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Islamabad

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At a glance

Country
Pakistan
Region
Islamabad Capital Territory
Population
1.2 million
Best time to go
March to April, October to November
Main airport
Islamabad International (ISB)
Coordinates
33.68°N, 73.05°E

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Overview

Islamabad was built in the 1960s as Pakistan's new capital, a planned city of green sectors laid out at the foot of the forested Margalla Hills. It is calm, orderly and leafy, a striking contrast to its older twin city, Rawalpindi.

The hills are the city's great asset, with hiking trails starting from the edge of town. Islamabad is also a gateway to the ancient Buddhist sites of Taxila and the mountains of the north.

Things to see

  • Faisal Mosque
    Photo: Ali Mujtaba, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Faisal Mosque

    A vast, tent-shaped modern mosque with four pencil minarets, set against the hills.

  • Pakistan Monument
    Photo: Muhammad Ashar, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Pakistan Monument

    Granite petals shaped like a blooming flower, on a hill with views across the city.

  • Lok Virsa Museum
    Photo: Ymblanter, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Lok Virsa Museum

    A rich museum of folk heritage, with costumes, crafts and music from every region of Pakistan.

    Tickets and tours
  • Daman-e-Koh
    Photo: Fraz.khalid1, CC0

    Daman-e-Koh

    A viewpoint in the Margalla Hills overlooking the city's grid and the Faisal Mosque.

  • Saidpur Village
    Photo: a8junea, CC BY-SA 3.0

    Saidpur Village

    A restored old village at the foot of the hills, with restaurants in traditional buildings.

Things to do

  • Hike the Margalla Hills
    Photo: Ctrlpk, CC BY-SA 3.0

    Hike the Margalla Hills

    Popular trails climb through the forest from the edge of town to ridges and viewpoints.

  • Day trip to Taxila
    Photo: Sasha Isachenko, CC BY-SA 3.0

    Day trip to Taxila

    Ruins of ancient Gandharan cities and Buddhist monasteries, with a fine museum, under an hour away.

    Find tours
  • Explore Rawalpindi's bazaars
    Photo: Fahads1982, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Explore Rawalpindi's bazaars

    Dive into the crowded old markets of Islamabad's twin city for spices, fabrics and street food.

Where to stay

Getting around

Ride-hailing apps are the easiest way to get around. The Metrobus links Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

The airport is around 30 km southwest of the city, about 30 to 40 minutes by car.

When to go

Spring (March and April) and autumn (October and November) are mild and clear. Summers are hot, with monsoon rains in July and August, and winters are cool.

Plan your trip to Islamabad

Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.

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