A view of Islamabad

Islamabad; Heaven For Adventurers

Many of us often find ourselves heading to the capital for official meetings and business ventures. But we do not always find the time to accommodate an adventurous spree to Murree or other famous tourist points.

Little do we know that there are many stunning, picturesque adventure locations very close to Islamabad! You can surely escape that short business trip!

All of these locations are either in Islamabad or within a couple of hours’ drive.

Margalla Hills Hiking Trails

Margalla Hills Hiking Trails in Islamabad
Margalla Hills Hiking Trails in Islamabad

The nearest and probably some of the best places to go for an adventure hike are the trails in the Margalla hills. There are several of them of varying length and difficulty. The most popular among them are the trails 3 and 5, which lead to Pir Sohawa.

You can have a challenging, tiring yet fulfilling walk and at the top, excellent restaurants will be waiting to prop you up for the trip down. The forested Margalla hills make for a splendid view, and the track going right through them is like a trek through heaven.

One thing I didn’t expect when I went there was the fantastic view of the Faisal Mosque I got halfway through the walk. The angle and the elevation of the vantage point let you see the mosque like you haven’t seen it before; serene and beautiful.

One thing though, if you are hiking in the summers, beware of extra humidity because the trail goes right through a dense mass of trees!

Monal

Monal

Eating at Monal is one of the best dining experiences you can have in Pakistan. Not only is the food splendid, but the view from the top of the Margalla Hills is also just stunning. With the whole of Islamabad beneath your eyes, the food on your table tastes even better. You can reach Monal either by trekking or by car.

Sajikot

Sajikot

If you’re looking for a picnic spot, then the waterfall at Sajikot is the perfect place. Reaching Sajikot from Islamabad can take a few hours, but it is worth it. The waterfall there is at least 50 to 60 feet high. The water from the cascade collects into a lake and then continues into a stream.

We had a BBQ at this spot and the perfect picnic. A few of us also felt like getting a dip, so we descended into the cold water of the lake. The fun we had in the lake was the best time of the trip!

Khanpur Dam

Khanpur

For people looking for more water and fewer mountains, Khanpur dam is the answer, just an hour’s drive away from the capital. At Khanpur dam, there is a lake resort which gives you a chance to take part in all sorts of water sports activities.

The lake itself is pretty big, very deep, and enchantingly beautiful with clear blue water. From boating, jet skiing, swimming, cliff diving and even archery, Khanpur dam has it all.

The dam is probably the best place in Pakistan if you are looking for a cliff diving adventure. The cliff isn’t too high, ranging from 10 feet up to maybe 20 feet. Being a beginner at cliff diving, it was all I was hoping for and the most fulfilling part of my journey to Khanpur dam. And don’t worry, there are always lifeguards and professionals around to look after you!

Saidpur Village

Saidpur Village

Saidpur Village is a small place located at the corner of the city of Islamabad. The village has recently transformed and has been turned into a tourist spot. Restaurants at Saidpur capture the traditional vibe and offer fantastic food. Beyond the village are the hills and streams that make so many of the places in Islamabad so beautiful.

Saidpur also offers rock climbing experience. The rock at Saidpur we climbed was a tough one, though it was more fun than I would have thought it would be.

You can have an adventure experience even without going into the Northern Areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit Baltistan and a memorable one too!

1 thought on “Islamabad; Heaven For Adventurers”

  1. I visited Saidpur village and other places in Islamabad and i found no other city as relaxing as Islamabad is.

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