Due to popular demand, we are repeating this very popular trip!

Rohtas Fort is a symbol of the determination and strength of its builder, Sher Shah Suri. The fort, 12 km in circumference, is located 110 km from Islamabad in a gorge, 16 km North West of Jhelum City. This huge fort has 12 gates, remains of old palaces, 68 towers, 3 deep wells and 12 – 18 meters high/3 – 5 meters thick fortification walls.

The construction of the fort started in 1543 and took over three years to complete. The original intent in building the fort was to block the possible entry of the Mughal Emperor Humayun, who after his defeat had fled to Iran. The second objective was to punish and defeat the turbulent Gakkhars who had control of the valley and were allies of the Mughals.

The fort could not have been more strategically located, protected as it was, by ravines and the river Kahan. However, it lost its importance as a frontier garrison when Akbar built the great fort at Attock on the Indus, in the 1850s.

Conservation and restoration work is underway at Rohtas to bring back to this great edifice, some of its past glory.

Trip Itinerary

0800 Departure from Islamabad (Assembly Point: In front of United Bakery, Super Market F-6, Islamabad at 7:45 a.m.)

1030 Short stay at Gujar Khan for refreshments

1100 Arrival at Rohtas Fort and sightseeing tour of Fort

1330 Free time for lunch (bring your own refreshments )

1500 Departure for home destination

1730 Arrival at Islamabad.

Hidden Caliphate, Sufi Saints beyond the Oxus and Indus (Harvard University Press) [local publishing by Sang-e-Meel, exp Dec 2023]

Having conducted fieldwork across Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Central Asia, in 140 towns and villages, often living with religious communities in the Afghan-Pakistan border areas- Waleed Ziad -In his path breaking book, tells the story of Central and South Asia through the lens of transnational Sufi networks from the 18th century onwards, offering a vital new perspective on a region long understood only through European imperial histories.

This work is therefore essential in not only reframing our understanding of the history of Pakistan and its neighbors, but tracing how the region transformed from a cosmopolitan center with a flexible religious tradition into a breeding ground for exclusionary, monolithic interpretations of Islam...

Fusing social history, religious studies, and anthropology to offer a new vision of Islamic sovereignty, where a Hidden Caliphate of Sufis provided order in times of political upheaval and fragmentation, Ziad shows how Asia was knit together by networks of Sufis centered in Pakistan and Afghanistan’s chief cities- Peshawar, Dera Ismail Khan, and Bukhara- as pivot points of Eurasia where a host of knowledge systems, spiritual and scholastic networks and nationalities blended.

"Always misrepresented by colonial actors, these Sufis known as the Naqshbandi-Mujaddidis, were the major force of military, social, and ideological resistance against the British and Soviet invasions through the 19th and 20th centuries and their influence is still felt today across the Muslim world. They, fused Persian, Arabic, Turkish, and Indian literary traditions, mystical virtuosity, popular religious practices, and urban scholasticism in a unified yet flexible expression of Islam. They brought cohesion to diverse Muslim communities from Punjab to the Central Asian steppes and Siberia..."

Awards

• Albert Hourani Prize, the most prestigious prize in Middle Eastern Studie (through the Middle East Studies Association),
• The American Institute of Pakistan Studies book award 2023

Shortlisted

• British Association for South Asian Studies, 2023 -Book Award.
• The Bloomsbury Pakistan 2022 Book Award

Reviews can be found at:

Hidden Caliphate — Waleed Ziad | Harvard University Press

With the prices sky high in the local bazaars, setting up ones own kitchen garden has become an absolute imperative. Also when purchasing plants on a trip to the Nursery what should one be looking for ...before spending hard- earned money?

To be breifed on all this and get an answer to your questions join us for a visit to the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC). The experts at the Horticulture department have very kindly agreed to guide/ advise us on setting up our own private kitchen garden and on purchasing appropriate plants!

Please bring along refreshments !

Note: NOC will be required for the foreigners/ diplomats

Last winter we went on to summit Mukshpuri which is the second highest peak of the Galiyat region... join us this time as we hike to the top of Miranjani- the highest peak of the Galiyat region - a winter wonderland at this time, and one of the most beautiful tourists attractions throughout the year !

We meet up at the United Bakery and travel together on the chartered Coaster. The hike is not too hard, but snow will make it challenging. Please come fully prepared!

Some tips that will help you with the hike...

1- Footwear is important. 'Gaiters' can be a good addition for such adventures.

2- Dress in layers.

3- When you are cold, it is tempting to not drink as much, or only drink coffee and hot chocolate. But you’re still sweating under all those layers, and your body needs water and electrolytes. Be sure to take sips of water when you stop. Keep enough water with you.

4- Hiking poles are handy on snow hikes.

Along with the necessary precautions, don't forget to bring cameras as the views will be amazing.

Please Note: Hike schedule is subject to change in case of inclement weather

Disclaimer: ASG shall not accept any liability for any injury, loss, or damage incurred from participating in the event.

Join us for a taste of the delectable ‘HUNZAAI ' cuisine!

The mesmerizing Hunza Valley sits in the far north of Gilgit Baltistan, a mountainous territory of Pakistan filled

with many historical treasures and stunning scenery.

Living at elevations of over 2000 m, the people of Hunza

have their own unique traditions, languages, and cuisines.

The food in particular is rich in flavor and variety, and it is

totally different from anything you can find in other parts of the country.

Like all mornings in the valley we will also begin with Azoq -a crispy doughy delight served with tea, followed by a traditional chicken soup, Dawdoo, which is primarily served in winters. You will also be able to witness the preparation of Beef Mamtus, which are Hunzai dumplings. The main meal on the menu is Rabongshah, a meat dish with beans,served with rice and Hoi La Garma which is a hot spinach dish. This will be finally followed by a delicious dessert made from walnuts!

Mussarat-our presenter- hails from the heart of the valley and has a Masters in IR and training in Guest relations from Serena hotel. She is currently working in a Government school teaching the finer aspects of the Hunzaii culture & cuisine to her students !

Join us on an exclusive journey at the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre... a world of incredible creatures, where every visit becomes a meaningful contribution to their survival!

Nestled in the heart of Margalla Hills, the Margalla Rescue Center operated by Second Chance Wildlife Pakistan (SCW) stands as a beacon of hope and dedication to the conservation of wildlife. The center is currently a sanctuary to the majestic tigers, bears, porcupines and many other wildlife.

This exclusive visit provides a rare opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures up close while supporting the ongoing conservation efforts. The SCW experts will lead you through the center, sharing insights into the individual histories of the animals, the challenges they face in the wild, and the vital role the rescue center plays in their rehabilitation.

In an effort to support the vital conservation initiatives, a generous donation of Rs. 1000 will be made by each participant joining the event, ensuring that your presence not only enriches your experience but also contributes directly to the ongoing efforts to protect and preserve our precious wildlife!

Foreigners please check for your NOC requirements.

Join us on our our most popular annual ride among the various Heritage sites in Taxila!

Taxila (meaning "City of Cut Stone") is an important archaeological site of ancient India, located in Taxila city, Rawalpindi District of the Punjab, Pakistan, situated about 32 km (20 mi) north-west of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, just off the famous Grand Trunk Road. Ancient Taxila was situated at the pivotal junction of the Indian subcontinent and Central Asia. The origin of Taxila as a city goes back to c. 1000 BCE. Some ruins at Taxila date to the time of the Achaemenid Empire in the 6th century BCE, followed successively by Mauryan Empire, Indo-Greek, Indo-Scythian, and Kushan Empire periods...

Please Note:

• It is a self-drive trip.
• Bring along plenty of refreshments for a rest/picnic break !
• For bicycle transport (Shahzore pickup truck) will be arranged from the gathering point. You can even drop your bicycle a day earlier at AeroCycling.
• We will regroup at the Taxila Museum and get our bicycles off the truck.
• We will then start our ride from the Taxila Museum and go to the different heritage sites ultimately returning back to the Taxila Museum.
• The ride will take min. 4 hours with short stops at each site. We will be riding on and off road so chose your bicycle accordingly
• Registration Deadline: 8th January, 2024. Ride will be canceled in-case the minimum number (ten persons) don’t confirm.
• 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/-) 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
• 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: Medium
• Bike Type: Hybrid & MTB

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.

If you want, 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 get refreshments
• Take road to Mardan.
• Arrival at Takht-e-Bahi
• Visit historical site of Takht-e-Bahi along with a local guide
• Return to main road and stop at local restaurant for a break
• Enjoy lunch of “Chapli Kabab” and tandoori nan. (Bring your own refreshments, if you like)
• Departure for Islamabad 3:30 pm
• Arrival at Islamabad at around 6:30 pm.

Shah Allah Ditta caves and few more miles up to the Losar Baoli, are two historic sites in the Margalla Hills...

Archaeological evidence indicates that the caves and the platform-like formations surrounding the area were first used for meditation by Buddhist monks and later by Hindu sadhus- before Muslim ascetics took over during the Mughal period.

Marked on the ground close to the caves is the location where Alexander arrived and was received by Raja Ambi, King of Taxila. The road next to the caves that leads to the main top of the mountain, Shah Allah Ditta road, is said to be built on the exact path followed by Pashtun emperor Sher Shah Suri during his visit.

Moving up the mountain from the caves, there is a stepwell called Losar Baoli. The Baoli is thought to have been constructed by the Emperor Sher Shah Suri in order to facilitate the caravans moving towards Kabul via Taxila.

The Ride is a slightly tough but very scenic on the uphill stretch towards Losar Baoli.Those who do not want to attempt the last uphill part can wait or return from the Shah Allah Ditta caves. Do inform the coordinators if you are turning back!

Documentary/ Presentation/Conversation

The Koochi nomads of Afghanistan belong to the Ghalji Tribe who are the largest migratory people on the planet, numbering about 2.5 Million. They traverse within Afghanistan-from North to South and in and out of Pakistan- on a seasonal basis, looking for greener pastures where they can feed their livestock, which are mostly goats and sheep.

A very conservative society, they maintain a safe distance from interference by the locals, and shun photography very strictly, especially of their women folk.This centuries old culture maybe coming to an end, because of the construction of fences and blockage of movement of these tribes…

Between 2006 -2008, approximately 100,000 nomads were included in a survey/research which covered the entire borderline with Afghanistan -between Pishin (Baluchistan) and up to the Mohmand tribal agency, in the KP province.

The producer/scriptwriter of this documentary Abid Zareef Khan- President & CEOof his NGO the Zareef Khan Foundation (ZKF) had the fortunate opportunity to film this century’s old culture of survival and existence- The information has been tabulated scientifically, and is in possession of the NGO-ZKF.