A special program designed specially for you-in collaboration with KP Department of Archaeology and Museums, Italian Archelogy Mission and Sustainable Tourism Foundation Pakistan to explore a few of the iconic archaeological sites in lower Swat !

Swat is -without doubt- one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in the northern Pakistan. With a rich historical past. It was described as “Udyana” (the garden) in ancient Hindu epics . In 327 BC, Alexander the Great fought and won some of his major battles here, before crossing over to the plains of the five rivers, Punjab. The famous Gandhara Buddhist civilization later flourished in this valley.
There are many remains of Buddhist stupas, monasteries and settlements in the lower Swat. Dominated by the calm majesty of Mount Ilam, the area is full of rich and amazing archaeological sites in a still intact environment! In the area south of Barikot, in about 200 sq km, archeologists have documented more than 400 sites from proto-history to Islam.
The trip involves some easy hiking to reach to the view points on archaeological sites so wear good comfortable walking shoes. Detailed trip joining instructions will be issued to the confirm trip participants well in time.
Trip Itinerary
Day-1
Departure from Islamabad at 07:30 am
En-route commentary about sites of tourist interest on the way.
Travel vis Swat Expressway
Visit archaeological site of Bazira near Barikot
Lunch: (carry pack lunch with you to save time)
Continue travel towards Mingora/Saidu Sharif
Visit Shingardar Stupa.
Arrival at Mingora/Saidu Sharif in the evening.
Transfer to hotels.
Dinner and night stay at hotel.
Day-2
Breakfast at hotel.
Departure for Islamabad
Visit Swat Museum
Visits Batkara Stupa
Visit shops of handicrafts in Mingora
Visit archaeological sites of Sultan Mahmood Ghaznavi’s Mosque
Visit remains of Raja Gira’s Castle (short hike involve)
Lunch at Chakdara
Continue travel towards Islamabad via Swat Expressway
Estimated time of arrival of group at Islamabad at around 7:00 pm

Foreign members : Please apply for an NOC well in time.

Adventure Club & Trips – EXPLORE HISTORICAL SITE OF KETAS & KALLAR KAHAR LAKE
The Salt Range comprise 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. Its 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 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 fight a 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 6th century 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 powerful Kashmiri Hindu kingdom. Mahmood Ghazni invaded the region in the early 11th century. The local tribes were converted to Islam at this time.
We have planned a day trip to explore this interesting area. Booking will be made on first come first served basis .
Trip Itinerary
Departure from Islamabad at 08:00 am.
Travel on Motorway M-2 and enjoy the dramatic scenery of Salt Range
Visit historical temples of Ketas Raj
Drive to Kallar Kahar
Visit Kallar Kahar Lake and short hike to view point on top of hill to enjoy the scenic beauty of this area.
Return travel to Islamabad
Arrival at Islamabad at around 6:00 pm.

Adventure Club /Photography/Trips: ADVENTURE WEEKEND IN SHOGRAN, KAGHAN VALLEY
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 summer climate of Shogran is pleasantly cold. 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).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 jeeps to Sari and Paya in one hour. Group members 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. We will come back to Shogran by 4x4 jeeps. Afternoon will be free for rest and recreation at Shogran.
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.

Foreigners: NOC required

Nanga Parbat (8126m) is the second highest mountain peak of Pakistan and ninth highest in the world. Its base camp is one the most beautiful and most accessable base camps of any 8000-meter peak in the world. Fairy Meadows, named by German mountaineers is an alpine pasture at an elevation of 3300 feet from sea level and offers excellent view of Nanga Parbat and other high peaks.
On this 5 days adventure trip planned in collaboration with Sustainable Tourism Foundation, we will take you to the Fairy Meadows side of Nanga Parbat. This area offers excellent trekking opportunities with lush green meadows, pine covered slopes and superb views of Nanga Parbat and other high peaks. It is a lifetime opportunity for adventure and nature lovers. On this trail, porters will carry the heavy luggage while you hike carrying your day pack to the Fairy Meadows camping site (an easy to moderate hike of about 3 hrs.).
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Departure from Islamabad at 05:00 a.m. for Chilas. Travel via Naran and Babusar Pass in air conditioned transport and cover distance in about 11 to 12 hrs. with break for lunch and refreshments. Overnight stay at hotel in Chilas.

Day 2: Early Breakfast at hotel. Leave for Roikot Bridge (about 1 ½ hrs. drive). Roikot to Jhel on 4x4 jeeps (1 ½ hrs. jeep ride). Trek from Jhel to Fairy Meadows (3 to 4 hrs.). Those who are not interested in trekking can hire a pony to reach Fairy Meadows in about 3 hrs. Overnight stay in wooden huts/tents at Fairy Meadows.

Day 3: One day trekking excursion to explore Bial Camp and Nanga Parbat base camp (8 to 9 hrs. both ways) Those who are not interested to go on a long hike can stay back at Fairy Meadows and explore area around camping site and enjoy nature walk, photography and spend time at leisure. Overnight stay in wooden huts/tents at Fairy Meadows. Dinner with Bonfire.

Day 4: Breakfast at camping site. Enjoy morning hours to do photography, explore area towards Fantori or relax in the beautiful mountain environment. After lunch trek back to Jhel (easy downhill trekking of about 2 ½ hrs.). Jhel to Raikot bridge travel by 4x4 jeeps in 1 ½ hrs. Raikot to Chilas by van in another 1 ½ hrs.). Overnight stay at hotel in Chilas.

Day 5: Early morning departure for Islamabad. Travel on KKH via Dasu, Besham, Thakot, Mansehra and Abbottabad. Enroute stop for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. Reach Islamabad at around 9:00 p.m.

6 days /5 nights
Hunza Valley s ione of the most picturesque and culturally rich region of Gilgi,t Baltistan. Situated in the norther region of Pakistan, it is approximately a two hour drive from Gilgit city on the Karakoram Highway
At an elevation of 2500 meters it is situated on the north/west of Hunza River and spreads over 7900 square kilometers, it hosts a number of famous peaks of more than 6000 meter in height: Ultar, Rakaposhi, Diran, Golden Peak and Ladyfinger.
Itinerary
Day 1: Islamabad to Gilgit by morning flight.
Gilgit to Karimabad (Hunza). hort stay at Rakaposhi View Point. Arrival at Hunza. Sightseeing and photography. Overnight stay at selected hotel at Hunza.
Day 2: Full day to explore Hunza. Visit Duikar, Altit Fort, Baltit Fort and Ganaish. Overnight stay at Hunza.
Day 3: Full day trip to Upper Hunza. Visit Attabad Lake, Gulmit, Passu, Borit Lake and Khunjrab Pass. Return to Passu for night stay.
Day 4 Full day free to go for short hiking trip along Passu glacier or do local exploration around Passu
Day 5: Return travel to Gilgit. Enjoy scenic drive on KKH. Lunch en route at Rakaposhi View Point. Night stay at hotel at Gilgit

Day 6: Morning flight to Islamabad.

Adventure Club /Photography/Trips:

Friday to Saturday : May 29-31

WEEKEND IN SHOGRAN, KAGHAN VALLEY
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).
Programme:
On Friday : 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 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. The group will come back to Shogran by 4x4 jeeps. Afternoon will be free for rest and recreation at Shogran.
On Sunday: Morning will be free for rest and recreation in Shogran till 11.00 am. There are good opportunities to go around for short walks and hikes around this place. We will leave for Islamabad at around 11.30 am and reach Islamabad in the afternoon with a lunch stop at Abbottabad.

Foreigners: Please check your organisation for NOC requirements

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 Road.
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 ((Assembly Point: In front of United Bakery, Supper Market F-6, Islamabad at 8:45 a.m.)
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
1730 approx. Arrival at Islamabad.

Rohtas Fort is a symbol of the determination and strength of its builder, Sher Shah Suri. The fort- 12 km in circumference- is located 110km 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 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 the Mughal Emperor 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
7.45 am Assembly Point: In front of United Bakery, Supper Market F-6, Islamabad ( Departure 8 am SHARP)
1030 Short stop at Gujar Khan
1100 Arrival at Rohtas Fort and sightseeing tour of Fort
1330 Free time for lunch (bring your own refreshments)
1500 Departure for Islamabad
1730 Arrival at Islamabad.

Adventure Club, Hiking & Archeology – ‘TILLA JOGIAN’ - SALT RANGE
A day trip/ hike

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-GT 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 two hours. 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.

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.