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Islamabad

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Islamabad [1] has been the capital of Pakistan since 1963. A relatively quiet city, it consists of mainly Federal Government offices, Parliment House, the official residences of the President and Prime Minister along with the Diplomatic Enclave, an area next to the Parliament House dedicated to foreign embassies and missions appointed in Pakistan.

Although the majority of the population in Islamabad traditionally have been employees of the Federal Government, in recent years Islamabad has become a very important financial and business city. In the last decade there has been vast changes in the city's traditional reputation. From it being a typical 9 to 5 city, Islamabad has become more lively with a lot of international food chains opening businesses, and generally a great improvement in night life with increasing shopping areas opening till late. However during winter season streets are considerably quiet after dark.

Even now, Islamabad remains a city where people come from all over the country to enjoy its peaceful, noise-free atmosphere with a lot of greenery and nice surrounding scenery. It also serves as a base camp for people from the south and coastal areas like Karachi visiting valleys like Swat and Kaghan and northern areas like Gilgit, Hunza, Skardu & Chitral located in the Himalayas mountains.

Culture and History

Travel to Islamabad & Visa Requirements

Flights and airtickets to Islamabad

  • Islamabad International Airport (IATA: ISB) receives flights from a variety of international destinations, including London, Dubai, and other Asian cities.

Buses to Islamabad

  • Skyways and Daewoo (+92 51 111 007 008) are 2 of the nicer long-haul operators. Skyways offer some direct services to/from Islamabad and Lahore, Peshawar and Karachi. Daewoo has it's own terminal on the road from Islamabad just outside Rawalpindi. The majority of buses arrive and depart from Rawalpindi, a few kilometers and a 45 minute taxi ride from Islamabad. It's best to book Daewoo by phone in advance if possible. At the moment they serve Karachi, Peshawar, Lahore, Murree, Sialkot, Abottabad, Bahawalpur, Faisalabad and Multan.

By train

Since First Class travel with Pakistan Railway is good, it's worth knowing that Rawalpindi, the neighbourhood city, has railway connections with various major cities including Karachi, Lahore & Peshawar

Tours & Getting around Islamabad

Taxis in Islamabad are abundant, popular and generally safe. Cost is around Rs35 - Rs45 per sector traveled, depending on your bargaining skills. Prices will be higher at night, especially departing from places like Jinnah Super (F-7). It is always advisable to agree the fare before traveling.

Car Hire is also a good way of getting around. Although road signs and directions are only available on main roads, the city's grid and numbering system make it relatively easy to find your way around. There are various car hire companies in Blue Area F-6 and also in G-8 Markaz where cars can be hired with drivers. Most major hotels have their own car hire services and are relatively cheap. A tip to the driver at the end of the booking period is appreciated but not mandatory.

Islamabad attractions and sightseeing

Islamabad has few traditional sights, but some include:

  • Blue Area, Islamabad's financial center.
  • Constitution Avenue
  • Daman-e-Koh, a lookout point in the hills above E-6 with great views of the city on a clear day/night. There is a restaurant and snack stall, and plenty of locals there to relax. Also see Zoo, Japanese park.
  • Faisal Masjid, Islamabad's most recognizable landmark, a very large mosque gifted by King Faisal of Saudi Arabia. Beautiful in the day or night, definitely worth the short taxi ride. Dress and act respectfully, this is much more a place of serious worship than a tourist site.
  • Margalla Hills. Take a nice nature walk in the hills surrounding Islamabad.
  • Pir Sohawa. Birds eye view of Islamabad. There are now two eateries at Pir Sohawa and both worth visiting. A walk up from Trail 3, from F-6/3 will get you to the hill top in around 2 hours with the perfect appetite, but you can reach Pir Sohawa by road in around 35-40 minutes.
  • Lok Virsa Museum, recently renovated, a delight. Definitely worth a visit.
  • Pakistan Museum of Natural history
  • Islamabad Museum
  • National Monument near Shakarparian
  • National Art gallery
  • Rawal lake promenade
  • Attend open-air theater or just sit by the Lotus lake and relax. Check to see if there are is anything happening. The schedules are entirely calendar and weather dependant.
  • Shakarparian is another wonderful place. Consist of beautiful hilly area for a nice evening walk in a green natural atmosphere.
  • Caravan Park is at a little distance away from the Shakarparian Hills. This park is open and accessible only for foreigners, making it exclusive and safe. Adequate facilities are provided to make visitors to the area comfortable and at home.
  • Rose & Jasmine Garden is located near Islamabad sports complex & Jinnah Stadium. South of Shahrah-e-Kashmir road and east of Islamabad Highway. Not too far from Rawal Lake.
  • Imam Barri Shrine Historical shrine of a Sufi saint located in the beautiful valley of NurPur Shahan (Islamic religious site).
  • Golra Sharif Shrine of Pir Mehr Ali Shah(RA), a Sufi Saint located in a village of Golra (Islamic religious site).
  • Fatima Jinnah park is the largest fenced park in South Asia. There is plenty of development taking place there at the moment, but no matter which gate you enter from, you should be able to find plenty of walk ways, some grass and lots of other people just taking a break. The park will often be full of cricketers and unless you're playing - walk around them. (You'd just be in their way). You will also find tennis courts, occasionally a few people playing volleyball or basketball. The park also has an indoor facility with a nice bowling alley.
  • Chattar bagh is a small park in the hills, around 25 minutes away from Islamabad. A water park with a few amusement rides, but will not offer much excitement for those who have seen other amusement parks or water parks.
  • Taxila, World's oldest university. Taxilla is also home to one of the oldest civilizations, and has a museum that boasts plenty of interesting pieces. Worth a visit and a picnic. Should you be interested further in the subject, guided tours can be arranged for sites around the museum.
  • China town is one of the best restaurants in Islamabad. It offers Sichuan Cuisine with Firepot as one of it's specialities. China Town enjoys a very loyal patronage from its customers. The restaurant is being re-located to a beautiful 8,000 sq ft building on Street 55, F-8/4. It will feature a professional kitchen in the basement, a beautiful lounge on ground floor, a fine dining hall on the first floor, and a roof top sitting with a fantastic view of Margallas. Expected opening date is August 2008.
  • Murree, One hour scenic journey through beautiful mountains to the hill resort of Murree which is a nice place to visit especially during summers. A small place has a weather entirely different to that of Islamabad and much similar to most cities of Northern Europe. High class educational institues such as Lawrence College, Convent of Jesus and Mary,and the Presentation Convent are the hallmark of Murree. Chairlifts of Murree and Patriata are attractions for tourists. A two kilometer "Mall" is the center of gravity of Murree where all the shops and hotels are located. A place worth visiting during your stay in Islamabad.

Islamabad city tours

  • Trekking & Hiking – Margalla Hills.
  • Fishing – Rawal lake
  • Para Gliding – at Margalla Hills. The Pakistan Adventure Foundation is the place to call, reservations are recommended.
  • Cycling – Mountain biking is fast becoming a much-loved activity because of the weather and the terrain. If you're in the mood for some adventurous cycling down one of Islamabad's beautifully scenic bike trails, get your bike ready and head down. Information can again be had from the ASG's hiking publication.
  • Night Life – it exists, but it's not easy to find. Try befriending some hip locals, and see if you can't tag along.

Islamabad souvenirs & shopping

Islamabad is divided into sectors, each sector having its own central shopping area (or markaz) where all local amenities are located. Some of the more popular markazes are the F6 Markaz (aka Supermarket) F7 Markaz (aka Jinnah Super Market), F8 Markaz (aka Ayub Market), G6 Markaz (aka Melody Park), G9 Markaz (aka Karachi Company) and so on. Each markaz has its own peculiarities and each one is worth visiting individually. However most things are catered for in each markaz i.e. clothing, shoes, fast food etc. There’s always a real buzz in the evenings when all the shoppers come out, particularly in the run up to Eid.

  • 7th Avenue, located at Jinnah Super Market (F7 Markaz), has large selection of western food products.
  • Best Price, located at Super Market (F6 Markaz), also sells western food products.
  • Handicrafts, The Capital Development Authority, has recently established a handicrafts village near super market, where small stalls with handicrafts from around the country are available. You should be able to walk from there to Mahraja (next to united Bakery) and find plenty of other stores much larger and with a much better collection of handicrafts and traditional items. This is a MUST visit for all first time visitors and a useful stop for quick gift items for people back home. A good present for the ladies is Pashmina shawls or wraps, which can cost anywhere between $15 to as much as $700. Remember to bargain, you will be charged Gora price.
  • Art For art lovers, I suggest that you get in touch with some local to take you around. There are three or four art gallaries that are worth visiting and each will offer a completely different range of art work, style and pricing. All the facilities should be visited if you are art lovers. Some of the places to visit are, Khaas, The National Art Gallery and Nomad Art Gallery.

Foreign Currency Exchange is easily available from F-6 Blue Area where there are 100's of money changer privately owned shops. It is advised to check the rate with a few of them before going ahead with it.

Islamabad Restaurants: cheap, moderate and expensive

  • Iffi's(Restaurant/ Bakery), F-7/2 (Rana Market)(Near Jinnah Super (Opposite Alliance Francaise)), ☎ +92 51 2655060-1, [2]. 1100 - 0000. The architecture of an old ship with Mexican, Thai, Chinese, French, and Italian food as well as burgers, pizzas and steaks. Iffi's has its own bakery as well.
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    This page was last edited at 12:13, on 26 December 2008 by Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel. Based on work by rahmat and Nick Roux, Wikitravel user(s) Cacahuate, Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel and others.

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