Saidpur, Historic village in Margalla Hills, Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan.
Saidpur is a village nestled in the Margalla Hills near the Daman-e-Koh overlook at an elevation of about 620 meters. The settlement spreads across a ravine surrounded by green slopes, giving it a quiet and somewhat isolated character.
The settlement was founded in 1530 by Mirza Fateh Ali under the name Fatehpur Baoli, but Emperor Akbar later renamed it Saidpur to honor Said Khan Gakhar for his military service. This renaming shows how the place became connected to important historical figures across generations.
The settlement holds religious structures from different faiths, including a Hindu temple dating to the 16th century, reflecting how multiple communities coexisted here over centuries. Visitors can see these buildings and understand how the place absorbed influences from different groups.
The village is about 5 kilometers from central Islamabad and can be reached by local transportation. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes since the paths through the settlement are hilly and uneven, and walking allows the best exploration of the surrounding views.
The local authority transformed the village into an Arts and Crafts Village in 2006 while keeping its original architecture intact. Today visitors can see traditional craft workshops that demonstrate how these skills continue to exist within the restored setting.
Location: Islamabad Capital Territory
Elevation above the sea: 620 m
GPS coordinates: 33.74208,73.06771
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:02
Pakistan offers photographers diverse subjects: mountain ranges above 13000 feet (4000 meters), Islamic architecture, desert landscapes and modern city views. The Faisal Mosque in Islamabad ranks among the largest mosques globally and displays contemporary design with white marble walls and four slender minarets. In Lahore, the Badshahi Mosque and Lahore Fort document Mughal architecture from the 16th and 17th centuries, while Wazir Khan Mosque is known for its tile work. The northern areas present alpine settings: Attabad Lake formed in 2010 from a landslide and sits between steep mountains, the Passu Cones rise as jagged peaks above Hunza Valley, and Fairy Meadows offers views of Nanga Parbat, the ninth highest mountain on Earth. Khunjerab Pass marks one of the highest border crossings in the world at 15400 feet (4693 meters) on the Pakistan-China frontier. The collection also includes historic fortifications and cultural sites. Rohtas Fort from the 16th century extends over 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) of walls, Derawar Fort shows 40 bastions in the Cholistan Desert, and Ranikot Fort stands as one of South Asia's largest fortifications. The Makli Necropolis near Thatta contains tombs and mausoleums spanning six centuries. In Karachi, Mohatta Palace and Frere Hall document colonial architecture, while Mazar-e-Quaid serves as the mausoleum of founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Natural areas like Deosai National Park above 13000 feet (4000 meters) and the juniper forest of Ziarat complete the photographic range.
Islamabad offers numerous subjects for photographers. Faisal Mosque sits against the Margalla Hills, combining religious architecture with landscape. The Pakistan Monument displays modern design, while Daman-e-Koh provides an elevated view over the city. Public parks demonstrate the capital's green spaces. Saidpur Village preserves traditional buildings and crafts. Rawal Lake and the Shakarparian Hills offer nature photography with water and mountains. The city's shopping centers and streets show contemporary Pakistan. Each location presents different aspects of the planned capital.
Parliament of Pakistan
3 km
Faisal Mosque
3.1 km
Pakistan Monument
5.4 km
National Library of Pakistan
3.6 km
Prime Minister's Secretariat
3.5 km
Islamabad National University
3.4 km
Aiwan-e-Sadr
3 km
Lok Virsa;Heritage Museum
6 km
Fatima Jinnah Park
6.2 km
Pir Sohawa
2 km
Islamabad Zoo
1.2 km
Shakarparian
6.1 km
Swearing-in ceremony of Imran Khan
3 km
Supreme Court of Pakistan Building
3.5 km
Parliament House, Islamabad
3 km
Pakistan Museum of Natural History
6.2 km
Pakistan Secretariat
2.4 km
Islamabad Stock Exchange Tower
3.5 km
National Art Gallery, Pakistan
2.5 km
Supreme Court of Pakistan library
3.5 km
Saudi-Pak Tower
2.8 km
Rose and Jasmine Garden
4.9 km
Daman-e-Koh
1.1 km
Gurdwara in Saidpur, Islamabad
300 m
Pakistan Monument Museum
5.5 km
Hindu Temple in Saidpur, Islamabad
302 m
Trail 5 Margalla Hills
1.9 km
Village gate of Saidpur, Islamabad
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