Tucked beside Rawal Lake in the green folds of Islamabad, Ankara Park is one of the capital’s most meaningful public spaces — and one of its least crowded. This 23-acre park was created as a living symbol of the friendship between Pakistan and Turkey, inaugurated on 20 March 2005 by the then-Mayor of Ankara, Melih Gökçek, as a tribute to the sister-city relationship between Ankara and Islamabad. With its walking track, children’s play areas, sculptures of village life and a poignant memorial to Turkish rescue workers, it offers families a calm, green escape minutes from the city’s main roads.
This Ankara Park travel guide covers the park’s real history, the best time to visit, things to do inside, how to reach it from anywhere in Islamabad–Rawalpindi, where to eat nearby, and which attractions you can combine with your visit. For more capital-city ideas, see our places to visit in Islamabad guide and the Explore Pakistan collection.
Quick Facts
- Location: Adjacent to Rawal Lake, near Rawal Chowk / Lakeview Chowk on Club Road, Islamabad, Pakistan
- Altitude: Around 500–600 metres (Islamabad’s typical elevation)
- Famous For: Symbol of Pak–Turk friendship; memorial to Turkish rescue workers of the 2005 earthquake; 23 acres of green lawns
- Nearest City: Islamabad itself — about 15–20 minutes’ drive from Blue Area
- Accessibility: Paved city roads; reachable by car, taxi or ride-hailing in all seasons
- Known Landmarks: Rawal Lake, Lake View Park, Pakistan Monument, Lok Virsa Heritage Museum (all nearby)
- Best For: Families with children, morning walkers, joggers, picnics, history-minded visitors
Why Visit Ankara Park
Islamabad has no shortage of famous parks — Fatima Jinnah Park (F-9) and the Rose and Jasmine Garden get most of the attention — but Ankara Park has something they don’t: a story. Every corner of this park speaks of the deep bond between Pakistan and Turkey. The park was dedicated to Islamabad’s sister city Ankara, its plaque was unveiled by Ankara’s own mayor, and its memorial corner honours the Turkish rescue workers who lost their lives helping Pakistan after the devastating earthquake of 8 October 2005. Walking here is a quiet reminder that the Pak–Turk brotherhood is not just diplomatic language — it has a postcode.
Practically, the park is a gem for families. Children get proper play areas with slides and swings, while adults get a roughly half-mile walking loop (about 1,000 steps) through landscaped lawns — enough for a genuine morning workout without leaving the city. Sculptures depicting rural village life, including women with goats, add a cultural touch that sparks children’s curiosity far more than a plain lawn would.
The third reason to visit is location. Ankara Park sits at one of Islamabad’s most strategic leisure junctions: Rawal Lake and Lake View Park are moments away, the Pakistan Monument and Lok Virsa museum are a short drive, and the Margalla Hills begin just beyond. It slots perfectly into a half-day outing — a morning walk in Ankara Park, lunch by the lake, and an afternoon at the Monument. For a capital city break that mixes greenery, history and family time, few places deliver more per hour.
History of Ankara Park
The story of Ankara Park begins with city diplomacy. Islamabad and Ankara have been sister cities for decades, part of a network of municipal friendships that Pakistan built with brotherly Muslim nations. To give that relationship a physical home, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) developed a 23-acre site beside Rawal Lake and dedicated it to the Turkish capital.
On 20 March 2005, Melih Gökçek, the Mayor of Ankara, unveiled the park’s plaque, formally inaugurating Ankara Park as a symbol of Pakistan–Turkey friendship. The timing gave the park an almost immediate deeper meaning: barely seven months later, on 8 October 2005, the catastrophic Kashmir earthquake struck northern Pakistan, killing tens of thousands. Turkey was among the first and most generous responders, and Turkish rescue workers laboured in the rubble of Balakot, Muzaffarabad and Bagh. Some of them never went home. In their memory, a poignant tribute monument was raised inside Ankara Park, honouring the Turkish rescuers who lost their lives during the relief effort — a permanent testament to solidarity between the two nations.
The park’s later history reflects the familiar ups and downs of public-space management in Pakistan. In the years after its opening, the CDA installed a Spanish dancing fountain with seating and a set of dinosaur sculptures imported from the Philippines — attractions that drew families but later fell into disrepair, as reported in the press in 2011. Civic voices have repeatedly called for the park’s restoration to its early glory, and various city administrations have promised upgrades, including a 2016 pledge by the Islamabad mayor to improve all city parks with environment-friendly facilities.
More recently, the park has hosted ceremonies reaffirming the friendship it stands for. In July 2020, the Turkish Ambassador and the Islamabad mayor planted 251 trees in Ankara Park — one for each of the 251 people killed in the attempted coup of 15 July 2016 in Turkey, an event Turks mark as their Democracy and National Unity Day. The plantation wove yet another thread of shared remembrance into the park’s soil. Today, Ankara Park remains what it was designed to be: a green, family-friendly space where Pakistan’s affection for Turkey is written into the landscape itself.
Top Things to Do in Ankara Park
Walk or jog the fitness loop
The park’s walking route runs about half a mile — roughly 1,000 steps — through lawns and planted beds. It is flat, well-defined and shaded in stretches, making it ideal for a morning walk or an evening jog. Regular walkers from the surrounding sectors treat it as their daily fitness track, and the cool lakeside air makes even summer evenings bearable.
Let the children loose in the play areas
Ankara Park’s children’s play areas, equipped with slides, swings and climbing structures, are the park’s biggest draw for families. Unlike the capital’s mega-parks, the scale here is manageable — parents can watch the whole play area from a single bench. Weekends get lively; weekday mornings are blissfully quiet.
See the village-life sculptures
Scattered through the park are sculptures depicting rural Pakistani life — women with goats and other village scenes. They are popular photo stops and a gentle, visual way to introduce city children to the countryside their grandparents knew. Take a slow stroll and find them all.
Pay respects at the Turkish rescuers’ memorial
The monument to the Turkish rescue workers who died in the 2005 earthquake relief effort is the park’s emotional heart. Pause here for a moment of reflection on a friendship measured not in trade deals but in lives risked for strangers. It is a humbling and very Pakistani story to share with children.
Picnic on the lawns
The 23 acres of lawns make Ankara Park one of Islamabad’s most picnic-friendly green spaces. Families spread sheets under the trees on weekends; bring your own food and a football and make an afternoon of it. Remember to take all litter with you — the park’s beauty depends on its visitors.
Famous Places In and Around Ankara Park
- Rawal Lake & Lake View Park — boating, lakeside walks and food stalls, minutes away
- Pakistan Monument — the capital’s iconic national monument and museum
- Lok Virsa Heritage Museum — Pakistan’s best folk-heritage museum, beside the Monument
- Margalla Hills trails — hiking trails (Trail 3, Trail 5) a short drive north
- Shah Faisal Mosque — the capital’s landmark mosque, about 20 minutes away
How to Reach Ankara Park
Ankara Park is inside Islamabad, adjacent to Rawal Lake near Rawal Chowk (Lakeview Chowk) on Club Road — one of the easiest “destinations” in this whole travel-guide series to reach.
From within Islamabad (Blue Area / F-sectors): Drive towards Rawal Chowk via Club Road or Murree Road — roughly 15 to 25 minutes depending on traffic. Ride-hailing apps (Careem, inDrive, Uber where available) serve the area reliably.
From Rawalpindi: Cross into Islamabad via Murree Road towards Rawal Chowk — about 20 to 30 minutes from Saddar or Bahria Town phases near the boundary.
From Lahore: Take the M-2 motorway to Islamabad (about 4 hours), then head for Rawal Lake as above. Ankara Park works well as the first or last stop on an Islamabad day trip.
From Karachi: Fly to Islamabad International Airport (about 2 hours), then drive roughly 45 minutes to an hour to the Rawal Lake area. Nearest airport: Islamabad International Airport. Road conditions: Excellent — paved city roads all the way, suitable for any vehicle in every season. Transport options: Private car, taxi, ride-hailing apps, or local vans to Rawal Chowk followed by a short walk or rickshaw ride.
Route Details
- Head for Rawal Chowk (Lakeview Chowk) on Club Road, Islamabad — the junction by Rawal Lake.
- Ankara Park sits adjacent to the lake near the roundabout; look for the park gates and the “Ankara Park” signage.
- Parking is available near the entrance; arrive before 10 am on weekends for the easiest spot.
- Combine with: Lake View Park (same outing), Pakistan Monument and Lok Virsa (afternoon).
Where to Stay in Ankara Park
Nobody needs a hotel to visit Ankara Park — it is a city park, not a resort. But if you are making a weekend of Islamabad, the nearby areas offer the capital’s full range of accommodation.
Luxury: Islamabad’s top hotels cluster in the Blue Area and around the Margalla foothills, roughly 20–30 minutes from the park, with full amenities for families.
Mid-range: Guesthouses and three-star hotels in F-6, F-7 and Blue Area offer comfortable rooms at moderate rates — the most popular choice for domestic tourists.
Budget: Simple hotels and hostels near Aabpara, Karachi Company (G-9 Markaz) and Rawalpindi’s Saddar keep costs low while leaving you within half an hour of the park.
Where to Eat: Local Foods of Ankara Park
There are no full restaurants inside the park, so plan food around it. The Lake View Park food street by Rawal Lake — minutes away — serves the classic Islamabad outing menu: chicken tikka, seekh kebabs, grilled fish, pakoras, corn on the cob and kulfi. It is the natural lunch stop after a morning in Ankara Park.
For a wider choice, head to Blue Area, F-7 Markaz or Kohsar Market: desi staples like chicken karahi, daal fry and chapli kebab, plus fast food, Chinese and continental options. Islamabad’s famous dahi bhallay, gol gappay and samosa chaat stalls are a cheap, cheerful snack. Given the park’s Turkish theme, you might enjoy rounding off the day at one of Islamabad’s Turkish restaurants — a fitting culinary full stop to a Pak–Turk day out. Snacks and water for the park itself can be bought from shops near Rawal Chowk.
Weather in Ankara Park
Islamabad’s climate shapes the park experience: pleasant springs and autumns, hot summers broken by monsoon downpours, and cool, foggy winters. The park is open ground, so mornings and evenings are the sweet spots in summer.
| Season | Temperature Range | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Around 5–18°C | Cool, often foggy mornings; crisp sunny afternoons — great for walks |
| Spring (Mar–May) | Around 18–32°C | The best season — flowers, green lawns, perfect picnic weather |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Around 30–40°C | Hot; monsoon rains July–August bring relief and lush greenery |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | Around 18–32°C | Pleasant and dry; ideal for evening visits |
Language and Culture of Ankara Park
As a public park in the federal capital, Ankara Park belongs to everyone: Urdu is the common language, with Punjabi, Pothohari, Pashto and English all heard on the walking track. Islamabad’s culture is a relaxed, educated, family-oriented urban mix — morning walkers greet each other, families picnic without fuss, and the atmosphere is notably safe and easygoing.
Normal park etiquette applies: keep noise reasonable, use the bins, keep dogs leashed where permitted, and dress as you would for any family outing in the capital. The park’s memorial corner deserves quiet respect. If you visit during Ramadan, note that the food stalls outside may open later in the day.
Shopping in Ankara Park
There is no shopping inside the park — and no mall on its grounds — so treat shopping as a separate stop. The nearest traditional bazaars are Aabpara Market and Karachi Company (G-9 Markaz), good for everyday shopping, street food and affordable clothes. For handicrafts and souvenirs, the Lok Virsa shop near the Pakistan Monument and the craft stalls at Lake View Park sell embroidered shawls, pottery and truck-art items. Islamabad’s main modern mall, Centaurus in Blue Area (about a 20-minute drive), covers everything else. Dry fruits and honey from northern-area stalls near the lake make popular take-home gifts.
Travel Tips for Ankara Park
Packing Essentials
A picnic sheet, snacks and water, sun caps and sunscreen in summer, a light jacket for winter mornings, and a football or badminton set for the lawns. Binoculars are a bonus — Rawal Lake attracts winter birds.
Safety Tips
Ankara Park is in a settled, well-patrolled part of the capital and is considered safe for families, including in the early evening. Stick to the main lawns and track after dark, keep valuables out of sight in parked cars, and supervise children at the play equipment.
Money & Connectivity
Entry to the park has historically been free or nominally ticketed — carry small cash for parking and snacks. ATMs are plentiful in the nearby sectors. All major mobile networks (Jazz, Telenor, Zong, Ufone) have strong 4G coverage here.
Best Time to Visit Ankara Park
Spring (March to May) — Best overall
Flowers in bloom, green lawns and temperatures made for picnics. This is the season the park was designed for, and our top recommendation in this Ankara Park travel guide.
Autumn (September to November) — Excellent
Dry, mild weather and golden evening light. Arguably the best time for the walking track.
Winter (December to February) — Good
Cool, fresh air and clear views of the Margalla Hills. Go mid-morning once the fog lifts; carry a jacket.
Summer (June to August) — Visit smart
Come early morning or after sunset; the monsoon months turn the park beautifully green but bring sudden downpours — check the sky before you set out.
Final Thoughts
Ankara Park will not overwhelm you with rides or spectacle, and that is precisely its appeal. It is a thoughtful, green, family-scale park with a genuine story — a sister-city gift, an earthquake memorial, a plantation of remembrance — set beside one of Islamabad’s prettiest lakes. In a city of grand monuments, it is the quiet corner that rewards a slow visit.
Pair it with Rawal Lake and the Pakistan Monument for a perfect Islamabad half-day: walk in the park, lunch by the water, sunset at the Monument. Few capital outings ask so little and give so much. For more ideas, browse our Islamabad guide and the Explore Pakistan collection.
FAQs
Where is Ankara Park located?
Ankara Park is in Islamabad, adjacent to Rawal Lake near Rawal Chowk (Lakeview Chowk) on Club Road — about 15–25 minutes’ drive from Blue Area.
Why is it called Ankara Park?
It is named after Ankara, the capital of Turkey, Islamabad’s sister city. The park was inaugurated on 20 March 2005 by Ankara’s mayor Melih Gökçek as a symbol of Pak–Turk friendship.
What is the best time to visit Ankara Park?
March to May (spring) and September to November (autumn) are ideal. Winter days are pleasant too; in summer, visit early morning or evening.
How do I reach Ankara Park?
Drive or take a taxi/ride-hailing car to Rawal Chowk on Club Road, Islamabad. It is easily reachable from anywhere in Islamabad–Rawalpindi; the nearest airport is Islamabad International Airport.
Is Ankara Park good for families and children?
Yes — children’s play areas with slides and swings, flat lawns for picnics, a safe walking loop and the nearby lake make it one of Islamabad’s most family-friendly parks.
Is there an entry fee for Ankara Park?
Entry has historically been free or charged at a nominal rate. Carry small cash for parking and snacks from nearby shops.
What memorial is inside Ankara Park?
A monument honouring the Turkish rescue workers who lost their lives during relief efforts after the 8 October 2005 earthquake in Pakistan.
What can I combine with an Ankara Park visit?
Rawal Lake and Lake View Park (minutes away), the Pakistan Monument, Lok Virsa Heritage Museum and the Margalla Hills trails — all within a short drive.
