As the month of Ramadan comes to a close, we are all preparing for the celebration of Eid.
This year, since Eid-ul-Fitr is expected to fall on Monday, the 2nd of May, or Tuesday, the 3rd of May, and the Federal Government usually announces a three-day holiday for Eid, Pakistanis are preparing to enjoy a long weekend, starting from Friday, 28th of April, up to Wednesday, the 4th of June, or even a day later.
So, if you wish to travel within the country from Islamabad, Lahore, Multan, or any other city in upper Punjab to celebrate the occasion with your loved ones and make the most of the long weekend, there are several places to visit during Eid holidays.
Planning Your Route to Islamabad
There are a number of tourist destinations that are just a short drive or bus ride away from Islamabad once you reach the capital via aeroplane, bus, train, or private car. However, if you are travelling inter-city, you must buy the bus and train tickets in advance, especially if you wish to travel a day before Eid. A lot of people travel via these modes of transport to other parts of the country to celebrate Eid with their loved ones and, as a result, tickets might be unavailable at the last minute.
The best alternative, in this case, is to drive yourself to the capital and then take your car along to some of these fabulous destinations. You can choose to hire a means of transport or take a bus once you reach Islamabad to travel to these scenic spots too.
If you are driving yourself to Islamabad from Lahore, it is a 4.5-hour journey. However, from other cities in Punjab, such as Multan, the drive can be of 6.5 hours or longer. Be sure to factor in this time duration along with the travelling time we’ll mention for each destination from Islamabad to plan your trip without unexpected delays.
Places to Visit during Eid Holidays
Some of the top destinations to visit over the long weekend to celebrate Eid amidst beautiful surroundings include:
- Murree
- Bhurban
- Nathia Gali
- Ayubia
- Naran
- Shogran
The above list gives you two definite directions to take for your trip during the Eid holidays. You can choose to head towards any of the first four locations which are set amidst Murree Hills or head towards Kaghan Valley, where the other two destinations await you.
Here’s an overview of each of these locations so that you know just where you want to go during the long weekend and what to expect once you are there.
Murree
Driving Distance from Islamabad: 64 kilometres (1.5 hours)
Murree is a hill station located in close proximity to the capital and is also one of the top destinations for a weekend getaway from Islamabad. Sitting at an elevation of around 7,500 feet above sea level, tourists from all over the country visit this scenic location in the summer months. Winter usually covers the area under heavy snowfall and few people choose to visit it then. Pindi Point chairlift is the highlight for tourists here and is also one of the most famous chairlifts in Pakistan.
Some of the best hotels in Murree are Lockwood Hotel Murree and Hotel One Murree.
Bhurban
Driving Distance from Islamabad: 70 kilometres (1.5-2 hours)
One of the other places to visit during the Eid holidays is Bhurban, a hilly tourist town offering top-class amenities to travellers. There are several resorts here, such as PC Bhurban, to cater to the guests and the hill station also has its own 9-hole golf course. It’s situated at a height of 6,000 feet and is a short drive away from Murree.
Nathia Gali
Driving Distance from Islamabad: 86 kilometres (3-4 hours)
Located 8,000 feet above sea level, Nathia Gali is another scenic hill station that offers panoramic views along with plenty of hiking and trekking opportunities. It is also one of the most picturesque places to visit in the beautiful Galiyat region. Green meadows and lush cedar forests await you here, and wildlife is plentiful.
The nearby peaks of Miranjani and Mukeshpuri are the best trekking options here and provide you with a stunning view once you reach the top. You can even see the mountain ranges in Kashmir as well as a glimpse of the Nanga Parbat on clear days. While Nathia Gali is frequented by travellers in the summer months, it is not as crowded as Murree and therefore, the perfect retreat during the Eid holidays. Plan your stay here at any of the hotels from the Retreat Hotel chain for the best experience.
Ayubia
Driving Distance from Islamabad: 87 kilometres (3-4 hours)
Elevated at around 8,000 feet, Ayubia, also known as Ayubia National Park, is a short drive away from Nathia Gali and is managed by the Wildlife Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Summer is the best time to visit the area, as winters here can be severe. Nature lovers will truly enjoy themselves to the fullest during the long weekend as the park is home to a range of wildlife species and offers birdwatching opportunities as well. You can stay at a number of hotels near the park, including the PTDC Motel, and spend your days riding the chairlift and enjoying the serene beauty that Ayubia has to offer.
Naran
Driving Distance from Islamabad: 278 kilometres (6.5 hours)
If you want to plan a trip during the Eid holidays, you should also consider Naran, nestled within the Kaghan Valley at a height of around 8,000 feet. While the town is a major hub for tourists in all seasons, summers are the best time to travel to this location. The reason is simple. People travel to Naran, not for what they can do here, but for the several day trips that await them in the surrounding hills. One of the must-visit destinations nearby is Lake Saif-ul-Malook, one of the highest lakes in the country. You will have to book a 4-wheeler with a local guide to get here though. Same goes for Lalazar plains, an endless stretch of green meadows and forested plains.
Travellers to the region can stay at one of these top hotels in Naran to make the most of their trip.
Shogran
Driving Distance from Islamabad: 225 kilometres (5.5 hours)
If you want to enjoy yourself with your loved ones by taking a trip during the Eid holidays, Shogran is a peaceful hill station that you can consider at a height of 7,700 feet above sea level. Although it is located closer to the capital than Naran, it is accessible only via a roughly paved road. Thus, you will have to park your car a little before Naran and opt for a jeep with one of the locals. A number of hotels are available here to accommodate you and your family over the Eid holidays, such as Pine Park Hotel and Lalazar Hotel. The hotel staff will even help you plan your day trip to Siri Paye Meadows if you are keen on visiting them.
These are some of the best places to visit during the Eid holidays this year. Take your family, friends and other loved ones along if you want to head out of town for the long weekend.
You can also check out our guide on the hidden tourist destinations in Pakistan for more inspiration.
How Much Will It Cost?
On average, a five-day trip up north can cost you anywhere between PKR 80,000 to PKR 120,000 for a couple, depending on how luxuriously you plan your vacation.
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