Adventure Club
Subgroup:

The Adventure Club Subgrpup organizes presentations / trips on sustainable, eco-friendly tourism in Pakistan. Trips to sites of natural/cultural interest are regularly arranged. Sometimes these are in collaboration with the other Subgroups. Most trips have elements of soft or hard adventure depending on the nature of the programme. These include camping and hiking, treks to the base camps of high mountains, desert / boat safaris , river rafting ,ecotourism & exploratory outings to different archaeological & historical sites.
Coordinator: Aftab Rana

Subgroup Programmes:

Adventure Club, Hiking & Archeology – ‘TILLA JOGIAN’ - SALT RANGE
Saturday, 22 February 2025
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.

Adventure Club/Archaeology: "TAKHT-E-BAHI": A WORLD HERITAGE SITE
Saturday, 21 December 2024
Day Trip
Foreigners: Please check with your organisations for an NOC.
The 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 the Takht-e-Bahi bazaa
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 etc.
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 refreshments as well).
Departure for Islamabad 3:30 pm
Arrival at Islamabad at around 6:30 pm.

Adventure Club/ Archaeology : 'TAXILA'- THE LOST CITIES OF THE KINGDOM OF GANDHARA
Saturday, 23 November 2024
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 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
09.00 Departure from Islamabad
1000 Arrival at Taxila. Visit Taxila Museum
11.15 Visit archaeological sites of Sirkap and Julian Monastery
13.30 Rest stop for Lunch
14.30 Visit remains of Dharmarajika Stupa
15.30 Short stay en-route for shopping of crafts of stones and clay.
16.00 Departure for a Home destination.
17.30 approx. Arrival at Islamabad.

Adventure Club, Archaeology & Trips– SWAT VALLEY EXPLORING THE AMAZING ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES!
Friday, 25 October 2024
SWAT VALLEY
EXPLORING THE AMAZING ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES!
2 Days/ 1 Night
Foreign members: Please apply for their NOC well in time.
Described as “Udyana” (the garden) in ancient Hindu epics, Swat is one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in northern Pakistan..The area is full of rich archaeological sites ,in an environment still intact and dominated by the calm majesty of Mount Ilam!
In 327 BC, Alexander the Great fought and won some of his major battles in the area, before crossing over to the plains of the Punjab. The famous Gandhara Buddhist civilization also flourished in this valley. There are many remains of Buddhist stupas, monasteries and settlements in lower Swat. In the area south of Barikot- in about 200 sq km- archeologists have documented more than 400 sites from proto-history to Islam!
In a joint venture, Italian ACT- Field School Project and Sustainable Tourism Foundation Pakistan is working to promote community based ecotourism in the area of Lower Swat Valley.
Please Note: The trip involves hiking to reach to the view points on the archaeological sites , so wear appropriate 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
· Visit archaeological site of Takht-e-Bahi near Mardan
· Carry refreshments for en route ( Lunch)
· Visit archaeological site of Bazira near Barikot
· 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.
· Visit Swat Museum
· Visits Batkara Stupa
· Visit Jahanabad Buddha
· Visit shops of handicrafts en route.
· Lunch at hotel along Swat river
· Return to hotel for rest
· Departure for visit to Muraghzar to visit White Place of Wali Swat
· Return to hotel and dinner and night stay at hotel.
Day-3
· Breakfast at hotel.
· Check out from hotel
· Arrival Udegram
· Visit archaeological sites of Sultan Mahmood Ghaznavi’s Mosque
· Visit remains of Raja Gira’s Castle (short hike involve)
· Visit Galeghai cave and Buddha image on rock along the road.
· Departure for Amluk-dara Stupa.
· Visit Amluk-dara Stupa
· Carry pack Lunch to save time
· Stop en-route for tea etc.
· Estimated time of arrival of group at Islamabad at around 6:30 pm

Adventure Club & Trips – KHEWRA SALT MINES & KETAS, KALLAR KAHAR
Saturday, 28 September 2024
Adventure Club & Trips –KHEWRA SALT MINES & KETAS, KALLAR KAHAR
Day Trip
Foreign members: Please apply for their NOC well in time.
-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. 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 found around the salt range provide a complete record of the history of the Earth.
-The Salt Range Wetlands Complexcomprises 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. –
The ‘Katas Raj’ temple complex is located in the Potohar Plateau-. The temples' pond is said 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 play a role in the Hindu epic poem, the Mahābhārata, where the temples are traditionally believed to have been the site where the Pandava brothers spent a significant portion of their exile. Another tradition states that the Hindu deity Krishna laid the foundation of the temple…
Historically this region is also very rich…Alexander the Great passed through the Salt Range on his way to fight battle with King 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 7thto 10th centuries, the Salt Range was part of powerful Kashmiri Hindu kingdom. Mahmood Ghazni invaded the region in the early 11thcentury. The local tribes were converted to Islam at this time...
Pl. Note: Wear sturdy shoes and dress appropriately. Bring refreshments.
TRIP ITINERARY
· Departure from Islamabad at 08:00 am.
· Travel on Motorway M-2 and enjoy the dramatic scenery of Salt Range
· Visit Khewra Salt Mines
· Visit fhe historical temples of Ketas Raj
· Drive to Kallar Kahar
· Short stay at Kallar Kahar(for tea and enjoying scenic beauty of this area)
· Return travel to Islamabad
· Arrival at Islamabad at around 7:00 pm.

Adventure Club /Photography/Trips: ADVENTURE WEEKEND IN SHOGRAN, KAGHAN VALLEY
Friday, 23 August 2024
*** NOC is required for foreigners ***
Friday to Sunday
23 - 25 Aug
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). We have planned two options within the same trip.
Option-I
For participants that are interested in easy walks Shogran and day excursion trip to Sari Paya by Jeep.
Option-II
For hardcore hikers who will climb Makra Mountain from Paya.
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 jeep to Sari and Paya. Group members interested in Option-Iwill 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. This group will come back to Shogran by 4x4 jeeps in the afternoon will be free for rest and recreation.
The hikers group (availing option-II) will go to Paya by 4x4 jeep and climb Makra Mountain (3,885m). They will return to Shogran in late afternoon and spend the night at the hotel.
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.

Adventure Club & Hiking – FAIRY MEADOWS & TREKKING TO THE BASE CAMP OF NANGA PARBAT!
Saturday, 6 July 2024
*** NOC is required for foreigners ***
Saturday to Wednesday
Group-1
06 – 10
July
Group-2
20 – 24 July
A lifetime opportunity for adventure and nature lovers!
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 accessible base camps of any 8000-meter peaks, 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 views 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 isOn 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 on Karakorum Highway 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 a nature walk, photography and spend time at leisure. Overnight stay in wooden huts/tents at Fairy Meadows. Dinner around a 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. End of trip.

Adventure Club, Photography & Trips – HUNZA, PASSU & KHUNJERAB NATIONAL PARK!
Saturday, 22 June 2024
*** NOC is required for foreigners ***
6 days /5 nights: Saturday- Thursday
Group-1
22 – 27 June
Group-2
24 – 29 August
Hunza Valley is one of the most picturesque and culturally rich regions of Gilgit- Baltistan.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 spread over 7900 square kilometers, it hosts a number of famous peaks of more than 6000 meter in height: Ultar, Rakaposhi, Diran, and Ladyfinger.
Itinerary
Day 1: Islamabad to Gilgit by morning flight.
Gilgit to Karimabad (Hunza). Sort 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: Flight to Islamabad.

Adventure Club /Photography/Trips: ADVENTURE WEEKEND IN SHOGRAN, KAGHAN VALLEY
Friday, 17 May 2024
Friday to Sunday 17 -19 May
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). We have planned two options within the same trip.
Option-I
For participants that are interested in easy walks at Shogran and day excursion trip to Sari Paya by Jeep.
Option-II
For hardcore hikers who will climb Makra Mountain from Paya.
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 jeep to Sari and Paya in one hour. Group members interested in Option-I 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. This group will come back to Shogran by 4x4 jeeps. Afternoon will be free for rest and recreation at Shorgran.
The hikers group (availing option-II) will go to Paya by 4x4 jeep and climb Makra Mountain (3,885m). They will return to Shogran in late afternoon and spend the night at the hotel.
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.

Adventure Club/Archaeology: ' TAKHT E BAHI'- WORLD HERITAGE SITE
Sunday, 21 April 2024
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.