{"id":7026810,"date":"2026-08-04T12:50:31","date_gmt":"2026-08-04T12:50:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peraltafinancing.com\/uncategorized\/islamabad-pakistans-green-city-sophies-world-travel-inspiration\/"},"modified":"2026-08-04T12:50:31","modified_gmt":"2026-08-04T12:50:31","slug":"islamabad-pakistans-green-city-sophies-world-travel-inspiration","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7026810","title":{"rendered":"Islamabad: Pakistan&#8217;s green city | Sophie&#8217;s World Travel Inspiration"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Hello hello good people!<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">We\u2019re about to take a trip along the fabled Karakoram Highway. Can\u2019t wait! But first, a few days to settle into Pakistan.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"60957\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/islamabad-pakistans-green-capital\/img_0870-compressed\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/IMG_0870-compressed.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"640,328\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"IMG_0870-compressed\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/IMG_0870-compressed.jpg\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-60957\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/IMG_0870-compressed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"410\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/IMG_0870-compressed-200x103.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/IMG_0870-compressed-300x154.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/IMG_0870-compressed-400x205.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/IMG_0870-compressed-600x308.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/IMG_0870-compressed.jpg 640w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I was not sure what to expect from Islamabad. Like many, I have heard more about the country\u2019s intense and chaotic cities and the dramatic mountain landscapes in the north than its capital. But after spending a few days exploring this uniquely planned green city \u2013 the tree-lined streets, the mountain views, the order\u2026 well, what\u2019s not to like?<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Unlike many capitals around the world, Islamabad feels calm and relaxed. The city sits against the backdrop of the Margalla Hills, and no matter where you go, nature never seems far away. Very relatable for this Norwegian.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">So here you go: a few postcards from Pakistan\u2019s greenest city.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"60931\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/islamabad-pakistans-green-capital\/post-boxes-islamabad-post-office\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Post-boxes-Islamabad-post-office.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"360,640\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Post boxes, Islamabad post office\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Post-boxes-Islamabad-post-office.jpg\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-60931\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Post-boxes-Islamabad-post-office.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"360\" height=\"640\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Post-boxes-Islamabad-post-office-169x300.jpg 169w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Post-boxes-Islamabad-post-office-200x356.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Post-boxes-Islamabad-post-office.jpg 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 360px) 100vw, 360px\"\/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Inland, local, and international<\/em><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">The Pakistan Monument and a look at Pakistani culture at Lok Virsa Museum<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">First order of the day: a look at the Pakistan Monument in Shakarparian Hill, a powerful symbol of the unity of the Pakistani people.<\/p>\n<style><![CDATA[\n\t\t\t#gallery-1 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-1 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 50%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-1 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-1 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t]]><\/style>\n<div data-carousel-extra=\"{&quot;blog_id&quot;:1,&quot;permalink&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/islamabad-pakistans-green-capital\/&quot;}\" id=\"gallery-1\" class=\"gallery galleryid-60889 gallery-columns-2 gallery-size-full\">\n<dl class=\"gallery-item\">\n<dt class=\"gallery-icon portrait\">\n\t\t\t\t<a data-rel=\"iLightbox[postimages]\" data-title=\"Pakistan Monument, Islamabad I\" data-caption=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/islamabad-pakistans-green-capital\/pakistan-monument-islamabad-i\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Pakistan-Monument-Islamabad-I.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Pakistan-Monument-Islamabad-I-169x300.jpg 169w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Pakistan-Monument-Islamabad-I-200x356.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Pakistan-Monument-Islamabad-I.jpg 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 360px) 100vw, 360px\" data-attachment-id=\"60933\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/islamabad-pakistans-green-capital\/pakistan-monument-islamabad-i\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Pakistan-Monument-Islamabad-I.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"360,640\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Pakistan Monument, Islamabad I\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Pakistan-Monument-Islamabad-I.jpg\"\/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n<\/dl>\n<dl class=\"gallery-item\">\n<dt class=\"gallery-icon portrait\">\n\t\t\t\t<a data-rel=\"iLightbox[postimages]\" data-title=\"Pakistan Monument, Islamabad II\" data-caption=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/islamabad-pakistans-green-capital\/pakistan-monument-islamabad-ii\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Pakistan-Monument-Islamabad-II.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Pakistan-Monument-Islamabad-II-169x300.jpg 169w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Pakistan-Monument-Islamabad-II-200x356.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Pakistan-Monument-Islamabad-II.jpg 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 360px) 100vw, 360px\" data-attachment-id=\"60935\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/islamabad-pakistans-green-capital\/pakistan-monument-islamabad-ii\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Pakistan-Monument-Islamabad-II.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"360,640\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Pakistan Monument, Islamabad II\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Pakistan-Monument-Islamabad-II.jpg\"\/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n<\/dl>\n<p><br style=\"clear: both\"\/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">It\u2019s a beautiful structure, with four large petals, representing the major provinces (Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) and three smaller petals, representing the territories (Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu &amp; Kashmir, and the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas).<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The surrounding area also offers great views of the city.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The Lok Virsa Museum across the little square showcases the country\u2019s many cultures, traditions, and regions. Colourful textiles, traditional music, handicrafts \u2013 every exhibit feels like a mini journey across Pakistan.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"60959\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/islamabad-pakistans-green-capital\/lok-virsa-museum-islamabad\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Lok-VIrsa-Museum-Islamabad.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"640,640\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Lok VIrsa Museum, Islamabad\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Lok-VIrsa-Museum-Islamabad.jpg\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-60959\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Lok-VIrsa-Museum-Islamabad-600x600.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Lok-VIrsa-Museum-Islamabad-66x66.jpg 66w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Lok-VIrsa-Museum-Islamabad-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Lok-VIrsa-Museum-Islamabad-200x200.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Lok-VIrsa-Museum-Islamabad-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Lok-VIrsa-Museum-Islamabad-400x400.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Lok-VIrsa-Museum-Islamabad-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Lok-VIrsa-Museum-Islamabad.jpg 640w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\"\/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">For first-time visitors like us, the Pakistan Monument and Lok Virsa are an excellent place to start.<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">Margalla Hills National Park<\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Next we go into the hills along the northern side of Islamabad. This is the westernmost foothills of the Himalayas, with high biodiversity. One thing we quickly learn is that the locals love the outdoors. Again, very familiar for a Norwegian.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">Daman-e-Koh viewpoint<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The trails in the Margalla Hills range from easy walks to challenging hikes. We haven\u2019t planned any serious trekking; it\u2019s simply too hot in the summer, and I have an injured leg. Even so, a short hike is enough to reward us with spectacular views over the city.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">We make our way to Daman-e-Koh, a hilltop viewpoint and garden with panoramic views of Islamabad. Along the way, there are opportunities for horse and camel rides, but the offers are refreshingly low-key. Monkeys, colourful birds, and even leopards live in these hills, but they mostly keep away. Sensible creatures.<\/p>\n<style><![CDATA[\n\t\t\t#gallery-2 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-2 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 50%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-2 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-2 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t]]><\/style>\n<div data-carousel-extra=\"{&quot;blog_id&quot;:1,&quot;permalink&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/islamabad-pakistans-green-capital\/&quot;}\" id=\"gallery-2\" class=\"gallery galleryid-60889 gallery-columns-2 gallery-size-full\">\n<dl class=\"gallery-item\">\n<dt class=\"gallery-icon portrait\">\n\t\t\t\t<a data-rel=\"iLightbox[postimages]\" data-title=\"Decorated camel, Margalla Hills\" data-caption=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/islamabad-pakistans-green-capital\/decorated-camel-margalla-hills\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Decorated-camel-Margalla-Hills.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Decorated-camel-Margalla-Hills-169x300.jpg 169w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Decorated-camel-Margalla-Hills-200x356.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Decorated-camel-Margalla-Hills.jpg 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 360px) 100vw, 360px\" data-attachment-id=\"60898\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/islamabad-pakistans-green-capital\/decorated-camel-margalla-hills\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Decorated-camel-Margalla-Hills.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"360,640\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Decorated camel, Margalla Hills\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Decorated-camel-Margalla-Hills.jpg\"\/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n<\/dl>\n<dl class=\"gallery-item\">\n<dt class=\"gallery-icon portrait\">\n\t\t\t\t<a data-rel=\"iLightbox[postimages]\" data-title=\"Islamabad view\" data-caption=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/islamabad-pakistans-green-capital\/islamabad-view\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Islamabad-view.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Islamabad-view-169x300.jpg 169w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Islamabad-view-200x356.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Islamabad-view.jpg 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 360px) 100vw, 360px\" data-attachment-id=\"60929\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/islamabad-pakistans-green-capital\/islamabad-view\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Islamabad-view.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"360,640\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Islamabad view\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Islamabad-view.jpg\"\/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n<\/dl>\n<p><br style=\"clear: both\"\/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">At the top, we stop for views and peach juice at the Princess Diana terrace at The Dome restaurant. She is one of several VIPs who has visited Daman-e-Koh, according to a photo gallery along the walls.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"60975\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/islamabad-pakistans-green-capital\/img_0895-compressed\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/IMG_0895-compressed.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"640,480\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"IMG_0895-compressed\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/IMG_0895-compressed.jpg\" class=\"aligncenter size-fusion-400 wp-image-60975\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/IMG_0895-compressed-400x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"400\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/IMG_0895-compressed-200x150.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/IMG_0895-compressed-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/IMG_0895-compressed-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/IMG_0895-compressed-600x450.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/IMG_0895-compressed.jpg 640w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\"\/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Daman-e-Koh is a famous spot for sunset watching, and we will come back for that later. But for now, Islamabad stretches out before us, with wide boulevards, green parks, and the iconic Faisal Mosque visible in the distance. Time to have a closer look at what is probably Islamabad\u2019s most famous sight, but first\u2026<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">Saidpur Village<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"60951\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/islamabad-pakistans-green-capital\/saidpur-village\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Saidpur-village.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"361,640\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Saidpur village\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Saidpur-village.jpg\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-60951\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Saidpur-village.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"361\" height=\"640\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Saidpur-village-169x300.jpg 169w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Saidpur-village-200x355.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Saidpur-village.jpg 361w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 361px) 100vw, 361px\"\/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The restored Saidpur Village is at the foot of the Margalla hills, and has historic architecture and art spaces. Walking through narrow streets, and across little bridges feels worlds away from the modern parts of Islamabad.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">Faisal Mosque<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Faisal Mosque is designed to resemble a Bedouin tent, rising dramatically against the backdrop of the hills.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"60900\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/islamabad-pakistans-green-capital\/faisal-mosque-islamabad\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Faisal-Mosque-Islamabad.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"360,640\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Faisal Mosque, Islamabad\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Faisal-Mosque-Islamabad.jpg\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-60900\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Faisal-Mosque-Islamabad.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"360\" height=\"640\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Faisal-Mosque-Islamabad-169x300.jpg 169w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Faisal-Mosque-Islamabad-200x356.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Faisal-Mosque-Islamabad.jpg 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 360px) 100vw, 360px\"\/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\u00a0Pakistan\u2019s national mosque is one of the most striking sights in the city, and one of the largest mosques in the world, covering an area of <span id=\"mwVw\" data-mw=\"{&quot;parts&quot;:[{&quot;template&quot;:{&quot;target&quot;:{&quot;wt&quot;:&quot;convert&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:&quot;.\/Template:Convert&quot;},&quot;params&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:{&quot;wt&quot;:&quot;33&quot;},&quot;2&quot;:{&quot;wt&quot;:&quot;acre&quot;},&quot;3&quot;:{&quot;wt&quot;:&quot;m2 ft2&quot;},&quot;order&quot;:{&quot;wt&quot;:&quot;flip&quot;}},&quot;i&quot;:0}}]}\">130,000 square metres (32 acres). And while there are quite a few people out and about today, it doesn\u2019t feel crowded. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"60977\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/islamabad-pakistans-green-capital\/img_0922-compressed\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/IMG_0922-compressed.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"640,360\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"IMG_0922-compressed\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/IMG_0922-compressed.jpg\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-60977\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/IMG_0922-compressed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/IMG_0922-compressed-200x113.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/IMG_0922-compressed-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/IMG_0922-compressed-400x225.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/IMG_0922-compressed-600x338.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/IMG_0922-compressed.jpg 640w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\"\/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span id=\"mwVw\" data-mw=\"{&quot;parts&quot;:[{&quot;template&quot;:{&quot;target&quot;:{&quot;wt&quot;:&quot;convert&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:&quot;.\/Template:Convert&quot;},&quot;params&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:{&quot;wt&quot;:&quot;33&quot;},&quot;2&quot;:{&quot;wt&quot;:&quot;acre&quot;},&quot;3&quot;:{&quot;wt&quot;:&quot;m2 ft2&quot;},&quot;order&quot;:{&quot;wt&quot;:&quot;flip&quot;}},&quot;i&quot;:0}}]}\">Wear a headscarf if you\u2019re female, and no shorts allowed for any gender.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">There\u2019s a shop on the grounds \u2013<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"60971\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/islamabad-pakistans-green-capital\/img_0916-compressed\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/IMG_0916-compressed.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"640,360\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"IMG_0916-compressed\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/IMG_0916-compressed.jpg\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-60971\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/IMG_0916-compressed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/IMG_0916-compressed-200x113.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/IMG_0916-compressed-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/IMG_0916-compressed-400x225.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/IMG_0916-compressed-600x338.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/IMG_0916-compressed.jpg 640w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\"\/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\u2013 selling books (holy and otherwise), souvenirs and an eclectic mix of quirky gifts and curiosities.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"60953\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/islamabad-pakistans-green-capital\/shop-at-faisal-mosque\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Shop-at-Faisal-Mosque.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"361,640\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Shop at Faisal Mosque\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Shop-at-Faisal-Mosque.jpg\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-60953\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Shop-at-Faisal-Mosque.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"361\" height=\"640\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Shop-at-Faisal-Mosque-169x300.jpg 169w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Shop-at-Faisal-Mosque-200x355.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Shop-at-Faisal-Mosque.jpg 361w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 361px) 100vw, 361px\"\/><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">Step back in time at the Golra Sharif Railway Museum<\/h3>\n<style><![CDATA[\n\t\t\t#gallery-3 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-3 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 33%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-3 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-3 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t]]><\/style>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The Heritage Railway Museum is one of Islamabad\u2019s lesser-known attractions. It is a must for train geeks, and equally rewarding for anyone curious about Pakistan\u2019s past. Wandering amongst the beautifully preserved locomotives, vintage carriages, and fascinating railway memorabilia, it is easy to imagine an era when trains were the lifeblood of travel across the country.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The small museum is a nostalgic journey through the history of Pakistan Railways and the important role it played in connecting cities, towns, and remote communities.<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">Hop on over to Rawalpindi<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"60961\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/islamabad-pakistans-green-capital\/mosque-rawalpindi\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Mosque-Rawalpindi.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"640,215\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Mosque Rawalpindi\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Mosque-Rawalpindi.jpg\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-60961\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Mosque-Rawalpindi.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"215\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Mosque-Rawalpindi-200x67.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Mosque-Rawalpindi-300x101.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Mosque-Rawalpindi-400x134.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Mosque-Rawalpindi-600x202.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Mosque-Rawalpindi.jpg 640w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\"\/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Right next door to Islamabad is its twin city Rawalpindi.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Although the two cities sit side by side, they feel worlds apart. Islamabad is calm and carefully planned; Rawalpindi is vibrant, chaotic, and packed with historic buildings, bazaars, and mosques. Cars and people mingle in an unruly mix, and rickshaws buzz through narrow streets. Have we crossed eras?<\/p>\n<style><![CDATA[\n\t\t\t#gallery-4 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-4 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 50%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-4 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-4 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t]]><\/style>\n<div data-carousel-extra=\"{&quot;blog_id&quot;:1,&quot;permalink&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/islamabad-pakistans-green-capital\/&quot;}\" id=\"gallery-4\" class=\"gallery galleryid-60889 gallery-columns-2 gallery-size-medium\">\n<dl class=\"gallery-item\">\n<dt class=\"gallery-icon portrait\">\n\t\t\t\t<a data-rel=\"iLightbox[postimages]\" data-title=\"Rawalpindi street scene II\" data-caption=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/islamabad-pakistans-green-capital\/rawalpindi-street-scene-ii\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"169\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Rawalpindi-street-scene-II-169x300.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Rawalpindi-street-scene-II-169x300.jpg 169w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Rawalpindi-street-scene-II-200x355.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Rawalpindi-street-scene-II.jpg 361w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 169px) 100vw, 169px\" data-attachment-id=\"60949\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/islamabad-pakistans-green-capital\/rawalpindi-street-scene-ii\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Rawalpindi-street-scene-II.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"361,640\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Rawalpindi street scene II\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Rawalpindi-street-scene-II.jpg\"\/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n<\/dl>\n<dl class=\"gallery-item\">\n<dt class=\"gallery-icon portrait\">\n\t\t\t\t<a data-rel=\"iLightbox[postimages]\" data-title=\"Rawalpindi street scene I\" data-caption=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/islamabad-pakistans-green-capital\/rawalpindi-street-scene-i\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"169\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Rawalpindi-street-scene-I-169x300.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Rawalpindi-street-scene-I-169x300.jpg 169w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Rawalpindi-street-scene-I-200x355.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Rawalpindi-street-scene-I.jpg 361w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 169px) 100vw, 169px\" data-attachment-id=\"60947\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/islamabad-pakistans-green-capital\/rawalpindi-street-scene-i\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Rawalpindi-street-scene-I.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"361,640\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Rawalpindi street scene I\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Rawalpindi-street-scene-I.jpg\"\/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n<\/dl>\n<p><br style=\"clear: both\"\/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">Markazi Mosque<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The Markazi Mosque is Rawalpindi\u2019s most prominent religious landmark, beautiful and blue, and in the midst of the city centre pandemonium. The gate is locked, but our driver manages to persuade the guard to open it for us, for a few minutes.<\/p>\n<style><![CDATA[\n\t\t\t#gallery-5 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-5 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 50%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-5 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-5 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t]]><\/style>\n<div data-carousel-extra=\"{&quot;blog_id&quot;:1,&quot;permalink&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/islamabad-pakistans-green-capital\/&quot;}\" id=\"gallery-5\" class=\"gallery galleryid-60889 gallery-columns-2 gallery-size-full\">\n<dl class=\"gallery-item\">\n<dt class=\"gallery-icon portrait\">\n\t\t\t\t<a data-rel=\"iLightbox[postimages]\" data-title=\"Markazi Mosque, Rawalpindi I\" data-caption=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/islamabad-pakistans-green-capital\/markazi-mosque-rawalpindi-i\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Markazi-Mosque-Rawalpindi-I.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Markazi-Mosque-Rawalpindi-I-169x300.jpg 169w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Markazi-Mosque-Rawalpindi-I-200x356.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Markazi-Mosque-Rawalpindi-I.jpg 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 360px) 100vw, 360px\" data-attachment-id=\"60910\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/islamabad-pakistans-green-capital\/markazi-mosque-rawalpindi-i\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Markazi-Mosque-Rawalpindi-I.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"360,640\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Markazi Mosque, Rawalpindi I\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Markazi-Mosque-Rawalpindi-I.jpg\"\/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n<\/dl>\n<dl class=\"gallery-item\">\n<dt class=\"gallery-icon portrait\">\n\t\t\t\t<a data-rel=\"iLightbox[postimages]\" data-title=\"Markazi Mosque, Rawalpindi II\" data-caption=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/islamabad-pakistans-green-capital\/markazi-mosque-rawalpindi-ii\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Markazi-Mosque-Rawalpindi-II.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Markazi-Mosque-Rawalpindi-II-169x300.jpg 169w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Markazi-Mosque-Rawalpindi-II-200x356.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Markazi-Mosque-Rawalpindi-II.jpg 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 360px) 100vw, 360px\" data-attachment-id=\"60912\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/islamabad-pakistans-green-capital\/markazi-mosque-rawalpindi-ii\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Markazi-Mosque-Rawalpindi-II.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"360,640\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Markazi Mosque, Rawalpindi II\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Markazi-Mosque-Rawalpindi-II.jpg\"\/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n<\/dl>\n<p><br style=\"clear: both\"\/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>The Markazi Jama Masjid \u2013 inside and out<\/em><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">Liaquat Bagh<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">For me, the most thought-provoking sight in Rawalpindi is Liaquat Bagh.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">This rather ordinary park was known as Company Bagh (Park) in the days of the East India Company, but renamed Liaquat Bagh after Liaquat Ali Khan, Pakistan\u2019s first prime minister, was gunned down here in 1951.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">In more recent memory \u2013 and something I remember well \u2013 Pakistan\u2019s first and only female prime minister, and first prime minister of a Muslim country, Benazir Bhutto, suffered the same fate, just here.<\/p>\n<style><![CDATA[\n\t\t\t#gallery-6 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-6 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 50%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-6 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-6 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t]]><\/style>\n<div data-carousel-extra=\"{&quot;blog_id&quot;:1,&quot;permalink&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/islamabad-pakistans-green-capital\/&quot;}\" id=\"gallery-6\" class=\"gallery galleryid-60889 gallery-columns-2 gallery-size-full\">\n<dl class=\"gallery-item\">\n<dt class=\"gallery-icon portrait\">\n\t\t\t\t<a data-rel=\"iLightbox[postimages]\" data-title=\"Liquat Bagh, Rawalpindi\" data-caption=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/islamabad-pakistans-green-capital\/liquat-bagh-rawalpindi\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Liquat-Bagh-Rawalpindi.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Liquat-Bagh-Rawalpindi-169x300.jpg 169w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Liquat-Bagh-Rawalpindi-200x356.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Liquat-Bagh-Rawalpindi.jpg 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 360px) 100vw, 360px\" data-attachment-id=\"60908\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/islamabad-pakistans-green-capital\/liquat-bagh-rawalpindi\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Liquat-Bagh-Rawalpindi.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"360,640\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Liquat Bagh, Rawalpindi\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Liquat-Bagh-Rawalpindi.jpg\"\/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n<\/dl>\n<dl class=\"gallery-item\">\n<dt class=\"gallery-icon portrait\">\n\t\t\t\t<a data-rel=\"iLightbox[postimages]\" data-title=\"Memorial to Benazir Bhutto, Liquat Bagh, Rawalpindi\" data-caption=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/islamabad-pakistans-green-capital\/memorial-to-benazir-bhutto-liquat-bagh-rawalpindi\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Memorial-to-Benazir-Bhutto-Liquat-Bagh-Rawalpindi.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Memorial-to-Benazir-Bhutto-Liquat-Bagh-Rawalpindi-169x300.jpg 169w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Memorial-to-Benazir-Bhutto-Liquat-Bagh-Rawalpindi-200x356.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Memorial-to-Benazir-Bhutto-Liquat-Bagh-Rawalpindi.jpg 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 360px) 100vw, 360px\" data-attachment-id=\"60914\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/islamabad-pakistans-green-capital\/memorial-to-benazir-bhutto-liquat-bagh-rawalpindi\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Memorial-to-Benazir-Bhutto-Liquat-Bagh-Rawalpindi.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"360,640\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Memorial to Benazir Bhutto, Liquat Bagh, Rawalpindi\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Memorial-to-Benazir-Bhutto-Liquat-Bagh-Rawalpindi.jpg\"\/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n<\/dl>\n<p><br style=\"clear: both\"\/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Benazir had given what was to be her final speech at a political campaign rally, from this stage in the park on 27 December 2007. It was widely thought that she stood a good chance of winning the elections in January 2008, just two weeks later, and would become Pakistan\u2019s prime minister for the third time.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">As she left the park and got into her white bullet-proof SUV, she stood up to wave to the crowd from the sun roof, and was hit by a bullet <em>and<\/em> the explosion from a suicide bomber.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Both Benazir\u2019s and Liaquat Ali Khan\u2019s murders remain unsolved and their killers walk free.<\/p>\n<style><![CDATA[\n\t\t\t#gallery-7 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-7 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 50%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-7 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-7 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t]]><\/style>\n<div data-carousel-extra=\"{&quot;blog_id&quot;:1,&quot;permalink&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/islamabad-pakistans-green-capital\/&quot;}\" id=\"gallery-7\" class=\"gallery galleryid-60889 gallery-columns-2 gallery-size-full\">\n<dl class=\"gallery-item\">\n<dt class=\"gallery-icon portrait\">\n\t\t\t\t<a data-rel=\"iLightbox[postimages]\" data-title=\"Kids and water I, Rawalpindi\" data-caption=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/islamabad-pakistans-green-capital\/kids-and-water-i-rawalpindi\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"361\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Kids-and-water-I-Rawalpindi.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Kids-and-water-I-Rawalpindi-169x300.jpg 169w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Kids-and-water-I-Rawalpindi-200x355.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Kids-and-water-I-Rawalpindi.jpg 361w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 361px) 100vw, 361px\" data-attachment-id=\"60939\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/islamabad-pakistans-green-capital\/kids-and-water-i-rawalpindi\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Kids-and-water-I-Rawalpindi.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"361,640\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Kids and water I, Rawalpindi\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Kids-and-water-I-Rawalpindi.jpg\"\/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n<\/dl>\n<dl class=\"gallery-item\">\n<dt class=\"gallery-icon portrait\">\n\t\t\t\t<a data-rel=\"iLightbox[postimages]\" data-title=\"Kids and water II, Rawalpindi\" data-caption=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/islamabad-pakistans-green-capital\/kids-and-water-ii-rawalpindi\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"361\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Kids-and-water-II-Rawalpindi.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Kids-and-water-II-Rawalpindi-169x300.jpg 169w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Kids-and-water-II-Rawalpindi-200x355.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Kids-and-water-II-Rawalpindi.jpg 361w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 361px) 100vw, 361px\" data-attachment-id=\"60941\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/islamabad-pakistans-green-capital\/kids-and-water-ii-rawalpindi\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Kids-and-water-II-Rawalpindi.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"361,640\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Kids and water II, Rawalpindi\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Kids-and-water-II-Rawalpindi.jpg\"\/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n<\/dl>\n<p><br style=\"clear: both\"\/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Rawalpindi is only a short taxi ride away from Islamabad, an easy day trip. Together, the two cities offer visitors a unique glimpse into both the modern and traditional sides of urban Pakistan.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">Rawal lake<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">On the way back from Rawalpindi, we stop at Rawal Lake, which looks to be a fave spot for a family outing.<\/p>\n<style><![CDATA[\n\t\t\t#gallery-8 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-8 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 50%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-8 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-8 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t]]><\/style>\n<div data-carousel-extra=\"{&quot;blog_id&quot;:1,&quot;permalink&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/islamabad-pakistans-green-capital\/&quot;}\" id=\"gallery-8\" class=\"gallery galleryid-60889 gallery-columns-2 gallery-size-full\">\n<dl class=\"gallery-item\">\n<dt class=\"gallery-icon portrait\">\n\t\t\t\t<a data-rel=\"iLightbox[postimages]\" data-title=\"Rawal Lake II\" data-caption=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/islamabad-pakistans-green-capital\/rawal-lake-ii\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"361\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Rawal-Lake-II.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Rawal-Lake-II-169x300.jpg 169w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Rawal-Lake-II-200x355.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Rawal-Lake-II.jpg 361w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 361px) 100vw, 361px\" data-attachment-id=\"60945\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/islamabad-pakistans-green-capital\/rawal-lake-ii\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Rawal-Lake-II.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"361,640\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Rawal Lake II\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Rawal-Lake-II.jpg\"\/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n<\/dl>\n<dl class=\"gallery-item\">\n<dt class=\"gallery-icon portrait\">\n\t\t\t\t<a data-rel=\"iLightbox[postimages]\" data-title=\"Rawal Lake I\" data-caption=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/islamabad-pakistans-green-capital\/rawal-lake-i\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"361\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Rawal-Lake-I.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Rawal-Lake-I-169x300.jpg 169w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Rawal-Lake-I-200x355.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Rawal-Lake-I.jpg 361w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 361px) 100vw, 361px\" data-attachment-id=\"60943\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/islamabad-pakistans-green-capital\/rawal-lake-i\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Rawal-Lake-I.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"361,640\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Rawal Lake I\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Rawal-Lake-I.jpg\"\/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n<\/dl>\n<p><br style=\"clear: both\"\/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Families picnic under the trees, children play along the shoreline, and people are having fun on the water. It feels less like a tourist attraction and more like a place where Islamabad residents come to relax and enjoy their city.<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">Eating our way through Islamabad<\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Well, that heading is perhaps a bit ambitious, since we only try three places, but here you go:<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">Dawat<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The first night in town, we have dinner at Dawat, one of several restaurants at the Serena Hotel. We are here at Ashura, the peak of Muharram, the Shia holiday commemorating the <a id=\"mwEA\" title=\"Battle of Karbala\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/3-days-in-iraq-karbala-najaf\/\" rel=\"mw:WikiLink\">Battle of Karbala<\/a> and the martyrdom of Imam Husayn (grandson of the Prophet Mohammad), so it\u2019s quiet. But the Paksitani food is tasty, and the service is friendly. So friendly, in fact, the staff takes the time to chat and show us around.<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"su-note\" style=\"border-color:#aaa3af;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\">\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><em>Quirky fact:<\/em> The Serena Hotel was the venue for the Iran \u2013 USA 21-hour peace summit mediated by Pakistan in April. As we know, the result was, well, nothing. During the talks, the delegations were split between different restaurants to prevent accidental run-ins.<span data-contrast=\"auto\"\/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"60963\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/islamabad-pakistans-green-capital\/iranian-delegation-dawat-swrena-islamabad\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Iranian-delegation-Dawat-Swrena-Islamabad.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"527,640\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"\u2018Iranian delegation\u2019, Dawat, Swrena, Islamabad\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Iranian-delegation-Dawat-Swrena-Islamabad.jpg\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-60963\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Iranian-delegation-Dawat-Swrena-Islamabad.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"450\" height=\"546\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Iranian-delegation-Dawat-Swrena-Islamabad-200x243.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Iranian-delegation-Dawat-Swrena-Islamabad-247x300.jpg 247w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Iranian-delegation-Dawat-Swrena-Islamabad-400x486.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Iranian-delegation-Dawat-Swrena-Islamabad.jpg 527w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\"\/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Turns out, we are dining in the same restaurant as the Iranian delegation.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Like most Serenas I have seen, this is a beautiful property, and well worth a wander around. There is also a cosy-looking outdoor BBQ-restaurant, the Baradari \u2013 normally with music, but not this weekend, because of the holiday. Next time in Islamabad! (And no, nothing sponsored, ICYW.)<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"60921\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/islamabad-pakistans-green-capital\/serena-hotel-islamabad\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Serena-Hotel-Islamabad.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"360,640\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Serena Hotel, Islamabad\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Serena-Hotel-Islamabad.jpg\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-60921\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Serena-Hotel-Islamabad.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"360\" height=\"640\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Serena-Hotel-Islamabad-169x300.jpg 169w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Serena-Hotel-Islamabad-200x356.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Serena-Hotel-Islamabad.jpg 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 360px) 100vw, 360px\"\/><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">The Dome<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The next day, we go back to The Dome at Daman-e-Koh in the Margalla hills for sunset. The weather gods decided on a more subdued sunset this evening, but the food is good.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"60923\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/islamabad-pakistans-green-capital\/sunset-margalla-hiulls\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Sunset-Margalla-Hiulls.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"360,640\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Sunset, Margalla Hiulls\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Sunset-Margalla-Hiulls.jpg\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-60923\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Sunset-Margalla-Hiulls.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"360\" height=\"640\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Sunset-Margalla-Hiulls-169x300.jpg 169w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Sunset-Margalla-Hiulls-200x356.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Sunset-Margalla-Hiulls.jpg 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 360px) 100vw, 360px\"\/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I have a closer look at the photo gallery, and spot Benazir Bhutto.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"60965\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/islamabad-pakistans-green-capital\/princess-diana-terrace-photo-of-benazir-bhutto\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Princess-Diana-Terrace-photo-of-Benazir-Bhutto.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"640,465\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Princess Diana Terrace \u2013 photo of Benazir Bhutto\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Princess-Diana-Terrace-photo-of-Benazir-Bhutto.jpg\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-60965\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Princess-Diana-Terrace-photo-of-Benazir-Bhutto-400x291.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"363\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Princess-Diana-Terrace-photo-of-Benazir-Bhutto-200x145.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Princess-Diana-Terrace-photo-of-Benazir-Bhutto-300x218.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Princess-Diana-Terrace-photo-of-Benazir-Bhutto-400x291.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Princess-Diana-Terrace-photo-of-Benazir-Bhutto-600x436.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Princess-Diana-Terrace-photo-of-Benazir-Bhutto.jpg 640w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\"\/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">An evocative moment, after our day in Rawalpindi.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">Sky 24<\/h3>\n<style><![CDATA[\n\t\t\t#gallery-9 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-9 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 50%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-9 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-9 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t]]><\/style>\n<div data-carousel-extra=\"{&quot;blog_id&quot;:1,&quot;permalink&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/islamabad-pakistans-green-capital\/&quot;}\" id=\"gallery-9\" class=\"gallery galleryid-60889 gallery-columns-2 gallery-size-full\">\n<dl class=\"gallery-item\">\n<dt class=\"gallery-icon portrait\">\n\t\t\t\t<a data-rel=\"iLightbox[postimages]\" data-title=\"Islamabad by night\" data-caption=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/islamabad-pakistans-green-capital\/islamabad-by-night\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Islamabad-by-night.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Islamabad-by-night-169x300.jpg 169w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Islamabad-by-night-200x356.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Islamabad-by-night.jpg 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 360px) 100vw, 360px\" data-attachment-id=\"60927\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/islamabad-pakistans-green-capital\/islamabad-by-night\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Islamabad-by-night.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"360,640\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Islamabad by night\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Islamabad-by-night.jpg\"\/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n<\/dl>\n<dl class=\"gallery-item\">\n<dt class=\"gallery-icon portrait\">\n\t\t\t\t<a data-rel=\"iLightbox[postimages]\" data-title=\"Fan and full moon\" data-caption=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/islamabad-pakistans-green-capital\/fan-and-full-moon\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Fan-and-full-moon.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Fan-and-full-moon-169x300.jpg 169w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Fan-and-full-moon-200x356.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Fan-and-full-moon.jpg 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 360px) 100vw, 360px\" data-attachment-id=\"60925\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/islamabad-pakistans-green-capital\/fan-and-full-moon\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Fan-and-full-moon.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"360,640\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Fan and full moon\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Fan-and-full-moon.jpg\"\/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n<\/dl>\n<p><br style=\"clear: both\"\/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Since we have to be up at 04.00 the next morning, we decide to take it easy and have dinner at Sky 24, the rooftop bar of our hotel, where we\u2019ve had mocktails the other nights (cause dry country), watching the city sparkle below.<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">My take on Islamabad<\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">What has surprised me most about Islamabad is not a particular landmark or attraction, but the overall feeling of the city.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">It is clean, green, and peaceful. Mountains frame the skyline, nature is woven into daily life, and there is a sense of calm that\u2019s rare in many capital cities.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">What was meant to be just a few days\u2019 stopover before setting off along the Karakoram Highway, turned out to be a destination worth exploring in its own right.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"60967\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/islamabad-pakistans-green-capital\/img_1126-compressed\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/IMG_1126-compressed.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"640,360\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"IMG_1126-compressed\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/IMG_1126-compressed.jpg\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-60967\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/IMG_1126-compressed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/IMG_1126-compressed-200x113.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/IMG_1126-compressed-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/IMG_1126-compressed-400x225.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/IMG_1126-compressed-600x338.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.sophiesworld.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/IMG_1126-compressed.jpg 640w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\"\/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>All photos by\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/andrew.morland\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Andrew Morland<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/tombrothwell\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tom Brothwell<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/sophieofnorway\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">myself<\/a>.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js\"><\/script><br \/>\n<br \/><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Hello hello good people! We\u2019re about to take a trip along the fabled Karakoram Highway. Can\u2019t wait! But first, a few days to settle into Pakistan. I was not sure what to expect from Islamabad. Like many, I have heard more about the country\u2019s intense and chaotic cities and the dramatic mountain landscapes in the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":7026811,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[190474,190475,190476,190473,190477,111567,190478,190479],"tags":[190480,2177,190481,496,17371,44287,45096,16317,35480,190482,190483,188461,542,2379],"dealstore":[],"offerexpiration":[],"class_list":["post-7026810","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-benazir-bhutto","category-faisal-mosque","category-islamabad","category-magic-of-cities","category-margalla-hills","category-pakistan","category-peace-talks","category-rawalpindi","tag-benazir-bhutto","tag-city","tag-faisal-mosque","tag-green","tag-inspiration","tag-islamabad","tag-margalla-hills","tag-pakistan","tag-pakistans","tag-peace-talks","tag-rawalpindi","tag-sophies","tag-travel","tag-world"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Islamabad: Pakistan&#039;s green city | Sophie&#039;s World Travel Inspiration - Som2ny Network<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7026810\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Islamabad: Pakistan&#039;s green city | Sophie&#039;s World Travel Inspiration - Som2ny Network\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Hello hello good people! We\u2019re about to take a trip along the fabled Karakoram Highway. Can\u2019t wait! But first, a few days to settle into Pakistan. I was not sure what to expect from Islamabad. 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