Self Drive

Join us for a visit to one of the few local farms to have successfully grown ginger in Pakistan!

Ginger- known as 'adrac' in the Subcontinent, is a flowering plant whose rhizome, ginger root or ginger, is widely used as a spice and a folk medicine. It is a herbaceous perennial which grows annual pseudostems about one meter tall, bearing narrow leaf blades.

Nishtar Farms is located in Chak Shahzad and is approximately is 15 acres in size. We will be given an informative tour of the farm by our host, Kassim Nishtar.

Please wear appropriate walking shoes, hat/cap, and bring along refreshments for a picnic!

Foreigners: Please check need for NOC from your respective organisations

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 break on the way ( Rest room/ buy water or snacks -if needed).
Take road to Mardan.
Arrival at Takht-e-Bahi
Visit historical site of Takht-e-Bahi along with local guide
Return to main road and stop at local restaurant.
Enjoy lunch of “Chapli Kabab” and tandoori nan/ (or bring your own refreshments).
Departure for Islamabad 3:30 pm
Arrival at Islamabad at around 6:30 pm.

Film: A Passage to India (1984) - UK

Language: English

Director: David Lean

Screenplay: David Lean, based on the novel by E.M. Forster

Academy Award Nominations:

• Best Picture
• Director (David Lean)
• Actress (Judy Davis)
• Screenplay, Sound, Production Design, Editing, Costume
• Design & Cinematography

Academy Award wins:

• Supporting Actress (Peggy Ashcroft)
• Music

Cast: Judy Davis, Victor Banerjee, James Fox, Peggy Ashcroft, Alec Guinness, Saeed Jaffrey, Nigel Havers, Art Malik, Roshan Seth, Dina Pathak

Epic adaptation of E.M. Forster's novel is about class conflict and set against the backdrop of the British Raj and the Indian independence movement in the 1920s.

The story revolves around a British school teacher (Judy Davis), newly arrived in India and accompanied by an elderly friend (Peggy Ashcroft) whose son is to be a prospective suitor for her. They are introduced to a local doctor (Victor Banerjee) who later arranges a picnic to the nearby Malabar caves. During the outing a misunderstanding occurs where the young lady accuses the doctor of assaulting her inside one of the caves. The subsequent trial, and its run-up and aftermath, bring to a boil the common racial tensions and prejudices between Indians and British.

Though vast in physical scale and set against a tumultuous Indian background, the film is also intimate, funny and moving, featuring a great ensemble cast, beautiful images of the Indian locations, an enchanting music score, and a riveting story.

• In collaboration with Serena Hotel, Islamabad

Daman-e-Koh is a viewing point and hill top garden north of Islamabad and located in the middle of the Margalla Hills. Its name is a conjunction of two Persian words, which together means foot hills. It is about 2400 ft from sea level and almost 500 ft from the city of Islamabad.

We will go upto where the Monal restaurant was located on Pir Sohawa Road at an altitude of 3,500 feet (1,100 m). Monal climb has become of the iconic climbs for Cycling in Islamabad.

Both are a popular destination for the residents as well as the visitors to the capital. Monkeys are a common sight along the road side, attracted by the food given by tourists.

We will ultimately ride to where the Monal restaurant was located but for those who want to keep it easy can join the ride initially till Daman-e-Koh.

Those returning during the ride please inform the coordinators.

The Second Ridge is just outside Islamabad, in the KPK region. Pl. NOTE: NOC may be required for foreigners/ diplomats

The Second Ridge has been one of our favourite hiking tracks! The views of the snow-clad Himalayas make this very special as it shows the diversity of the flora of the Margalla Hills. The whole track is covered with tall pine trees, and listening to the whispering of pines in the cool breeze is an experience on its own!

If the weather is clear. The climax of the hike is the lake's viewpoint from where both Khanpur and Rawal Lake can be seen!

The total distance is 12 km (return trip).

The hike rating is Medium (Easy long walk on top of the ridge)

We will go together in our own cars in convoy.

Wear sturdy shoes; bring your own refreshments. Dress appropriately. Don’t forget your camera/phone for some special memories!

Join us on a journey through the Mediterranean known for its hospitality and delicious cuisine !

Mediterranean cuisine encompasses the diverse cooking styles and foods from countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, characterized by an emphasis on fresh produce, olive oil, whole grains, legumes, and fish. Key ingredients include fruits, vegetables, nuts, herbs, and lean proteins, with a moderate intake of dairy, poultry, and limited amounts of red meat. This approach to eating is celebrated for its natural flavors, health benefits, and balanced, plant-focused recipes.

With its regional diversity the cuisine spans countries like Spain, Italy, France, Greece, Turkey, and North African nations such as Morocco and Egypt.

You will get an opportunity to taste:

• Harira soup : Morocco,
• Spinach spaghetti ,tzatziki cucumber & yoghurt sauce :Greece,
• Chicken francese:France
• Eggplant cannelloni : Italy
• Paella rice with sea food : Spain
• Hummus & Falafel : Lebanon
• Mediterranean salad with legumes and beans, olive bread, baklava : Turkeyie.
  
  

Asian Study Group invites you to commemorate it's 51st. year in Islamabad !

Come join us with your family and friends in a celebration of Pakistan's unique culture, food and community...a family friendly picnic style event welcoming the change of seasons ! Autumn décor, childrens activities, lights & music, interactive cultural experiences, regional cuisines, craft corners, artisan booths, live music performances and more…much more!

Efficient valet service and security

• In collaboration with Sir Syed Memorial Society

Tickets available at gate and https://ticketwalla.pk/event/asianstudy-group-autumn-fest-pakistan-ke -naam-3884

Please Note: The area is outside Islamabad: Foreigners/ diplomats will require an NOC to participate.
Mukshpuri at 2800m (9200ft) is the second highest mountain of the Galiyat region. The hike is around 10Km long (complete) and has stunning views of the beautiful valleys and the Himalayas of Kashmir. If lucky, we may get a glimpse of the mighty Nanga Parbat from the top.

We will take the road via Murree and it will take us about an hour and a half to reach Nathia gali from where the hike will start. Our transport will be a coaster with limited seats.

Wear sturdy shoes; Dress appropriately.

Please bring own refreshments!

Don’t forget your camera/phone for some special memories!

Hike Rating is Medium with a distance of around 10 Km for the complete loop.

Film: Howard's End (1992) - UK/USA

Language: English

Duration: 2 hr 22 min

Director: James Ivory

Screenplay: Ruth Prawar Jhabvala, based on the book by E. M. Forster

Academy Award Nominations:

• Best Picture, Director (James Ivory)
• Supporting Actress (Vanessa Redgrave)
• Cinematography, Costume Design & Music Score

Academy Awards:

• Best Actress (Emma Thompson)
• Screenplay
• Production Design

Cast: Anthony Hopkins, Emma Thompson, Helena Bonham Carter, Vanessa Redgrave, James Wilby, Prunella Scales, Samuel West, Jemma Redgrave

One of the most literate of E.M. Forster's novels becomes an equally literate film thanks to the finely nuanced screenplay of Ruth Prawer Jhabvalla.

The plot centers on class structure, family, hypocricy, real estate and Forster's dismay at how things were changing (though inevitable) during the Edwardian era where the different classes were starting to move in the same circles due to the gradual social changes taking place in Britain.

Three families - the reserved upper class Wilcoxes, who represent greedy old capitalits, the idealistic and artistic middleclass Schlegels, and the lower-middleclass downtrodden Basts - come together and clash.

At the center of the story is the house (Howards End) which plays a big part in the lives of all three families and involves treachery, lies, love and death.

The drama begins when Henry J. Wilcox (Anthony Hopkins), a stuffy money-obsessed businessman, falls in love with free-spirited Margaret Schlegel (Emma Thompson) after his wife Ruth (Vanessa Redgrave) dies. When his widow wills away their house to Margaret it causes a lot of family turmoil. Meanwhile her sister, Helen Schlegal (Helena Bonham Carter), tries with disastrous results to help Leonard Bast (Samuel West), a working-class married man. Both sisters find themselves tested as they try to end the Wilcoxes' prejudice and help the Basts.

Superbly-mounted story of British class tension, with exceptional performances all around.

• In collaboration wit Alliance Francaise d'Islamabad

This is your chance to add this to your list of accomplishments, bring out your MTB and stake your claim in the hills. Challenge yourself!

An off-road cycling jaunt to Kot Jandaan- a test of your endurance and perseverance- tough climbs, breathtaking views, exciting and thrilling downhills- not many have been here and not many can!

An easy part to Chauntra Village is followed by a tough part that will take us all the way up to the village Kot Jandaan.

Looking forward to an active participation!

Those returning during the ride do not forget to inform the Coordinators