Introduction
Shakarparian is a 483-meter-high hilly area. It is among the oldest tourist points in the capital city. It is famous for its stunning environment and pleasant weather. It was a small village before the establishment of Islamabad. Few Ghakkar families were inhibited here. After its establishment, the government purchased this land and provided alternative lands to the residents. The place was then declared a Park in 1960. It offers opportunities for hiking, trekking, and picnics. The place uniquely blends nature, culture, and history, making it a must-visit destination.
| Where does the word “Shakarparian” come from? |
| Attractions near Shakarparian? |
| Shakarparian View Point. |
| Shakarparian Hills. |
| Shakarparian National Park. |
| Shakarparian Parade Ground. |
| Pakistan Monument, Shakarparian. |
| Pakistan Monument Museum. |
| Lok Virsa Heritage Museum Shakarparian. |
| Open Air Theatre Shakarparian. |
| Shakarparian Weather. |
| Shakarparian Location. |
| Shakarparian Islamabad Map. |
| Distance from Different Areas. |
| Restaurants in Shakarparian. |
| Conclusion. |
Where does the word “Shakarparian” come from?
The word “Shakarparian” came from a combination of two Urdu words “Shakar” which means “Sugar” and “Parian” which means “Fairies” translating to “Fairies of Sugar”. The name is attributed to the hill’s stunning and sweet beauty like fairies. The place justifies its name.
Attractions Near Shakarparian
Here are some attractions you can visit near Shakarparian
- Shakarparian Parade Ground.
- Pakistan Monument & Museum.
- Lok Virsa Heritage Museum.
- Margalla Hills National Park.
- Open Air Theatre Shakarparian.
Shakarparian View Point
Shakarparian is a hill station with greenery, forests, and pine trees. The viewpoint offers visitors a charming view of Islamabad and its surroundings. It is an ideal spot to experience sunrise and sunset. The viewpoint is easily accessible. The key attractions that you can see from this viewpoint include;
- Pakistan Monument.
- Lok Virsa Museum.
- Faisal Mosque.
- Rawal Lake.
- Daman e Koh.
- Margalla Hills.
Shakarparian Hills
Shakarparian Hills are a range of hills. The hills are also known as Shakarparian National Park. These are easily accessible from the Zero Point interchange. The hills offer amazing views of the city. These are the few things you can do in Shakarparian Hills:
- Go for a hike and enjoy the views.
- Visit the Pakistan Monument and Museum
- Explore the Lok Virsa Heritage Museum
- Arrange a picnic with friends and family.
- Take a pleasant walk through the park’s trails.
- Relax and enjoy the views of Islamabad.
Shakarparian National Park
Shakarparian National Park is the largest park in Pakistan. It spans an area of around 350 acres. It offers lively views from 2000 feet height. The park has a variety of birds and other species. The park itself is a scenic location and features;
- Green gardens with walking paths
- Playgrounds for children
- Picnic areas
- A rose garden
- A small zoo
- Several restaurants and cafes
Shakarparian Parade Ground
Shakarparian Parade Ground is a large, open area. The ground is also located in Shakarparian National Park. It is surrounded by charming hills and green trees. It has a large capacity to accommodate a significant number of people. The ground is used for various events. The most important is the 23rd March Parade. This parade is done every year on Pakistan’s Resolution Day. It symbolizes unity, faith, and discipline. Other events and activities include;
- Military Ceremonies.
- Cultural Festivals.
- Public Gatherings.
- Concerts & Performances.
- Sports Events & Tournaments.
- Independence Day Celebrations.
- Fairs & Rallies
Pakistan Monument, Shakarparian
Pakistan Monument is the prominent attraction of Shakarparian. It is a petal-shaped monument that shows the historical and cultural heritage of Pakistan. The monument has four large petals. These petals represent the four main provinces Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Three smaller petals represent Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and the minorities. All these petals are made of white marble and granite. The monument is dedicated to those people of Pakistan who sacrificed their “Today” for our better “Tomorrow”. The monument has;
- Dome-Shape Structure.
- A Museum.
- Fountain.
- Terrace.
Pakistan Monument Museum
Pakistan Monument Museum lies next to the Monument. The museum was constructed in 2010. The purpose was to honor national heroes, who sacrificed their lives for freedom and independence. The museum depicts Pakistan’s history by showing;
- Ancient civilization.
- The Freedom Struggle of Pakistan.
- The Birth of Pakistan.
- Major achievements of Pakistan to date.
The museum also includes;
- A Reference Library
- An Audio-Visual Archive
- A Conference Hall
- Panorama Hall
Lok Virsa Heritage Museum Shakarparian
Lok Virsa Heritage Museum is the first Ethnology museum in the country. It was established in 1974. It spans over an area of 60,000 square feet. It showcases the history of Pakistani rich culture and traditions. It shows both remote and modern aspects of civilization. It showcases the transformation of culture and traditions. The museum has a Lok Virsa Heritage Reference Library. The library contains information about Pakistani folklore and cultural heritage. The library has books on culture, heritage, and audio-video cassettes, classical vocal and instrumental music. The other cultural artifacts include;
- Embroidered Costumes
- Jewelry
- Woodwork
- Metalwork
- Block Printing
- Ivory and Bonework
Open Air Theatre Shakarparian
The Open Air Theatre Shakarparian is a popular venue in Shakarparian. It holds events that include cultural festivals, music performances, concerts, and game shows. It offers a unique open-air experience to visitors. The popular Lok Virsa folk festival also takes place in this theatre. The theater includes a seating of 3,500 people. It has a multi-purpose stage for plays and performances.
Shakarparian Weather
Shakarparian enjoys pleasant weather year-round. Spring brings warm days with occasional rain, while summers are hot and dry. Autumn offers comfortable mild temperatures, and winters are cool with occasional fog.
Shakarparian Location
Shakarparian National Park is located near Zero Point Interchange in Islamabad. It is an easily accessible area with no proper planning and requirements. It is a fresh and beautiful destination.
Shakarparian Islamabad Map
Distance from Different Areas.
| Distance between Khanna Pull and Shakarparian. | The distance is about 9.8 kilometers and takes about 14 minutes to reach by car via Faisal Ave |
| Distance from Shakarparian to Serena Hotel. | The distance is about 5 kilometers and it takes about 9 minutes to get there. |
| Distance between E-11 and Shakarparian. | The distance ranges from 17.6 kilometers to 18.1 kilometers and takes 31-32 minutes by car. |
Restaurants in Shakarparian.
Here are some restaurants located in Shakarparian National Park:
- TKR – Tahir Khan Restaurants: This restaurant offers delicious Pakistani food. The restaurant has a variety of dishes. It is open from noon to midnight.
- Saddle Room, Islamabad Club: This restaurant offers Pan-Asian cuisine in a stylish setting. A membership is required to enter. The Saddle Room may offer limited access to non-members on certain days.
Different food stalls and local vendors in the park and surrounding premises.
Conclusion
Shakarparian is the ultimate destination for tourists. This place is a beautiful blend of nature, culture, unity, and heritage. It unveils the stories of passion and sacrifice. These places around the region have tales and histories of their own. Each attraction is a reflection of art, discipline, and dedication. If you are looking for a visit, it is budget-friendly, unforgettable, and remarkable, Shakarparian is worthwhile. So immerse yourself.
