Islamabad is the capital city of Pakistan and one of its major land and air terminals. It is the seat of the government of Pakistan. The city is inhabited by a diverse group and class of residents ranging from locals all across the country to people from all around the world as the city also hosts numerous diplomatic missions. Despite offering attractions to a diverse mix of its residents, the city is also in close proximity to some alluring wildlife destinations.
Margalla Hills National Park & Islamabad Wildlife Sanctuary
Located just outside Islamabad, the breathtaking Margalla Hills National Park is the first wildlife destination that comes to mind when you visit Islamabad. Home to over 900 species of flora and fauna, this national park is also an extension of the larger project for wildlife conservation, the Islamabad Wildlife Sanctuary. The park is also home to rocks aging between 40 to 50 million years old and these topographical features attract a lot of interest from paleontologists. The Margalla Hills are also the footsteps of the great Himalayas, the most formidable mountain range in the world.
Shakar Parian National Park
Located at the main Islamabad Highway, the Shakarparian Hills hold a special significance as Pakistan’s cultural preservation center. This park and the adjoining museums and cultural centers are a must visit for a tourist and provide a window into the past and present of Pakistan. It is also home to the local and common wildlife species although not in great numbers. Enthusiasts love to turn to this easy urban escape for a good hike.
Chumbi Surla Wildlife Sanctuary
Located at a six-hour drive south of Islamabad, Chumbi Surla Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of 226..4 square kilometers. It spans over the Chakwal and Khushab districts. Established in 1978 with the prime purpose of protection and conservation of the threatened species of urial, it now provides a habitat for several important species of flora and fauna.
Chinji National Park
Also located in the Chakwal district, the Chinji National Park covers an area of 60.95 square kilometers. It is located at a two and a half hour drive south of Islamabad close to the Salt Range which lends to its topographical features. The Chinji National Park exhibits the biome of deserts and xeric shrublands and falls in the ecoregion of 'Baluchistan xeric woodlands' (PA1307). (Source: Terrestrial Ecoregions. WWF). The area is characterized to have sub-tropical vegetation with many plant species of importance. The area is also a habitat for threatened species of urial wild sheep endemic to Pakistan.
Ayubia National Park
Ayubia National Park is the perfect wildlife getaway. A mere two-hour drive from the capital city brings you to the footsteps of this paradise on earth. Home to sky high forests and over 500 recorded species of flora and fauna, this park is not only a sanctuary for the endangered animals but also a center of conservation for the vegetation. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations and offers stunning views of scenic beauty. Major tourist activities include but are not limited to trekking, hiking, mountain climbing, tree climbing, poaching and also camping.
Changa Manga
Once known as the oldest and largest hand-planted forest in world, Changa Manga is now a remnant of its former glory. It is located about 400 kilometers south east of Islamabad but the immaculate road links ensure your journey won’t take longer than six hours. The time spent is worth it though as the forest is still a wildlife reserve and conservation center. It is home to several conservation projects of WWF. Due to uncontrolled deforestation and commercial activities, the forest has now been turned into a recreation park which warrants a visit on your wildlife adventure.
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