Wild Life & Environment - BIODIVERSITY & NATURE

Sunday, 19 December 2021

A hike like never before!

Let us speak the language of 'nature' .This is an oppportunity for you to understand, appreciate and learn to observe its intricacies... with a pinch of learning, a bit of exercise and a whole lot of fun!

Participants are encouraged to bring a notepad and pen / pencils. We will note down the birds, animals, plants and trees located in a particular area that we can recognize, learn about the ones we don’t know about, and understand their role in the Margalla Hills National Park.

Participants are also encouraged to take unique pictures and note down interesting observations.At the get-together after the hike, we will have a discussion and -yes- there is a photography contest too... we have a surprise gift for the winner!

And more!

We are living in a time when climate change caused by our behaviors is a threat to every being on the planet. Yoga plays an important role in relaxing and energizing our bodies.It serves as a toolkit for everyday tensions, to enable ourselves to conduct ourselves in ways that benefit others/ and the environment. To rejuvenate ourselves we invite you to join us on a small Yoga session at the end of the programme!

Adventure Club/Archaeology/Photography: TAKHT- E- BAHI WORLD HERITAGE SITE

Saturday, 18 December 2021

Day Trip

Takht-e-Bahi Buddhist Monastery is one of the most impressive and well preserved pieces of Gandhara architecture in Pakistan. It is situated 14 km northwest of Mardan on the road to Swat (2 ½ hour drive from Islamabad). The reputation of Takht-e-Bahi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is based partially on the extraordinarily good state of preservation and partially on its glorious location. The site itself is located on the northern flanks of a rocky spur rising 150 meters (500 ft) above the plains.

On a clear day you can see across the plains as far as Peshawar on one side, and the Malakand pass and the Swat hills on the other. The monastery and stupas were founded in the 1st. Century AD and abandoned in the 7th century AD. You may also enjoy the famous local cuisine of “Chapli Kabab” and tandoori nan from one of the famous kabab shops in Takht-e-Bahi bazaar.

Trip Itinerary

Departure from Islamabad at 08:00 a.m. (Assembly Point: In front of United Bakery, Supper Market F-6, Islamabad at 7:45 a.m.)

Travel on Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway.

Short stay on the way for toilet break and refreshments (if needed).

Take road to Mardan.Visit historical site of Takht-e-Bahi along with local guide

Return to main road and stop at local restaurant for lunch of “Chapli Kabab and tandoori nan"/or your own refresments.

Departure for Islamabad 3:30 pm

Arrival at Islamabad at around 6:30 pm.

Film – IL SORPASSO / THE EASY LIFE (1962) - ITALY

Friday, 17 December 2021

Director: Dino Risi

Screenplay: Dino Risi, Ettore Scola & Ruggero Maccari

Cast: Vittorio Gassman, Jean-Louis Trintignant, Catherine Spaak, Claudio Gora, Luciana Angiolillo, Linda Sini, Franca Polesello

David Di Donatello Award: Best Actor (Vittorio Gassman)

An Italian road movie about an unlikely friendship that develops after a chance encounter between a liberal man (Vittorio Gassman) and a conservative law student (Jean-Louis Trintignant).

Like a whirlwind the student's entire life is transformed as they both go on this impromptu frantic journey with their contrasting personalities and outlooks on life, leading to a number of fascinating conversations, as the two traverse the roads of Italy. The stunning historic architecture of Rome and the scenic vistas of the countryside roads act as a delightful backdrop which the director exploits to its full potential, painting a magical picture of an enticing part of Italy.

The charming comedy is the personification of the Swinging Sixties as the pair indulge in fun involving bars, the beach and a bevy of beautiful women. Also like many great comedies, there is a tragic undercurrent to the story that adds depth to its humour as the senseless decadence reaches a heart-stopping climax. The film is shot entirely on location and without the use of back projection which provides a sense of immediacy and realism to the story.

Hiking/Photography - THE 'LOH DANDI BRUTI' LOOP!

Sunday, 12 December 2021

Join us on one of our favourite hiking routes!

We will start from the foothill village of Noorpur to Pir Sohawa via the caves of Loh Dandi . This is an old route developed & used by local villagers.It offers a fascinating experience of walking past the old villages in the hills, besides offering views of the valleys below…

Car pool to go to the actual starting point of the hike: the parking of Loh Dandi.The hike is around 8-9Km long. We will climb up a track made for the shrine and caves of Loh Dandi, and go all the way to the top. From there we will descend back to the parking through a beautiful track through the valley.

Hike rating is Medium. Wear sturdy shoes and bring refreshments. This is an opportunity for you to take some awesome photos for the next ASG Calendar !

Cuisine Club: THE DELECTABLE 'DOSA'... FROM NOOR'S KITCHEN

Saturday, 11 December 2021

Demonstration/lunch- Outside in the garden!

Join us to learn the art of 'Dosa ' cuisine with the experts- the wife & husband team- Noor ul Ain and Khalid !

Masala Dosa with a delicious potato filling , served with the mouthwatering Chutneys, Sambar, Baray and Halwa is best described as a fermented crepe or pancake, made from rice batter and lentils. A delicious staple dish from certain specific areas of the Subcontinent, it is also popular in other countries like Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore .

First come, first served.

Cycling - RIDE TO ISLAMABAD ZOO /DAMAN-E-KOH/ MONAL RESTAURANT

Saturday, 11 December 2021

Happy cycling in super weather!

Join us for a "three- in- one" ride - starting with easy, moving to medium and then...to the tough one!

We will meet at the Flower market F/6 .Starting from the Islamabad Zoo site, we will cycle to the mid- range stop: Daman-e- Koh and then for the more hardy It is ride to Monal.

It is upto the members as to which which stage they want to turn back or to continue!

For those of you turning back during the ride, please do not forget to nform the coordinators!

Literature – THE ALEPH REVIEW- 2021

Tuesday, 7 December 2021

'The ASG is proud to launch another issue of this remarkable publication and window on Pakistan’s vivid cultural life with Mehvash Amin, the Editor, and Ilona Yusuf, artist, poetess and Associate Editor.

They will present the awaited 2021 volume of 'The Aleph Review' featuring a stunning selection of poems, essays, travel reports, interviews and outstanding artwork and photographs. It also includes a moving short story about a Sufi Ustad (Teacher), originally written in Urdu by Jean Columeau, a French university professor and frequent visitor to Pakistan. Other specially invited guests will read poems and excerpts.

Copies will be available for sale and signature.

Hiking -PANJPIR ROCKS

Monday, 29 November 2021

Pl. Note: Due to the close vicinity of the prohibited area,this hike is unfortunately restricted to foreigners.

At 1800m altitude, 'Panjpir' is among the highest and the most beautiful ridges in Kotli Sattian region. It is called Panjpir due to a shrine at the top. Locals believe five saints came to this place and settled here.

The track offers beautiful views of the valleys and the great Himalayas as well as a view of the Jhelum river passing through the mountains. The amazing special rock formations and big boulders throughout , make it a 'not to be missed' adventure ... in winters it snows as well!

Continuing on the trail will take you to Panjpir shrine which can be spotted from the distance by a large clump of trees at the top. On clear days you can even see Makra and other mountains of Kaghan area on your north while different peaks of Kashmir are visible on the east.

The hike will start from Danoi Rest House. There are two options of doing the uphill hike.

• The long one is 8Km to the top that includes some road portion as well
• The short version is around 4Km to the top which starts at the end of the road.

It is recommended to do all the way, but we will decide on the spot.Walking time is about 3-4hours.

The hike involves some hard sections and can be categorized as moderate to hard. It can be strenuous for novices or people who have not hiked before.

We will assemble at United Bakery parking area, and board our coaster. It will take us 1.5 hrs to reach Danoi Rest House. Aftera short rest break we will start the hike.

Wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water /refreshments for a picnic break at the hill top.

Cycling - RIDE AROUND F-9 Park

Saturday, 27 November 2021

Perfect weather to indulge in a ride around the F9 Park!

This is special for all the new comers and children, who want to test the bikes on a relatively easy terrain...since it’s on the road all kinds of bicycles can join!

Route: Bolan Gate (F-10 Side) Parking > Service road East > Jinnah Avenue > 9th Avenue > Margalla Road > Service road East > Back to start or disperse.

Please Note:

• It is an outdoor event but do please observe SOP's.
• Bicycle: Must be fully checked with working brakes! Get your bicycle checked a day before the ride.
• If you need a bicycle it can be rented (Members Rs. 500/- Guests Rs. 750/-) you can collect the bikes directly from AeroCycling (0313-2925478) just show your ASG membership card for special rates!
• Helmets: Strongly advised, for your own safety
• Refreshments: Bring your own/or enjoy the food offerings on the streets!
• Camera/Phone: For preserving your memories!
• Save the number: Of your Ride Coordinator for guidance/assistance regarding route or in case you intend to leave the group halfway during the ride!
• Ride type: Easy
• Bike Type: Any

Film Club– BEFORE THE RAINS (2007) - UK

Tuesday, 23 November 2021

Director: Santosh Shivan

Screenplay: Cathy Rabin

Cast: Linus Roache, Rahul Bose, Nandita Das, Jennifer Ehle, Leopold Benedict, John Standing, Lal, Dr. Ambikathmajan, Lakshmi Krishnamurthy

Awards: Houston Film Festival: Best Theatrical Feature

The story, set in Kerala - South India - during the British Raj, is a dispassionate study of how power, when threatened, ruthlessly exercises its prerogatives.

Henry Moore  (Linus Roache),  an English tea planter in southwestern India during a time of mounting resentment towards British rule, has borrowed heavily to finance the building of a road for the fantastically lucrative spice trade. He has his faithful ''man'', an educated Indian  (Rahul Bose),  well read and devoted, whom he treats as a friend but up to a point. He also has a mistress. Unbeknownst to his wife  (Jennifer Ehle) , he has become involved with the housemaid  (Nandita Das) . He says he loves her and she, wed to a man in the village, risks everything to carry on the affair, but when two boys playing in the woods spot the adulterers, a series of tragic events are set in motion.

The luscious scenery, shot by director-cinematographer Santosh Sivan is gorgeous to behold as his camera captures stunning images of mist rising from tea plantations and angry villagers marching with torches. The film is fervently acted with Nandita Das providing a powerful, emotional force.