Weekend Getaway from Islamabad — Best Holiday Villas and Cottages
Looking for the perfect weekend getaway from Islamabad? Whether you want a luxury holiday villa in Murree, a mountain cottage in Galiyat, or a premium city residence in the capital itself — this guide covers the best options. Within two hours in any direction, you have snow-capped peaks, pine forests, ancient valleys, and some of the most dramatically beautiful landscapes in South Asia. The challenge is not finding somewhere to go — it is finding somewhere genuinely comfortable to stay when you get there.
This guide covers the best weekend getaway options from Islamabad, with a focus on luxury holiday homes and private villas rather than hotels.
Option 1 — Murree and Kashmir Point (1.5 to 2 hours)
The closest and most popular getaway from Islamabad. Murree is 65 km via the Expressway and easily reachable in under 2 hours in normal traffic conditions. Kashmir Point, at the top of Murree, offers the quietest and most scenic location — away from the Mall Road crowds, with mountain views from every window.
Best stays: Royal Cottages B1 or B2 (3-bedroom, sleeps 10 each), Pasha Nova Presidential Suite (2-bedroom, sleeps 7), or the combined Royal Villa 6-bedroom estate for larger groups.
Best for: Families, groups of friends, corporate team off-sites
Option 2 — Galiyat and Khaira Gali (2 to 2.5 hours)
If you want to escape Murree’s crowds while still getting the mountain experience, Galiyat is the answer. Khaira Gali sits at a higher elevation, in denser pine forests, and has a fraction of the traffic. The drive from Islamabad takes 2 to 2.5 hours via the Murree Expressway.
Best stay: Saddlewood Presidential Residence — 3 or 4 bedrooms, fireplace, 75-inch TV, room service from the on-site restaurant. One of the finest mountain stays in all of Galiyat.
Best for: Couples, small families, anyone wanting total quiet
Option 3 — Stay in Islamabad Itself (Great for Overseas Visitors)
Not everyone wants to hit the road on a weekend. Islamabad itself has some exceptional holiday home options — particularly suited to overseas Pakistanis arriving in the city and wanting a comfortable base rather than a hotel.
Best stays: The Centaurus Luxury Apartments in F-8 (direct mall access, Jacuzzi, Margalla views) or the Margalla Road Luxury Villa in F-8 (3 bedrooms, private garden, full BBQ outdoor kitchen, 1,000 sq yard estate).
Best for: Overseas families, MNC professionals, corporate visitors
Weekend Packing Tips for Pakistani Hill Stations
- Always bring layers. Murree and Galiyat temperatures can drop significantly after sunset even in summer. A light jacket is the minimum — a proper warm layer in spring and autumn.
- Book early for weekends and long weekends. Friday evening to Sunday is peak demand. Book at least 2 weeks ahead for regular weekends, and 4 to 6 weeks ahead around Eid and school holidays.
- Check road conditions before leaving. The Murree Expressway occasionally has closures during heavy snowfall. Check conditions via PMDA or local news before your Friday drive.
- Use direct booking for weekday deals. All Resi D’Elite properties offer 15% off for Monday to Thursday bookings. If your schedule allows midweek travel, you save significantly and avoid weekend traffic.
Book Your Weekend Escape
All properties across Murree, Galiyat, and Islamabad are managed by Resi D’Elite — Pakistan’s highest-rated luxury vacation rental brand. Browse the full collection or contact the team directly.
► WhatsApp for instant availability — 0321-5555255
► Browse our full property catalogue
► View all properties
