Friday to Sunday 17 -19 May

Shogran, one of the most beautiful plateaus in Kaghan Valley is situated 219 km from Islamabad. It takes about five hours to reach here via Mansehra, Balakot and Kawai. Surrounded by thick pine forests and with an altitude of 2,362m, the early summer climate of Shogran is pleasantly cold in May. From Shogran you have a breathtaking view of Kaghan Valley’s snow covered peaks such as Musa Ka Musalla (4,419m), Makra (3,885m) and Malika Parbat (5,290m). We have planned two options within the same trip.

Option-I

For participants that are interested in easy walks at Shogran and day excursion trip to Sari Paya by Jeep.

Option-II

For hardcore hikers who will climb Makra Mountain from Paya.

Programme:

On Friday morning we will drive in a van to Shogran with couple of photo/refreshment stops en route. Shogran will be our base station where we will stay for two nights in a comfortable hotel. Afternoon will be free to walk around Shogran to enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery.

On Saturday, we will go by 4x4 jeep to Sari and Paya in one hour. Group members interested in Option-I will walk around the place and enjoy the beautiful panoramic views of mountains from the ridge of Paya, Paya at 3,079 is a lush green meadow with spectacular view of Malika Parbat and other snow covered mountains of Kaghan Valley. This group will come back to Shogran by 4x4 jeeps. Afternoon will be free for rest and recreation at Shorgran.

The hikers group (availing option-II) will go to Paya by 4x4 jeep and climb Makra Mountain (3,885m). They will return to Shogran in late afternoon and spend the night at the hotel.

On Sunday, morning will be free for rest and recreation in Shogran till 11.am. We will leave for Islamabad at around 11.30 am and reach Islamabad in the afternoon with a lunch stop at Abbottabad.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS…JOIN US FOR A MEMORABLE EVENING...SUMPTUOUS DINNER IN A GARDEN AMBIANCE, PRIZES AND MORE!

A PERFORMANCE BY KHANZADA ASFANDYAR KHATTAK

A fusion of the Sub-continental classical dance ‘Kathak’, and the Afghan/ Pushtoon ‘Khattak’.

IN CONCERT: ROCKLITE-THE BAND

‘We just like to play good music. It’s is all about moments where you can indulge yourself in the magic of melody and harmony…’

Straddling the line between genres and cultures – shifting from Western to Eastern- the three musicians joined together as a cover band to indulge in their passion for music.

With their diverse backgrounds they perform music ranging from rock, alternative to pop…but always fun to groove to!

Rizwan Haque: Producer/Composer/Lead Vocals & Rhythm Guitar (ex Vital Signs)

Imran Hanan: Bass Guitar

Lead Vocals: Ajay Rao: English

Bilal Ashraf/ Waqas Iqbal: Punjabi/Pushto/Seraiki & Urdu

Join us on this relaxing ride through the jungle- to investigate the 'Jungle Track'!

An exciting addition to the Shakarparian Park- an off-road track...that within minutes, takes you away from the hustle and bustle of city life to a calm and remote silence as you wind your way through trees and foliage!

Day trip

Nestled between Kotli Sattiyan and Murree, Karor Valley stands as a captivating fusion of the scenic splendor and beauty of dense pine forests.

This is a rare opportunity to savor mountain vistas away from the general more tourist-oriented locations. Along the way, we will make several stops, including the scenic Simli Dam viewpoint, a visit to the historic Chawan Forest Rest House, the Colonial police station and explore historical buildings that evoke a sense of the bygone era, such as abandoned poultry sheds!

Our final destination will be the recently renovated Aryari-Karore Fire Watch Tower. (Fire towers are tall structures in the forest designed to help forest guards keep watch, primarily for fires but also for timber theft). To reach this point, we will drive up high into the mountains along a somewhat precarious ridge. From there, a 10-15 minute trek through the jungle will lead us to the tower, offering enchanting vistas of the surrounding landscape. Participants will have the opportunity to marvel at the majestic pine trees, relish the pristine surroundings, engage in meditation, take leisurely strolls around the area, and indulge in nature photography!

Please note : Bring ample refreshments/ water etc. Additionally, wear sturdy walking shoes and dress appropriately keeping weather conditions in mind!

We have meticulously planned this trip to preserve the natural beauty of the area by minimizing our impact on the environment. We strongly encourage everyone to utilize the transportation arranged for the trip to minimize emissions. While there is an option for self-driving, we discourage it to uphold our commitment to environmental conservation.

A programme not to be missed. Limited space...first come, first served!

Balochistan is a land of many landscapes, topographies and therefore many cuisines.Nilofer Afridi Qazi has 'Food Mapped' Pakistani heritage recipes for several years. Her purpose is to document Pakistani culinary culture before many of the undocumented recipes disappear.

She will be giving us a little taste of the traditional Balochi dishes, like Washagai, a local snack filled with the fruits and nuts form in a fried or baked pouch; and Aash which is dish from the Hazara tribes, this also shows us the linkages with Afghanistan and the Central Asia- along with other dishes made with local favorites like “dodai” (bread), “kurt” (dried milk) and “Landi” ( dried meat).The session will end with a delicious and an unusual Shenai icecream which she has developed along with Chef Ammar Mumtaz. Shenai is a wild pistachio bean found exclusively in Balochistan and usually used as a chewing nut across the Northern Belt of Balochistan!

‘Culinary Tales from Balochistan’ that she has authored- is an endeavor to map the gastronomic traditions of the largest yet most sparsely populated province of Pakistan. In her book, Nilofer not only documents the various foods from this region of immense topographical, ethnic, and climatic diversity but also traces the origins, evolution, and recipes of the staple food items integral to the cultural and culinary fabric of various communities living in Balochistan including Baloch, Pashtun, Brahvi, Hazara, Makrani, Gwadari, Punjabi, Zoroastrian and many more. It is a passion project that this food blogger and documentary maker, and development practitioner took on during the pandemic !

PLAN AHEAD...MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

Self-Drive (Drive in convoy)

One of the oldest public companies of the Sub-continent, it is also the oldest continuing industrial enterprise referred to as "The Murree Brewery Company Ltd".

The Ghora Gali Brewery was among the first modern businesses established in Asia in 1860 near Murree, which then, was the most popular resort. The products of the Brewery were popular among the British troops who were largely barracked in the 'Galis' of these hills.

Brief history

Between 1885 & 1890 the Company established itself in Rawalpindi and Quetta and acquired an interest in the Oticumand (South India) and Norailiya (Ceylon) breweries. It was the first to be awarded a medal for product excellence at the Philadelphia Exhibition in 1876, followed by numerous awards over the past 140 years.The business was managed by the family of General Reginald Dyer. In the 1940s, the share in the enterprise was obtained by a Parsi gentleman, the late Mr. Peshton Bhandara. His son, the late Mr.M.P. Bhandara later carried on the business, and it is now being run by his grandson, Mr.Isphanyar Bhandara.

In 1935, a massive earthquake totally demolished the Quetta outlet as well as a substantial part of Quetta town, killing thousands of persons. In the 1920s, the activities were mostly transferred to Rawalpindi, but malting continued at the Ghora Gali outlet till the 1940s when the property was sold. This historic building built in Gothic-style architecture was burnt during the partition riots of 1947/48. The ruins are still visible as you drive up to Murree and have served as a backdrop to many Pakistani and some International films!

The current Murree Brewery is located in Rawalpindi.

As we hike along the Margalla Ridge from Pir Sohawa, a narrow and curvy stretch of the scenic Pharilla Track offers pine trees, small streams, and a panoramic view of the nearby areas. An old forest rest house from the British Era is located at Pharilla, approximately 8Km from Pir Sohawa. It was maintained by the CDA until a big forest fire destroyed it a couple of years ago. It still provides a perfect picnic spot!

• We gather at the meeting point
• Travel as a convoy to the starting point
• We park our cars at Dino Valley parking.
• Distance: 18Km round trip (from/to PirShoawa)
• Elevation Gain: 450m
• Hike Rating: Strenuous (because of the distance)
• Wear sturdy shoes; bring refreshments. Also do not forget your camera/phone as you do not want to miss taking shots of the beautiful views!

Please Note: People who have not registered will not be allowed to join the hike.

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 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. (You may also bring your own pack lunch as well.

Departure for Islamabad 3:30 pm

Arrival at Islamabad at around 6:30 pm.

Abstract art is art that does not attempt to represent an accurate depiction of a visual reality but instead uses shapes, colours, forms and gestural marks to achieve its effect. It is expressive and very theraputic!

Suzan Alsaid is a Jordanian artist who will teach us how to do abstract painting with acrylic paints. She has been teaching adults and kids in the past years and last month. Her work has been recently exhibited at the Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA).

Children are welcome to join this session!

Raja Rasalu, is a cultural icon in Punjabi folklore. The King famous for slaying giants left a legacy which continues to resonate and inspire, transcending the boundaries of time.

With the help of visual aids, the illustrative story- telling session will cover this iconic Punjabi folklore in depth through multiple lenses!

The programme will touch upon the circumstances of his birth, his initial explorations, betrayal by his friends, giant-hunting adventures, his journey into mysticism, his journey to the City of King Sarkap. It will also explore themes of femininity in Punjabi lore, with the story of Raja Rasalu and the Seventy Fair Maidens, and the traditional game of 'Chaupur', which he played with the King of Sarkap!

We will dive into influences: historical, regional and religious alike, where necessary, to add context to these exciting folktales, and discuss how these stories, or the morals they encompass within, are relevant in modern times!

• The Presenter- Komal Salman is the Founder of Folkloristan, a digital storytelling platform working to leverage technology to preserve Pakistan's intangible cultural heritage, primarily focusing on local oral tradition. Along with retellings, translations, illustrations, and relevant research, Folkloristan also collects and curates folklore from across the country.