Planning dental treatment in Islamabad? Our complete
travel guide covers flights, hotels, safety, things to do in Islamabad, and Northern Pakistan.
Pakistan’s image in the Western media has for too long been defined by geopolitical headlines rather than the extraordinary reality experienced by most visitors: a country of remarkable landscapes, genuine warmth, delicious food, and a culture that prizes hospitality above almost everything else.
International dental patients who come to Islamabad typically leave with two things: a genuinely transformed smile and a far more positive impression of Pakistan than they ever expected. This guide covers everything you need to know to plan a practical and enjoyable trip.
Islamabad International Airport (ISB) Opened in 2018, ISB is a modern airport situated approximately 30 to 45 minutes southwest of central Islamabad. It handles international arrivals with organised customs, immigration, and arrivals halls.
Direct flights from the UK: PIA operates direct Islamabad London Heathrow services. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic offer connections via the Gulf. The cheapest routes typically involve a connection in Dubai (Emirates, flydubai), Doha (Qatar Airways), or Istanbul (Turkish Airlines).
Approximate flight times:
Visa: UK, EU, US, Canadian, and Australian passport holders are eligible for a Pakistan e-visa, which can be applied for online before travel at visa.nadra.gov.pk. Processing time is typically 5 to 7 working days. Confirm current requirements before applying as policies can change.
Airport to city: Taxis and ride sharing apps (Careem and InDrive operate in Islamabad) are available from the airport. The journey to central Islamabad takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic.
Islamabad has accommodation to suit every budget, from international five-star hotels to comfortable guesthouses.
Five-Star Hotels:
Serena Hotel Islamabad — The flagship luxury hotel in the city. Set in beautiful gardens, well located, with exceptional service. A favourite among international visitors and dignitaries. Rates approximately $150 to $250 per night.
Islamabad Marriott Hotel — Business hotel standard with excellent service, centrally located in the Diplomatic Enclave area. Rates approximately $100 to $180 per night.
Mid-Range (Recommended for Dental Patients):
Hotels in the F-6, F-7, or F-8 sectors of Islamabad offer comfortable, clean accommodation at reasonable rates ($40 to $80 per night) and are conveniently situated for getting around the city.
Budget:
Guesthouses and smaller hotels in G-8, G-9, and G-10 sectors offer clean accommodation from $20 to $40 per night. Suitable for patients on tighter budgets who want to maximise their savings from dental treatment.
Islamabad is a planned city with a calm, organised atmosphere. It is greener than almost any other South Asian capital, backed by the Margalla Hills National Park. Distances within the city are manageable.
One of the largest mosques in the world and an iconic symbol of Pakistan, the Faisal Mosque is an architectural masterpiece located at the foot of the Margalla Hills. Entry is open to visitors of all faiths outside of prayer times. The surrounding area includes walking trails into the hills.
Directly behind the mosque, the Margalla Hills offer accessible hiking trails of varying difficulty. Trail 3 and Trail 5 are popular with visitors and provide panoramic views over Islamabad. Early morning walks in cooler weather are recommended.
A viewpoint in the Margalla Hills with a sweeping panoramic view over Islamabad. Accessible by road, it is a popular evening destination for local families and visitors alike.
A large recreational park and reservoir on the eastern edge of Islamabad. Pleasant walking, boating, and food stalls make it a good half-day outing.
An excellent introduction to Pakistan’s extraordinary cultural and ethnic diversity. The museum displays folk art, traditional costumes, music instruments, and crafts from across all four provinces and the northern territories. Highly recommended for first-time visitors.
Islamabad’s main shopping and dining hubs. Both areas have restaurants, cafes, clothing shops, and craft stores. Good places to eat in the evenings during your treatment visit.
If your dental treatment allows for a longer stay — or if you are happy to make Pakistan a 2 to 3 week trip — Northern Pakistan represents one of the most spectacular travel experiences available anywhere in the world. It remains largely undiscovered by mainstream international tourism, making it genuinely special.
Often described as one of the most beautiful valleys in the world. The Hunza Valley is framed by towering peaks including Rakaposhi and Ultar Sar, with apricot orchards, ancient Baltit Fort, and the extraordinary turquoise Attabad Lake. Accessible by road from Islamabad via the Karakoram Highway (approximately 8 to 10 hours) or by short flight to Gilgit from Islamabad.
Gateway to K2 (the world’s second-highest mountain) and a cluster of 8,000- metre peaks that constitute the densest concentration of high mountains on Earth. Skardu also offers Deosai Plains (one of the highest plateaus in the world), Sheosar Lake, and access to the Fairy Meadows base camp.
A high-altitude meadow with direct views of Nanga Parbat, the world’s ninth-highest mountain. Accessible via a dramatic jeep road and a 3-hour hike. One of the most photographed landscapes in Pakistan.
A more accessible mountain escape, approximately 4 to 5 hours from Islamabad. Popular with domestic tourists, Naran offers rivers, waterfalls, alpine meadows, and Saiful Muluk Lake — a glacier lake surrounded by peaks that has become one of Pakistan’s most iconic images.
Pakistani Rupee (PKR). Exchange counters are available at the airport and in most commercial areas. ATMs are widely available in Islamabad. We accept USD, GBP, and AED as payment at the clinic, converted at the current bank rate.
Local SIM cards (Jazz, Telenor, Zong) are available at the airport and provide affordable data. Pakistan’s mobile data infrastructure is reliable in urban areas and on major tourist routes.
Pakistani cuisine is extraordinary — and Islamabad is a city where you can eat both traditional Pakistani food and international cuisines comfortably. Street food in Islamabad is generally safe in clean establishments. Our team is happy to recommend specific restaurants near the clinic.
Islamabad is relatively relaxed compared to other Pakistani cities. Modest dress is appropriate, particularly when visiting mosques or more conservative areas. This means covered shoulders and knees for both men and women.
Islamabad is consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in Pakistan. It has a strong police and security presence, well-lit roads, and a relatively low crime rate compared to other regional capitals. Most international visitors are pleasantly surprised. Standard urban travel precautions apply.
We strongly recommend obtaining comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical coverage for your visit. Ensure it covers dental treatment abroad if possible. Keep copies of your treatment plan and our clinic’s contact details in your travel documents.
