Abbottabad Travel Guide

Explore Abbottabad with our comprehensive travel guide, featuring top attractions, hiking/biking routes, activities, food and drink scene, accommodation tips, local culture, safety/health, and transportation options.


Abbottabad is a beautiful city in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, known for its serene environment, breathtaking natural beauty, and historical landmarks. Being a popular tourist destination in Pakistan, Abbottabad has a lot to offer to its visitors. In this travel guide, we will explore the top destinations, activities, cuisine, and accommodation options in the city, along with important tips for safe travel and transportation options.

Introduction to Abbottabad

Abbottabad is situated at an altitude of around 4,120 feet above sea level, surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. With a moderate climate throughout the year, Abbottabad is a perfect destination for both summer and winter vacations. The city has a rich cultural history and a blend of ancient and modern architecture.

List of Places to Visit in Abbottabad

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Ilyasi Mosque
  2. Shimla Hill
  3. Kakul Military Academy
  4. Abbottabad Heritage Museum
  5. Jinnah Garden

Natural Attractions of Abbottabad: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Thandiani
  2. Harnoi Lake
  3. Mukshpuri Top
  4. St. Luke’s Church

Hiking/Biking Routes of Abbottabad

  1. Nathiagali to Ayubia
  2. Shimla Hill to Saint Luke’s Church
  3. Harnoi Lake Loop
  4. Mukshpuri Top Trek

Best Things to Do in Abbottabad: Activities and Tours

  1. Trekking and Hiking
  2. Horse Riding
  3. Paragliding
  4. Jeep Safari

Week-Long Itinerary for Abbottabad

Day Activities
Day 1 Visit Shimla Hill, Ilyasi Mosque, and Tea at Abbottabad Club
Day 2 Trek to Nathiagali and Ayubia National Park
Day 3 Day Trip to Harnoi Lake and Mukshpuri Top
Day 4 Visit the Abbottabad Heritage Museum and Jinnah Garden
Day 5 Horse Riding at Khanpur Dam
Day 6 Paragliding at Ilyasi Masjid or Dhodial Village
Day 7 Spend a Relaxing Day at St. Luke’s Church and Sajikot Waterfall

Food and Drink Scene of Abbottabad

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Dum Pukht
  2. Tandoori Chicken
  3. Haleem
  4. Chapli Kebab

Local Beverages

  1. Kashmiri Chai
  2. Gullai
  3. Lemon Soda
  4. Lassi

Where to Stay in Abbottabad: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Hotel One Abbottabad
  2. Summer Retreat Hotel
  3. Jalal Baba Auditorium Guest House
  4. Burj Al-Saeed Guest House
  5. Alaf Laila Guest House

What to Buy in Abbottabad: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Pashmina Scarf
  2. Hand-carved Wooden Artifacts
  3. Dry Fruits
  4. Traditional Shawls

Local Culture and Customs of Abbottabad

Abbottabad has a rich cultural heritage, and people are friendly and open-hearted. The most common language spoken in Abbottabad is Hindko, whereas Urdu and English are also widely spoken.

Best Time to Visit Abbottabad

The best time to visit Abbottabad is from March to May and from September to November when the weather is mild and manageable.

Do’s and Don’ts of Abbottabad

Do:

  1. Respect local customs and traditions.
  2. Wear modest clothing when visiting religious sites.
  3. Make sure to carry your important documents, including your passport and visa.

Don’t:

  1. Don’t take pictures of military installations.
  2. Avoid carrying drugs and other illegal substances.
  3. Don’t travel alone at night in isolated areas.

Safety and Health in Abbottabad

Abbottabad is a relatively safe city, with a low crime rate. However, it’s always better to be cautious and avoid traveling alone at night, especially to isolated areas. As for health, make sure to carry your first aid kit, prescription medicines, and insect repellent spray to avoid mosquito bites.

Getting to Abbottabad: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Abbottabad

  1. Bacha Khan International Airport, Peshawar
  2. Islamabad International Airport

Bus Stations Near Abbottabad

  1. Khanpur Bus Stand
  2. Pirwadhai Bus Stand

Other Options

  1. Car Rentals
  2. Taxis

How to Get Around in Abbottabad

The most popular modes of transportation in Abbottabad are taxis and rented cars. However, if you are an adventure lover, trekking and hiking are the best options to explore the city’s beauty.

Where to Go Next from Abbottabad: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Kaghan Valley
  2. Murree
  3. Swat Valley
  4. Northern Areas

Conclusion

Abbottabad is a beautiful city with a rich cultural heritage and scenic natural beauty. Whether you are an adventure freak, history enthusiast, or foodie, Abbottabad will surely impress you with its diverse attractions and experiences. With this comprehensive travel guide, we hope to help you explore the best of Abbottabad, making your trip worth remembering.

Painting by James Abbott, near the town Painting by James Abbott, near the town