REASONS TO VISIT ISLAMABAD
Calm, quiet, peaceful, green: these adjectives describe the essential makeup of Islamabad, capital of Pakistan. The moderately populated city, situated on the Potohar Plateau, offers a tranquil option for those who prefer to explore at a leisurely pace without the need to time their schedule according to traffic. Read on to find out why a trip to Pakistan is incomplete without a stint in Islamabad.
COUNTRY
Pakistan
AREA
906.5 km²
POPULATION
1.198 million
THINGS
TO DO IN ISLAMABAD
Home to the Shah Faisal Mosque
The Shah Faisal Mosque holds a special place in the Muslim community of Pakistan due to its ties with Saudi Arabia (the mosque was named after one of the kingdom’s monarchs). It can accommodate over 100,000 worshipers in its main hall and courtyard. Besides its religious significance, the mosque is famed for its architecture, which is a departure from traditional domes and arches.
A guided tour of the mosque is usually an important part of the itinerary of tourists visiting Islamabad.
The Hiking trails
A well-constructed road winds around the Margalla Hills in Islamabad, leading to scenic places like Daman-e-Koh and Pir Sohawa. However, the more adventurous can scale any of the hills’ hiking trails to visit the spots on foot. Trails 1 and 2 take about two hours to reach the summit; Trail 3 is for those who wish to undertake a challenging hike; Trail 5 is the easiest, albeit the longest; and Trail 6 is the most recently discovered path to the summit.
Excellent Shopping Opportunities
Whether you’re looking to splurge on luxurious local and foreign brands or are in search of cultural artifacts and handicrafts to take back home, you can find it all in Islamabad. Besides Centaurus Mall and Safa Gold Mall, you can find something to your liking in the various markets throughout the city. The F-6 Markaz and the picturesque Saidpur Village are particularly popular for quality souvenirs.
Eating Out
Islamabad offers most of the major cuisines in demand in the region. Continental, Chinese, American, English, Italian and Pakistani food are widely available. From high-end restaurants to tiny food stalls, the city has something for everyone and won’t let any visitors go hungry for lack of variety.
What’s the weather like in Islamabad?
In Islamabad, the summers are sweltering, humid, wet, and clear and the winters are short, cold, and partly cloudy. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 3°C to 37°C and is rarely below 0°C or above 41°C.