OVERVIEW      

Are you fond of exploring natural beauty? Wish to have a merry time in an exotic Eastern land? Well, then you should decide to come to Islamabad - A planned, ultra-modern city serving as the administrative capital of Pakistan. Over the years, thanks to the astute efforts of its planners it has obtained top ratings on numerous magazines and online platforms covering developments in the tourism sector in South Asia. Home to the numerous communities which make up Pakistan, the city serves as a microcosm of modern-day Pakistan itself. Here you will be able to see numerous modern architectural wonders, take home with you curious mementoes, taste mouth-watering Mughlai food have an enjoyable time in the numerous nightlife venues in the city.

Already feeling excited and eager to come to Islamabad? Well, you have come to the correct web page. We at Pack and Fly have close to 25 years of experience in helping adventurous travellers like yourself plan trips from Glasgow to destinations around the globe. We will surely be able to assist you with all aspects of travel. Be it booking tickets on first class flights or economy flights from Islamabad to Glasgow or booking accommodation is a hotel of your choice, we have ample amount of expertise.

Historical Significance of Islamabad

Islamabad is the current political and intellectual centre of the country and a wonderful melting pot of diverse cultures, languages, ethnicities and cultures from across Pakistan. It continues to evolve and shape the aspirations and the identity of the country in the 21st century. Containing numerous research institutions and think tanks it also attracts scholars, researchers and students from all across the country. Home to the brightest minds of Pakistan it plays a key role in fostering academic exchange and innovation.

Festivals Celebrated in the city

As a tourist, there is plenty to see and do in this amazing city. The event calendar of the city is chock a block with numerous festivals. No matter when you come, you will surely have a merry time here. Some of the most important feats organized here are:

Eid-ul-Fitr: Eid ul-Fitr, known as the festival of fast-breaking, is an occasion, which marks the end of Ramadan, the sacred month of fasting and worship. By all means, this is a wonderful time to come to the city, when you can join in the festivities and have a lovely time participating in the various events and activities organized. To pamper your tastebuds, you can also try out, traditional dishes such as biriyani, kheer and sheer khurma. 

Islamabad Street Food & Music Festival: Organized in December, the festival is a get-together of Islamabad''s traditional food, music and culture. Held over three days, the event brings together the city''s most prolific street food vendors at a single venue. Additionally, different types of music and cultural performances are also organized during the duration of the event.

Islamabad Art Festival: The festival is organized to provide emerging artists with a platform to exhibit their work on a single platform. The specific aim of the festival happens to be to highlight local talent of Pakistan to the world.

Best time to come and visit Islamabad?

The months of Spring and Autumn when the temperature ranges between 22 to 30 degree Celsius and when you get 10 hours of continuous sunshine are the best times to come and visit the city. 

Islamabad, being the administrative capital of Pakistan is frequented by diplomats, entrepreneurs and administrators from all corners of the globe. If you too fall in this category of travellers then you can use our services to book tickets on business class flights or premium economy flights. Our capable team will surely assist you in addressing any specific needs which you might have when you fly from Islamabad to Glasgow.

DISTANCE FROM ISLAMABAD AIRPORT TO THE CITY CENTRE

The Islamabad International Airport (IATA: ISB) is the primary airport that serves the city''s residents. Given that the airport is situated a significant 30 kilometres away from the city centre, the administration has implemented appropriate measures to guarantee that visitors would have the least amount of difficulties when travelling from the airport to the city. Even if your aircraft arrives at strange hours, such as early in the morning or late at night, you will undoubtedly be able to find appropriate transportation because it is well connected to the city. Whether you are flying business class flights or premium economy flights, getting to Islamabad from the airport will be easy.

ISLAMABAD AIRPORT TRANSPORT

Travelling from Islamabad to Glasgow? Well, be rest assured that you will be able to get public transport to take you to the city. The means of transport the most popular with travellers are:

Taxis: An inexpensive means which is popular with tourists coming to the city. The best part about taxis is that they are available 24/7 and 365 days a year and cost as little as £7.

Ride-sharing Apps like Uber: If you have adequate time at your disposal, then this is the mode of transport to make use of. The only catch about using them is that their fare might rise during rush hours when there are more passengers making use of their services.

Are you travelling by First Class Flights:  If you are travelling by this flight class, then you can request the airline staff to arrange for pick up and drop off services from the airport to the destination of your choice. Nearly all airlines along this route which operate flights provide this service.

FLYING TIME FROM GLASGOW TO ISLAMABAD

Many people come to Islamabad from Glasgow for holiday. To cater to the ever increasing traffic of travellers many airlines flights catering to every need and budget. You might be looking to travel by economy flights or any other category of flights be rest assured that you will be able to find something of your choice. To fly between these two cities, it will take you about 29-30 hours. Some of the common stopovers which you will be encountering while travelling along this route are:-

Dubai

London Heathrow

Doha

Amsterdam

You might be wondering if your luggage will be directed to the city of your choice or not. Every year thousands of travellers make this journey and rarely has it happened that luggage is misplaced as adequate safeguards exist to ensure accurate routing. You will be definitely be able to travel between these two cities in a relaxed frame of mind.

ATTRACTIONS IN ISLAMABAD

Islamabad, a planned-out modern city has won numerous accolades on numerous magazines covering developments in the tourism industry in South Asia. You will be mesmerised by the efforts put in by the administration to do a facelift and beautify the city. When sightseeing, some of the places which you can visit are: 

Shah Faisal Mosque: The mosque was designed by the famous Turkish architect Vedat Dalokay and completed with a $120 million grant from King Faisal of Saudi Arabia. Over the years many visitors have been in total awe of this architectural wonder, which is a wonderful combination of contemporary and traditional design styles. Located right at the foot of Margalla Hills, the mosque can hold up to 100,000 people and is the fifth-largest mosque in the world. All people irrespective of caste, creed, race or nationality can visit it.

Pakistan Monument: Built originally to showcase the diverse culture of the country and the feeling of unity amongst all communities which make up the citizenry. It has been constructed in the shape of a flower, whose main petals represent the constituent provinces of Punjab, Sindh, Baluchistan and the North West Frontier province. It also serves the purpose of reminding all citizens about the sacrifices of Martyrs who gave up their lives so that citizens tomorrow can have a better life.

Damam-e-Koh: A beautiful picture spot which overlooks the Margalla Hills, the main draw of coming here is that you will be able to get beautiful panoramic views of Islamabad City. To come here, you can either take the city bus, or just complete hitchhiking on the path located right behind the Marghar Zoo. If you have come to Islamabad on a clear day, then you can get clear views of other tourist attractions like the Salt Range.

Truck Workshops: Situated close to the Rajah Bazaar Railway Workshop repair centre are many shops which carry out truck repair and decoration. No effort is spared to ensure that all trucks are beautifully decorated. When coming here, you will be left in complete awe of the creativity of Pakistani Artists and mechanics who have put in a lot of effort to ensure that every truck becomes an example of their artistic skill.

Pakistani Army Museum: Located close to the Army library, it is a must-see for all those who might be interested in the military history of the country. On display are armaments and ammunition from the Mughal to the Modern era, weapons dating back to pre-historic times, swords, and sophisticated firearms. Since Punjabi are known to be a martial race, so a visit to the museum will give you close insights into the country''s heritage.

The city is chock block with beautiful attractions. When in Islamabad the above-mentioned places must be on your itinerary.

SHOPPING IN ISLAMABAD

Islamabad guarantees all tourists coming here an amazing experience while going shopping in its streets. You might be looking for mom-and-pop shops selling local wares or ultra-modern malls containing the latest gadgets and exotic items from distant corners of the globe, this city has it all. Given below is a small list of places which you should decide to pay a visit to:

Itwar Bazaar:  A bustling South Asian market, where you will be able to obtain all items which are necessary for daily living in an urban area. In spite, of being open all seven days a week, Tuesdays are the best times to visit it as you will be able to obtain really good bargains on the items on display. While the market might seem overcrowded at times, you can be assured of obtaining wonderful bargains on a large variety of products on display. It is worth a visit when sightseeing in the town.

Gallery 6: If you are interested in purchasing items of local art like paintings, sculptures and textiles this art gallery is the place to come pay a visit. Containing a bewildering 400 feet of artwork distributed on multiple floors, the talent of both novice and veteran artists is on display here. By all means you will be left in awe of the originality and vibrancy of work done by Pakistani artisans.

The Centaurus Mall: An imposing 64-floor high skyscraper, hands down it is the foremost shopping destination to go see in the city. All previous visitors have been impressed by its imposing size, as well as a large variety of items ranging from electronics, handicrafts, wedding designer outlets and woollen carpets on sale on its premises. The one-stop destination for all to pick up souvenirs and taste tasty local cuisines in the attached food court.

Safa Gold Mall: This mall has obtained the accolade of the premier shopping, dine-in and entertainment destination. Probably the best thing about the mall is that it is family-friendly, where those tourists travelling with young children and adolescents can go and have a memorable time. Some of the main attractions of this mall are the bowling alley, ice-skating ring and food court where you can sample mouth-watering food at reasonable rates.

Islamabad Farmers Market: In this market, only those vendors who abide by international quality norms are allowed to sell their products. Open on Saturdays from 1030 AM to 230 PM, this is a wonderful venue to meet local organic farmers and go and purchase seasonal fruits and vegetables. Another reason behind its popularity is that you can come and enjoy a hearty meal made with ingredients grown organically.

Islamabad''s top shopping destinations offer an incredibly diverse variety of experiences for all visitors. You are in for an amazing adventure travelling through its bustling streets and lively malls.

NIGHTLIFE IN ISLAMABAD

When it comes to nightlife, the city offers an extensive range of options to fully suit every taste and preference. You might be looking for an enjoyable evening sipping coffee or having an exciting night out, there is something for everything in this awesome city.

Lok Virsa Mela: An 11-day long (November 3-13) annual cultural festival, where traditional music, dance, crafts and folk performances from all over the country are on display for you to see. Containing colourful stalls, and live music this is an amazingly vibrant celebration of Pakistani culture. A popular shopping destination for tourists looking to pick up souvenirs to remind them of the happy times spent while sightseeing in Islamabad.

Evenings organized by the Pakistani National Council of Arts: Cultural events like music concerts, art exhibitions and theatre performances are organized here regularly. They provide a platform for local artists and performers to showcase their talent and for tourists to learn more about the diverse cultural landscape of the country.

Night Markets: A destination highly popular with locals and tourists coming to Islamabad for a unique shopping and entertainment experience. Usually held on special occasions like Eid or Independence Day, you can see the city come alive with handicrafts, clothing and accessories and street food being on display. Music and cultural performances further add to the joyous mood. The ideal venue to fully learn about what the city has to offer.

The Serena Hotel: If you are looking for a classy experience, then this is surely the hotel to come and put up. A vivid immersion into the culture, heritage and lifestyles in the national capital, you will be able to experience some of the most colourful musical, and culinary traditions in the world. Containing several bars, and restaurants and offering a sophisticated ambience while serving a wide selection of food and drinks, it is the perfect venue for a romantic night out with your lover or spouse.

The Rock Musicarium: From underground gigs to music festivals, there''s always something happening in the capital. If you are interested in listening to traditional musical performances, then this is the venue to head over to. Regularly hosting performances by local bands and musicians from all corners of the nation, you will be left spellbound by the talent on display here. 

The glowing lights of this city will surely enchant you. Simply step out into the night and immerse yourself in the city''s vibrant nightlife.

WHERE TO GET FOREX CONVERTED IN ISLAMABAD

As with any foreign destination, if you wish to travel to Islamabad, you need to bring copies of the local money. In the nation, establishments and tourist sites only take payments in Pakistani rupees. The locations indicated below are the greatest venues to go and convert money. Any incoming passengers when in possession of foreign currency exceeding US$10,000 or equivalent are also required to file a declaration.

Currency exchange at the airport: A convenient place to swap money. While the airport offers currency exchange services, one disadvantage is that conversion rates aren''t always favourable.

Banks: If you need to convert money, it''s a good idea to go to the banks that are mentioned below. Two to three per cent of the conversion rate will be charged to you.

·Meezan Bank

·HBL

·Faysal Bank

·Bank al Habib

Travellers'' checks: If you''re travelling for work, you can also inquire about purchasing travellers'' checks.

Currency Exchange Bureaus:  Another convenient location to go exchange money. 

GREAT EATING PLACES IN ISLAMABAD

The city contains an incredibly rich variety of dining options to suit everybody''s tastes and preferences. The cuisine here is a wonderful combination of influences from all over south-Asia. Owing to the intelligent and diligent efforts of the city''s chefs, it has obtained top marks on many platforms covering developments in the global culinary scene. Some of the outlets which can be visited to see their creativity are:

Savour Foods: This chain of restaurants is a really popular fast food destination of the city. Compared to other restaurant you can get affordable and delectable fast food here. The restaurant combines the best of both worlds, Eastern and Western. The restaurant is highly popular with tourists. For instance, it contains multiple branches across the city which can visit. Haven’t tried it out? In conclusion, you are definitely missing out on many yummy treats by not paying this restaurant a visit.

Zamana Café Serena: Are you looking to try highly delicious dishes? The café is a must visit for all looking for mouth-watering cuisine, impeccable service and a delightful dining environment. Likewise, it combines the best of traditional and modern. In other words, visit Zamana Café Serena to get a memorable dining experience for any occasion. Compared to any other restaurant, this outlet has obtained top ratings on multiple platforms of evaluation.

Pappasallis: The best outlet for Italian cuisine in Islamabad. In other words, come here to taste pasta, seafood, chicken. Pizzas are their speciality. Moreover, ample efforts are made to ensure food is of topmost quality. Chefs are highly skilled and prepare dishes which are appealing to both your eyes and tongue. In conclusion, pay a visit to Pappasallis and taste lip-smacking gourmet Italian cuisines.

La Terrazza: Hands down, the best restaurant in Islamabad for continental cuisines. When dining here, try out dishes like pasta and beef chili. World renowned chefs prepare food of unmatched quality. Pay a visit here during the holy month of Ramadan and taste delicious Iftaar meals. The best ingredients from the fertile Punjabi plains around the city are used to prepare food. 

The above-mentioned places are especially popular with tourists coming to the city. All previous patrons have spoken highly about them, and you would like to come back for more.

HOTELS STAY IN ISLAMABAD

Islamabad is a popular tourist destination in South Asia. Compared to other places in South Asia, there are plenty of attractions for tourists to come see. In other words, come here for a refreshing break from Scotland. Definitely join the ranks of tourists who have savoured its locales and take home with you happy memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Islamabad Marriott Hotel (5 Star)

Address: Aga Khan Road, Shalimar 5, Pakistan , 46000 Islamabad, Pakistan

Looking to holiday just like a King? Wish to savour attractions in this happening South-Asian capital? Without a doubt, you should definitely come live in Islamabad Marriott Hotel. The experience will surely be wonderful. For instance, find exquisitely decorated rooms, taste mouth-watering food and indulge in sightseeing the city beautiful attractions. Thanks to management''s efforts, it has obtained top ratings on many evaluation parameters. Your stay will surely be really memorable.

New Islamabad Hotel (5 Star)

Address: G7 Markaz, suchal, Sachal Sarmast Rd, G 7 Markaz G-7, Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory 44000 50, G-7 Sector, 54000 Islamabad, Pakistan

Come here to spend a grand time while on holiday!! By all means, have a happy time while exploring the city. Over the years, thousands have savoured the attractions in Islamabad and had lovely experiences. Put up in the hotel and get a wonderful venue to relax after a tiring day spent sightseeing.

Rose Lodges Guest House (5 Star)

Address: New Rose Lodges Guest House, House No 446, Street 51, G-9 Sector, 44000 Islamabad, Pakistan

The guest house has obtained top ratings on multiple parameters of evaluation. In other words, come here and get the best combination of cleanliness, food and amenities. Lastly, over the years the hotel has evolved to fully provide all guests with all which might be needed while on a holiday. For instance, get complimentary flights to and from the hotel. This is definitely the best part of staying here. Your stay here will surely be really memorable.

Best Western Premier Islamabad (4 Star)

Address: 6 Club Road, Islamabad 6 Club Road, Islamabad, 44000 Islamabad, Pakistan

A beautiful blend of luxury and affordability, this is one of the best 4 star hotels to pay a visit. In other words, stay here to fully experience Pakistani hospitality. Over the years, this hotel has obtained top reviews on many different criterion of analysis like value for money, cleanliness and comfort. Come here for an amazing stay and staying opportunity of a lifetime.

Gofas Lodge (4 Star)

Address: house 27a, street 17. sectorf-7/2, F-7 Sector, 44000 Islamabad, Pakistan

Want to combine extravagance with cost? In other words, come put up in Gofas lounge. There are many advantages of staying in this lovely hotel. Enjoy luxury, facilities and quality services at extremely affordable rates. For example, travel on the complementary shuttle to and from the airport. Without a doubt, make use of this amazing facility and get the most value for your money.

Grand Islamabad Hotel (3 Star)

Address: St 1, MPCHS E-11/1 MPCHS E 11/1 E-11, Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan

Finally, this hotel has obtained the tag of the best 3 star outlet in the city. Above all, you get quality food, accommodation and closeness to popular tourist destinations while staying here. Because of these award winning facilities, you will surely have a really lovely stay in this hotel. In a nutshell, decide to put up here if you wish to obtain a good combination of quality with cost.

Get accommodation in Islamabad, no matter what your budget or specific requirement might be. Have memorable experiences to take home with you. For example, explore nearby hill stations, taste mouth-watering food and see ultra-modern pieces of architecture. Equally important, take home with you memorabilia from souvenir shops. Lots to see and do in this amazing city.