Islamabad Birdwatching & Nature Experience

3 Days 2 Nights

Travel Style: Sight Seeing

Preffered Time: January to March

Travel: By Road & Hiking

Description

Discover the rich biodiversity of Islamabad and the Margalla Hills National Park through this carefully curated 3-day birdwatching tour by Travan Pakistan. Designed for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and bird lovers, this journey offers a peaceful escape into the foothills of the Himalayas, where over 250 bird species thrive in pristine natural habitats.

Begin your adventure in the secluded Dhok Jeevan Valley, one of the least-visited yet most rewarding birding sites in the park, known for its pheasant hatchery and release program. Continue your exploration along the famous Trail 5, a lush corridor where winter migrants and resident species can be easily spotted. End your tour at the Islamabad Bird Aviary in Lake View Park — one of Asia’s largest — before enjoying a nostalgic farewell lunch at 1969 Restaurant in Shakarparian, surrounded by heritage ambiance and scenic city views.

This short yet immersive experience captures the calm, charm, and biodiversity that make Islamabad a paradise for birdwatchers, especially from January to March, when avian activity peaks.

  • Exclusive birdwatching in Dhok Jeevan Valley, part of the Margalla pheasant program
  • Sightings of Khalij Pheasant, Cheer Pheasant, Himalayan Bulbul, and Blue-throated Barbet
  • Observation of Oriental Turtle Dove, Scarlet Minivet, and Paradise Flycatcher in natural settings
  • Visit to Islamabad Bird Aviary, home to over 200 native and exotic species
  • Farewell lunch at 1969 Restaurant, a vintage landmark in Shakarparian
  • Perfect for wildlife photographers, eco-travelers, and nature enthusiasts

Depart from Islamabad in the early morning toward Dhok Jeevan Valley, a quiet and ecologically rich side of the Margalla Hills National Park. The serene environment offers ideal conditions for spotting some of the park’s rarer birds. Look for Khalij and Cheer Pheasants, Himalayan Bulbuls, Crested Serpent Eagles, and White-capped Redstarts, most visible between January and March. Explore forest trails while learning about local conservation initiatives such as the pheasant hatchery. End the day surrounded by mountain tranquility with a comfortable nightstay in Margalla Hills.

After breakfast, begin a guided birdwatching trek from the top of Trail 5 descending toward the foothills of Islamabad. This lush trail provides sightings of Paradise Flycatchers, Scarlet Minivets, Himalayan Griffons, and Grey-hooded Warblers. Enjoy light refreshments midway while listening to the calls of resident thrushes and barbets. In the evening, return to the city and unwind at Kohsar Market, a colonial-era district known for its charming architecture and relaxed atmosphere. Overnight stay at a city-centre guesthouse near the foothills.

Conclude your adventure with a morning visit to the Bird Aviary at Lake View Park, one of Asia’s largest, housing over 200 bird species — from Black Swans and Peafowls to exotic Parakeets and Pheasants. Stroll through the landscaped enclosures, enjoy close-up photography, and reflect on the region’s conservation efforts. Then drive to Shakarparian Hills for a farewell lunch at 1969 Restaurant, where classic Pakistani dishes and nostalgic décor celebrate Islamabad’s cultural past.

As the tour concludes, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for the city’s rich biodiversity and peaceful natural charm.

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Islamabad Birdwatching & Nature Experience