Things to Do in , page 1 of 2

Things to Do in Islamabad

Islamabad is a charming city where lush green hill backdrops and mild warm weather set it apart from other big cities in the region. It is a city, not for the night owls and party animals, but for the aesthetically inclined and to those drawn to the glory of nature.

Islamabad’s relative infancy as a major metropolis is reflected in the city’s architecture, which is modern – the influence of its first urban planner Constantinos A. Doxiadis is pretty evident – yet distinctly Islamic in appearance.

Faisal Mosque E-7, Islamabad, ICT,

The (also known as Shah Faisal Masjid) is the largest mosque in Pakistan, located in the national capital city of Islamabad. Completed in 1986, it was designed by Turkish architect Vedat Dalokay to be shaped like a desert Bedouin’s tent. It functions as the national mosque of Pakistan.

Height: 295' (90 m) Architect: Vedat Dalokay

Margalla Hills

The —also called Margalla Mountain Range are also a part of lesser Himalayas located north of Islamabad. Margalla Range has an area of 12,605 hectares.The hills are a part of Murree hills. It is a range with many valleys as well as high mountains.

The hill range nestles between an elevation of 685 meters at the western end and 1,604 meters on its east with average height of 1000 meters. Its highest peak is Tilla Charouni.The range gets snowfall in winters.

Instituted in 1980, the Margalla Hills National Park comprises the Margalla Range (12605 hectares) the Rawal Lake, and Shakarparian Sports and Cultural complex. The hill range nestles between an elevation of 685 meters at the western end and 1,604 meters on its east. The National Park is the most accessible in Pakistan due to its close proximity to the national capital, Islamabad. It is a significant hub for birdlovers throughout the year. There are several hiking trails, with the most famous being Trail 3.

Golra Sharif

Golra Sharif is a town situated near the Margalla Hills, in the Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan, at about 520 m above sea level, 17 km from the ancient city of . The shrine in Golra Sharif has a lot of importance for the people of the and the anniversary of the Pir Meher Ali Shah (RA) is attended by thousands every year to pay their regards.

More information can be found at: www.wikipedia.org and http://www.worldexecutive.com Things to Do in Islamabad, page 2 of 2

Pir Sohawa

Pir Sohawa is a rapidly developing tourist resort located on top of Margalla Hills and 45-minutes drive from downtown Islamabad. It has a 3000 plus ft elevation and located in Monal village which is geographically part of Haripur District.

Lok Virsa

The Lok Virsa (National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage) is dedicated to the preservation of the traditional culture of Pakistan. The institute’s museum, located near Shakarparian Hills, holds a vast array of items such as embroidered costumes, jewelry, woodwork, block printing, ivory and bone work.

Saidpur Village

Saidpur is a Mughal-era village on the slopes of the Margalla Hills and located off the Hill Road to the east of Daman-e-Koh in Islamabad. The village has the footprints of various civilizations, including Gandhara, Greek, Buddhist, Mughal, Ashoka and the colonial periods, and now serving as a popular recreational spot for both local and foreign visitors.

Pakistan Museum of Natural History Phone: (0)51 9252082

Pakistan Museum of Natural History, established in 1976, is a public museum of natural history situated in Islamabad, the federal capital of Pakistan.

Murghzar Mini and Children's Park

Islamabad Zoo, previously Marghazar Zoo, is an 82-acre zoo in Islamabad Capital Territory. It was opened in 1978, and is under the administration of Capital Development Authority of Pakistan. Located at the foot of Daman-e-Koh viewpoint, the Murghzar Zoo has become a popular Islamabad attraction amongst children and adults alike. The Pakistan Museum of Natural History also has a display corner located in the zoo. The park is a gift to the children of Pakistan from the children of Japan.

Fatima

Fatima Jinnah Park, also known as F-9 Park, is a public recreational park situated within the F-9 sector of Islamabad, Pakistan. The park is one of the largest covered areas in Pakistan.

More information can be found at: www.wikipedia.org and http://www.worldexecutive.com