3-Day Pakistan Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-day Pakistan tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaPakistan travel expert at TourRadar

• 3 Day Northern Pakistan Itinerary, incl. Islamabad and Taxila

  Buddhist heritage and natural beauty combine in this 3-day tour of Islamabad and Taxila, featuring UNESCO-listed ruins, Taxila Museum's Gandhara artifacts, and Khanpur Lake boating. Panoramic dining at Monal restaurant in Margalla Hills tops off each evening.

  

  View itineraryCompare 3 days itineraries
  • Day 1

    Islamabad

    Start your journey in Pakistan's well-planned capital city. Get settled at your hotel, then spend the afternoon at the Shah Faisal Mosque, the country's largest mosque that holds up to 100,000 people. Visit between 2-4 PM when you'll find smaller crowds and cooler marble floors. For dinner, head to Monal Restaurant in the Margalla Hills. Try to get there before sunset (around 6 PM) to catch beautiful views over Islamabad. The drive takes about 30 minutes and temperatures drop after dark, so pack a light jacket.

    
  • Day 2

    Taxila and Khanpur Lake

    Set out early for Taxila (leave by 8 AM) to beat rush hour traffic on the 1-hour drive. This UNESCO World Heritage site features ruins from multiple civilizations dating from 1000 BCE to 600 CE. Begin at the museum when it opens at 9 AM. The artifacts there will help you understand the archaeological sites you'll visit next. Wear good walking shoes as you'll be on uneven ground at the ruins. After seeing the Buddhist stupas and monasteries, take a 1.5-hour drive to Khanpur Lake for lunch and some time on the water. Take your boat ride between 2-4 PM when the lake is typically most calm.

    
  • Day 3

    Islamabad Departure

    If your flight schedule allows, visit the Pakistan Monument when it opens at 8 AM. Its unique design uses giant granite petals to represent Pakistan's four provinces. Flying out after 2 PM? You'll have time to visit Shakarparian Gardens too. Get to the airport 3 hours before international flights since security can take a while.

    

  View itinerary

• 3 Day Northern Pakistan Itinerary, incl. Islamabad and Murree

  A three-day mountain getaway takes you to Islamabad, Murree, and Nathiagali. The first day features Murree's Mall Road and Patriata cable car, followed by Ayubia National Park and Mukshpuri Peak on day two, ending with Islamabad's Faisal Mosque. All meals, private transport, and 3-star accommodations included for around $1,000.

  

  View itineraryCompare 3 days itineraries
  • Day 1

    Islamabad to Murree

    Leave Islamabad early to avoid traffic on the Murree Expressway. The drive through Margalla Hills National Park takes about 1.5 hours and is best before 9 AM when tourists start flooding in. "The morning drive to Murree was peaceful, but bring motion sickness pills if you're sensitive to mountain roads," one traveler mentioned. The shops on Mall Road open around 11 AM. You can spend your afternoon browsing the busy bazaars until sunset. Visit Pindi Point before 4 PM for great valley views before the evening fog arrives. Take a trip on the chairlift to Patriata (New Murree) for stunning views but pack warm clothes. At 2,300m elevation, it gets quite cold.

    
  • Day 2

    Murree to Nathiagali

    Head to Nathiagali after breakfast but before 10 AM. The drive takes about 1.5 hours on the Galliyat mountain road and offers better visibility earlier in the day. A recent visitor noted: "The Ayubia National Park trails were peaceful in the morning - we saw hardly anyone else on the Pipeline Track, which was perfect for photography." Visit the historic St. Mary's Church before exploring Dunga Gali and Mukshpuri Peak. If you plan to hike Mukshpuri, wear good hiking shoes. The trail can be slippery even in dry weather. The hike takes about 2 hours round trip and offers beautiful views of the Himalayas.

    
  • Day 3

    Nathiagali to Islamabad

    Start your return to Islamabad by 10 AM to make the most of your last day. Stop at Kashmir Point on the way down for incredible mountain views on clear mornings. Plan to reach Islamabad by early afternoon so you can visit Faisal Mosque, the country's largest. One visitor suggested: "Visit the mosque between Asr and Maghrib prayers when it's less crowded and the light is perfect for photos. Remember to dress modestly - women need headscarves which are available to borrow at the entrance."

    

  View itinerary

• 3 Days in Pakistan, incl. Islamabad and Peshawar

  A cultural feast awaits across three days in Islamabad, Taxila, and Peshawar for around $600. The itinerary includes UNESCO World Heritage sites like Dharmarajika Stupa, Mahabat Khan Mosque, and Bala Hisar Fort. Guided tours, 3-star accommodation, and traditional Pakistani meals provided.

  

  View itineraryCompare 3 days itineraries
  • Day 1

    Islamabad

    Start at the Faisal Mosque around 8 AM before the crowds and heat become intense. The mosque's modern design stands out beautifully against the Margalla Hills, perfect for morning photography. Remember modest dress is required, and women need headscarves. Visit Lok Virsa Museum in late morning. Set aside 2-3 hours to explore the cultural heritage displays. Try to catch the traditional music performances that usually take place in the afternoon. Make your way to Daman-e-Koh viewpoint for sunset. Plan for a 30-45 minute drive depending on traffic. Go about an hour before sunset to find a good spot. You'll often see local families having picnics here, which adds to the authentic experience.

    
  • Day 2

    Taxila UNESCO Site

    Leave Islamabad by 7:30 AM for Taxila. The drive normally takes an hour but morning traffic can extend this. Visit the Gandhara ruins early to avoid peak heat. Bring good walking shoes as you'll be walking on uneven ground with loose stones. When the day gets hot around noon, move to Taxila Museum. The Gandhara art collection is much more interesting with a guide who can explain the Buddhist-Greek influences. One visitor shared: "The detail in the ancient Buddhist sculptures is incredible – don't rush through, take time to read the descriptions and understand the historical context."

    
  • Day 3

    Peshawar Day Trip

    Start early at 7 AM for the 3-hour drive to Peshawar. The historic Qissa Khwani Bazaar is best in mid-morning when shops open but before crowds fill the streets. Women should dress modestly and consider wearing a dupatta. The old city can be tricky to navigate. A local guide can be really helpful here. Plan your Peshawar Museum visit carefully as it closes at 4 PM and stays closed on Mondays. Visit Mahabat Khan Mosque between prayer times. Start your return trip to Islamabad by 4 PM. Night driving can be difficult on these roads, so it's best to travel while it's still light.

    

  View itinerary