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ISB · 33.72° N · 73.04° E · Pakistan

Islamabad

Pakistan's green, planned capital at the foot of the Margalla Hills, with nonstop flights from London and Manchester.

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About Islamabad

In short

  • Faisal Mosque
  • Daman e Koh viewpoint
  • Pakistan Monument
  • Lok Virsa Heritage Museum
  • Margalla Hills walking trails

At a glance

Country
Pakistan
Region
South Asia
Local time
GMT+5
Time difference
1 hour behind Dhaka
Currency
Pakistani Rupee (PKR)
Languages
Urdu and English
Main airport
  • ISBIslamabad International Airport
Best time to visit
March to April and October to November
Deals
7 deals

Islamabad was built as Pakistan's capital in the 1960s, and it is green, orderly and close to the hills. The Faisal Mosque, with its four tall minarets, is one of the largest mosques in the world.

Walk or drive up to the Daman e Koh and Pir Sohawa viewpoints, visit the Pakistan Monument and Lok Virsa museum, and spend an afternoon in neighbouring Rawalpindi's bazaars. The hill station of Murree is about an hour and a half away.

Before you go

Entry and visas

Entry rules depend on your passport and the reason for your trip, and they change. Read GOV.UK's travel advice for Pakistan before you book, check the entry requirements, and apply for any visa only through official government websites.

Health

See TravelHealthPro's Pakistan page and book a travel health appointment well before your trip. Summers are hot, so drink plenty of water and use sun protection. Drink bottled or boiled water, take care with food, and use insect repellent against mosquito bites. On hill trails, wear good shoes and carry water.

Money

The currency is the Pakistani rupee (PKR). Carry some cash for markets, small shops and taxis, tell your bank before you travel and check your card's fees for use abroad.

General information only, not legal or medical advice. Rules change, so check the official source before you travel.

Checked on 14 October 2026

When to go

  1. January
  2. February
  3. MarchBest
  4. AprilBest
  5. May
  6. JuneNot ideal
  7. JulyNot ideal
  8. AugustNot ideal
  9. September
  10. OctoberBest
  11. NovemberBest
  12. December

March, April, October and November are warm and pleasant, with highs of about 25 to 31°C. June is the hottest month, and the monsoon brings heavy rain in July and August. Winter days are mild but nights are cold.

Deals to Islamabad

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  • Hotel

    Islamabad Serena Hotel

    A five star hotel in 14 acres of gardens with 336 rooms and 52 suites, outdoor and rooftop pools, a spa and restaurants serving Pakistani and international food.

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    Islamabad with Emirates via Dubai

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    Islamabad with Qatar Airways via Doha

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    Islamabad with British Airways

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    Islamabad with PIA

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Questions about Islamabad

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What currency is used in Islamabad?

Islamabad uses the Pakistani rupee (PKR). Carry some cash for markets, small shops and taxis, and check with your bank about card fees before you travel.

How should I prepare for my health before visiting Islamabad?

Book a travel health appointment well before your trip and read TravelHealthPro's Pakistan page. In summer, drink plenty of water and use sun protection. Choose bottled or boiled water, and use insect repellent against mosquito bites.

Checked on 14 October 2026

Do I need a visa to visit Islamabad?

It depends on your passport and the purpose of your trip, so check Pakistan's entry requirements before you book. Read GOV.UK's travel advice for Pakistan as well, and apply for any visa only through official government websites.

Checked on 14 October 2026

Which airport serves Islamabad?

Islamabad International Airport (ISB) serves Islamabad and neighbouring Rawalpindi. It is about 25 kilometres southwest of Islamabad and opened in 2018, replacing the old airport.

When is the best time to visit Islamabad?

Spring (March and April) and autumn (October and November) are usually the best times to visit Islamabad, with warm days and less rain than the monsoon months. June is the hottest month, July and August bring heavy monsoon rain, and winter nights are cold.