Travel Guide
Islamabad travel guide
Pakistan's planned capital is green, orderly, and the gateway to the Margalla Hills. A contrast to other Pakistani cities with its spacious layout and proximity to nature.
Language
Urdu, English
Currency
PKR
Timezone
PKT (UTC+5)
Best time
Oct-Mar
Budget/day
PKR 5000-15000/day
When to visit
Jan
3 to 15°C
Feb
5 to 18°C
Mar
11 to 24°C
Apr
16 to 30°C
May
22 to 37°C
Jun
26 to 40°C
Jul
25 to 35°C
Aug
24 to 33°C
Sep
22 to 33°C
Oct
15 to 29°C
Nov
9 to 23°C
Dec
4 to 17°C
Safety
Moderate RiskIslamabad is the safest major city in Pakistan. Purpose-built capital with good security.
Women travellers
Conservative dress essential - loose clothing, head covering recommended. Travel with companions preferred. Use hotel-arranged transport. Avoid being out alone at night.
Culture & etiquette
- + Faisal Mosque is architecturally stunning—largest in South Asia when built
- + Margalla Hills hiking starts from Damn-e-Koh viewpoint
- + Gateway to Hunza and northern Pakistan
- + Most orderly city in Pakistan
- - Don't drink alcohol publicly
- - Don't photograph military installations
- - Don't discuss politics openly
- - Don't eat in public during Ramadan
Food to try
Chapli kebab
Flat wide minced lamb patties flecked with pomegranate seeds, dried coriander and green chili; a Khyber Pakhtunkhwa specialty cooked in beef fat; Islamabad's Kohsar Market restaurants serve the definitive version of the capital's adopted favorite
Karahi
Two-handled wok holding spiced chicken or mutton in tomato-ginger-green chili gravy; the Lahori karahi technique differs from Peshawar and Karachi versions; Islamabad's street restaurants near Aabpara market serve the most authentic late-night versions
Chai
Karachi's roadside dhaba tea stalls are a way of life—strong sweet milky chai boiled together with green cardamom in ancient blackened pots; drunk in tiny glasses, it's the social infrastructure of everything in Karachi
Hidden gems
Details are indicative and may change. Verify visa, safety, and entry requirements before travel.