VISITOR INFORMATION
Located on northern side of country, nestled between Mountain Ranges, Islamabad offers an exciting blend of cosmopolitan amenities, natural beauty and cultural attractions. Consistently rated among the beautiful cities in the world, Islamabad is the home to more than two million people.
The city enjoys a rich cultural and ethnic diversity that permeates everything from cuisine and entertainment to traditions. World renowned for its setting and scenery, you can immerse yourself in the energy of the city, yet minutes later enjoy the tranquility of a mountaintop Monal Restaurant.
Islamabad is green year-round with the mildest climate in Pakistan. You’ll never run out of activities no matter which season you come for a visit.
- stroll or bike through an ancient trail in Saidpur village
- shop in trendy Centaurus
- explore the city
- enjoy the vibrant entertainment scene of Margalla hills
Islamabad International Airport (YVR) has consistently been ranked one of the Pakistan best. Downtown and conference hotels are easily accessed by Taxi.
AIRPORT
If you are arriving by air, you will be flying into Islamabad International airport. Located just 25 minutes from downtown,
Fare from the airport to the city center is approximately 1200 rupees. All of these services accept major credit cards. Metrocab, Creem and Uber Taxi services are available everywhere.
BAGGAGE HANDLING
Porter service is available at the Islamabad International Airport. Rates and policies vary and should be confirmed with the supplier.
BANKING
Regular banking hours in Pakistan are 9:00am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, with extended hours including weekends at some locations. Visitors who wish to cash cheques or require other banking services are advised to check times of operation with the institutions. Main branches of Pakistani banks, particularly in major centres, are equipped to exchange foreign currency as well. Few major foreign banks have offices in Islamabad and will handle some foreign currencies directly.
Most banks have automatic teller machines, which can be accessed 24 hours a day, using bank or credit cards on major international banking networks.
CURRENCY
The monetary system in Pakistan is based on rupees. Foreign currencies may be readily exchanged at banks, your hotel front desk or at currency exchange bureaus located throughout the city. Bank debit or credit cards are the most convenient means of getting cash at the many 24-hour automated banking machines (ATMs). As in the U.S. and Europe these machines accept cards with visa and mastercard symbols and are easily found in Islamabad. Many Pakistani businesses will accept major credit cards (Visa, Master Card, and American Express). For current rate of exchange information, please visit: http://www.Forex.com
FOOD & BEVERAGE
An extensive variety of cuisine is available representing the multicultural flavor of Islamabad. Fine dining, casual or family friendly restaurants are easily accessible throughout city.
ELECTRICITY
The electrical current is 220 volts. Adapters are required for appliances from other countries.
SMOKING LAWS
By law, smoking is not permitted in public buildings, on public transit, in shopping malls, and in most restaurants.Many restaurants and other establishments have designated smoking areas such as patios or outside heated seating areas. Please smoke in designated areas only.
Clothing
Lightweight summer clothing is suitable for spring and summer but sweaters or jackets may be needed for the winter months, especially in the evenings. However, care should be taken not to give offense by wearing clothing which may be considered revealing.
Culture & Lifestyle
Islamabad culture is firmly rooted in the Islamic traditions. Courtesy and hospitality are among the most highly prized of virtues and the visitor is sure to be charmed by the genuine warmth and friendliness of the people.
Islamabad society is marked by a high degree of tolerance for different lifestyles. Foreigners are free to practice their own religion, alcohol is served in hotels and provided reasonable discretion is shown, the dress code is liberal. Women face no discrimination and may drive and walk around unescorted. Local citizens dress in traditional shalwar and qameez. Pakistani culture and folklore find expression in poetry, dancing, songs and traditional art. Weddings and other celebrations are colorful occasions of feasting and music.
Language & Religion
The main language is Urdu but English is widely spoken and understood. Both languages are commonly used in business and commerce.
However, you will find that many banks, hotels, airline offices, shops and key visitor attractions have multilingual staff who speaks various local languages.
Islam is the official religion and there are a large number of mosques throughout the city. Other religions are respected and Islamabad has many churches too.
TIME ZONE
Islamabad is GMT + 5 Hours.
WEATHER
Islamabad enjoys moderate temperatures year-round. From high 35 c Celsius in summer to a low -1ºC in winter, the climate is always hospitable. During Conference 2020, you can expect an average temperature of 22ºC.
Sites to Visit:
Faisal Mosque
Lying at the foot of the majestic margalla hills, Faisal mosque is an amazing sight to behold. Tourists from all over the world come to visit to gasp at this marvel of Muslim architecture. This platinum white mosque is nothing less of a wonder, with its pointed, sharp minarets and tent-inspired style. The mosque itself is unique and very spacious and has a huge courtyard lined with trees. The days of Ramadan and some holy days of the year are when the mosque is at its full glory. In these days, the huge mosque can’t contain the people who come to pray, and even the courtyard has to be accommodated for a prayer to be held. Faisal Masjid is illuminated with striking lights at night, liting everyone’s hearts on fire as well.
Opening Hours: Daily from Fajr (Dawn) Prayers till Isha (Night) Prayers
Entry Fee: No Entry Fee
Pakistan Monument
This monument has been constructed (from May 2004 to March 2007) specifically to be marveled at, and indeed, the structure serves its purpose pretty well. The Pakistan Monument is a state memorial with a well-designed heritage museum. It has a strategic location on the western Shakarparian Hills, which receive lesser amounts of rainfall due to higher altitudes, making sure the monument preserves its glamour over the years. It notably symbolizes the unity of the Pakistani people by representing the nation’s four provinces and three territories in a single, strong, stalwart foundation. It is to signify that the people’s respects towards the leaders of the nation, who sacrificed their lives for the benefit of future generations.
Opening Hours : Tue – Sun (10am – 8Pm) – Fri Prayer break (1pm – 2pm)
Entry Fee: PKR 250 for Monument + PKR 250 for Museum (optional)
Daman I Koh
If you’re looking for something motivating enough to get you off the couch, we’ll have you know that Daman-e-Koh has the potential to get you up and hiking. This viewing point and hilltop garden in the middle of the Margalla Hills is the closest to nature as one may get. It’s cool throughout the year and is home to cute, naughty monkeys and exotic birds. Its name means foothills, is about 2400ft from sea level and almost 500ft from the city of Islamabad. It is the prime location for a perfect picnic, with its panoramic views and has many food vendors at strategic points for a bite or two. Telescopes are also installed here for keen observers. It is pretty convenient, considering all the hiking that needs to be done. Alternatively you can hire a taxi for approximately PKR 600 from Marghzar Zoo to Daman-e-Koh and back.
Opening Hours: Daily (9am – 11pm)
Entry Fee: No entry fee
Saidpur Village
Anyone who’s ever told you villages aren’t a fun site to visit, we hope you would bring them along on a venture to Saidpur village. This village is more than five hundred years old, thus has an ancestral value which is quite evident in its architecture. It has been preserved over the years because it was too beautiful of a spectacle to be reconstructed. Its walls are lined with colorful dyes and paints and have beds called ‘charpayees’ placed outside that play the role of benches. It’s widely known for its heritage, history, and folklore. Both local and foreign visitors visit this village for a cultural touch to their trips.
Opening Hours: Daily (24 Hours)
Entry Fee: No entry fee
Margalla Hiking Trails
Grab your best footwear and get ready for a hike up the most beautiful hills one can ask for. The path begins from a commercial Margalla Road in sector F-5, where one may stock up supplies, like water and dry food or snacks. There are a few trails that start at a different point but connect at intervals. People find it easier to climb the lower angled, but longer trails. If you’re the adventurous type, you’d be hiking straight up the mountain, because the most scenic views and animal footprints and homes are found through the steeper pathways. The best part about this hike is not cardio. Your destination is a breathtaking stream of gushing blue waters lined with unusual stones and pebbles of varying colors. Fishing and boat riding is offered here that wards off any exertions and muscle cramps, leaving you laughing in delight as you hike downhill.
Opening Hours: Daily (5am – 6:30pm)
Entry Fee: No entry fee
Lake View Park
For the animal lovers out there, Lake View Park calls you for the best part of your visit to Islamabad. It operates following the supervision of Capital Development Authority, which ensures the best possible management and care of the animals. Any wildlife park gets an extra point for having ethically kept animals. It’s located at Village Malpur Rawal Lake, on Murree Road, where it gets shivering cold in the winters. Park offers nice views of Lake with other entertainment options including horse riding, boating, racing and Pakistan’s largest birdcage is found here. All the more reason to be here, isn’t it?
Opening Hours: Daily (10am – 10pm)
Entry Fee: PKR 20
Shrines of Shah Allah Dita
These ruins have a whole lot of history to be unraveled, with each tree and relic singing its tale. It dates back to the Buddhist era of the 8th century. The caves contain a holy shrine and the tomb of Shah Allah Ditta, thus the caves’ name. Relics of the Buddhist era dating back to the 8th century can be found here along with burnt lamps and trees with amulets tied to them. The caves can get one wondering and gasping over the thoughts of the rituals and practices that were once held here. Archaeologists have studied the area to find 2,400-year-old murals of Buddha appear on the walls. It was a site of meditation for Buddhist monks and later by Hindu sadhus (holy men), as suggested by the platform-like formations found here. Every visitor should plan a visit here.
Opening Hours: Daily (24 Hours)
Entry Fee: No Entry Fee
Water sports Khanpur Dam
This Dam supplies not only water but smiles and thrills as well. The Khanpur dam has it’s recreational value due to the immersive management that decided to offer a variety of water sports in the area. Lifejackets are provided to dive down several hundred meters from the dam into the cool, clear waters below. Water gun fighting is also offered for a playful experience with your family and friends. The Dam is known to host many swimming tournaments where the youth can show off their talent in sport. The Khanpur dam is the hottest tourist attraction out there and deserves some time on your trip.
Opening Hours: Daily (Sunrise to Sunset)
Entry Fee: No entry fee
Museum of Natural History
If you think museums are boring, then a visit to the Pakistan Museum of Natural History (PMNH) will surely change your mind. Located at Shakarparian National Park, PMNH was established in 1976, and since then it has only been met with appreciation and tours of schools, colleges, and travel agencies. This public natural history museum has exhibits and galleries which display and provide information about the ecology, geology, and paleontology of the country of Pakistan, encasing the geographical beauty of the nation. Currently, the museum includes a collection of over 300,000 objects. Tourists that have a liking towards archaeology will be hypnotized by the findings of dinosaur skulls that have been exhibited over here.
Opening Hours: Daily (9:30am – 5:30pm) – Fri Prayer Break 12:30pm – 2pm
Entry Fee: PKR 100
Monal Restaurant
Monal is probably the restaurant every Pakistani wants to dine in, at some point in their lives. It’s a frequent place to visit for the elite class but isn’t at all that expensive, and is known to host amazing high-teas and buffets at a standard rate (but with higher standards of scrumptious food options). Their oriental foods include popular Pakistani traditional ones, namely chicken makhani, chicken green chili with lemon, chicken jalfrezi, chicken ginger, chicken achari, believe us, this list will never end. The restaurant itself is located at a small hike, at Pir Sohawa, and the view is fantastic. People fancy alfresco seating, where they can view charming Islamabad city lights. Special musical evenings are also organized on festive seasons.
Opening Hours: Daily (9am – 12:30am)
Entry Fee: No Entry Fee
Like Virsa Museum
Islamabad, being the capital, is in charge of representing all the traditions, cultures and ethnicity of the nation. Such a hefty job since every province has its style, language, and historical background. The Heritage Museum, also known as Lok Virsa Museum, handles all these different blends of tradition in the most cohesive manner, taking tourists on a ride to the colorful past of Pakistan. The museum is full of beautiful exhibits, fine sculptures, rare artifacts and showcases the style of all the races of Pakistan i.e. Pashtuns, Sindhis, Punjabis, Balochis- everyone has a place of respect and honor in this museum. It even goes out of its way to host plays and musical performances, under the Virsa Media Centre, that record traditional music to preserve cultural heritage.
Opening Hours : Tue – Sun (10am – 8pm) – Mon (Closed)
Entry Fee: PKR 500 Adult foreigner & PKR 250 for Foreigner Student
Islamabad Zoo
This zoo spreads over a huge area of 82-acres. It all started in 1978 when the Capital Development Authority of Pakistan set up the facility mainly as a haven for the regional leopards, speckled deer, and Indian gazelle. This noble cause must have been a blessing for the zoo later on, given that it soon earned reputation, drawing thousands of sightseers every month. It further became a part of the Japanese garden and even has it’s own aviary now. Its distinction lies in being a wildlife sanctuary, thus schools and colleges often plan trips for students to teach them more about how wildlife is to be preserved
Opening Hours: Daily (9am – 7pm)
Entry Fee: PKR 30