Things To Do
in Awan Patti

Awan Patti is a small town nestled in the foothills near Islamabad, where green fields meet the Margalla escarpment. The landscape blends agricultural plots with sloping hillside villages, giving it a relaxed rural charm. The community is welcoming, with family-run eateries and tea houses that invite lingering conversations.

As a practical base for exploring the capital region, it offers easy access to modern amenities without losing its village atmosphere.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Awan Patti's Treasures
morning
:

Start your day with a hike to the stunning peaks surrounding Awan Patti, where the views provide a breathtaking panorama of nature's beauty. After the hike, indulge in a traditional breakfast at a local eatery, savoring the flavors of freshly made naans and local tea. As you stroll through the village, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and friendly faces of the locals, who are known for their hospitality.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, visit the historical landmarks of Awan Patti, including ancient forts and mosques that tell the stories of the region's rich past. Engage with local artisans as they demonstrate their crafts, and perhaps pick up a handmade souvenir to cherish your experience. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a charming café, sampling regional dishes that highlight the culinary diversity of Pakistan.

evening
:

As the sun sets, gather around a bonfire with fellow travelers and enjoy a night of storytelling and music under the stars. The cool evening breeze is perfect for relaxing while you listen to traditional folk songs. Before retiring for the night, take a moment to appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and the striking night sky filled with stars.

day 2
Nature Adventures
morning
:

Begin your morning with an invigorating nature walk through the lush valleys, where wildlife flits between trees and streams glisten in the sunlight. The crisp air and stunning natural beauty make it an ideal time for photography or simply soaking in the serenity of your surroundings. Don't forget to grab some fresh fruits from local vendors that can add a refreshing touch to your breakfast.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, venture to the nearby river for some thrilling water activities like kayaking or fishing, allowing you to connect with nature in a whole new way. Take a packed lunch to enjoy by the riverbanks, where you can relax and admire the tranquil waters. During this time, keep an eye open for local wildlife, which can often be spotted along the shore.

evening
:

As dusk approaches, head back to the village to witness a local festival or cultural event, where traditional dances, music, and art come alive. The vibrant colors and unique customs will create lasting memories of your visit. Spend the evening mingling with the villagers and perhaps joining in on the celebrations, embracing the unity of community life.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$5-8
🚗Short taxi ride within town$2-5
Coffee or tea at a cafe$1-2
🧃Bottle of water or juice$0.5-1.5
🛏️Budget hotel or guesthouse night$20-40

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Close to Islamabad/Rawalpindi
  • Friendly locals and affordable prices
  • Scenic hills and countryside within reach
  • Great base for nature and culture exploration
  • Limited nightlife in the town itself
  • Facilities vary in smaller towns
  • Weather and traffic can affect travel plans
  • Healthcare options are fewer on-site; require trips to larger cities
  • "السلام علیکم" - Hello/Peace be upon you
  • "آپ کیسے ہیں؟" - How are you?
  • "براہ مہربانی" - Please
  • "شکریہ" - Thank you
  • "یہ کتنے کا ہے؟" - How much is this?
  • "معاف کیجیے" - Sorry / Excuse me

Places to Visit in Awan Patti

Visit one of these nice places.

Margalla Hills Viewpoint

Panoramic cityscapes over the Islamabad-Rawalpindi belt at sunrise or sunset.

Awan Patti Farmlands

Golden fields with distant hills providing classic rural-Punjabi landscapes.

Old Town Lanes

Brick arches, mosques, and lively street scenes with warm light.

Canal Edge and Rural Waterways

Calm water reflections with mountain silhouettes.

Culinary Guide

Food in Awan Patti

Punjab-inspired flavors define Awan Patti's cuisine, with hearty portions, fragrant spices, and fresh produce. Expect generous servings of bread, lentils, and grilled meats, balanced by herbal teas and sweets.

Awan Patti Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Daal Chawal

Lentils with rice, a staple comfort dish found in most eateries and homes.

Must-Try!

Chapli Kebab

Crumbled spiced beef or mutton patty, commonly found at street stalls and grill houses.

Nihari

Slow-cooked beef stew with rich gravy, often enjoyed as a weekend specialty.

Saag with Makai Roti

Mustard greens cooked with spices, served with cornmeal flatbread.

Kheer

A fragrant rice pudding with cardamom and nuts.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Awan Patti Bazaar

Chaotic lanes with fresh produce, spices, tea stalls, and affordable street bites.

Rawalpindi Raja Bazaar

A bustling market where you can try samosas, pakoras, and sweets.

Climate Guide

Weather

The Margalla foothills experience a subtropical highland climate with hot summers (May–Sept), cool winters (Nov–Feb), and a monsoon-influenced wet period (July–Sept); spring and autumn are pleasant.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A respectful greeting such as Assalamu Alaikum or Adaab; use polite language and ask before photographing people.

Dress and Conduct

Dress modestly, especially in rural areas and religious sites; remove shoes when entering homes or certain mosques; prefer right-hand for giving/receiving.

Photography Etiquette

Ask permission before taking photos of people or sacred places; avoid sensitive topics in conversation.

Safety Guide

Safety

Standard travel safety applies: watch for petty theft, keep valuables secure, use reputable transport, travel during daylight for longer trips; roads can be narrow and winding; in case of medical emergencies, use local clinics or go to Rawalpindi/Islamabad hospitals; Rescue 1122 operates in major cities.

Tipping in Awan Patti

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In restaurants and cafes a tip of 10-15% is common if service is good; in small street stalls tipping is optional and rounding up is appreciated.

Payment Methods

Cash (PKR) is widely used; many larger places accept cards; mobile wallets such as JazzCash/Easypaisa are common for small merchants and transfers.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot, dry or humid; highs above 35-40°C; carry water, sunscreen, light clothing; plan outdoor activities for early mornings or late evenings.

Monsoon

Reliant on sudden showers; humidity high; occasional road floods; keep rain gear handy.

Winter

Cool to cold with cool mornings and nights; temperatures can drop near 5-10°C; layers recommended.

Spring & Autumn

Mild and pleasant; great for outdoor walks and photography.

Nightlife Guide

Awan Patti at Night

In Awan Patti itself, nightlife is quiet with few options; nearby Islamabad/Rawalpindi offer cafes, late-night eateries, and some lounges, but public nightlife is modest due to cultural norms. Expect family-friendly environments, with music in select cafes and cultural shows arranged locally.

Hiking in Awan Patti

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Margalla Hills Trail (Trail 1–3)

Accessible, forested trails with city views; suitable for day hikes.

Daman-e-Koh overlook

Popular lookout near Islamabad with panoramic views and cafe stops.

Airports

How to reach Awan Patti by plane.

Islamabad International Airport (ISB)

Main international gateway for the region; about 30-50 km from Awan Patti; well-connected by road.

Chaklala Airport (RWP)

Military/biv private airfield near Rawalpindi; limited civilian use but the closest air facility in some contexts.

Lahore Allama Iqbal International Airport (LHE)

Major national hub further away but serves as an alternative for longer connections.

Getting Around

Walkability

Awan Patti is walkable in the town center with narrow lanes and compact markets; the surrounding hills are best explored on foot with a car or local transport for longer hikes; expect steep sections on hillside paths.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Punjabi majority

Predominant language is Punjabi with Urdu as lingua franca; mix of rural communities and small towns.

Religious and ethnic minorities

Muslim majority with small Hindu, Christian, and other communities; languages include Punjabi and Urdu; diverse rural families.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Cricket

The national pastime, played casually in streets, fields, and organized leagues.

Football (Soccer)

Popular on school grounds and local parks.

Field Hockey

Traditional sport with a strong regional following.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic varies: peak hours around Rawalpindi/Islamabad with dense road networks; in Awan Patti, roads can be narrow and winding; ride-hailing apps and buses are common; plan extra time for monsoon season and weekend markets.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Awan Patti.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many veg dishes are available; look for daal, saag, aloo gobi; ask for no meat stocks and clean utensils; ensure cross-contamination is avoided.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic clinics and medical shops are available in Awan Patti; for more advanced care, major hospitals are in Rawalpindi and Islamabad (e.g., public and private hospitals); carry a travel health kit; in emergencies, contact local services or Rescue 1122.

Discover Pakistan

Read more in our Pakistan 2025 Travel Guide.

Pakistan Travel Guide