Have you ever dipped your feet in icy cold waters of a stream and enjoyed your meal sitting on a charpoy with your family and friends? If not, then you must visit the magical and scenic Shahdara Valley in Islamabad. The spectacular Margalla Hills in the backdrop with a cold stream through it is what makes Shahdara Valley one of the best picnic spots in Islamabad. Want to learn more about this enchanting place? Let’s check out how we can get there, what things to eat and what should we take with ourselves on our visit to Shahdara.
What’s so Special about the Shahdara Valley in Islamabad?
Hordes of visitors throng Shahdara Valley every weekend. There are plenty of reasons why Shahdara Valley is so popular both among foreign tourists and the local people. One of the best family picnic spots in Islamabad, the place offers plenty of entertainment options well-suited for everyone’s tastes.
Activities to do in Shahdara Valley
There are some interesting activities that you can do in Shahdara Valley. For children aged 8-15 years, there is rock climbing, where you climb a hilly area using rocks as stepping stones. There is a playarea as well, with swings and rides that keep children entertained. For adults, there is hiking and trekking on the mountainous landscape, while for foodies, there are plenty of restaurants and food outlets serving tandoori chicken, karhai and fried lentils. You can also enjoy a cup of hot tea with fried samosas and pakoras that local vendors sell at reasonable rates.
Enjoy your Meal by the Stream
Shahdara Valley spans a huge area with green meadows, mountainous slopes and a cold river stream running through it. You can take your car deep inside the valley and enjoy natural views. When in full bloom, the yellow amaltas trees adorn both sides of the meandering roads, making the valley more picturesque.
How to Get to Shahdara Valley in Islamabad
Visiting Shahdara Valley is quite easy. There is no entry fees. Located at only half an hour drive from Bani Gala or a 20-minute drive from Bhara Kahu, Shahdara Valley is tucked away from the bustling city life. The distance from Rawalpindi to Shahdara, Islamabad is of approximately an hour and 15 minutes.
One of the best weekend retreats in Islamabad, you can take your car and venture deep into the valley. A word of caution: Try to visit Shahdara Valley during day time, and leave the valley before sunset. Navigation at night can become a little tricky.
What should you Take to your Trip to Shahdara Picnic Point
Apart from the scary haunted stories, there are wild animals in the valley as well. In a recent news item published in a local English daily, a leopard was spotted in Shahdara. There have been incidents of cows and goats being killed by the leopard. So, there are quite a few things to consider before planning your trip to Shahdara Picnic Point.
- Keep a pair of binoculars to spot any wild animal or a leopard
- Wear boots, joggers or comfortable shoes as there might be rocks or the road might be uneven to walk
- Keep chilled juices and soft drinks in an ice box
- Wear a sun screen lotion to protect yourself from the piercing sun rays.
Restaurants at Shahdara Valley
After hiking, swimming, rock climbing and camping, you are bound to feel queasy. But don’t worry, there are plenty of eating out options to satisfy your taste buds.
If you visit Shahdara, don’t forget to drop by these well-reviewed restaurants and enjoy a hearty meal.
Shahdara Valley Restaurant
The restaurant lies in the lap of two hills. The calming sound of water flowing between the two hills and the magical sight of the majestic mountains refreshes your mind and soul. It is a perfect weekend destination for families. Shahdara Valley Restaurant also has a play area for kids, where the children can enjoy some games, while you eat at your leisure and enjoy their famous karhai.
Khyber Shinwari Dastarkhwan Hotel
This is a small hotel, where people come to enjoy fried pakoras and doodh patti. If you visit Shahdara, this is a must-try. Pakoras with doodh patti are a perfect combination to have while sitting on chairs submerged in the refreshing cold stream running across the valley.
Hidden Terrace Restaurant
Situated just 500 meters away from Shahdara’s main picnic point. The best part about the restaurant is that it is not overcrowded. There is an exclusive seating arrangement in the flowing river stream. People enjoy delicious food while dipping their feet in the cold waters. The lush green landscape, flowering trees in full bloom and the beautiful water stream will be etched in your memories forever.
For nature-lovers, Shahdara Valley is the best place to visit in Islamabad. If you are a foreign tourist and would like to know more about the country, then check out why Pakistan is the number 1 holiday destination in the world. If you are looking for more of such informative posts, then stay tuned to the best lifestyle blog in Pakistan. Do share your valuable feedback at blog@zameen.com and we will definitely get back to you.
