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.

Riding at night gives a whole new perspective to the city, so step out and become part of the scene- an experience not to be missed!

For those of you interested in 'Comparative Cultures' coupled with a bit of adventure, this is an opportunity for you to join in on this very special ‘Pre- Sehri’ ride and for the more adventurous amongst you, we can even stop for a 'Sehri' break at a suitable place!

'Ramzan/Ramadan’ is the 9th.month of the Islamic Calendar observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, reflection and community. The annual observance of ‘Ramzan/Ramadan’ is regarded as one of the 5 pillars of Islam-and lasts twenty-nine to thirty days, from one sighting of the crescent moon to the next. Fasting from dawn to sunset is considered obligatory for all adult Muslims who are not acutely, or chronically ill,traveling, elderly... etc.

The predawn meal is referred to as ‘Sehri' and the evening meal that breaks the fast is called ‘Iftari'. Both periods are characterised by hustle and bustle. Homes & markets are a buzz with activity and festivity!

The Salt Range comprises of 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. It's 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 of 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 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 6thcentury 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 the powerful Kashmiri Hindu kingdom.
• Mahmood Ghazni invaded the region in the early 11th century. The local tribes were converted to Islam at this time.

The Shri Katas Raj Temples also known as Qila Katas is a complex of several Hindu temples connected to one another by walkways.The temple complex surrounds a pond named Katas which is regarded as sacred by Hindus. The temples pond is said in the 'PURANAS' to have been created from the teardrops of Lord Shiva, after he wandered the Earth inconsolable after the death of his wife Sati. The temples also play a role in the Hindu epic poem, the Mahabharata where the temples are traditionally believed to have been the site where the Pandava brothers spent a significant portion of their exile. The Pakistani government began restoration works at the temples, with further improvements announced in 2017.

Trip Itinerary

• Departure from Islamabad at 07:30 am.
• Travel on Motorway M-2 and enjoy the dramatic scenery of the Salt Range
• Visit Khewra Salt Mines
• Visit the historical temples of Ketas Raj
• Drive to Kallar Kahar
• Short stay at Kallar Kahar (for refreshments and enjoying the scenic beauty of this area)
• Arrival at Islamabad at around 7:00 pm. End of trip.