Join us for exploring the natural envirinmental beauty and emerging tourism attractions of Kotli Sattian, in the Murree District!

Kotli Sattian is rich in biodiversity, with its lush forests, diverse flora and wildlife, mountain landscapes, and scenic valleys.The Punjab Government is developing Kotli Sattian as a modern tourism destination, with new resorts, adventure activities and scenic viewpoints offering a quieter, greener alternative to the more crowded areas of Murree.

🥾 Kotli Sattian Walking Track & Fire Tower

We will begin with a moderate, approximately 20-25 minute uphill walk along the Kotli Sattian Walking Track to reach the Fire Tower, enjoying the surrounding forest and mountain scenery along the way.

⛰️ Chewra Hilltop

We will then head towards Chewra Hilltop for another approximately 20-25 minute hike, where we can enjoy mesmerizing panoramic views of Kotli Sattian and its surrounding valleys.

☕ TDCP Chewra Base Resort

Our final stop will be the TDCP Chewra Base Resort, a newly developed base camp and glamping pod facility offering modern comfort and panoramic valley views. According to local sources, the resort was constructed while preserving the existing trees and natural landscape of the area. We will relax here and enjoy a cup of tea while taking in the scenery!

🎒 What to Bring

• Wear sturdy, comfortable walking shoes
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing
• Bring refreshments
• Be prepared for moderate uphill walks and changing mountain weather

CLASSIC CINEMA SERIES

Film: Earth (1998) – Canada / India
Language: Urdu with English subtitles
Director: Deepa Mehta
Screenplay: Deepa Mehta – Based on the Novel, Ice Candy Man, by Bapsi Sidhwa
Awards: Filmfare Awards for Best Debut Actors to Rahul Khanna & Nandita Das
Cast: Aamir Khan, Nandita Das, Rahul Khanna, Maia Sethna, Babby Singh, Kitu Gidwani, Raghubir Yadav, Arif Zakaria, Eric Peterson, Gulshan Grover, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Jaaved Jaaferi.

Based upon Bapsi Sidhwa's novel, originally published as ‘Ice Candy Man’ (1988, UK) and as the second installment in Deepa Mehta's elemental trilogy (following ‘Fire’ and preceding ‘Water’), ‘Earth ‘stands alone as a potent, unforgettable masterpiece about how political borders destroy human lives.

Set in Lahore, Deepa Mehta's 1998 film ‘Earth’ is a haunting, powerful look at the 1947 partition of India and Pakistan through the innocent eyes of a young polio-stricken Parsi girl named Lenny, who narrates the story through the voice of her adult self. Coming from a wealthy family who hope to remain neutral to the rising tensions between Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims in the area, she is adored and protected by her parents, Bunty and Rustom, and cared for by Shanta-her Hindu Ayah Both Dil Navaz (the Ice-Candy Man) and Hassan (the Masseur) are in love with Shanta. The three are part of a small group of friends from different faiths who spend their days together in a park. With the violence of partition, however, this once unified group of friends becomes divided and tragedy ensues...

Lenny becomes a first- hand observer of the violence of Partition as sectarian hatred reaches her without an adult filter. The screenplay does not treat Partition as an isolated political catastrophe but shows how it seeps into existing relationships and corrupts them from within...

An opportunity not to be mised- an exciting new venture and a rare opportunity to discover Islamabad and its environs!
We will visit the fabulous 'Isloo Fresh' Farms located in Pind Bhagwal as guests of our very gracious host Qasim Tareen!

As you walk around the farm and gardens you will be able to fill your basket with fresh vegetables and salad lettuces and be briefed about plantation, timings and maturity of the fruits and vegetables .
Azra Raza- our co-host- will convert your collected vegetables into a delicious salads and a meal specially for you! (An opportubity for you to be part of the cooking experience!)
While we wait for our meal to be prepared- and as an added bonus for our avid and keen gardeners- Qasim will answer all your queries on organic farming etc.

A special program designed specially for you-in collaboration with KP Department of Archaeology and Museums, Italian Archelogy Mission and Sustainable Tourism Foundation Pakistan to explore a few of the iconic archaeological sites in lower Swat !

Swat is -without doubt- one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in the northern Pakistan. With a rich historical past. It was described as “Udyana” (the garden) in ancient Hindu epics . In 327 BC, Alexander the Great fought and won some of his major battles here, before crossing over to the plains of the five rivers, Punjab. The famous Gandhara Buddhist civilization later flourished in this valley.
There are many remains of Buddhist stupas, monasteries and settlements in the lower Swat. Dominated by the calm majesty of Mount Ilam, the area is full of rich and amazing archaeological sites in a still intact environment! In the area south of Barikot, in about 200 sq km, archeologists have documented more than 400 sites from proto-history to Islam.
The trip involves some easy hiking to reach to the view points on archaeological sites so wear good comfortable walking shoes. Detailed trip joining instructions will be issued to the confirm trip participants well in time.
Trip Itinerary
Day-1
Departure from Islamabad at 07:30 am
En-route commentary about sites of tourist interest on the way.
Travel vis Swat Expressway
Visit archaeological site of Bazira near Barikot
Lunch: (carry pack lunch with you to save time)
Continue travel towards Mingora/Saidu Sharif
Visit Shingardar Stupa.
Arrival at Mingora/Saidu Sharif in the evening.
Transfer to hotels.
Dinner and night stay at hotel.
Day-2
Breakfast at hotel.
Departure for Islamabad
Visit Swat Museum
Visits Batkara Stupa
Visit shops of handicrafts in Mingora
Visit archaeological sites of Sultan Mahmood Ghaznavi’s Mosque
Visit remains of Raja Gira’s Castle (short hike involve)
Lunch at Chakdara
Continue travel towards Islamabad via Swat Expressway
Estimated time of arrival of group at Islamabad at around 7:00 pm

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.

The ride is Medium and Tough ride. 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.

An opportunity to taste delicious authentic Türkiye dishes !

Türkiye is a land of many landscapes, topographies and therefore many 'food' styles. Its cuisine evolved based on numerous cultural interactions throughout centuries, especially during the Ottoman Empire, and has now acquired an international status...

The meal usually starts with a soup followed by different dips which are prepared with vegetables, olive , yogurt and burghal.
Fawzia Memon- our 'super; chef will demonstrate some of the well- known dishes like lentil soup, kisir burghal salad, kimpir baked potato’s, karniyarik (egg plant), shakshoka, flat pan-kabab; dips like: yogurt bell pepper, beetroot, hummus, and famous pede’ with mince meat followed by the delicious dessert Sekerpare and -of course-Turkish coffee/tea!

NOC is required for foreigners and diplomats.

Ideal for experienced hikers, nature lovers, adventure seekers, photographers, and anyone looking to explore one of the quieter trails of the Galiyat region. Escape into the cool, peaceful forests of the Bara Gali area and join us for an exciting hike on the spectacular Geah Forest Track.

Come prepared for a challenging but rewarding day in the mountains, as we explore one of the lesser-known and exceptionally scenic hiking tracks of the Galiyat region!

Considered one of the most beautiful and well-managed hiking tracks in the Bara Gali region near Abbottabad and Nathiagali, Geah remains relatively lesser explored. The trail rewards hikers with stunning forest scenery, spectacular mountain views, and some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the area!

The Adventure!

• Gather at the designated meeting point
• Travel to the Geah Forest Track near Bara Gali
• Hike through beautiful forest terrain and scenic mountain landscapes
• Enjoy spectacular views from the higher sections of the trail
• Reach the beautiful boulders at the top and enjoy a picnic surrounded by nature
• Complete the loop trail and return to the starting point

Hike Details

• Distance: Approximately 10 km
• Difficulty: Hard
• Trail Type: Loop
• Location: Geah Forest Track, Bara Gali / Kalabagh, Nathiagali area

What to Bring

• Sturdy hiking shoes with good grip
• Sufficient drinking water and refreshments
• Picnic food for the stop at the top
• Camera/phone — the trail offers spectacular views and beautiful photography opportunities

CELEBRATING THE ASIAN STUDY GROUP: 1973- 2026

OPENING EVENT: 2026/ 2027

Pakistani art today is not just about color and form. It’s about identity, change, resilience, and hope. From miniature traditions to large-scale installations, contemporary Pakistani art reflects both deep roots and dynamic change. Join us as we take a window into the themes, movements, and artists who are defining this vibrant chapter of our cultural landscape. Whether you are an art lover or simply curious... contemporary Pakistani art offers something for all of us — stories of home, migration, spirituality, and everyday life. .Art has always been how we tell the story of who we are…

Exploring how today’s artists are capturing the spirit of the country in powerful new ways, the presentation tonight offers a glimpse into the diverse and evolving landscape of art in Pakistan today, especially in paintings. Through the works of a selection of about 50 contemporary artists, it explores the varied ways in which artists respond to identity, society, culture, tradition, and the changing world around them...It aims to provide an engaging visual journey into the ideas, concerns and creative voices shaping contemporary Pakistani art.

Guest Presenter: Dr. Arjumand Faisel is a medical doctor with three post graduate degrees in public health from Pakistan and USA. He has had the opportunity of very close interactions with leading painters of Pakistan, which created his passionate involvement in the world of paintings. In March 2008, he established “Gallery6” in Islamabad. He has curated about 150 shows nationally and also in USA, India and Australia.

In 2015, he established the National Biennial ‘Arjumand Painting Award’ .He has recently authored an art book titled “Malka Aliya Laila: Paintings on Stories of Sex Workers in Pakistan”.

Dr. Arjumand continues to paint, but not as frequently as he desires because of his several commitments in the field of public health, education, social work and art!

Foreign members : Please apply for an NOC well in time.

Adventure Club & Trips – EXPLORE HISTORICAL SITE OF KETAS & KALLAR KAHAR LAKE
The Salt Range comprise two rows of low lying rugged hills that run east to west between the Soan and Jhelum rivers from the Grand Trunk Road near Jhelum city to the River Indus near Kalabagh. This area is said to record 600 million years of the earth’s history. Its name comes from the vast deposits of rock salt exposed and mined at Khewra. The salt was left behind when the sea, which extended over the Indus plains and the Potohar plateau, evaporated 600 million years ago. The rocks and fossils fund around the salt range provide a complete record of the history of the Earth.
The Salt Range Wetlands Complex comprises a series of adjacent lakes – Kallar Kahar, Khabbeki, Ucchali, Jhalar and Namal. These lakes provide an important wintering ground for migratory birds and are core habitat for the endemic Punjab Urial.
Historically this region is also very rich. Alexander the Great passed through the Salt Range on his way to fight a battle with Porus on the banks of the Jhelum River in 326 BC. In the 3rd century BC, this area became part of Ashoka’s Buddhist Empire. Towards the end of the Buddhist period, in the 6th century AD, there was a kingdom in the Salt Range called Singhapura, probably centered at Ketas. From 7th to 10th centuries, the Salt Range was part of powerful Kashmiri Hindu kingdom. Mahmood Ghazni invaded the region in the early 11th century. The local tribes were converted to Islam at this time.
We have planned a day trip to explore this interesting area. Booking will be made on first come first served basis .
Trip Itinerary
Departure from Islamabad at 08:00 am.
Travel on Motorway M-2 and enjoy the dramatic scenery of Salt Range
Visit historical temples of Ketas Raj
Drive to Kallar Kahar
Visit Kallar Kahar Lake and short hike to view point on top of hill to enjoy the scenic beauty of this area.
Return travel to Islamabad
Arrival at Islamabad at around 6:00 pm.

CLASSIC CINEMA SERIES

Film: Eat Drink Man Woman (1994) – Taiwan
Language: Mandarin & French with English subtitles
Director: Ang Lee
Screenplay: Ang Lee, James Schamus & Hui-Ling Wang
Awards: Academy Award Nomination for Best Foreign Film
Cast: Sihung Lung, Kuei-Mei Yang, Wang Yu-wen, Chien-lien Wu, Sylvia Chang, Winston Chao, Chen Chao-jung

The story revolves around the Zhu family navigating the challenges of love, life, and family as they transition from tradition to modernity. The story is also about the special emphasis of food in their lives. A widower, who works as an aging master chef at a hotel, lives a lonely life at home with his three single daughters. The old man is a great chef but a terrible communicator, and has no clue about what is going on in the lives of his daughters. However, the only way he can communicate with his daughters is via the ritualized Sunday feast he prepares every week. He would like to see them married but is too repressed to talk about it, and they would like to leave the house but don’t know how to!
The film comes alive during vivid scenes of exotic food being prepared as the chef uses cooking as an act of control, as a ritual, as the last language left to man who has lost the ability to communicate with his family. The love the father feels for his daughters is manifested in the complexities of the dishes he prepares for them. As the daughters gain strength to reveal their plans to depart from home it is the old man who instead shocks them with his own plans which frees his daughters from their obligation!