Saidpur Village situated on the slopes of Margalla Hills in Islamabad is one of the oldest villages of Pakistan. More than five hundred years old Saidpur Village is known for its heritage, history and folklore. These days the village is serving as one of the favorite picnic place in Islamabad for both local and foreign visitors. Saidpur Village is an ancient village with a history of more than 2000 years and is famous for its handmade pottery. This village existed before Islamabad was built, and now it is a favorite place for citizens on weekends. There is a small museum near the Sikhta in the northwest corner of the village square, which displays old photos of Islamabad.
Nestled in a scenic ravine along the Margalla Hills, Saidpur Village stands as one of Islamabad’s most enduring historical gems, with roots tracing back over 500 years to the Mughal era. Founded in 1530 by Mirza Fateh Ali and initially called Fatehpur Baoli, it was later renamed Saidpur after Sultan Said Khan, a Gakhar chief rewarded by Emperor Akbar for his loyalty against Sher Shah Suri. This ancient settlement, once a harmonious hub for Muslims, Hindus, and Sikhs, reflects layers of civilizations from the Gandharans and Buddhists to the Greeks, Mauryas, Mughals, and British. Today, preserved by the Capital Development Authority since its 2006 restoration, it showcases a Sufi tomb, an old schoolhouse, and the remnants of a 16th-century Rama Mandir dedicated to Lord Rama, alongside a weathered Gurdwara with its distinctive yellow domes, all evoking a poignant tapestry of shared cultural heritage amid the capital’s modern sprawl.
What truly captivates visitors to Saidpur is its seamless fusion of quiet introspection and lively contemporary charm, making it a favored escape just five kilometers from central Islamabad. Wander its narrow, cobblestone lanes lined with ancient banyan trees and restored brick facades, where the chaotic rhythm of village life contrasts sharply with the city’s orderly grid—think locals haggling at antique stalls or children playing near crumbling walls that whisper of Baisakhi festivals long past. The village buzzes with artistic energy through the Nomad Art Gallery and a small museum displaying black-and-white photos of Islamabad’s evolution, while hillside restaurants and cafes offer panoramic views alongside aromatic plates of traditional curries and kebabs. Ideal for a leisurely afternoon picnic or sunset hike into the hills, Saidpur invites reflection on Pakistan’s diverse past, blending solemn history with the simple joys of a place where time feels both preserved and playfully alive.
Own or work here?