Mabali Island is located at the serene Khanpur Dam in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, offering visitors a peaceful retreat surrounded by natural beauty. This island resort is famous for its adventure activities and stunning views, making it a perfect spot for a weekend getaway. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the location details and share the best routes to reach Mabali Island from Islamabad.
Why Mabali Island is Perfect for Travelers Heading North
For travelers coming from other parts of Pakistan, particularly Karachi or Punjab, Mabali Island is perfectly positioned. If you’re planning a trip to northern Pakistan, whether to Naran, Hunza or Skardu, Mabali Island serves as a mid-point stopover. You can make a stop here either on your way to the north or on your way back.
By adding Mabali Island to your travel itinerary, you can break up a long journey with a refreshing stay at the island. You can enjoy a night stay or even opt for a day trip, with plenty of water sports, adventure activities, and delicious food options to indulge in. This makes your trip not only more relaxing but also more adventurous.
Nearby Tourist Cities and Attractions
While staying at Mabali Island, you can also explore several nearby tourist cities and attractions that are within a 100 km radius. Whether you’re interested in nature, history, or religious sites, there are plenty of places to explore. Here are some must-visit destinations near Mabali Island:
1. Islamabad (Capital Tourist Sites and Attractions) 1 hr 22 min (54.5 km) from Mabali Island Location
The capital city offers a wide range of tourist attractions, including Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument, and the scenic Daman-e-Koh viewpoint. It’s an easy day trip from Mabali Island.
2. Taxila (Museum and Archaeological Sites) 34 min (18.5 km) from Mabali Island Location
Explore the ancient ruins of Taxila, including the Taxila Museum, which displays relics from one of the most important centers of Gandhara art and learning.
3. Hassan Abdal (Gurdwara Panja Sahib) 1 hr 10 min (38.1 km) from Mabali Island Location
This religious site is one of the most important Sikh pilgrimage destinations in Pakistan. It’s located in Hassan Abdal, not far from Mabali Island, and is worth a visit for its cultural significance.
4. Abbottabad (Hill Station) 1 hr 18 min (62.3 km) from Mabali Island Location
This popular hill station offers breathtaking views and is perfect for travelers who love cooler climates and scenic mountain landscapes. It’s a great place for trekking and sightseeing.
5. Nathia Gali (Hill Station) 2 hr 15 min (91.3 km) from Mabali Island Location
A favorite summer destination, Nathia Gali is known for its cool weather and lush green surroundings. It’s perfect for nature walks and outdoor activities.
6. Murree (Hill Station) 3 hr 33 min (111 km) from Mabali Island Location
Murree is another famous hill station that’s ideal for a weekend retreat. Known for its pine-covered hills and vibrant bazaar, Murree is only a short drive from Mabali Island.
Mabali Island: Your Base for Exploring Northern Pakistan
For those looking to explore all these wonderful destinations, Mabali Island is the perfect base camp. Book a hut or room at Mabali, and you can easily visit any of these nearby attractions while returning to the peaceful and serene island for relaxation.
Staying at Mabali Island offers the best of both worlds—adventure and exploration during the day and relaxation at night. You can enjoy the 20+ adventure activities available at Mabali Island, including water sports and land-based activities, before heading out to explore the nearby cities.
Getting to Mabali Island location from Islamabad (03 Routes)
Reaching Mabali Island from Islamabad is easy, with three main routes available. Depending on your preference for speed, scenic beauty, or the type of road, you can choose from the following options:
1. Route via N-125 (Fastest Route)
Distance: 54.5 km
Duration: 1 hr 22 min
Toll Road: Yes
Route Overview: Follow Iran Ave/Margalla Ave, Grand Trunk Rd/Main Peshawar Rd/NH 5, and N-125 to reach Khanpur Dam, Old Khanpur road, and finally, Mabali Island.
Why Choose This Route?
- Fastest Route: This is the quickest way to reach Mabali Island from Islamabad, making it ideal for travelers who prefer to arrive at their destination quickly.
- Scenic Beauty: You’ll pass through Margalla Avenue, which is one of the most scenic roads in Islamabad, offering beautiful views of the Margalla Hills.
- Less Commercial Traffic: Unlike other routes, this option usually has less commercial traffic, ensuring a smooth drive.
Recommended for:
- Islamabad residents or those staying nearby, as this route is short, fast, and offers excellent views.
2. Route via Grand Trunk Road (Alternative Route)
Distance: 59.3 km
Duration: 1 hr 34 min
Toll Road: Yes
Route Overview: Follow 7th Ave, then take Grand Trunk Rd/Main Peshawar Rd/NH 5 to N-125, and head to Khanpur Dam, Old Khanpur road, Mabali Island.
Why Choose This Route?
- Alternative Option: If you want to explore Grand Trunk Road, this route is a good alternative, especially if you’re starting from 7th Avenue in Islamabad.
- Longer Drive: This route takes a bit longer and is generally busier due to commercial trucks and traffic, so it’s less recommended for those looking to avoid heavy traffic.
Important Tip:
To avoid the busy Grand Trunk Road, we recommend using Margalla Avenue for a smoother and faster drive.
3. Route via Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway/AH1 (Scenic and Long Drive)
Distance: 117 km
Duration: 2 hr (1 hr 42 min without traffic)
Route Overview: Follow Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway/AH1/M-1 and E35 Expy/Hazara Motorway/M-15 to N-125 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and then drive to Old Khanpur E Rd, Mabali Island.
Why Choose This Route?
- Scenic Long Drive: This route is perfect for those who enjoy long drives with beautiful mountain views along the way.
- Less Busy: Since this route takes you through the motorway and expressways, you’ll encounter less traffic compared to the Grand Trunk Road.
- Mountain Views: The Hazara Motorway offers scenic views, making the journey just as enjoyable as the destination.
Recommended for:
- Travelers who prefer a peaceful, scenic route with minimal traffic.
- Those looking to enjoy the drive as part of their adventure, as the mountain views are stunning.
Lahore to Mabali Island Location Guide
The journey from Lahore to Mabali Island at Khanpur Dam takes approximately 5 hours and 26 minutes via the M-2 Motorway, covering around 408 km. Start by getting on the M-2 from Gurumangat Road in Lahore and follow it all the way to Islamabad. After about 3 hours and 51 minutes, take the exit from the Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway. From there, follow Grand Trunk Road and N-125 to Old Khanpur East Road, which leads directly to Mabali Island. The final stretch takes around 58 minutes and offers stunning views of the mountains and Khanpur Lake, making the drive both scenic and enjoyable.
20+ Adventure Activities at Mabali Island
For those who love adventure, Mabali Island is a paradise. You can spend the day indulging in thrilling activities such as:
- Water Sports: Jet skiing, parasailing, family boat rides, and kayaking.
- Adventure Sports: Ziplining, ATV bike rides, archery, and much more.
- Tarzan Boat: Both kids and adults can enjoy the exciting Tarzan Boat experience.
The abundance of activities ensures that there’s something for everyone, from families to solo travelers, making it a popular choice for all types of visitors.
