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.

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.

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. It's 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 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.Historically this region is also very rich

• Alexander the Great passed through the Salt Range on his way to 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 6thcentury 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 the powerful Kashmiri Hindu kingdom.
• Mahmood Ghazni invaded the region in the early 11th century. The local tribes were converted to Islam at this time.

The Shri Katas Raj Temples also known as Qila Katas is a complex of several Hindu temples connected to one another by walkways.The temple complex surrounds a pond named Katas which is regarded as sacred by Hindus. The temples pond is said in the 'PURANAS' 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 also play a role in the Hindu epic poem, the Mahabharata where the temples are traditionally believed to have been the site where the Pandava brothers spent a significant portion of their exile. The Pakistani government began restoration works at the temples, with further improvements announced in 2017.

Trip Itinerary

• Departure from Islamabad at 07:30 am.
• Travel on Motorway M-2 and enjoy the dramatic scenery of the Salt Range
• Visit Khewra Salt Mines
• Visit the historical temples of Ketas Raj
• Drive to Kallar Kahar
• Short stay at Kallar Kahar (for refreshments and enjoying the scenic beauty of this area)
• Arrival at Islamabad at around 7:00 pm. End of trip.

Day trip/ hike

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! Alberuni in his travelogue 'Kitab ul Hind' has mentioned the legendary ‘Tilla Jogian’ (Peak of Jogis) near Jhelum as the center of Jogis (Ascetics). This centuries old monastery of Jogis was in existence when Alexander 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 eg. a big pond with balconies, masonry tombs, places for meditation, and banyan trees among others.

We will travel on the G T road and then about 35km off-G T road to reach (via Domaili & Gattat villages) the village ‘Bheet’ located at the base of the '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 will reach at the top of hill.

Wear sturdy shoes; bring refreshments.

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.

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.

Foreign members interested to join this trip are requested to apply for their NOC well in time.

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- the 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. The area is full of rich and amazing archaeological sites in an environment still intact and dominated by the calm majesty of Mount Ilam. In the area south of Barikot, in about 200 sq km, archeologists have documented more than 400 sites from proto-history to Islam.

Under a joint venture, Italian ACT- Field School Project and Sustainable Tourism Foundation Pakistan is working jointly to promote community based ecotourism in the area of Lower Swat Valley. We have designed a very special three days archaeological exploration trip to lower Swat .The trip involve some easy hiking to reach to the view points on archaeological sites so dress appropriately & 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.
• Visit archaeological site of Takht-e-Bahi near Mardan
• Lunch: (carry pack lunch with you to save time)
• 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 and freshen up
• 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
• Departure for return travel to Islamabad.
• Arrival Udegram
• Visit archaeological sites of Sultan Mahmood Ghaznavi’s Mosque
• Visit remains of Raja Gira’s Castle (short hike involved)
• 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)
• Return to main road
• Stop en-route for tea and freshen up
• Departure for Islamabad.

Estimated time of arrival of group at Islamabad at around 6:30 pm.

SaturdayDay Trip

Foreign members interested to join this trip are requested to apply for their NOC well in time.

Pakistan is now included in the list of good quality olive oil producing countries. The area of the Salt Range is perfect for olive cultivation and farmers have planted a large number of trees on their land in this area.

Sustainable Tourism Foundation Pakistan (STFP) is working on the idea of promoting Sustainable Olive Tourism in the rural areas of Salt Range by involving the local community .

ASG in collaboration with STFP has planned a day trip to the area of Kallar Kahar and Chakawal to visit an olive farm at a very scenic location. On this Sunday the farmers of this area are organizing an Olive Festival, where the visitors will be able to participate in olive -picking activites and also buy various products :Fresh olives , extra virgin olive oil, olive pickles, olive tea, olive cosmetics, soap and many other items.

Trip Itinerary

• Departure from Islamabad at 07:30 am.
• Travel on Motorway M-2 and enjoy the scenery of salt range
• Visit an Olive Farm at Kallar Kahar and participate in different activities
• Enjoy a traditional lunch at a rural location
• Walking tour of olive farm and an opportunity to purchase different products .
• Return travel to Islamabad
• Arrival at Islamabad at around 7:00 pm.

Non- Members: For further information contact ASG Office: 051-2802343 Thursday- Saturday : 11 am- 2 pm

Saturday- Monday

26-28 Aug

Swat is without doubt one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in the northern Pakistan. Swat has a rich historical past. It was described as “Udyana”(the garden) in ancient Hindu epics and where in 327 BC, Alexander the Great fought and won some of his major battles before crossing over to the plains of the five rivers. The famous Gandhara Buddhist civilization later flourished in this valley.

There are many remains of Buddhist stupas, monasteries and settlements in the lower Swat. This area is full of rich and amazing archaeological sites in an environment still intact and dominated by the calm majesty of Mount Ilam. In the area south of Barikot, in about 200 sq km, archeologists have documented more than 400 sites from proto-history to Islam.

Under a joint venture, Italian ACT- Field School Project and Sustainable Tourism Foundation Pakistan is working jointly to promote community based ecotourism in the area of Lower Swat Valley. We have designed a very special three days archaeological exploration trip to lower Swat when this area looks most beautiful with spring blossom of fruit trips. The trip involve 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.

Visit archaeological site of Takht-e-Bahi near Mardan

Lunch: (carry pack lunch with you to save time)

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 and freshen up

Departure for visit to Muraghzar to visit White Place of Wali-e-Swat

Return to hotel and dinner and night stay at hotel.

Day-3

Breakfast at hotel.

Check out from hotel

Departure for return travel to Islamabad.

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

Return to main road

Stop en-route for tea and freshen up

Departure for Islamabad.

Estimated time of arrival of group at Islamabad at around 6:30 pm

For further information contact ASG Office Thurs-Sat: 051 2802343, e-mail: asianstudyg@gmail.com/ Online: asianstudygroup.org

Friday to Sunday

18 - 20 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.

For further information contact ASG Office Thurs-Sat: 051 2802343, e-mail: asianstudyg@gmail.com/ Online: asianstudygroup.org