisines and a wide array of architectural wonders that are a unique amalgamation of Islamic architecture with modern vision.

Many ancient historical sites are found around the city of Islamabad. Massive forts, Hindu temples, Buddhist stupas and Sikh Gurdwaras are all located within driving distance of Islamabad. The remnants of the Gandhara Civilization, the city of Rawalpindi, Hassan Abdal, Attock, the Salt Ranges, Kallar Kahar, and the Murree Hills, including the 'Galiyaat' are also sights worth seeing.

 

 

 

Daman-e-Koh and Pir Sohawa

these hills over looking Islamabad offer a sweeping, panoramic view of Islamabad. The place is ideal for afternoon and evening outing with family and friends. Its beauty is enhanced by the greenery and flowers at different sites. High quality restaurants, good food, live music, hiking trails and lush green hillsides make it a favorite place for local and foreign tourist alike.  

 

 

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The Shah Faisal Mosque

The mosque is situated against the backdrop of the picturesque Margalla Hills. This placement defines its importance, positioning it on elevated terraced land ensures its visibility during day and night for miles around. It is dedicated to the memory of the late King Faisal of Saudi Arabia who graciously defrayed the cost of the project as a gift to the people of Pakistan.

 

The mosque at its inception was conceptualized as the national mosque of the Islamic nation and was intended to symbolize the hopes and aspiration of Pakistan. The Turkish architect, Vedat Dalokay's design was selected through an international competition. The mosque's architecture is strikingly modern and unique, lacking both the traditional domes and arches of most other mosques around the world.  The shape of the Faisal Mosque is an eight-sided concrete shell inspired by a desert Beduoin's tent and the cubic Ka'ba in Mecca.

 

 Faisal Mosque has a capacity to accommodate approximately 300,000 worshippers (100,000 in its main prayer hall, courtyard and porticoes and another 200,000 in its adjoining grounds)

 

The Lok Virsa Museum

The Lok Virsa or the Cultural Heritage Museum is a must see for all those who wish to know about the cultural history of Pakistan. It is the largest museum of any kind in Pakistan, featuring more than 25 large galleries in four blocks linked through passages depicting cultural linkages with Iran, Central Asia and China. There are large halls dedicated to architecture, musical heritage, textiles, romances, Sufi shrines and several other cultural themes.  

It has a large collection of embroidered costumes, jewellery, woodwork, metalwork, block printing, ivory and bone work on display. The Heritage Reference Library of Museum has a great collection of data on art, music, history and crafts of all regions of Pakistan. Books on culture, heritage, audio and video cassettes of folk and classical vocal and instrumental music are sold at the Lok Virsa's Sales Centre. Lok Virsa celebrates the national events in a befitting manner with musical concerts, exhibitions and public film shows on cultural heritage

The Lake View Park

A visit to the Lake View Park is a perfect way to spend a wonderful Sunday afternoon with friends and family. The Rawal Lake is situated almost eight kilometres from Islamabad’s Zero Point and the Lake View Park that has been built there by the CDA is a marvelous partnership between man and nature.

Lush green lawns, sprawling gardens, beautifully manicured flowerbeds, a shimmering lake, gazebos, botanical gardens and a boating jetty…all are the highly welcoming attractions of the park. It also offers facilities like an amphitheatre, skating rink, small food courts and a children area that guarantees hours of enjoyable activities for the whole family.

 

The Fatima Jinnah Park

Also known as the F-9 park (pointing out the fact that the covered area is spread out through the entire sector) is a public recreational park situated in sector F-9 of Islamabad, Pakistan. The park is considered one of the largest (in terms of covered area) in South East Asia. The Islooites consider Fatima Jinnah Park as a healthy way to indulge themselves in a brisk 'walk' routine early morning after dawn or in the evening before dusk when the weather is pleasant.

 

The National Art Gallery Islamabad

National Art Gallery at Islamabad is the only one of its kind in Pakistan where works of art representing prominent artists are displayed permanently for viewing of public. The significant collection of these treasures of art is being collected in small rooms being turned into National Art Gallery. Almost 423 art pieces are in permanent collection, purchased or gifted by the artists for National Art Gallery.

 

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The Saidpur Village

Saidpur used to be a sleepy little village lying in the foothills of the Margallas with a mystic past and breathtaking natural beauty. It has now been remodeled and tourists have described the few hundred metres drive to the village off the Khyaban-i-Iqbal as exhilarating. The resort has become popular with the citizens of Islamabad who want an occasional break from the frenzy of urban life. Surrounded with lush, tranquil wilderness, the centuries old village is furnished with rustic fittings and offers amenities like a wide range of local food outlets. Exhibitions are held regularly to show case the traditional arts, crafts and the rich cultural heritage of Pakistan.

 

Map of Islamabad


Left click and hold down mouse over the map to see the whole city with its educational institutes, medical complexes, hills, lakes and parks.

Islamabad Travel Guide

  • Some Tips For Foreigners While Visiting Islamabad, posted by dailynews, islamabad, pakistan, asia, travel, guide, places, customs, ...
  • Open source travel guide to Islamabad, featuring up-to-date information on attractions, hotels, restaurants, nightlife, travel tips and more. Free and reliable advice written by ... A considered must have for anyone visiting Islamabad. ...

Hotels and Guest Houses in Islamabad

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Paksitan Travel and Culture

Here are a few websites that offer information about travelling to Pakistan.

  • PAKISTAN. Places to Visit. Destinations. Hand book to Pakistan. Travel guide. The True Culture. Fairs and Festivals...
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  • Best Pakistan Websites. Pakistan Tourism: Pakistan Mountains, Pakistan Tourism: Vertical Limit Movie. Travel to Pakistan, a land of varied and unique ...

Islamabad-Food and Cuisine


photo by

by Gulrukh Tausif

Travel destinations: Islamabad, Pakistan An American diplomat stationed here once described Islamabad as a place “the size of a Washington cemetery and twice as dead.” This unflattering de...More>
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by Gulrukh Tausif

If you think museums are boring and fit for nerds only, then a visit to the Pakistan Museum for Natural History will surely change your mind. Situated at Garden Avenue, Shakarparian in Islamabad, the ...More>
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photo by Ahmed Zaidi

by Gulrukh Tausif

The Shah Faisal Mosque When in Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan, sightseeing should surely start with a visit to the Shah Faisal Mosque, a grand architectural landmark at the north end of the F...More>
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photo by

by Gulrukh Tausif

Lake View Park A visit to the Lake View Park in Islamabad is a perfect way to spend a wonderful Sunday afternoon with friends and family. The Rawal Lake is situated almost eight kilometers from Islama...More>
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photo by carol mitchell

by Gulrukh Tausif

Shopping in Islamabad, Pakistan Shopping in the capital city of Pakistan can be lot of fun if one knows the right places to visit. While it is true that Islamabad has to go a long way before the ambia...More>
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photo by Farhan

by Gulrukh Tausif

The Monal at Pir Sohawa, Islamabad. The Monal is the most popular restaurant in Islamabad right now. Named after an exotic pheasant bird, the place certainly lives up to its namesake. It offers its vi...More>
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Comments (1 to 10 of 10)

Gulrukh Tausif
Apr 03, 10 at 02:41 PM
Thanks Maureen. Glad you liked it.
Maureen Leung
Mar 31, 10 at 11:40 PM
I learn something new by visiting your zone. Islamabad is a beautiful city.
Gulrukh Tausif
Mar 14, 10 at 02:25 PM
Thank you John for visiting and for your kind remarks. I hope you will visit Pakistan one day in person too. Best regards
John Huetteman
Mar 09, 10 at 08:24 PM
Thank you for sending me the link, Gulrukh. I can really feel your love and pride of Islamabad and the Pakistani people and hope to be so lucky as to experience Islamabad as well as Pakistan in person.
Gulrukh Tausif
May 27, 09 at 04:21 AM
Hi Rachel and Ethel, thanks for stopping by. I am glad you liked the zone. My Google map and images sometimes disappear too and then come back. I miss Flickr. Google results are not always very relevant or satisfactory.
Ethel Smith
May 26, 09 at 06:19 PM
What an interesting snapshot of your home. Such a shame that Pakistan is so troubled currently. Some beautiful sights. The weather is wrong, though. I noticed all my weather links have gone peculiar. I took the easy route and deleted my weather links. Perhaps it is just a glitch.Thanks for sharing your home town :)
Rachelle de Bretagne
May 26, 09 at 05:07 AM
Extremely informative zone. This really is an eye opener and useful for people to learn something new.
Dr. Ali Afifi
May 25, 09 at 08:35 AM
Very nice and beautiful presentation of Islamabad. Thank u very much.This is first time to see pictures for it.
Gulrukh Tausif
May 25, 09 at 07:15 AM
Thanks Shaheen. I took inspiration from your Nairobi zone. I had not planned to make any more zones but this one is a tribute to my homeland that is in the news for all the wrong reasons. I'll update it soon with a few more topics. Do visit again.
Shaheen Darr
May 25, 09 at 06:07 AM
Excellent zone Gulrukh, always wanted to see Islamabad and you have shown it to beautifully. Liked the U tube videos a lot :)

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Islamabad Weather

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Visit Islamabad

The scenic beauty of islamabad at a glance with its beautiful sunsets, historical monuments and other tourist attractions.

Taxila-A World Heritage Site

Taxila is located about 30 kilometers from Islamabad and is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. It has been the center of Buddhism, the world famous Gandhara sculpture and the center of learning and culture. The city was conquered by several invadors in history, including Alexander the Great in the 4th century BC. As a result, Persian, Greek and Asian influences are visible in the ruins of the city. Many monasteries and stupas have been excavated all along the Taxila valley.  

Taxila Museum is one of the best and most well-maintained museums of Pakistan. Timings of the museum are 8:30 am to 5:30 pm in summer, and 9:00 am to 4:00 pm in winter. There is a resthouse near the museum, run by the Archaeological Department, a Tourist Information Centre and a PTDC motel as well

The Majestic Rohtas Fort

The Rohtas fort, built in the heartland of Jehlum, is situated approx. 100 km from Islamabad. Its construction was ordered by an Afghan king, Sher Shah Suri (1486-1545). The main purpose of the fort was to keep the local tribes, the Gakhars and the Mughul king Humayyun at bay.


It is claimed that this fort was never taken by assault, and survived intact today. Fortification is done by massive walls, for more than 4km, that surrounds the fort. A small village also exists within the boundary walls of the fort. It has twelve massive gates. The fort is now a protected monument and maintained by the Department of Archaeology. In 1997, the Rohtas Fort was also placed on the World Heritage List by UNESCO.

 

Panja Sahib Gurdwara, Hasan Abdal

Inside of Panja Sahib Gurdwara, Hasan Abdal

Hasan Abdal is 65 km west of Islamabad. It is a beautiful historical town in Northern Punjab and also a junction on G.T Road that connects Peshawar to historical Khyber pass, Hazara to magnificent Karakuram highway that goes up to China and to twin cities, Rawalpindi - Islamabad. Pakistan’s famous Hassan Abdal cadet College is also located here.

The town has a Sikh Temple known as Gurudwara Panja Sahib, one of the most sacred places of Sikhism. In 1521, the founder of the Sikh faith, Guru Nanak, arrived in Hasan Abdal. A Gurdwara was built on the spot where he stayed. It has a sacred rock that is believed to contain the hand print of Guru Nanak. Thousands of Sikhs and Hindus from all over the world visit the Gurudwara on the eve of the Besakhi Mela.

 

 

 

The Ancient Katas Raj Temple

 

Katasraj temple is situated in the Katas village, approximately 160 km from Islamabad, in the Salt ranges. Katas has been sacred to Hindus since times immemorial for religious and cultural reasons as it houses the temples of Shiva, Vishnu and Kali Devi, the gods of Hindu mythology. The temple has existed since the days of Mahābhārata and the Pandava brothers spent a substantial part of their exile at the site. 

According to Hindu beliefs, taking a bath in the holy pond at the site washes away all sins. Infertile couples among the Hindu pilgrims perform rituals on their annual pilgrimage to the site. This site houses the Satgraha, a group of seven ancient temples, remains of an old Buddhist stupa, old havelis and some recently constructed temples, scattered around a pond.

 

Kallar Kahar (The Salt Lake)

Kallar Kahar is famous for its natural gardens, peacocks and a salt water lake. The main attraction of the eastern Salt Range are the shrine of Saidan Shah at Choa Saidan Shah, the lake and shrine of Abdul Qadir Gilani at Kallar Kahar and the Hindu Temple Complex at Katas. Kallar Kahar is located about 135 km from Rawalpindi. It is accessible from Lahore-Islamabad Motorway and is located 25 kilometres southwest of Chakwal along the motorway. The TDCP has built a six-room motel and restaurant overlooking Kallar Kahar Salt Lake with boating facilities

Islamabad the beautiful

Missiles for Islamabad: Insiders Vol. 2 (Insiders (Cinebook))
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Islamabad: Webster's Timeline History, 1648 - 2007
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Islamabad: The Birth of a Capital
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The 2009 Economic and Product Market Databook for Islamabad, Pakistan
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photo by Tore Urnes

by Gulrukh Tausif

Parks and gardens of Islamabad Parks and gardens add character and beauty to a city’s landscape and offer its residents a chance to escape the din and cacophony of urban life and enjoy the seren...More>
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