Are you getting fed up with your daily routine? Want to plan a trip to Islamabad with your family or friends? Tourism is the healthiest activity to eliminate anxiety and stress from life. It is the best way to bring charm and happiness to a boring life. Due to a lack of time and knowledge about where to go on a trip, many people do not do anything productive sitting at home. You’re on the right page if you are looking for beautiful places near Islamabad to plan your tour efficiently.
In this article, we will tell you about the most beautiful places in Islamabad. Tourism is a healthy activity that purifies the soul and gives you the comfort of mind.
Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, has been a popular tourist destination for both foreign and local tourists, especially since it was declared a major tourist destination in 2020. Islamabad is located in the north of the country. And it is also an ideal starting point for trips planned to explore Northern areas such as Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir, and even Murree Hills just south.
Most Stunning Places near Islamabad
There’re various stunning places that you can visit in your Islamabad visit. Let’s explore the most beautiful and heavenly places of it.
1. Murree Hills
Murree is about 50 km from the Federal Capital of Pakistan. The eye-enticing view of Malka-i-Kohsar, which is the queen of hills, will provide you relaxation after your hectic routine of work. You can easily cross this journey in about an hour and enjoy the cool breeze in summer and snow in winter. Besides Murree, you can also visit Nathia Gali, Ayubia, Khanpur Dam, Bhurban, Patriata, etc., and enjoy its natural beauty and peaceful environment.
2. Taxila
The next most popular destination around Islamabad is Taxila. The Gandhara Civilization House is only 30 km northwest of Islamabad. You can reach there in 40-45 minutes. The best time to visit Taxila is in the winter, and even in March/April and October/November, because to see the archeological places, you have to travel a lot in the sun.
Taxila was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1980. And it was declared as a major tourist destination in Pakistan by the Guardian Newspaper in 2006. Your tour to Islamabad can never complete without Visiting Taxila.
3. Khanpur Dam
Khanpur Dam is just 20 km from Taxila towards Haripur. The dam is built on Khanpur Lake, the source of which is in the waters of the Haro River. The dam, 51 meters high and can store about 110,000 acres of water. It was built primarily to provide water for use and irrigation in different parts of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. However, the beautiful location of the dam offers tourists a natural refreshment area.
The dam/lake has become a dynamic tourist spot, and many families go there for picnics. It is advisable to avoid this place in hot weather as there is less shade. Also, you will not like to eat fried fish in summer. Fish Restaurant does not provide a very hygienic environment, but you must try it.
4. Mughal Gardens
Mughal Gardens were built during the reign of Emperor Akbar. The 15-acre Mughal garden is often described as the soul of the Presidential Palace. It is located in the town of Wah, less than an hour’s drive from Islamabad. Ahmad Mehmar Lahori made the structural and archaeological design of these gardens with pools, fountains, and canals. These gardens are beautifully designed and have also been the basis for many great architectural structures thanks to their ingenious and pioneering design. The Department of Archeology is responsible for the rehabilitation of key areas of the garden.
Someone traveling from Peshawar to Islamabad on the Grand Trunk Road or someone visiting Taxila and Khanpur Dam can stop for a moment to see the historic garden.
5. Ayub National Park
Ayub National Park, or Ayub Park, is named after Pakistan President General Ayub Khan. It is also known as “Topi Rakh Park” from a historical point of view. About 4 km from Rawalpindi Zero Point, Islamabad residents can go there within a 30-minute drive. The park is Pakistan’s largest national park, covering an area of approximately 2,300 acres. Ayub National Park is a very popular family picnic spot and has many allures for both children and adults.
Ayub Park hosts the jungle kingdom. It has a rare collection of birds and animals in an open-air area for kids’ amusement. Besides, it also kept extensive gardens, a running lake with water lilies and boating facility, and an open-air theater and restaurants. It is also housed with the carving of significant leaders and heroes of Pakistan.
6. Khewra Salt Mines
The world’s second-largest salt mine is situated in Khewra near the north of Pind Dada Khan. It is about 200 km from Islamabad, but due to the fast-moving motorway road. Luckily, the distance has been reduced to about two and a half hours. The 30 km metal road from Lillah Junction on the Islamabad-Lahore Highway leads to Pakistan’s oldest salt mine. The last Pakistani Railways also started tourist trains from Lahore and Rawalpindi to Khewra.
7. Rohtas Fort
Rohtas Fortress, famous for its unique and fascinating architectural fortifications. It is located near Jhelum, 110 km from Islamabad. Sher Shah Suri built this fortress to protect the northern border of his empire. It is surrounded by large walls which reach 4 km; these walls have gates and bastions to attack the enemy. Although the fort is not well preserved and a proper village is within the walls of the fort. The archaeological remains, however, attract those interested in history and photography. The castle walls, the gates, the Royal Mosque, Baolis, and Rani Mahal, fascinate the guests.
Hope you’re now fully aware of the beautiful places that come across the way to Islamabad. Count on us if you have finalized your plan to Islamabad and are looking for affordable rental car services. At Carlay Car Rental, you can get your dream car for your Islamabad tour at a reasonable price.