Film: House of Flying Daggers (2004) – China
Language: Mandarin with English subtitles
Director: Zhang Yimou
Screenplay: Feng Li, Bin Wang & Zhang Yimou
Awards: Academy Award Nomination for Cinematography
Cast: Takesh Kaneshiro, Andy Lau, Ziyi Zhang, Dandan Song, Hongfei Zhao, Jun Guo
An epic romance inflamed with breathless sensuality and jaw-dropping visuals focuses on the process of love, emotions and feelings under the guise of a martial arts movie.A film that is a wild riot of colour, music, passion, action, mystery, pure old-fashioned thrills, and even dancing.
A blind revolutionary (Ziyi Zhang) is caught in a love triangle between two policemen (Andy Lau and Takeshi Kaneshiro) who enlist her in the hunt to track down a gang of secret assassins known as the Flying Daggers. The two men close in on the blind girl, and their triangulated relationship is a fraught drama of double-cross and triple-cross, where nothing is as it seems, and whose impostures conceal a passionate, tragic love story. The trio trek across the ravaged beauty of Tang Dynasty China (actually shot in the Ukraine) and it sets the scene for some truly incredible action scenes as CGI daggers cut through the air at improbable speeds, cavalry charge through fields of flowers and a bamboo forest erupts into a gloriously intricate vertical battle. The director uses landscape as a mirror of the predicament of his characters confusion. A snow storm suggests ruthless, icy intentions. Martial arts have rarely been filmed with such artistry.

In a historic move, the Islamabad High Court ordered the closure of the Islamabad Zoo in 2020, marking the beginning of a transformative new chapter. The site was reimagined as a Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, offering a critical sanctuary for poached, injured, and orphaned wildlife from across Pakistan. Since its establishment, the Centre has rescued and rehabilitated more than 300 animals and birds, including black and brown bears, leopards, lions, tigers, monkeys, eagles, owls, and falcons.

The programme will feature the screening of a specially curated short documentary that takes audiences on a moving journey through the lives of rescued wildlife. Highlighting stories of recovery, care, and hope, the film traces the transformation of animals once subjected to abuse and neglect as they find safety and healing at the pioneering rescue centre managed by the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board—the only facility of its kind in Pakistan. The documentary also shines a light on the unwavering commitment of the Centre’s caregivers and the extraordinary resilience of the animals in their care.

Following the screening, participants will join an interactive, guided tour of the Rescue Centre led by IWMB wildlife experts. During the tour, visitors will learn about the individual stories of rescued animals, the threats wildlife faces in the wild, and the vital role the Centre plays in conservation and rehabilitation efforts.

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!

Please Note: The area is outside Islamabad: Foreigners/ diplomats will require an NOC to participate.
Miranjani at 2980m (9800ft) is the highest mountain of the Galiyat region. The hike is around 5Km long (one way) and can become challenging in snow. It 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.

• Please come fully prepared- Some tips that will help you with the hike.

1) Footwear is important. 'Gaiters' can be a good addition to 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!

It is recommended to bring your own refreshments and not rely on the local vendor

Hike Rating is Hard (the same as Trail 3 hike and added difficulty due to snow) with a distance of around 10 Km for the complete loop.

Foreigners are requested to arrange their NOCs in advance.

Experience the shared soul of our land by joining a visiting group of Sikh pilgrims from the USA for a day as they trace their roots in present day Pakistan. This interfaith journey begins at Attock Khurd, where lunch will be arranged by the banks of the River Indus. The next destination will be the site of the Battle of Nowshera 1823, which decded the fate of the Peshawar valley.

The day culminates at Gurdwara Panja Sahib, home to Guru Nanak’s sacred handprint. By walking together, we celebrate the cross-cultural heritage, humanity and traditions that unite us all.

Please Note:

The bus will depart the PC hotel at 9:00 am and the expected time of return is 6:00 pm. Only six slots available. Payment covers 1 meal, transport and guide for the day.

Special Instructions: No smoking or tobacco use throughout the day. Pick and drop will be at the Rawalpindi Pearl Continental Hotel.

Join us for this exclusive programme-the guided tour is a rare opportunity for nature enthusiasts . Unique insights -by experts in the field -regarding leopards and their habitat !

The 'Leopard Trail’ in the Leopard Preservation Zone is a unique biodiversity spot nestled in the Margalla Hills National Park (MHNP) Islamabad. With scenic views, serene nature and a barely touched ecosystem, this trail is located in the heart of leopard territory, which means that there are good chances of spotting leopards, deer and other wildlife!

Since we intend to witness wildlife up close, we will be accompanied and guided by trained staff of MHNP who will tell us about their experiences with the leopards, their nature, habitat and recordings from trap cameras and about the other wildlife in the newly formed Leopard Preservation Zone. The programme will end with a projector documentary about the new trail and wildlife in MHNP.

The hike is approximately 2 Km, we suggest that you use a mosquito repellant, wear full-sleeved clothes and sturdy walking shoes.

THE LOST CITIES OF THE KINGDOM OF GANDHARA
A Day Trip
Taxila or Takhkhasilā, (City of Cut Stone" in Sanskrit) is a significant archaeological site in the modern city of the same name in Punjab. It lies about 35 km north-west of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, just off the famous Grand Trunk Roa
Ancient Taxila situated at the pivotal junction of the Indian subcontinent and Central Asia was an important city in the Kingdom of Gandhara. The origin of Taxila as a city goes back to 1000 BCE. Owing to its strategic location and with many empires vying for its control, it has changed hands many times over the centuries, Bactrian Greeks, Parthians, Scythians, and Kushans ruled the area in turn, developing a unique art fusing east and west known as Gandhara.
By some accounts, ‘Jaulian’- the University of Ancient Taxila was considered to be one of the earliest universities in the world. Ashoka, the great Mauryan leader, a Viceroy at Taxila became a Buddhist and interred some of Buddha’s ashes at Dharmarajika Stupa. From Taxila, Buddhism flourished and spread to Central Asia and on to Tibet, China, and Japan.
When the great ancient trade routes connecting these regions ceased to be important, the city sank into insignificance and was finally destroyed by the nomadic Huns in the 5th century.
The renowned archaeologist Sir Alexander Cunningham rediscovered the ruins of Taxila in the mid-19th century. In 1980, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Trip Itinerary
0900 Departure from Islamabad
1000 Arrival at Taxila. Visit Taxila Museum
1115 Visit archaeological sites of Sirkap and Jaulian Monastery
1330 Rest stop for Lunch
1430 Visit remains of Dharmarajika Stupa
1530 Short stay en-route for shopping of crafts of stones and clay.
1600 Departure for Home destination.
1730 approx. Arrival at Islamabad.

Thai culture is influenced by Buddhist traditions and regional, ethnic and cultural practices.

'AHAN THAI' -The national name of Thai cuisine is recognized for its complex balance of flavors, often featuring fresh, aromatic herbs and spices like lemongrass, galangal, basil, and chili peppers. The taste varies significantly by region, influenced by local geography, climate, and historical interactions with neighboring cultures like Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, India, Malaysia, and Indonesia and the influece of Chinese, Portuguese and Indian traders and immigrants. Characterized by regional variations, a variety of cooking methods are used: stir-frying, deep-frying, and steaming.

Thai dishes are known for their fragrant components and aesthetically pleasing presentation, making the entire meal an enjoyable experience!

Our menu includes:

Chicken Thai soup, Steamed fish with lemon sauce,

Chicken pad Thai

Papaya salad & Sticky green rice

Chicken satay with Thai peanut sauce &/or Thai lollipops with mango chili sauce.

Desserts: Coconut ice cream / Khao Mao Tod.

Anisa A. Rahman Quraishi recognised as a foremost caterer for Islamabad/ Pindiites. is an expert in Pakistani, Arabic, Asian and European cuisines.

Language: English

Director: Peter Weir

Screenplay: David Williamson & Peter Weir, based on the novel by C.J. Koch

Awards: Academy Award:Best Supporting Actress (Linda Hunt)

Cast: Mel Gibson, Sigourney Weaver, Linda Hunt, Bembol Roco, Michael Murphy, Ali Nur, Bill Kerr

A suspenseful tale of intrigue and a sweeping romance set in Indonesia during the overthrow of President Sukarno during the events of 1965 in Jakarta amidst a growing division in politics.

The film revolves around an Australian journalist (Mel Gibson) who goes to the city to cover the events with the aid of a Chinese-Australian (Linda Hunt) while falling for an assistant (Sigourney Weaver) . The film plays into a lot of drama that occurs in Indonesia during a tumultuous period of civil and social unrest where foreign correspondents try to understand what is going on.

The setting of the story is vibrant and unique – Indonesia during the Sixties. It recreates the period in stunning detail – the slums, the sweaty cramped offices, seedy bars, plush hotels, and poverty rubbing shoulders with elegance. While the film was shot in Australia and the Philippines, it was banned in Indonesia until 2000.

Film: In Custody (1994) – UK / India
Language: Urdu with English subtitles
Director: Ismail Merchant
Screenplay: Shahrukh Hussain & Anita Desai
Awards: National Film Award for Shashi Kapoor
Cast: Shashi Kapoor, Shabana Azmi, Om Puri, Sushma Seth, Neena Gupta, Tinnu Anand, Parikshat Sahni, Amjad Khan
An adaptation of Anita Desai’s novel which explores cultural and linguistic heritage along with decay in human relationships and the disappointments of life.
The narrative centers on Deven Sharma (Om Puri), a timid Hindi professor in Mirpur, lured by his friend Murad (Tinnu Anand) to interview Nur Shahjehanabadi (Shashi Kapoor), a fading Urdu poet. Deven seeks escape from his mundane life but finds Nur surrounded by chaos—drunken admirers, jealous wives, and personal decline. The plot unfolds as a comedy of errors, with Deven becoming the reluctant custodian of Nur’s final poems. Deven, who was the lifelong admirer of Nur's work, finds the man in pitiable condition, a far cry from his literary genius.
Merchant directs with a focus on character depth and balances subtle humor and melancholy to reflect Deven’s internal struggle. The portrayal of Urdu’s decline serves as a backdrop, treated with respect yet critiqued through Nur’s decadent lifestyle. The music underscores ghazals and poems by Faiz Ahmed Faiz, enhancing the authenticity of the film's central narrative. Faiz's poetry is used throughout the film as Nur's words. Merchant filmed in Bhopal to capture authentic settings, avoiding studio sets.

Self Drive

Foreigners: Please check for your NOC requirements.

The annual awaited 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.

We will regroup at the Taxila Museum and get our bicycles for the truck. We will start our ride from the Taxila Museum and go to the different heritage sites ultimately returning back to the Taxila Museum. The ride would take min 4 hours with short stops at each site. We will be riding on and off road so chose your bicycle accordingly.

So, bring plenty of water and snacks for a rest/picnic break.