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Taxila

archaeological site of the ancient Indian subcontinent, at Taxila, Punjab, Pakistan

28km

33.7487572.81292

Murree

exurb in Pakistan

41km

33.904273.3903

Muzaffarabad

human settlement

76km

34.3773.47111111

Swat

district of Pakistan

126km

34.782777872.3619444

Peshawar

Capital of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province

167km

34.016771.5833

Rabwah

human settlement

182km

31.75277872.922222

Faisalabad

City of the Punjab Province

213km

31.41873.079

Lahore

capital of the Punjab Province

246km

31.54972274.343611
Sights (25)

Islamabad Zoo

At the foot of Daman-e-Koh view point. It has more than 300 animals including 200 birds of different kinds, and tigers, lions and other animals.

3.7km

33.7342972273.05911389

Daman-e-Koh

A lookout point in the hills above E-6 with great views of the city on a clear day/night. 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.

4.3km

33.739554873.0554566

Faisal Mosque

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. Is open to non-Muslims outside of prayer times, but is sometimes shut altogether.

4.4km

33.72994473.038436

National Art Gallery, Pakistan

Opened in 2007, the gallery is a modern, light filled, air conditioned edifice that would not be out of place in many European cities. A diverting collection of almost 450 art pieces, purchased or gifted by the artists for National Art Gallery. Covers a surprising diversity of contemporary and classical paintings, sculpture and other installations. The Gallery is also home to an indoor and outdoor theatre (word-of-mouth and local press for schedules). Open 7 days a week - from 11AM-1PM (free) and 2PM-7PM (Rs. 500) - hence it is empty in the afternoons and you may find yourself trailed by gallery staff turning the lights on and off for you! In F5/1, on the corner of Jinnah & Constitution avenues, opposite the Parliament building.

4.4km

33.730573.091

Fatima Jinnah Park

Also known as the F-9 park, it is considered one of the largest in South East Asia. F9 park is ideal for jogging around, and also has a cricket ground and some tennis court (minus nets). The park also has a large children's playground, some interesting sculptures, and an indoor facility with a nice bowling alley.

4.5km

33.7016666773.02472222

Margalla Hills

Take a nice nature walk in the hills surrounding Islamabad.

5.3km

33.7444444473.04166667

Pir Sohawa

6.1km

33.7602777873.06555556

Lake View Park

7.7km

33.71127773.132075

Rose and Jasmine Garden

lake in Pakistan

7.7km

33.71127773.132075

Rawalpindi

city in Punjab Province, Pakistan

9.4km

33.673.03333333

Golra Sharif

9.7km

33.69472.9775

Golra Sharif Railway Museum

A little known gem - worth seeking out for a trip back in time to the glory days of the North West Railway - the station house has been renovated and houses a small museum, and several old locomotives and rolling stock are there to be explored. Makes a nice cycle-ride from Islamabad.

13km

33.67057772.947628

Sirsukh

25km

33.772672.847922

Nicholson's Obelisk

Captain John Nicholson, from Ireland, was one of the most colourful characters of the British Army in Victoria's time, a much-decorated officer and an effective administrator, but also a bit of a madman. He hunted tigers armed with only a sword and personally went after one bandit chief, cut off his head, and kept it on his desk for months as a warning to others. At one point he learned of a plot to poison the British officers, hanged all the cooks, then calmly proceeded to dinner.During the Mutiny of 1857 Nicholson planned a bold attack on Delhi, and bullied the aged and conservative General in charge into approving it. He was shot while leading the attack and died a few days later, aged 35, but the British took Delhi and ended the mutiny. The British considered him a major hero, and some of the natives (much to his dismay) treated him as a rather odd sort of saint, creating a cult of "Nikal Seyn" which lasted well into the 20th century. His tomb is in Delhi and there are statues in both Delhi and Ireland, but this monument is on the frontier where he spent most of his career.

26km

33.7031672.82479

Sirkap

26km

33.75766972.829332

Bhir Mound

27km

33.743389472.819614

Taxila, Pakistan

city in Punjab, Pakistan

31km

33.7458333372.7875

Patriata

human settlement in Pakistan

46km

33.874373.457

Bhurban

human settlement in Pakistan

49km

33.955773.4518

Red Fort, Muzaffarabad

77km

34.3823972273.46477222

Chikkar

human settlement in Pakistan

79km

34.148973.6755

Khewra Salt Mine

– the second largest salt mine of the world. Nearly two hours drive from Islamabad towards south via the motorway

97km

32.64793973.008394

Bashigram Lake

134km

35.0833333372.66611111

Miandam

136km

35.0533333372.56083333

Madyan, Pakistan

144km

35.1333333372.53333333
Nature

we will see

Islamabad

Pakistan
Someday we will visit Islamabad or begin to dream about going there! However, for now its not on our radar. Let us know in the comments if you think that should change!

Islamabad

Islamabad has been the capital of Pakistan since 1960 when the capital city was moved from Karachi. Although it is only the ninth largest city of Pakistan, together with its neighbouring twin city of Rawalpindi, the greater Islamabad-Rawalpindi metropolitan area is the third largest conurbation with a population of over 4.5 million inhabitants.

Islamabad is home to many migrants from other regions of Pakistan and has a cultural and religious diversity of considerable antiquity. Due to its location on the Pothohar Plateau, remnants of ancient cultures and civilisations such as Aryan, Soanian, and Indus Valley civilisation can still be found in the region. A 15th-century Gakhar fort, Pharwala Fort is located near Islamabad. Rawat Fort in the region was built by the Gakhars in 16th century and contains the grave of the Gakhar chief, Sultan Sarang Khan.

Islamabad is located at 33°26′N 73°02′E / 33.43°N 73.04°E / 33.43; 73.04 at the northern edge of the Pothohar Plateau and at the foot of the Margalla Hills in Islamabad Capital Territory. Its elevation is 540 metres (1,770 ft). The modern capital and the ancient Gakhar city of Rawalpindi form a conurbation, and are commonly referred to as the Twin Cities.

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