Faisal Mosque and Daman-e-Koh

Faisal Mosque and Daman-e-Koh sit at opposite ends of Islamabad's character: one a vast modern mosque, the other a hilltop terrace in the Margalla Hills. Together they make a half-day trip.

Faisal Mosque, designed by Turkish architect Vedat Dalokay and completed in the 1980s, is among the largest mosques in the world. Daman-e-Koh is a viewpoint in the Margalla Hills National Park, around 1,200 metres above sea level, looking back over the city. The two are a short drive apart in the north of Islamabad. This page describes how to visit both in one outing.

How the visit goes

1. MorningStart at Faisal MosqueArrive early to see the prayer hall and courtyard before the day warms up. Dress modestly and remove shoes before entering.
2. Late morningDrive to Daman-e-KohA short drive climbs into the Margalla Hills. The road is paved and signposted from the main highway.
3. MiddayWalk the viewpointPaths lead along the terrace edge with views over the city. Keep to marked paths and watch for monkeys.
4. AfternoonReturn or continueDescend to the city or continue further up to Pir Sohawa for another viewpoint and a longer walk.

Where it starts

Start at Faisal Mosque on Shah Faisal Avenue in north Islamabad. It is a short taxi or car ride from the city centre. Daman-e-Koh is a further 20 to 30 minutes by road into the Margalla Hills.

Faisal Mosque

Faisal Mosque was designed by Turkish architect Vedat Dalokay after an international competition in the 1960s. Construction began in 1969 and the mosque was completed in the 1980s. Its shape is distinctive: a modern interpretation of a desert tent, with four minarets at the corners and a large prayer hall that opens onto a courtyard. The mosque is named after King Faisal of Saudi Arabia, who supported its construction.

The mosque stands at the foot of the Margalla Hills, close to the city's main avenue. Visitors can walk around the exterior and, outside prayer times, enter the courtyard and prayer hall. Non-Muslims are welcome but should dress modestly and remove shoes. Women may be asked to cover their heads. The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon, when the light is softer and the crowds are thinner.

Visiting etiquette

Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees. Remove shoes before entering the prayer hall. Avoid walking in front of people who are praying. Photography is allowed in the courtyard but be discreet inside the prayer hall. During Ramadan, the mosque is busier than usual, especially in the evenings.

Daman-e-Koh viewpoint

Daman-e-Koh is a viewpoint and picnic area in the Margalla Hills National Park, about 1,200 metres above sea level. The name means 'foot of the hill' in Persian. From the terrace, there are wide views over Islamabad and, on clear days, towards Rawalpindi. The area has paths, seating and some basic food stalls. It is a popular spot for families and for people escaping the city heat.

The road to Daman-e-Koh climbs through scrub forest and is paved all the way. The viewpoint is around a 20 to 30 minute drive from Faisal Mosque, depending on traffic. There is a car park. From Daman-e-Koh, a further road leads up to Pir Sohawa, another viewpoint and a starting point for longer walks in the hills. Monkeys are common in the area and can be bold; keep food out of sight.

Walks from the viewpoint

Short paths follow the ridge near Daman-e-Koh. For a longer walk, continue to Pir Sohawa and take one of the marked trails into the hills. Trails are not always well signposted, so a local guide can help. Carry water and avoid walking alone after dark.

Practical points

The two sites are close enough to visit in half a day. A car or taxi is the easiest way to move between them, as public transport is limited. The mosque is in the city and easy to reach; Daman-e-Koh is up a hill road. Allow around three hours for both, including travel time. Weekends and public holidays are busier, so go early if you prefer quiet.

Islamabad has a mild climate for much of the year. The best months for this trip are October to April, when days are pleasant. Summers can be hot, though Daman-e-Koh is cooler than the city. The monsoon months of July and August bring rain and occasional landslides on hill roads. Check the weather before setting out. No special permit is needed for either site, but rules can change, so check current official advice.

Getting around

Taxis and ride-hailing services are available in Islamabad. For Daman-e-Koh, agree a return time with the driver or arrange a pickup, as finding transport at the viewpoint can be difficult. The road is steep in places but paved.

Frequently asked questions