While searching for the best location in islamabad, you will come across multiple venues, but if you are on a long trip, there are plenty of more places to explore close to Islamabad. In this article, we will explore some of the best places to visit near islamabad that are a few hours away and worth the visit.
Top Places Near Islamabad – 14 Spots
Below are the top 14 places to visit in Islamabad or are planning a trip to the city. These places are located within a few hour’s distance and are popular tourist attractions to visit.
- Attock Fort
- Banjosa Lake
- Khanpur Dam
- Khewra Salt Range
- Kund
- Mangla Dam
- Murree Hills
- Mushkpuri Top
- Nathia Gali
- Pir Chinasi
- Rohtas Fort
- Tarbela Dam
- Taxila
- Thandiani
Now, we will explore each of these places near Islamabad, one by one.
Read More: Trips to Northern Areas of Pakistan
1. Attock Fort
Distance from Islamabad: 1.5 hours
Location: Attock
Attock Fort, built between 1581 and 1583 under Akbar’s reign, is a historic gem located in Attock Khurd. The Attock Fort played a crucial role in protecting the passage of the River Indus. Visiting Attock Fort offers a glimpse into its fascinating past, from its brief capture by the Maratha Empire to its significance in the Afghan-Sikh Wars. Tourists can explore the ancient architecture and imagine the strategic battles fought here. It’s a great spot for history buffs and anyone interested in Pakistan’s rich heritage.
2. Banjosa Lake
Distance from Islamabad: 3.5 hours
Location: Azad Kashmir
Banjosa Lake, an artificial lake nestled in Rawalakot, Azad Kashmir, is a picturesque getaway and one of the best tourist places near islamabad. Located 18 kilometers from Rawalakot and surrounded by dense pine forests and mountains, this lake sits at an impressive altitude of 1,981 meters. It’s a great spot to escape daily routines, especially between April and October.
Visitors can enjoy boat rides and admire the stunning Banjosa waterfall. The serene environment is perfect for relaxing, taking photos, and soaking in the natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination.
3. Khanpur Dam
Distance from Islamabad: 1 hour
Location: Haripur
Khanpur Dam, situated on the Haro River in Khanpur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, is around 50 kilometers from Islamabad. This dam creates the beautiful Khanpur Lake, a crucial water source for Islamabad and Rawalpindi. It’s an excellent destination for a day trip, offering a scenic retreat with various activities.
Visitors can enjoy water sports like boating, fishing, & even cliff diving. The picturesque surroundings and recreational facilities make Khanpur Dam a must-visit spot for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
4. Khewra Salt Range
Distance from Islamabad: 3.5 hours
Location: Jhelum
The Khewra Salt Mines, also known as Mayo Salt Mine, are the second-largest salt mines in the world, located in Khewra, Punjab. Just a few hours’ drive or a train ride from Islamabad, they make for a fascinating day trip. Visitors can explore the stunning underground world filled with bright pink salt crystals.
The mines offer a unique glimpse into Pakistan’s natural resources and are perfect for a memorable outing with family or friends. The mesmerizing salt formations and their historical significance make them a must-visit destination.
5. Kund
Distance from Islamabad: 3 hours
Location: Kund
Khair Abad Kund is a small town where the Peshawar Development Authority has established a beautiful park. Attock Fort can be seen from the bridge over the Kabul and Indus rivers.
The River Kabul and the River Indus have two distinct watercolors. The water of the Kabul is muddy, while the water of the Indus looks very clear and serene. From the Khair Abad Bridge, which is usually called Attock Bridge, one can get a beautiful view of the meeting place where both rivers are united to become mainstream.
6. Mangla Dam
Distance from Islamabad: 2.5 hours
Location: Mirpur
Mangla Dam, located in Mirpur, is a popular spot offering both entertainment and scenic beauty. The dam is a vast reservoir providing water for local canals. It’s an ideal location for family picnics, with plenty of open spaces and activities to keep everyone engaged. The best time to visit is during the summer so you can enjoy outdoor activities like boating and fishing. If you’re looking for a refreshing getaway near Islamabad, Mangla Dam is a fantastic choice to explore and enjoy nature.
7. Murree Hills
Distance from Islamabad: 1.5 hours
Location: Murree
Murree Hills, known as the “Queen of Hills,” is just 50 kilometers from Islamabad, making it a convenient and popular getaway. A short hour’s drive will bring you to this picturesque hill station, where you can enjoy cool breezes in the summer and snow in the winter. The area offers a variety of attractions nearby including Nathia Gali, Ayubia, Khanspur, Bhurban, and Patriata. With stunning landscapes, charming towns, and plenty of outdoor activities, Murree Hills is a perfect escape for nature lovers and families looking for a refreshing retreat.
Read More: Hotels in Murree
8. Mushkpuri Top
Distance from Islamabad: 2.5 hours
Location: Ayubia
Mushkpuri Top, also known as Mukshpuri or Mukeshpuri, is a 2,800 meter high mountain in the Nathia Gali Hills of KPK, near Ayubia National Park. As the second-highest peak in the Galyat Region, it offers a refreshing hike with stunning views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. The two-hour trek to the summit is fairly easy, making it suitable for most people. Whether you’re seeking an adventurous hike or a serene picnic spot with family and friends, Mushkpuri Top is a fantastic destination.
9. Nathia Gali
Distance from Islamabad: 2.5 hours
Location: Abbottabad District
Nathia Gali is a picturesque hill station and mountain resort town in the Abbottabad District of KPK. Known for its lush greenery, it boasts abundant plant life, including pine, cedar, walnut, oak, and maple trees. This popular mini-vacation spot offers cooler weather and scenic hiking trails, making it a great escape from the heat. Adventurous visitors can trek up the nearby Mukshpuri and Miranjani hills. Just 32 kilometers from Murree and Abbottabad, Nathia Gali is a must-visit for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts.
10. Pir Chinasi
Distance from Islamabad: 4.5 hours
Location: Near Muzzafarabad
Pir Chinasi, located about 30 kilometers east of Muzaffarabad in Azad Kashmir, is a popular tourist destination and shrine perched at 2,900 meters above sea level. This peak is renowned for its breathtaking views of Muzaffarabad, the surrounding rural areas, and the majestic snow-capped Himalayan Alps.
Visitors can enjoy paragliding and snow cross jeep rallies, making it a great spot for adventure enthusiasts. The best time to visit is in winter when the landscape is covered in snow, perfect for playing and taking in the stunning scenery. Whether you’re seeking spiritual solace or thrilling activities, Pir Chinasi has something for everyone.
11. Rohtas Fort
Distance from Islamabad: 2 hours
Location: Jhelum
Rohtas Fort, a 16th-century fortress near Dina in the Jhelum district, is one of the largest and most impressive in Punjab. Constructed by Sher Shah Suri to protect the empire’s northern frontiers, the fort is renowned for its magnificent architecture and historical significance.
Visitors can explore its grand gates, walls, the Shahi Mosque, ancient baolis, and the Rani Mahal. The fort’s exquisite design and archaeological remnants make it a must-visit for history and architecture enthusiasts. Rohtas Fort offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s rich past, making it a great day trip from Islamabad.
12. Taxila
Distance from Islamabad: 40 mins
Location: Taxila
Taxila, located just 30 kilometers northwest of Islamabad, is a significant destination known as the cradle of Gandhara Civilization. Easily accessible within 40 to 45 minutes, it’s best visited during winter or in the months of March/April and October/November to avoid the harsh sun while exploring its vast archaeological sites.
Since 1980, Taxila has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It offers a rich historical tapestry with Mesolithic caves, Buddhist monasteries, and remnants of early settlements. A visit here is essential for anyone interested in Pakistan’s ancient history and cultural heritage.
Read More: Historical Places to Visit in Pakistan
13. Thandiani
Distance from Islamabad: 3.5 hours
Location: Near Abbottabad
Thandiani, which translates to “very cold,” is a serene hill station nestled in the Galyat area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Situated approximately 37.5 kilometers northeast of Abbottabad, it offers an escape from the heat with its cool climate and breathtaking vistas.
Thandiani provides panoramic views of the snow-capped Pir Panjal range to the east and the mountains of Kohistan and Kaghan to the north. It’s an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility amidst nature’s beauty, making it a perfect weekend getaway near Islamabad.
14. Tarbela Dam
Distance from Islamabad: 2 hours
Location: Haripur
Tarbela Dam, situated along the Indus River in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, is an expansive earth-filled structure. Located about 105 kilometers northwest of Islamabad, it’s easily accessible via National Highway 5, making it a popular destination for day trips. The dam offers scenic views and lets visitors enjoy boating and fishing. It’s a great spot for families and nature enthusiasts looking to enjoy a day out amidst picturesque surroundings.
Conclusion
So that is a wrap on some of the top places near Islamabad that you should visit in 2024. These places offer a refuge from city life and can be visited for a one-day trip.
Whether you wish to splash in the water or view the calming mountains, these places are all you need for a weekend getaway. Do share this list with family and travel buddies and plan your next trip to these scenic wonderlands.
