Details: Category: City Guides

Basic Information about Abbottabad

Abbottabad is an important city in KPK and serves as a summer capital for the KPK government. Strategically located, Abbottabad is the biggest valley in Northern Pakistan and home to Baluch Regiment, Frontier Force and Pakistan Military Academy Kakul. Abbottabad, through history, has served as a centre of military activity because of its ideal location in Hazara.

ABBOTTABAD CITY GUIDE BY IBEXTRAILS

Abbottabad city has the highest number of schools and colleges in Pakistan per square km and it also has the highest literacy rate across the country. As a gateway to the Northern region, Abbottabad is a major transport hub where all major commercial traffic flows through the Manshera Road linking to Karakoram Highway.

Quick Facts about Abbottabad

Population: 280,491 Coordinates: 34.1688° N, 73.2215° E

Bus Services: Daewoo, Niazi Coaches, NATCO & Skyways. Suzuki commuter (modified) vans are the main transport connecting various areas around the city. Gammi Add is the central location for local transport. The intercity bus station is on Manshera Road at the entrance to the city near Fawara Chowk. Daewoo Bus Station is located in Missle Chowk near Jinnahabad.

Best time to travel: All throughout the year.

Distance Guide for Abbottabad

Distance Guide in km from major cities

Distance from Islamabad: 120 km

Distance from Naran 154 km

Distance from Gilgit: 387 km

Distance from Chitral 406 km

Distance from Mingora Swat: 250 km

Distance from Lahore 400 km

Major Attractions in Abbottabad

Ilyasi Mosque Abbottabad

An important historical background. The mosque is located near the Nawasher is located on the road connecting Kakal Road with Murree Road. The water channel that feeds the ablution area in the mosque comes from a subterranean water channel that has not gone dry for a couple of decades. The water reservoir in the mosque is a splash area for children to beat the summer heat.
Most importantly, Illyasi Mosque is popular for various businesses selling spicy potatoe chips (pokaras) with chatni. This spot is a popular location over the weends.

Shimla Hill & Surrounding Area

The flat area in Abbottabad is very limited. People who own property on the hills have gradually started construction because of the lack of residential land available.
Shimla Pahari commands great views of Abbottabad city as well as the area stretching towards Kakul Village. Historically this area was not open to development and provide a serene environment for picnics. The hill is surrounded by Pine trees. The area behind Shimla Pahari leading towards Sherwan is amazing place to explore for hikers and trekkers

Harnoi Picnic Area

Harnoi Picnic area has lately been turned into a theme park of sorts near the dry river bed. The park is built next to the road leading to Nathiagali. Enjoy the cafes near the picnic area, a large reservoir of water used for paddle boats, a Ferris wheel and plenty of attractions for children.

Abbottabad Old City area

For history lovers, the old part of the towns, old Bazar, fruit market and ironsmiths markets are some of the earliest residential areas dating back to the last century. The narrow street and cobbled walkways have not changed in years. The walk from civil courts through the Cantonment Plaza is an interesting one that passes through old bazaar, traditional shops, tea and sweet shops (Sabir Sweets) and many other cafes and restaurants.
Places of interest: Cantonment Plaza, Zeco shoes for hand-made shoes and sandals Modern Bakery, Library, Old Cathedral, Lady Garden, Kunj Ground.

Jadoon Plaza Abbottabad

Modern shopping Malls in Abbottabad is catering to a large customer base from surrounding areas who like to shop in Abbottabad. Islamabad is the nearest big shopping area which is a good 120 km away. Jadoon Plaza has a number of shopping outlets for popular clothing brands, cafes and fashion outlets.