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. A meticulously planned city by renowned town planners Doxiadis Associates, Islamabad is the fastest-growing city in terms of population, economy and urban development.
The city combines a rich history, the confluence of many a civilization and a temperate climate. The region has historically been a part of the crossroads of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with Margalla pass being a gateway to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The city was built during the 1960s to replace Karachi as Pakistan’s capital.
Islamabad is known for the presence of several parks and forests, including the Margalla Hills National Park and the Shakarparian. It is home to several landmarks, with the most notable one being the Faisal Mosque, the fifth-largest in the world. Other landmarks include the Pakistan National Monument and Democracy Square.
Itinerary
Islamabad, Murree and Taxila: (3 Nights 4 Days)
Day 1 – Islamabad to Murree
Pickup from Islamabad airport and departure for Murree (Approx. 02 hrs drive).
On arrival sightseeing of Main Murree, Kashmir and Pindi point.
Lunch at Murree Mall Road, later drive to Patriata, you can enjoy chair lift and cable car ride in Patraiata.
Later time for shopping at mall road Murree and dinner at Usmania restaurant Murree. overnight stay at Shangrila hotel Murree.
Overnight stay at Hotel in Murree.
Day 2 – Murree, Nathiagali, Islamabad
After breakfast departure to visit Nathia Gali a mountain resort town and a part of the Galiaath which are the hill stations in that area, it is known for its scenic beauty, hiking tracks and pleasant weather, which is much cooler than the rest of the Galiaath due to it being at a greater altitude.
From Dunga Gali you can hike 4 km on the Dunga Gali Pipe Line Track and see animals, trees and rare species of birds in this beautiful forest. The hike takes approximately 40 to 45 minutes.
Later back to Islamabad.
In the evening suggested dinner at Pir Sohawa Monal Restaurant.
Overnight stay at Hotel in Islamabad
Day 3 – Islamabad
After breakfast, visit Shah Faisal Mosque; this beautiful mosque was designed by a renowned Turkish architect, Vedat Dalokay and named after the King Faisal of Saudi Arabia. The main courtyard has space for 40000 people.
Afterward see Lok Virsa, also known as the National Institute of Folk & Traditional Heritage, which works towards preserving the living folk and traditional culture of Pakistan located near Shakarparian hills.
See the National Monument in Islamabad, a national monument representing the four provinces and three territories of Pakistan. After a competition among many renowned architects, Arif Masood’s plan was selected for the final design. The four main petals of the monument represent the four provinces while the three smaller petals represent the Northern Areas, Azad Kashmir and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas. The Monument has been designed to reflect the culture and civilization of the country.
From the air the monument looks like a star (center) and a crescent moon (formed by walls forming the petals); these represent the star and crescent on Pakistan’s flag.
Overnight stay at Hotel Islamabad
Day 4 – Islamabad ,Taxila
After Breakfast departure for Taxila.
Taxila represents one of the most important archaeological sites in Pakistan and was once the capital of the rich Gandharan Buddhist civilization.
Continue visit of the Sites and the Museum; which has a rich collection of tools and ornaments, temple friezes and exquisite Buddha figures with Mediterranean faces on display.
Suggested sites to Visit Taxila Jaulian Buddhist Stupa & Monastery, Sikap City Dharmarajika Stupa And Monastery Taxila Museum.
Continue to visit Golra Sharif Railway Station. The station was established in 1882 and upgraded as a junction in 1912. It was the logistics artery of the British during the Afghan military campaigns at the turn of the twentieth century. It has since become an important trade route that protrudes into Afghanistan through the famous Khyber Pass.
Later for shopping at the Centaurus Mall Or F-7 Jinnah Super Market.
Later drop at Islamabad Airport.