Federal Capital
Islamabad
Region
Federal Capital
Best Visit
March to May, and October to November
Highlight
Gateway City
Access
Open to All
Islamabad
— at a glance
Pakistan's purpose-built capital sits in the green foothills of the Margalla Hills, a calm, orderly city of wide avenues, leafy sectors and two landmarks you will see on every postcard: the tent-shaped Faisal Mosque and the granite petals of the Pakistan Monument. For most travellers Islamabad is the arrival point and the launch pad for the north, because both the flights and the Karakoram Highway to Gilgit-Baltistan begin here.
What to expect
Gateway CityFaisal MosqueMargalla HillsFederal CapitalCity Break
Photo by Ali Mujtaba
Frequently asked questions
- Is Islamabad worth visiting?
- Yes. Pakistan's capital is green, calm and easy to navigate, with the Faisal Mosque, the Pakistan Monument and the Margalla Hills trails all inside the city. One or two days is enough to enjoy it before heading north.
- Why is Islamabad called the gateway to northern Pakistan?
- Almost every trip to Hunza, Skardu, Naran or Fairy Meadows starts in Islamabad. The Karakoram Highway runs north from the adjoining city of Rawalpindi, and the airport flies to Gilgit and Skardu, so it is the natural staging point for the mountains.
- Is Islamabad safe for tourists?
- Islamabad is one of the safest and most relaxed cities in Pakistan, with a visible police presence and good infrastructure. Normal city precautions are enough.
Want a tailored itinerary for Islamabad?
We'll handle the logistics. You focus on the journey.