Self Drive/In Convoy

Spring Vibes...the perfect time to put on your hiking boots and go trekking!!

Assemble at the Japanese Park parking and go in a convoy to Talhaar- from where we will start our hike towards the ridge. The views of the valleys and Khanpur dam are absolutely breathtaking!

After having a picnic at the top of the ridge we will return from the other side of the hill and go back to our cars. Wear sturdy shoes suitable for the rocky hiking trails, and bring along refreshments.

This is also an opportunity for photogtraphy buffs!

Cycling enthusiasts this is especially for you…a new track in your list of wanderings!

Nestled in the heart of Islamabad, a hidden gem awaits all nature enthusiasts and cycling aficionados! Recently revived and renovated this scenic cycling track offers a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, providing a unique opportunity to connect with nature and indulge in an invigorating outdoor experience.

As you cycle through the dense greenery, you will be surrounded by a calm ambiance that seems worlds away from urban chaos... you will be treated to breathtaking views, occasional glimpses of wildlife, bird song and the soothing sound of rustling leaves...

Self Drive/travel in convoy.

Kashmir is known as 'Paradise on earth' for its natural habitats and beautiful lakes. Prepare your taste buds for a culinary journey to this picturesque valley. This gastronomic extravaganza will celebrate the rich and diverse flavors of the special cuisine, offering a delightful experience for food enthusiasts. Let your taste buds be captivated by the aromatic spices, rich gravies, and delightful sweets as you experience the essence of Kashmiri culinary artistry.

The deliciously prepared menu will be presented in a Kashmiri house setting with its unique wooden furniture and antique wares.

Presenter: Anjum N Reshi is a talented Kashmiri resident in Islamabad and has promoted Kashmiri culture including its cuisine, wood carving and intricate embroidered shawls in various national programmes and TV shows.

A multi- media presentation

From the late 19th century, postcards became a popular - even fashionable - form of communication. Traditional letter writing, while it had the advantage of confidentiality, gradually gave way to the shorter, pithy message which could be scribbled on a postcard. In time, postal services universally standardized the format and by reducing rates made the use of postcards affordable. Initially, Germany led the field in the manufacture of postcards, until the First World War of 1914-18, after which British and local presses filled the vacuum. The introduction of images on the reverse of postcards enhanced their appeal and, in a sense, supplemented visually the content of the message. Topographical views, buildings of interest, topical events, ethnic types, and social subjects became increasingly popular…

Overtaken today by instant electronic communications, postcards have lost their appeal. However, they have become of increasing interest to collectors and historians as a pictorial record of the recent past. The postcards presented in this volume illustrate provincial capitals – Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar and Quetta – as well as prominent cities and areas in each province of pre-Pakistan, as they existed before 1947. They provide a second life to largely forgotten images of a pre-Pakistan past.

Guest Presenter: Fakir Syed Aijazuddin, OBE, FCA, is one of Pakistan’s leading art-historians. His earlier works have focused on paintings, watercolours, lithographs, and early photographs.

He has published 23 titles on such diverse subjects as Pahari miniature painting, Sikh portraiture, lithographs by British artists, the work of the 19th c. Hungarian painter August Schoefft, the travels of Charlotte, Lady Canning from Kolkata to the Khyber Pass between 1858-61, U.S.-Pakistan relations 1969-74, cartography, and on Henry Kissinger’s secret visit to China in July 1971.His latest book Forgotten Images: Postcards of Pre-Pakistan, 1890-1947 has been released recently.

Film: Mustang (2015) - a Turkey / France film.

Language: Turkish with English subtitles

Director: Denis Gamze Ergüven

Screenplay: Denis Gamze Ergüven & Alice Winocaur

Awards: Academy Award Nomination: Best Foreign Language Film

Cast: Günes Sensoy, Doga Zeynap Doguslu, Tugba Sunguroglu, Elir Esclan, Ilayda Akdogan

The film is a fearless celebration of womanhood and a timely exploration of patriarchy and conservatism.

Set at an unspecified time in the 2010s in a remote Turkish village, Mustang depicts the lives of five young orphaned sisters and the challenges they face growing up with extended family as girls in a conservative society.

The sisters begin their summer break from school by frolicking at the beach with their male classmates while walking home. Their alarmed guardians - grandmother and uncle -sequester the girls in a systematic campaign to break their unity and tame them into traditional female roles. They are locked up behind closed doors and potentially corrupting influences like computers and phones are removed, and they are outfitted in shapeless dung-colored frump dresses for rare outings in the village. The girls are given instruction by local women in traditional cooking and homemaking as their grandmother sets out to arrange marriages for each of them. The girls' instinct for survival and self-preservation kicks in as they strike back against their enforced captivity binding them even closer together.

The story's quiet power comes from its sensitive observation of the characters as normal, emancipated young modern women with healthy desires and curiosities, whose supposed transgressions are imagined and then magnified in the judgemental minds of others.

• In collaboration with Alliance Francais d'Islamabad.

Discover Islamabad early morning, during Ramzan/Ramadan!

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...and for those of you interested in 'Comparative Cultures' coupled with a bit of adventure, this is an opportunity for you to join in on our very special ‘Pre- Sehri’ ride!

Ramzan/Ramadan is the ninth 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 Five 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, travelling, 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!

For the more adventurous amongst you, we can even stop for a 'Sehri' break at a suitable place!

A hike timed for the golden hour before sunset... since we plan to get back in time for 'Iftar '- keeping the month of Ramzan/Ramadan in mind!

Join us for a short hike on one of the most beautiful tracks in Islamabad... the back of Saidpur Village on a trail that ascends to the Pir Sohawa road near Monal.

Duration: 60-75 minutes. Easy to medium.

Wear sturdy shoes and don't forget to bring your camera/phone for some spectacular photography!

We will gather at the parking of the Saidpur model village.

Parking lot: https://maps.app.goo.gl/x9qHHCpNpT1oPkSa7

Join us for this unforgettable experience—where compassion meets conservation!

Step into the Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre for an exclusive experience—an encounter with incredible creatures where every visit plays a role in their survival.

Nestled in the heart of the Margalla Hills, the Margalla Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, operated by the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB), stands as a beacon of hope for wildlife conservation. This sanctuary is home to a majestic leopard, a lion, bears, porcupines, and many other rescued animals- each with their own story of survival and rehabilitation.

This special visit offers a rare chance to see these magnificent creatures up close while supporting vital conservation efforts.

The programme begins with a short documentary, providing insight into the center’s mission and showcasing the importance of wildlife preservation. Following this, wildlife experts will guide you through the facility, sharing fascinating stories of the animals, the threats they face in the wild, and the crucial role the rescue center plays in their recovery.

Please Note: Your contribution will go towards the support of ongoing conservation efforts, ensuring that your visit not only enriches your understanding but also directly aids the protection and care of our precious wildlife!

In Conversation...

By harnessing the power of culture and art, countries can build bridges, foster cooperation and promote peace and understanding in an increasingly interconnected world. These intangible ambassadors of national identity have long been recognized as essential components, playing a vital role in shaping international relations and diplomacy...

Drawing on her own vast experience, Dr. Maliha Lodhi -in conversation with Dr. Dushka Saiyid- will discuss the role of soft power in diplomacy and how a country can use culture, art and other sources of persuasive attraction to further foreign policy goals.

• Dr Maleeha Lodhi has served as Pakistan’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York. She twice served as Pakistan’s Ambassador to the US (1993 – 1996, 1999 – 2002) and as High Commissioner to Britain (2003 – 2008). She also served as a member of the UN Secretary General’s Advisory Board on Disarmament Affairs from 2001 to 2005. In 1994 Time magazine nominated her as one of a hundred people in the world who will help shape the 21st century. She is the recipient of the President’s award of Hilal-e-Imtiaz for Public Service in Pakistan. The author of two books: ‘Pakistan’s Encounter with Democracy’ and ‘The External Challenge’ she has also edited two books ‘Pakistan: Beyond the Crisis State’ and 'Pakistan's Search for Stability’. An Urdu translation of a collection of her columns was also published as a book recently titled ' Pakistan: Between crisis and hope’.
• Dr. Dushka H. Saiyid received her Doctorate degree from Columbia University New York in South Asian History. She has served as Professor and Chairperson, Department of History, Quaid-i-Azam University, The author of two books ‘Muslim Women of the British Punjab: From Seclusion to Politics’ and ‘Exporting Communism to India, Why Moscow Failed’, she has published numerous research articles in national and international academic journals . She is the editor of Youlin/Good Neighbours (a monthly cultural magazine) and www.youlinmagazine.com (a bilingual Chinese/English website).
• In collaboration with Serena Hotel, Islamabad

Day trip/ Hike

Foreigners: Please check need for NOC from your organisations.
Alberuni in his travelogue “Kitab ul Hind” has mentioned the legendry ‘Tilla Jogian’ (Peak of Jogis) near Jhelum as the center of Jogis (Ascetics). This centuries old monastery of Jogis was in existence when Alexander the great fought the famous battle with Raja Porus near this ‘Tilla’ in 326 BC. It has also been known as ‘Tilla Gorakh Nath’ and ‘Tilla Bal Nath’ at different times. The remnants of the monastery and shrine still exist like a big pond with balconies, masonry tombs, places for meditation, and banyan trees among others...
Tilla Jogian is the highest peak in the Salt Range 3200 feet above sea level. It offers a panoramic view of the Potohar plateau and splendid scenic beauty throughout the trip. We will travel on the G T road and then about 35km off-G T road to reach (via Domaili & Gattat villages) at the village ‘Bheet’ located at the base of Tilla Jogian mountain. One-way travel time is about one and a half hour or slightly more. The hill is quite steep and after a maximum one & half hour’s moderate to strenuous hike, we shall reach at the top of hill.