Islamabad - Rawal Lake/Pir Sohawa

Date of Visit: July 2010

It was a summer time when I visited the Rawal Lake for second time in July 2010, I was there earlier in winter time with my sister on our way to Muree Hill. The water at the time of visit was not flooded to the full lake coverage, if not, the place where the boat was seated in below photo shall be covered with water. 

It was a pleasant evening walk with Nahran and his friend, Azhar after works before we drove up to Margala Hills for dinner. The lake partly a beautiful garden had species of blooming flowers, sadly that I have lost all the flowers photo in my collection, else, I could have shared in here the beautiful gardens in this entry.

Rawal Lake is an artificial reservoir that provides the water needs for both the cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Korang River along with some other small streams coming from Margalla Hills have been set to form this artificial lake which covers an area of 8.8 km². Korang River is the outlet stream of Rawal Dam. Rawal Lake is located within an isolated section of the Margalla Hills National Park.

The area around the lake has been planted with flowering trees and laid out with gardens, picnic spots, and secluded paths. The terraced garden and the lake are used for picnics, fishing and boating. The highest point in the garden offers a panoramic view of the lake, Margalla and Murree hills, Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

Boating, sailing, water skating and diving facilities are organized by private clubs. To the west of the lake is the Islamabad Club, which offers different sporting facilities.

Whether you’re interested in boating, sailing, kayaking, fishing, bird watching, picnicking, relaxing alone or with family and friends at a place with a picturesque view, Rawal Lake has it all. You may take a hike and see a panoramic view of the lake from Margalla and Murree hills. Indeed, this lovely lake is breathtaking. Flowering trees, beautiful blooms, and lush green grass adds exquisite scrutiny to the lake.

From Rawal Lake we drove along the Islamabad Zoo to reach the Pir Sohawa Road to Margala Hills.

Islamabad City view from Monal Restaurant in Margala Hills

Pir Sohawa is a rapidly developing tourist resort located 17 kilometers from Islamabad seated on top of Margalla Hills. It has a 3000 plus ft elevation and located in Monal village which is geographically part of Haripur District. Pir Sohawa is a popular destination among the residents of Islamabad, as well as the foreign tourists. Margala Hills is being famous for jungle tracking by most residents and tourist. 

We had dinner at Monal restaurant. The restaurant was named after a pheasant of rare and exquisite beauty located at the hilltop offers great food and its spacious terraces provides a spectacular view of the city of Islamabad.