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Top Places to Visit in Islamabad

What are the best places to visit in Islamabad? We will find out in this blog;

List of Best Places To Visit In Islamabad For Local and Foreign Tourists 

Table of Contents

Islamabad is the most well-planned city in Pakistan because it contributes to the capital of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and contributes its services—the tenth-largest city in Pakistan, with a population of about 2 million people. Islamabad was built in the 1960s after President Ayub Khan instructed to replace the Pakistan capital, Karachi.

The city’s master plan divides the city into eight areas: administrative and diplomatic spheres, residential areas, education departments, industrial sectors, commercial areas, rural areas, and green areas. It is the second most beautiful capital in the world after London and Berlin. Book a tour from our wide range of Pakistan Tour Packages , and we will show you around the magnificent places of Islamabad.

Famous Attractions In Islamabad

The city has many attractions that attract tourists, including many parks, forests, and many other historical attractions. We have gathered some information for you about To Do Things in Islamabad , which may help you while visiting Islamabad city:

Faisal Mosque

Faisal-Mosque

Shah Faisal Mosque is one of the largest mosques in Pakistan, after the Haram Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet (SAW) Mosque in Medina; it is the third-largest in the world. The mosque can accommodate 3 Lakers, with different places and reasons.

The mosque was named after Shah Faisal bin Abdul Aziz, King of Saudi Arabia, and played an essential role in the building. The structure builds on using Turkish architectural techniques, and there are four high beacons next to the Bedouin rooms in the form of tents away from the typical dome. It is located at the foot of the Margala Hills and has the best panoramic views. Faisal Masjid is a famous scenic spot where tourists can visit and learn about Pakistan’s other side.

Pakistan Monument

Pakistan-Monument

The Pakistan Monument postures in the Shakarparian Hills of Islamabad and provides insights into the country’s history and an understanding of the Pakistan movement. The museum pays tribute to those who sacrificed themselves by preparing separate homes for Muslims of the subcontinent.

The floral design of the monument is dedicated to the burning country. Each petal describes the history of Pakistan. Provide information about Pakistan’s culture, heritage, and history differently. This monument symbolizes national unity.

Rawal Lake View Park

Rawal Lake, located on the Bani Gala area and Margalla Hills side , is an artificial reservoir that can meet the water needs of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The lake covers an area of ​​8.8 square feet and is surrounded by various flowering trees, gardens, picnic areas, and secluded trails. Terrace gardens and ponds are ideal for picnics, fishing, and boating. The highest point of the park offers panoramic lake views.

Rawal-Lake-and-Park-view

Besides, there is a lake view park to increase the excitement of tourists. The park is here with the efforts of CDA President (Capital Development Authority) Kamran Lashari. The park is located on Lake Loral and is an excellent place to meet international standards.

The well-organized park provides all the necessary facilities, including hiking trails, beautiful flower-filled gardens, a play area with many games and attractions, fishing, boating, rock climbing, F1 racing, and more. The park also has a multi-cuisine restaurant with grilled specialties. Visitors can enjoy music and sing on site. Without visiting lakes and gardens, the visit to Islamabad is incomplete.

Lok Virsa Museum

Lok-Virsa-Museum

Lok Virsa is the best cultural museum in Pakistan, located in Shakarparian Hills. It shows a variety of embroidered clothing, jewelry, wood products, metal products, letterpress printing works, ivory and bones, murals, mirror works, and marble inlays. It also shows tiles, mosaics, and decorative plaster.

The museum was formerly known as the Folklore Museum. It started in 1982, but the time for some repairs is there. 2004 it was declared the National Museum of Ethnology in Pakistan and the Lok Virsa Heritage Museum. Insist on building a relationship between ancestral culture and young people to teach the next generation’s treasure house—a great way to promote learning among foreigners.

Islamabad Zoo

Islamabad-Zoo

The Islamabad Zoo is in the hands of the CDA and was built in 1978, when it was about 82 acres. Initially, it was a haven for tigers, spotted deer, and Indian beans, which later became a gradient in 2008, and the zoo was a haven for recreational places and wildlife. There are also various birds, mammals, and reptiles. The best way to visit Islamabad and come along with your relatives and children is to enjoy a variety of birds with different free attractions.

Pir Sohawa is a growing tourist resort on the Margalla Hills, known as Islamabad, and is geographically located in the Haripur region. Located at 4,000 feet above sea level, it is famous for its panoramic views and is ideal for family gatherings and hiking . The favorite Monal restaurant is increasingly popular for its delicious food and scenic views. The best place to explore the capital is Islamabad. Perfume and cool breeze will make you love this city again.

Damn e Kooh

Damn-e-Kooh

The magnificent view of Islamabad in the middle of the Margalla Hills is also evident from the names of Damn and Kooh. Due to climatic reasons, it is one of the most visited places annually because it elevates 2400 feet. It is the midpoint of Pir Sohawa tourists. A large parking lot with telescopes for enthusiastic monitors and a tasty restaurant makes it even more special. A beautiful environment is the right place for a picnic.

Margalla Hills

Margalla-Hills

Margala is a chain store in the Great Himalayas, covering more than 12,605 hectares. The highest peak is Tilla Charouni Mountain. The hills provide an ideal gateway to the city without leaving it. It is a peaceful environment full of adventure and passion. Ideal for walking and hiking in the city.

Walking may be very hasty; there are many wild snakes. The climate there is pleasant because there is heavy snow in winter. The private club also provides paragliding and paragliding, as well as competent staff. Rock climbing is also an everyday activity for tourists. Also, the explorer has a variety of animals and plants. Margalla Hills also includes Little Margalla, National Park.

Shakarparian

Shakarparian is a place with a long history and lush green gardens. It is another picnic spot in the capital of Islamabad. It is close to Zero Point, and the Star and Crescent Monument is near the starting point of the Shakarparian. This place’s historical significance lies in the parade of the Pakistan Parade Day held on March 23 every year.

This place can enjoy the beauty of the two cities and share the side with the rose garden and jasmine. Various trees maintain the atmosphere, providing people with a clean place for picnics and a children’s play area.

Taxila m useum

Taxila-Museum

The Taxila Museum is one of the oldest museums in the region, with significant archaeological sites. The museum focused on the form of Gandharan art and was opened to the public by Sir Habibullah in 1924. The museum has 4,000 exhibits, including stone, concrete, clay, silver, gold, iron, and semi-precious stones. The screen is mainly composed of periods before 600 BC. There were also many Buddhists in 500 D. Most of them were discovered in the archaeological work of Taxila—the best way to communicate with heritage.

Here we end our list of Top Places to Visit in Islamabad , but you can visit many other places on the Islamabad Sightseeing Tour. 

Security Situation in Islamabad, Pakistan

With the efforts of security forces, the Pakistan Army, and intelligence fixture, Pakistan has better its security situation. Islamabad is the most planned city in Pakistan and has better safety measures than any other city in Pakistan. Foreign diplomats, tourists, and government officials usually live here.

Pakistan’s security situation has improved significantly in recent years after the Pakistani government and security forces have taken measures. In 2018, it was estimated that British citizens visited Pakistan 484,000 times.

After the constant tension between Pakistan and India , the entire line of control increased sometimes, but it didn’t affect any other region of Pakistan. The Pakistan Army is constantly alert to save its native from any attack from outside. However, some flight routes or airports still face restrictions. Before heading to the airport for any flight to and from Pakistan, you should check with the airline for the latest information on flight status.

According to a recent OICCI survey, Islamabad is Pakistan’s safest city. Moreover, foreign investors are delighted with the rapidly improving security environment. They also appreciate the performance of law enforcement agencies in Karachi and Lahore, which has improved satisfaction. The security of these two business centers puts them on par with other major cities in the region.

Double Decker Sightseeing Buses in Islamabad

The Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) announced that it plans to operate double-decker tour buses in Islamabad and Rawalpindi from the end of this month.

Abdul Ghafour, managing director of PTDC, said in an interview: “PTDC will work with private transportation companies to operate double-decker tour buses in the Twin Cities starting later this month. He added: Initially, schools, tertiary institutions, and university students will receive tourist facilities and special discounts.

On weekends, the bus will take visitors to the Faisal Mosque, Zoo, Rawal Lake, F9 Park, Lok Virsa, Children’s Park and Ayub Park, and Taxila Museum in Rawalpindi.

PTDC agreed with the private sector to provide locally manufactured double-decker buses in a joint venture, and MD-PTDC also agreed.

The bus can accommodate 40 tourists. He said that children under five and the disabled could ride for free. This service aims to promote tourism and attract local and foreign tourists to enjoy the culture and scenery of the Twin Cities.

Both domestic and foreign tourists can take the bus. He said it would also be exciting for people visiting Islamabad from other cities.

These buses will be operated by Punjab Tourism Development Corporation (TDCP).

Food of Islamabad, Pakistan 

You name it and have it, the specialty of Food of Islamabad, the hub of different cuisines in Pakistan. You can find each eaterie in Islamabad, as Islamabad is the hub of different cultures, including Punjabi, Spanish,  Balti, Chinese, Hindustani, and many more.

The Food industry in Islamabad has recently revolutionized the local food scene with many exciting new eating places and trendy bars. The city’s booming culinary field has added many new specialties, concentrating on international cuisine to meet the needs of many diplomats and enterprising gourmets working in the city.

Here, you can find our guide to the top 10 restaurants in Islamabad for the best food in Islamabad  and to plan your next delicious meal in the capital.

Also, if you are looking for places near Islamabad within 3 hour’s drive , this guide is for you.

If you are looking for a Movie night in Islamabad, this guide to Cinemas in Islamabad will help you find the best movie place.

Did we miss anything about Islamabad? Do let us know in the comment section below:

Since 2017, Saba Ghani has been serving as the talented and dedicated chief content writer for Pakistan Tour and Travel & EMHI Solutions. With her exceptional writing skills and in-depth knowledge of the travel industry, she has been instrumental in crafting engaging and informative content that captivates the audience. You can catch her at [email protected] or Twitter

One reply on “Top Places to Visit in Islamabad”

Amazing article If you are up for some bowling, then head to the capital as it is equipped with some of the best bowling alleys in the country. If you want to unwind after a tiresome day and just want to enjoy with your friends and family, consider bowling. There are many bowling alleys in town. Pir Sohawa is a tourist resort located 17 km from the Margalla Hills. The place is perfect for people who want to experience the natural beauty of Islamabad. There are a lot of amazing things to do in Islamabad eateries present at the spot where you can sit and enjoy a cup of tea. Interestingly, this is the highest tourist spot of the capital and sometimes, it receives a few inches of snowfall during winter.

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Embarking on the Islamabad and Peshawar Tour with Bakhsh Ur Rehman was a culturally enriching experience. The itinerary seamlessly blended the modern charm of Islamabad with the historical allure of Peshawar, offering a well-rounded exploration of Pakistan's diverse heritage. In Islamabad, we marveled at the impressive Faisal Mosque and explored the lush landscapes of the Margalla Hills. Transitioning to Peshawar, we delved into the city's rich history, visiting iconic landmarks such as the Qissa Khwani Bazaar and the Peshawar Museum. Throughout the journey, our guide's expertise illuminated each destination, providing valuable insights into the region's culture and traditions. The accommodations and transportation arranged by Bakhsh Ur Rehman were comfortable and reliable, ensuring a stress-free travel experience. Overall, the Islamabad and Peshawar Tour exceeded expectations, offering a captivating glimpse into the beauty and heritage of Pakistan's capital and the historic city of Peshawar. I am thankful to Bakhsh Ur Rehman for being such professional travel guide throughout the journey.

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Rawalpindi-Islamabad tourist bus being launched to revive Pakistan's tourism sector

The punjab tourism development corporation and the parks and horticulture authority (pha) are responsible for the initiative..

As the novel Coronavirus curve in the country seems to flatten at the moment , Pakistan\\’s government describes the virus situation as being under control. The government is now focused on resuming regular business in the country to revive its dormant economy.

Under this recommencing mission, several steps are being taken to reinstate the economy. One such measure is the launch of a tourist bus service between Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The tourism facility features red-colored, double-decker, brand new buses with \\’Sightseeing: Twin Cities\\’ printed on either side in bold letters. They are currently seen plying Islamabad\\’s roads.

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The Punjab Tourism Development Corporation and the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) are responsible for the initiative. The authorities held a test run of the tourist service for the transport officials, the District Administration of Punjab, the Federal Government, and local and international media representatives.

Formal Launch of the Tourist Bus Service

While speaking to a media outlet about the public launch of the service, the Adviser to Chief Minister Punjab for Horticulture & Tourism, Asif Mahmoud, said:

The formal launching ceremony will take place on the 20th of August. Its route will be from Allama Iqbal Park, Rawalpindi, to Shakarparian Point, Islamabad. The service\\’s objective is to promote tourism and attract local and foreign tourists to enjoy the culture and scenery of the twin cities.

Mahmoud shared further details of the initiative with the media outlet:

The bus has a capacity of 40 tourists; children under five and persons with disabilities will enjoy a free ride. Initially, we are launching two buses on the approximately 25km route. They will cover almost all the famous touristic points of the federal capital, including the Faisal Mosque, Marghazar Zoo, Daman-e-Koh, Constitution Avenue, Lok Virsa, Pakistan Museum of Natural History, Parliament House and Shakarparian.

Test drive done for double decker tourist bus. Excellent initiative of Tourism Dept Punjab with PHA, Rwp/ICT Admin for promoting tourism in the twin cities. Bus route covers almost all the attractions in Islamabad for Rs 400 for the entire trip. ✅??? pic.twitter.com/JRU3qQrjDL — Deputy Commissioner Islamabad (@dcislamabad) August 15, 2020

According to The Deputy Commissioner Islamabad, Hamza Shafqat\\’s tweet, the bus\\’s initial fare is fixed at Rs. 400 (Dh8.74). The Tourism Development Corporation Punjab (TDCP) will operate the buses. According to their directions, each tourist bus will have a guide.

Regarding the initiative, Mahmoud said:

Local as well as foreign tourists can enjoy the ride on the buses. It will also be fun for those who are visiting Islamabad from other cities.

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How To Get From Islamabad To Naran By Public Transport

Published: September 15, 2023

Modified: December 27, 2023

by Britta Embry

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Introduction

Embarking on a road trip is an exhilarating way to explore the wonders of the world. The freedom of the open road, the breathtaking scenery, and the thrill of discovering hidden gems along the way make road trips an unforgettable experience. If you’re planning a road trip from Islamabad to Naran, you’re in for a treat. This picturesque journey takes you through the stunning valleys and mountains of northern Pakistan, offering spectacular views and a chance to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region.

Located in the Kaghan Valley of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Naran is a popular tourist destination known for its pristine lakes, lush green meadows, and towering snow-capped peaks. The journey from Islamabad to Naran is approximately 280 kilometers, and there are several options for traveling by public transport.

Whether you prefer the comfort of a bus or the flexibility of hitchhiking, this article will guide you through the various options available to reach Naran from Islamabad using public transportation. So buckle up, sit back, and let’s explore the different ways to embark on this exciting road trip.

Option 1: By Bus

Traveling by bus is the most convenient and common way to get from Islamabad to Naran. There are several bus companies that operate daily services between the two cities, offering a comfortable and affordable option for travelers.

One of the popular bus companies is the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) which provides reliable services from Islamabad to Naran. The buses are equipped with comfortable seats, air conditioning, and panoramic windows, allowing you to enjoy the scenic views along the way.

The journey by bus usually takes around 8-10 hours, depending on the traffic and road conditions. Buses depart from the Pir Wadhai Bus Terminal in Islamabad and arrive at the Naran Bus Stand. It is advisable to book your tickets in advance, especially during the peak tourist season, to ensure availability.

The bus fare varies depending on the type of bus and the level of comfort. Generally, the ticket prices range from Rs. 800 to Rs. 1500 per person. Some buses also offer VIP services with extra legroom and onboard entertainment.

It is important to note that the road from Islamabad to Naran is quite challenging, with narrow winding roads and steep inclines. However, the experienced drivers are well-versed in navigating these terrains, ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey.

If you prefer a more immersive experience, you can opt for a local bus that is commonly used by the locals for daily commute. These buses are more basic in terms of comfort and amenities but offer a more authentic travel experience. They can be found at the Pir Wadhai Bus Terminal and are a more affordable option.

Overall, traveling by bus is a convenient and reliable way to reach Naran from Islamabad. It allows you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the picturesque landscapes without having to worry about driving or navigating the unfamiliar routes.

Option 2: By Van

If you’re looking for a more flexible and personalized mode of transportation, traveling by van is a great option. Vans are a popular choice for locals and tourists alike, as they offer a comfortable and convenient way to reach Naran from Islamabad.

There are several van services available that operate on the Islamabad-Naran route. These vans can be found at various points in Islamabad, such as the Pir Wadhai Bus Terminal or the Daewoo Terminal. They offer a quicker journey compared to buses, as they make fewer stops along the way.

Traveling by van allows you to have more control over your schedule, as they are usually available at regular intervals throughout the day. This flexibility comes in handy if you have specific time constraints or if you prefer to travel at your own pace.

The vans used for this route are typically spacious and comfortable, with air conditioning and comfortable seating. They are also equipped to handle the challenging terrain, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable ride.

One advantage of traveling by van is the option to share the ride with fellow travelers. This not only helps to reduce costs but also provides an opportunity to make new friends and share experiences along the journey.

In terms of cost, traveling by van is relatively affordable compared to other modes of transportation. The fares usually range from Rs. 800 to Rs. 1200, depending on the distance and the type of van.

However, it’s important to note that vans can get crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons. Therefore, it is advisable to book your seat in advance to ensure a hassle-free journey.

Overall, traveling by van offers convenience, flexibility, and affordability. It allows you to enjoy the scenic route at your own pace and provides a comfortable mode of transportation for your road trip from Islamabad to Naran.

Option 3: By Shared Taxi

Another popular and convenient option for traveling from Islamabad to Naran is by shared taxi. Shared taxis, also known as “coasters” or “Hiace,” are a common mode of transportation in Pakistan, offering a more comfortable and private journey compared to buses or vans.

Shared taxis can be found at various points in Islamabad, such as the Pir Wadhai Bus Terminal or the Daewoo Terminal. They operate on a fixed route and are a preferred choice for many travelers due to their speed and efficiency.

One of the main advantages of traveling by shared taxi is the reduced travel time. Shared taxis make fewer stops along the route compared to buses or vans, allowing for a quicker and more direct journey. The journey from Islamabad to Naran by shared taxi usually takes around 5-6 hours, depending on the traffic and road conditions.

The shared taxis are typically comfortable and well-maintained, with air conditioning and spacious seating. They are also equipped to handle the rugged terrain, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable ride.

The cost of traveling by shared taxi is slightly higher compared to buses or vans, but it is still an affordable option for most travelers. The fare ranges from Rs. 1000 to Rs. 1500 per person, depending on the distance and the number of passengers sharing the taxi.

One thing to keep in mind when traveling by shared taxi is that you may have to wait for the taxi to fill up with passengers before it departs. This can sometimes cause a slight delay, especially during off-peak hours. However, the shared taxi system is well-organized, and the wait times are usually minimal.

Traveling by shared taxi allows you to have a more private and comfortable journey, while still being able to enjoy the company of fellow travelers. It offers the convenience of a private car with the cost-sharing benefits of shared transportation.

Overall, traveling by shared taxi is a popular choice among travelers heading from Islamabad to Naran. It provides a comfortable and efficient mode of transportation, allowing you to reach your destination in a timely manner.

Option 4: By Train and Bus

If you’re looking for a unique and adventurous way to travel from Islamabad to Naran, consider combining the convenience of train travel with the flexibility of bus transportation.

The journey begins by taking a train from Islamabad to the neighboring city of Rawalpindi. Rawalpindi is well-connected to Islamabad and serves as a hub for train services in the region. Trains from Islamabad to Rawalpindi run frequently and offer a comfortable and scenic ride.

Once you arrive in Rawalpindi, you can then take a bus to Naran. Buses from Rawalpindi to Naran are readily available and offer a more economical option compared to other modes of transportation.

The bus journey from Rawalpindi to Naran takes approximately 7-8 hours, depending on the route and road conditions. The buses are equipped with comfortable seating and air conditioning, ensuring a pleasant journey.

The advantage of combining train and bus travel is the opportunity to enjoy the scenic landscapes and experience different modes of transportation along the way. Train travel allows you to relax and take in the panoramic views, while bus travel offers flexibility and the chance to mingle with fellow travelers.

It is important to note that the train station in Rawalpindi is different from the bus station, so you will need to make your way to the appropriate location upon arrival. Taxis and rickshaws are readily available at the train station to take you to the bus terminal.

In terms of cost, train tickets from Islamabad to Rawalpindi are relatively affordable, with fares starting from Rs. 100. Bus fares from Rawalpindi to Naran range from Rs. 800 to Rs. 1200, depending on the type of bus and the level of comfort.

Traveling by train and bus combination provides a unique and memorable experience, allowing you to enjoy the convenience of train travel and the flexibility of bus transportation. It is a great option for those looking to add a touch of adventure to their journey from Islamabad to Naran.

Option 5: By Hitchhiking

For the more adventurous and budget-conscious travelers, hitchhiking can be an exciting and unconventional option to get from Islamabad to Naran. Hitchhiking involves soliciting free rides from passing motorists who are willing to offer a lift.

While hitchhiking can be an unpredictable mode of transportation, it offers a unique opportunity to meet locals, immerse oneself in the local culture, and experience the journey in a more spontaneous and adventurous way.

When hitchhiking, it is important to exercise caution and common sense. Always choose a safe and visible spot to hitchhike, such as near a busy road or a designated hitchhiking point. Be approachable, polite, and patient while thumbing for a ride.

It is also important to trust your instincts and only accept rides from individuals who you feel comfortable with. Engage in conversation with the driver before getting into the vehicle to ensure a sense of mutual trust and understanding.

While hitchhiking is generally a free mode of transportation, it is customary to offer a small contribution towards fuel costs as a gesture of gratitude. This gesture also helps maintain goodwill among drivers and fellow hitchhikers.

One advantage of hitchhiking is the flexibility and freedom it offers. You can stop and explore interesting sights along the way, take detours, or alter your route based on recommendations from locals. This allows for a more spontaneous and adventurous road trip experience.

However, hitchhiking does come with its own challenges. The availability of rides can be unpredictable, especially in remote areas or during off-peak seasons. It is important to be patient and prepared for the possibility of waiting for an extended period of time until a suitable ride comes along.

Additionally, hitchhiking may not be suitable for travelers with limited time or those who prefer a more organized and planned travel experience. It requires a sense of adventure, flexibility, and a willingness to embrace the unknown.

Overall, hitchhiking can be an exciting and budget-friendly option for travelers looking to experience a more spontaneous and adventurous journey from Islamabad to Naran. It provides an opportunity to connect with locals, explore off-the-beaten-path destinations, and create unforgettable memories along the way.

Embarking on a road trip from Islamabad to Naran is a thrilling and scenic adventure that allows you to witness the beauty of northern Pakistan. Whether you choose to travel by bus, van, shared taxi, train and bus combination, or hitchhiking, each option offers its own unique experiences and benefits.

If you prefer convenience and comfort, traveling by bus or van is a popular choice. With regular departures, comfortable seating, and affordable fares, these options provide a hassle-free journey with stunning views along the way.

For those who seek flexibility and personalization, hitchhiking allows you to embrace a sense of adventure and spontaneity. It promises unique interactions with locals and the freedom to explore at your own pace.

The combination of train and bus travel is a great option for those who want to experience different modes of transportation. It offers a scenic train ride followed by a bus journey, providing a diverse and memorable travel experience.

Lastly, shared taxis offer a comfortable and efficient mode of transportation, reducing travel time and providing a more private option for your journey.

Regardless of the option you choose, it’s important to plan ahead, consider safety precautions, and be open to new experiences. The road trip from Islamabad to Naran is not just about reaching the destination but also about enjoying the journey and appreciating the breathtaking landscapes along the way.

So, pack your bags, prepare your camera, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable road trip from Islamabad to Naran. Whether you opt for the convenience of public transport or the adventure of hitchhiking, this journey will be filled with beautiful vistas, cultural encounters, and memories that will last a lifetime.

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Places to Visit in Naran Kaghan Trip:

• Naran Valley
• Kaghan Valley
• Babusar Top
• Kiwayi Waterfall
• Abshaar Cafe
• Siri Paye Meadows
• Saif ul Malook Lake
• Naran Bazar
• Lulusar Lake
• River Kunhar
• Sohni Waterfall
• Lalazar Waterfall
• Pyala Lakes
• Lalazar Meadows
• Moon Restaurant Bessel
• Many Places to Visit

Most Visiting Travel Destination:

• Hunza Valley
• Naran Kaghan
• Chitral Kalash
• Gilgit Baltistan
• Fairy Meadows
• Neelum Valley
• Malam Jabba
• Shogran Siri Paye
• Kumrat Forest

Useful Links about Tourism:

• Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation
• Department of Tourist Services
• Pakistan International Airlines
• Pakistan Railways
• Azad Kashmir Tourism Department
• KPK Tourism
• Gilgit Baltistan Tourism

Which Mobile Signals are available during Naran visit?

Telenor has the best service and signal coverage in Shogran and Naran. Other telecommunication didn’t work correctly at Naran or Shogran. Warid has 1 or 2 signals at shogran but works fine at Naran Tour from Lahore. Telenor is the only network that works with full signal strength. Jazz and Warid work there in Naran, but in Shogran, they somehow lose their signals. So, Telenor is the best cellular network in these hilly areas. The authority also installed a tower at Babusar Top to facilitate tourists visiting these wild areas.

How many accessible Lakes are in Naran Kaghan?

There are many lakes in Naran and upper Kaghan Valley to explore in Summer Season only.

• Aansoo Lake
• Siri Paye Lake
• Saif ul Mulook Lake
• Dudipatsar Lake

Is Naran open for Tourist now a days?

Many good hotel options are available in Naran, Kaghan, and Shogran. Standard, executive, and deluxe-level hotels are ready to serve you in better ways. In peak season, you must book these hotels before visiting the Naran Kaghan tour if you are from Lahore. We also provide booking hotel facilities at discounted rates for the people of Lahore and other cities to make the tour hassle-free.

How much Islamabad to Naran Kaghan distance?

So, the distance between cities Lahore and Naran on public roads is — 291.28 km or 165.59 miles. The distance between Islamabad and Naran Valley points are the coordinates — 279 km or 207.4 miles. To overcome this distance at an average vehicle speed of 80 – 100 km / h requires — 6 – 8 hours to reach Naran Valley from Islamabad.

How many days are enough for Naran Tour from Islamabad?

For a leisure tour, 3 to 4 days are needed to cover all main attractions of the Naran Kaghan Valley tour with a comfortable stay and less travel each day. Also, we have a 5 to 6-day tour package for Naran Kaghan Families from Islamabad with the best quality services.

How to reach Naran Kaghan from Islamabad?

You can go in your private Car via the PTDC bus service or join our group tour to Naran Kaghan from Islamabad. The best thing you can do is take your Car upto Naran Valley. From there, you can visit Saif ul Malook Lake through Jeep, which can be readily available from Naran Valley. Your base camp or significant stay will be in Naran Valley with proper Car parking for less charges. Private trips from Islamabad to Naran Kaghan are also available in which we provide you with new model vehicles with expert drivers for hilly areas. Call us @ (+92) 321-8897336

Can I drive from Islamabad to Naran Valley??

Yes, the driving distance between Islamabad and Naran Kaghan Valley is 291 km one side travel. It takes approximately six to seven hours to drive from Islamabad to Naran Kaghan, with short refreshments on the way.

Is Naran is best option for Islamabad Families?

Naran Kaghan is famous as a tourist destination for couples and families. Owing to its pleasant weather in peak season every year, thousands of tourists rush to explore the valley. It is also the gateway to Gilgit Hunza in Summers by Babusar Pass. Naran Bazaar is very crowded in the summer, with many hotels and restaurants offering services during Naran travel.

What services are provided in the Naran Valley tour?

In Naran Kaghan Group Tour:

There are two pick-and-drop points for the tourists of Islamabad: Daewoo Bus Terminal Peshawar Morth 26 no, stop and Faizabad Daewoo Bus Terminal, Islamabad, for the Naran Kaghan group tour. You must travel in a private Coaster with 20-21 persons departing every weekend from Islamabad on public tour. Standard Accommodation, Breakfast and Dinner, Ac Transport, and a local tour guide are included in this package.

In Naran Kaghan Private Tour:

In private trips, your doorstep will be your pick-and-drop point. A separate vehicle with an expert driver for the whole Naran Trip will be provided for your group or family. Hotels (Standard, Deluxe, and Executive), breakfast, and jeeps are included in your Naran travel package.

How much a trip to Naran will cost from Islamabad?

• Naran Trip Package from Islamabad Rs.14,500 – Rs.18,500 (3 Days)
• Islamabad to Naran Kaghan Tour Package Rs.19,500 – Rs.21,500 (3 – 4 Days)
• Naran Kaghan Vacation Package Rs.58,500 – Rs.66,000 (4 to 5 Days)
• Naran Family Travel Package Rs.65,500 – Rs.68,000 (5 – 6 Days)
• Islamabad to Naran Private Package Rs.78,500 – Rs.83,000 (6 – 4 Days)
• Naran Group Tour package for Kids (4 – 9 year) Rs.8,000 – Islamabad

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Tour bus with 48 on board catches fire on I-595 in Davie, causing hours-long WB closure; no injuries reported

DAVIE, FLA. (WSVN) - Crews have extinguished a fire that erupted on a tour bus which led to the hours-long closure of the westbound lanes of Interstate 595 near Nob Hill Road.

Davie Fire Rescue units responded to the bus fire just before 3 p.m. on Friday.

7Skyforce captured firefighters as they tackled the flames that ate through what it could of the bus, leaving only a skeleton of it left over.

Crews were able to knock down the blaze on the double decker bus that had 48 people on board at the time it ignited.

The tourists on the bus ran out of the vehicle to avoid getting burned. They were later picked up.

As the tourists stood on the side of the road for hours, first responders handed them water bottles to keep them hydrated.

No injuries have been reported.

Video shared with 7News by viewers shows black smoke and flames from the bus fire.

Neighbors told 7News that it was a scary sight for them to see.

“We heard it. It shook the house,” said one neighbor. “I could hear something blew up on the highway.”

“Thank God, thank God,” said Joi Patterson, a nearby neighbor when she learned there were no injuries.

Patterson said she heard the commotion on the highway.

“We were in the house and playing with the kids, and all of a sudden, we heard an explosion. It sounded like a big boom,” said Patterson.

“It was really scary. All I could think about is, ‘Oh, my God, I don’t know who was on there, I hope it was empty, I hope they got off if there were people on there,'” said Renee Thomas.

Thomas and other neighbors, like Patterson, said they heard multiple popping noises.

“We suspect, one of my neighbors suspected, that it could be the tires,” said Thomas. I can only imagine how terrifying it might have been for the people that were on there.”

“I saw flames up above the wall, I was like, ‘Holy crap,’ and the smoke, the smoke was horrid. It’s, like, didn’t know what was going on for awhile,” said Patterson.

The westbound lanes were back open to traffic by 4:45 p.m.

But during the hours-long closure, traffic stretched all the way back to Interstate 95.

“I think it’s crazy. We had tons of people directed down this road because you couldn’t get through [State Road] 84 and everything,” said Patterson.

The bus was hooked up to a tow truck and towed away.

It remains unclear what started the fire.

Copyright 2024 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Guided tours on double-decker buses to launch in Islamabad and Rawalpindi

Tour buses will go through many of the famous spots in both Islamabad and Rawalpindi

Tourists visiting the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi will now be able to get guided city tours on double decker buses.

The Tourism Development Corporation Punjab (TDCP) will operate two buses from Allama Iqbal Park and Shamsabad bringing tourists to Constitution Avenue via Shakarparian.

During the tour, travelers can visit and enjoy many attractions. The main attractions on the bus route will include Faisal Mosque, Marghrzar Zoo, Daman-e-Koh, Constitution Avenue, Lok Virsa, Pakistan Museum of Natural History, Shakarparian, Rose and Jasmine Garden, Allama Iqbal Park and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

Islamabad Deputy Commissioner, Muhammad Hamza Shafqaat tweeted about the test run of the double decker bus in the twin cities.

Double-decker bus begins test drive in Islamabad. All the best Tourism Dept and PHA Rawalpindi ✅✅ pic.twitter.com/DAdauQYA85 — Office of Deputy Commissioner Islamabad (@dcislamabad) August 15, 2020

Asif Mehmood, adviser to the Punjab chief minister on horticulture and tourism was among the first to ride the new service along with Farah Agha, Gull Zaiba and some students. Mehmood said that the service should become operational in about a week’s time after the completion of its station.

“Initially, two buses will be operated and local people can benefit from this plan as well. On Independence Day, the test trial was conducted. However, the formal inauguration is expected next week as the bus station in Islamabad is not yet completed,”

Islamabad – a major tourist spot

People from all over Pakistan visit the northern areas during vacations due to the natural beauty on display. However, Islamabad has been among one of the top destinations in recent years. Although the culture of the city is not as rich as some of the older cities like Multan, Peshawar, or Lahore, it does have its own charm and aura with its lush greenery and mountains nearby. The double decker bus service will likely attract a big audience and more buses will have to be added in the near future.  

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‘A sense of wonder enveloped my mother and me’: Mishal Husain on her eye-opening journey through Uzbekistan in search of an ancestor

The broadcaster knew she had a link to the central Asian country she first visited on her gap year 30 years ago. But retracing her steps, this time with her mother in tow, she made a big discovery about their family

‘C an you read what it says?” It was 1992 and I was standing in Samarkand’s impressive Registan Square, looking up at Arabic inscriptions on 15th- and 17th-century buildings, when an Uzbek man approached me, speaking in Russian. The Soviet Union had just collapsed, but he had lived his life in a period when Cyrillic script had been dominant and Islamic learning discouraged. Now, seeing a stranger trying to decipher the words on the buildings of his city, he wanted to know if I could explain them to him.

Back then, I was on my gap year and living in Moscow teaching English at a specialist language school, where many of my pupils were the children of officials, diplomats and – almost certainly – KGB agents. It was a time of political transition and widespread hardship, including rising prices and struggles to access food, even through the black market. The six of us who had come from the UK were largely protected from that, as whatever we had from home was in sterling, precious hard currency, rather than roubles. When the school had a spring holiday that March, we decided to fly nearly 2,000 miles south-east and see something of Uzbekistan, then emerging from decades as one of the Soviet socialist republics.

For me, the journey came with a sense of personal connection to central Asia, as I was aware that the cities of Samarkand and Bukhara had been important in Islamic history and culture, and, more vaguely, that my mother’s family had links to the region, somewhere back in time. This was through her father, who knew he had a 14th-century ancestor who had lived in what is now Uzbekistan. As I was setting off from Moscow, he was in Pakistan, hoping that the post-Soviet opening up of the country would allow him to travel there himself for the first time.

It was not to be. He and my grandmother made plans to go from Islamabad to Tashkent in 1992, shortly after direct flights began, but as they waited on the runway for their plane to take off, the trip was abandoned. A sudden surge in fighting in Afghanistan made it too dangerous to fly through its airspace, and the plane turned back towards the terminal. He never made it; he died the following year.

As I researched the 20th-century history of my family for a book, I found myself thinking afresh about my grandfather’s frustrated voyage. It occurred to me that my mother and I could complete his quest, and perhaps even track down the tomb of the forefather. Today, we would have many more tools to access local and ancient history than he had, or indeed than I had on my previous trip, three decades ago.

M y mother, Shama, and I don’t live far from each other in London, but I knew from previous weekend trips together that there is something completely different in the quality of the time we share when we are both away from the demands of our own environments. The phone is not ringing, there are no errands to run, emails are less pressing and – much as she loves my three teenage boys – it is time for the two of us, and she gets a more relaxed version of me. We have much in common, but she is sunnier and more sociable than I am, and the only aspect of previous trips that has made me eye-roll on occasion is her tendency to strike up conversation with strangers, whether on trains, planes, or in queues. But this is part of who she is, ever interested in other human beings, and absorbing some of it is probably what led me to journalism and interviewing. I think she will forgive me for including here that she is almost 80, and I did wonder about how demanding the trip would be, with lots of walking in and around monuments coming after a long journey to reach Uzbekistan, and train journeys within. But Ama, as I call her, was game, and so we made plans.

In preparation, I looked up my photographs of the 1992 trip, as well as the Uzbekistan part of the diary I kept that year. “The plane was absolutely packed,” I had written of the flight from Moscow to Tashkent. “Most people brought all their luggage on board, as Aeroflot has a bad reputation for pilfering from checked baggage.” We had been required to check in via Intourist, I recorded – the Soviet-era agency that dealt with foreigners’ travel – and that meant access to “a separate, much more comfortable waiting room, equipped with a hard-currency bar”. Memories of that year flooded back: how privileged we were, as our money from home went a long way in those inflationary times.

The 2024 trip, from London, had none of these issues but still involved some complexity. There are a few direct flights a week between the UK and Uzbekistan, but we wanted to fly into Urgench, in the west, and then travel between the key cities of Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand and Tashkent by train. That meant changing planes in Istanbul on our way in and out of the country, and friends recommended a Tashkent-based travel company, Advantour, to make the train and hotel bookings and help us with a detailed itinerary. They included a guide in each of our four destinations,

and initially I was dubious: this was a mother-and-daughter trip, and I was reasonably confident that with modern travel infrastructure, guidebooks, maps and apps, plus bits of my school Russian coming back to me, we would get by on our own. But meeting the four women who introduced us to their cities turned out to be a memorable aspect of the trip, each one sharing not only their knowledge, but parts of their family stories, often revealing difficult aspects of how the Soviet Union and its disintegration affected lives in the 20th century.

I also wanted to make sure we were heading to the right place for my mother’s ancestor. All we had to go on was a name – Amir Kulal – who appears about halfway through a family tree which begins with the prophet Muhammad in the sixth century in Arabia, and continues through generations who moved to central Asia and then Afghanistan and India. “Amir” means prince, or leader, but Amir Kulal had not ruled: instead, as far as I could work out from research online, he had been called that as a mark of respect, on the basis of his knowledge of Islam and his standing in the community.

He lived in the time of Timur, the empire-builder known in the west as Tamerlane, who dominated the 14th century as he conquered lands far from his native region. My mother and I had initially thought that Amir Kulal’s tomb was located in Timur’s birthplace near Samarkand, but when we tried to confirm this before the trip, all the online references pointed instead to Bukhara. To travel all that way and end up in the wrong place was not a happy thought – we could not risk a wild goose chase. The family tree had no locations, nor even dates, but I went back to the travel company with more names from it, adding in “our” Amir Kulal’s father and his son. An answer came back promptly: the Bukhara guide could confirm that he was buried just outside her city and we would be able to reach the tomb easily by car.

We began though in Khiva, which had not been part of my 1992 trip, and where the atmospheric Itchan Kala – the inner city – provided the perfect start. We had opted to stay in a historic 19th-century madrasa within its walls, and, even though we arrived at night, the tiled, half-built minaret next to it was lit up and the blue-green colours shone out against the dark sky. I am sure there are more comfortable places to stay in Khiva, for these hotel rooms are the old students’ quarters set around a courtyard: narrow rooms, the only natural light coming from small windows above the doors. They set a tone, though, for the week ahead, where much of what we would see would underline the importance of education in Uzbekistan’s history.

Once we reached Samarkand, I could compare what I saw with my photographs from 1992. Back then, my diary entry recorded that we had arrived in the city late in the day, and reached Registan Square after the monuments had closed. A “friendly old caretaker allowed us in anyway, because we had come from so far away”, I had written – and I wondered if I might now be of the very age I had then classed as “old”. Here, the madrasas on three sides of the square were as I remembered, and I learned from our guide Valentina that we were fortunate in 1992: significant restoration work had already taken place through a major project that began in the early 1970s. She took us also to the extraordinary Shah-i-Zinda, a line of small and beautifully decorated tombs of figures connected to successive rulers, including sisters, a wet nurse and, legend has it, a cousin of the prophet Muhammad. Timur himself is buried in a stand-alone complex, the Gur-e-Amir, while another landmark of Samarkand, the Bibi-Khanym mosque, built by his wife, revealed to me how much reconstruction as well as restoration has taken place in Uzbekistan since I was last there. In 1992, Bibi-Khanym was largely a ruin, and I was not impressed. “The woman at the gate still charged us the entrance fee, to look around something that was little more than glorified rubble,” I had written petulantly in my diary. Today, that has changed, and the work shows the scale and ambition of what was first erected at the end of the 14th century.

W e were on the move a lot over the week, but a sense of wonder enveloped my mother and me as we absorbed the beauty of the sights. She has so much more knowledge relating to our heritage and faith than I do, and often I was tapping into that and asking her questions: could she decipher a particular bit of calligraphy, or put what we were seeing into the context of Timur’s descendants, the Mughal emperors in south Asia? Or even – which came first, the central Asian samsa or our own samosa? (Answer: the samsa, an easily transportable snack for travellers, which thus arrived in India.)

We were conscious everywhere we went not only of the layers of history but also of the different communities who have been part of it.

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In Samarkand, we went to see one of the two remaining synagogues, after Valentina arranged it with the rabbi: he came along on his bicycle and unlocked the wooden door in a sidestreet, showing us a domed building built in the local style at the end of the 19th century. It was bittersweet: the congregation is now very small because younger people started to move away when travel restrictions were lifted with the end of the Soviet Union. Rabbi Josef looked to be in his 70s, and said he was the youngest of the community; there are no more weddings or barmitzvahs to look after. And yet, from pictures of gatherings in New York I could see that traditions of central Asian dress continue on special occasions for those who can trace their roots here.

Uzbekistan is as yet unspoiled by mass tourism and much less discovered by visitors from the UK than by those from other European countries: we saw French and Italian groups, but no British ones. The food can feel somewhat monotonous, and the Uzbek rice dish plov is, to my mind, not as good as pullao , its south Asian equivalent. But the minced kebabs are tasty, especially in Tashkent’s Chorsu bazaar, where our guide Dilya took us to the area where women cook, serve and run the show, and there are some very good Uzbek red wines. A delicious tomato and herb salad – achichuk – is served everywhere, and I had forgotten how moreish chai slimonon is – Russian-style black tea flavoured with slices of lemon and copious amounts of sugar.

When I travelled between Samarkand and Bukhara in 1992, it had involved a long and dusty bus journey, through towns then called Lenin and Communism, but this time we were on a high-speed train, covering the distance in two hours and in comfort. At Bukhara station I was amazed to spot Amir Kulal’s name on a billboard, advertising a pilgrimage-style route around the tombs of the “Seven Saints of Bukhara”: the first suggestion that this ancestor had a modern-day influence and presence that we had not expected. The city itself retains an old-world charm I had found captivating on my first visit, and we stayed in a small hotel just off a square I realised I had photographed back then, capturing men in fur hats sitting around tables at an outdoor chai khana or tea house. This time, while the wooden tables and benches, teapots and bowl-shaped cups were as I remembered, the scene was more mixed – including women, children and family groups – and much less sleepy, with a number of nearby shops and souvenir stalls.

From here we walked past bazaars and more madrasas – including one built by a grandson of Timur, who also endowed an extraordinary observatory and mapped the stars from Samarkand – towards Bukhara’s central square. Here the Po-i-Kalyan minaret is all that was spared by Genghis Khan when he took Bukhara in 1220. “In between the clusters of old buildings there is only waste ground,” I had written in my diary, but now there was more activity and more commercial life. Bukhara also has a great diversity of architectural styles within a relatively small geographical area, from the fine brickwork of the 10th-century mausoleum of the Samanid dynasty to a modern memorial to Imam Bukhari, the scholar who sifted through the reported sayings of the prophet and preserved only those he considered to be from trustworthy sources – a factchecking approach of which I could approve.

And so to Amir Kulal, my forefather, who would have known the streets of Bukhara as they were more than 600 years ago – and could not have imagined that later generations of his family would live far to the south, thanks to Timur’s descendant Babur venturing into India. It was on our last morning in Bukhara that our guide Makhsuma took us to the tomb, on a site which has been developed as part of a 25-year effort to rediscover and honour seven Sufi Muslim saints who lived in this area. These were Bukhara’s Masters of Wisdom, men who lived between the 10th and 16th centuries, each one passing devotional knowledge and learning on to their pupils. Amir Kulal himself came from a clan known for their work as potters, who had come from Arabia and settled to the north of Bukhara in the 12th century, where it seems their lineage back to early Islam meant they were held in high esteem. He himself rose to be head of the clan, but continued to be embedded in the family craft and worked with his hands.

This made me feel connected in a new way to the beauty of the tilework we had seen throughout our days in Uzbekistan, but Amir Kulal himself did not have a notable mausoleum after his death. Makhsuma explained that what is now a walled compound to the east of Bukhara, with a mosque and carefully laid-out garden alongside a blue-domed tomb, used to be a simple graveyard. Local people knew that Amir Kulal was buried there, and, as Uzbekistan began looking afresh at its heritage, the area around the grave became established as part of a network of seven shrines.

We arrived on a bright spring morning, walking along a path lined with small trees and stone plaques inscribed with Amir Kulal’s sayings. “Allah will not open the secrets of tariqah [a spiritual path] to the one who does not put attaining perfection as his main aim,” read one, and I felt rather unworthy when Makhsuma generously said it was her privilege to bring “the family of Amir Kulal” to his shrine. Either side of the tomb were open verandas, with benches for seating and wooden pillars carved in the traditional style we had seen many times by then. As we approached, a few families were listening to an imam reciting prayers, and we sat with them before entering the tomb itself and paying our respects in the traditional Muslim way at a grave, with the opening lines of the Qur’an.

T he quest over, I was certain of two things: that my grandfather would have been very happy to think of us reaching Amir Kulal, and that it would have been impossible for him to do so, even if his plane had made it to Uzbekistan in 1992. In that turbulent period, he would have been lucky to find people with enough knowledge of the Sufi masters’ history in the region to guide him, and to pinpoint the grave in the old cemetery then on the site. Uzbekistan was still emerging from a time of uneasy coexistence between communism and Islam, which is why I had been so struck by the sight of a madrasa in operation in Bukhara that year. “It really does seem that time has stood still in this place,” I wrote in my diary after peering into the courtyard and spotting small boys sitting cross-legged, reading. On this trip, too, there were moments when the same sentiment washed over me, even in the most-visited sites.

While Uzbekistan’s monuments first hit the visitor with grandeur and colour, they also reward those prepared to linger and to look for subtler messages in the decoration and carving. These are places where walls and doors are almost talking to you, if you are able to stop and decipher the messages and inscriptions, as the man in Samarkand wanted me to do for him all those years ago. As I passed through the door of one Bukhara madrasa, carved with the prophet’s words on how the pursuit of knowledge is a duty on every Muslim male and female, I wished Afghanistan’s Taliban could see it, or at least think about it.

Throughout, I was grateful for the guides who brought the richness of these cities to life for us. My mother and I were on a journey back into our family history, but we became conscious of what the families of those we met had lived through, from forced relocation and purges under Stalin, to acute hardship and going without food in the post-Soviet economic transition. In this centuries-old setting, the disruption and pain of the last one is yet another layer of history. A journey in search of a forefather turned into a week-long experience of female companionship and it rewarded us in more ways than we expected. At the very least, my mother can use a new line of authority on her grandchildren, with a decent claim to have some saintly blood.

• Uzbekistan holidays
• Autobiography and memoir
• Mishal Husain
• Biography books

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