The Outdoor Destination : Islamabad

Winter (Oct-March): 16.7 C 3.4 C
Summer (Apr-Sept.): 34.2 C 24.4 C
Annual Average: 28.9 C 14.4 C
Average Rainfall: 1143 millimeters

Hilly, rocky landscape of Islamabad makes you feel like you have travelled to another time. Once you take a direct flight from London to Islamabad you reach the Pothohar Plateau; the landscape is picturesque! Islamabad is less travelled, but still sees a lot of tourist between November – April when the weather is colder and it gets lush after the monsoon. Maybe Islamabad isn’t going to be the first to come to mind when somebody says “hiking” but we’ve have reason to change that. When you fly with Hoodaki from UK to Islamabad,Pakistan you are in for…

Overview of Faisal Masjid, Maragallas Hills, Islamabad. (Wikimedia)

If you’re the one who enjoy outdoor activities like rock climbing, hiking, cycling; there’s a lot you can do in Islamabad!
Take a hike along Margalla Hills which are the foothills of the Himalayas, there are many trails to choose from; and these are steep hills so make sure you’re wearing the right shoes.

Trail No 3, Margalla Hills (iwalkcity.com)

If you’re in the mood to cycle around the city, there is a group that cycles every Sunday. Or you can just get yourself bike and trail your own route.

Biking Trail, Margalla Hills (hikenbikeisloo)

But if your idea of outdoor activity is lazing around outdoor, go fishing at Rawal Lake and see if you’re lucky enough to catch a fish!

Rawal Lake, Islamabad
Birdwatchers have their own little space as well, The Bird Aviary, Lake View Park. With elevated paths and stand, this place is equipped for birding. So grab your binoculars and watch peacefully over 300 species and 4000 birds.

The Bird Aviary (flickr)

Daman-e- Koh means foothills in Persian, it’s a mid level view point that gives a breathtaking panoramic view of the city and of course, Margalla Hills. So as a resting point before, Pir Sohwa the highest tourist point of Margalla Hills, make sure to stop by at Daman-e-Koh, which you will hear about A LOT when you reach Islamabad from Manchester.

Daman e Koh (flickr)

Islamabad is relatively a quiet and peaceful city, the nightlife is not as lively as other destinations but there are a lot of outdoor activities you can choose from. But if you want to escape the bustle of busy London, flying to Islamabad with Hoodaki is an option you shouldn’t miss out. There are many history museums, monuments and other touristy spots to go to like Lok Visra Museum or Faisal Mosque too. This destination is perfect for anybody who is not into the “party scene” and wants to be one with nature. The picturesque lands of Islamabad seem like it’s caught between two time dimensions, one, natural, raw and green whereas the other is modern & chic. But the two dimensions intermingle perfectly together. Don’t take our word for it! Take a flight to Islamabad and see these for yourself!