Day 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 110km from Islamabad in a gorge 16 km North West of Jhelum City. It has 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 aftehad 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, Supper 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 (bring your own refreshments)

1500 Departure for home destination

1730 Arrival at Islamabad.

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 & 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 a break and to 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 & tandoori nan". (Your own refreshments).

Departure for Islamabad 3:30 pm

Arrival at Islamabad at around 6:30 pm.

A PHOTO SAFARI

(4 days /3 nights)

Foreigners: Please apply for your NOC well in time. (Please note:Foreigners with tourist/visit visas do not need any NOC).

Autumn is the time when the landscape of Hunza and Nagar Valleys is at its most picturesque. The trees throughout the valley seem to be on fire, as their leaves turn to gold, red, orange and bronze contrasting sharply with the barren mountains. Situated in the Gilgit-Baltistan 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 spread over 7900 square kilometers, it hosts a number of famous peaks of more than 6000 meter in height: Rakaposhi, Diran, Golden Peak, Ultar Peak and Ladyfinger.

Truly, a photographer’s dream come true, the tour provides a golden opportunity to capture the stunning autumn scenery through the lens of a camera. At the end of the Photo Safari there will be a Photographic Competition among the participants of this tour. Certificates of merit will be awarded to the three best photographers.

Itinerary

Day 1: Islamabad to Gilgit by early morning flight (duration one hour). From Gilgit travel on Karakorum Highway and reach Hunza. Enjoy scenic views of high mountains all the way. Sort stay at Rakaposhi View Point. Arrival at Hunza and transfer to hotel. Evening free for local sightseeing and photography. Overnight stay in hotel at Hunza.

Day 2: Full day to explore Hunza and part of Nagar Valley. Visit Duikar, Altit Fort, Baltit Fort and Hopper Valley. Overnight stay in hotel at Hunza.

Day 3: Full day trip to Upper Hunza. Visit Attabad Lake, Gulmit, Passu, Borit Lake to enjoy most scenic landscape and experience simple way of life of local people. Return to Gilgit for night stay.

Day 4:Return flight from Gligit to Islamabad.

Shogran, one of the most beautiful plateaus in Kaghan Valley is situated 219 km from Islamabad. It takes about six hours to reach here via Abbottabad, Mansehra, Balakot and Kawai. Surrounded by thick pine forests and with an altitude of 2,362m, the autumn climate of Shogran is pleasantly cold in October. 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 - Climb Makra Mountain from Paya.

Programme:

On Friday - we will drive in a coaster 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.

Option-I 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. This group will come back to Shogran b 4x4 jeeps in the afternoon will be free for rest and recreation.

Option-II will go to Paya by 4x4 jeeps and climb Makra Mountain (3,885m). They will return to Shogran in late afternoon using the trekking route.

We will come back to Shogran by jeeps and spend the night at the hotel.

On Sunday- Free tme 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.

Hunza Valley one of the most picturesque and culturally rich region of Gilgit Baltistan. Situated in the Gilgit-Baltistan 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 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: Forming flight to Islamabad. End of tour

Two days/one night (14-15 May)

Swat is, without doubt ,one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in northern Pakistan. It has a rich historical past. Described as “Udyana” (the garden) in ancient Hindu epics, it is where (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 lower Swat. The area is full of 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 two days archaeological exploration trip to lower Swat when the area looks beautiful with spring blossoms . Some easy hiking to reach the view points of archaeological sites is involved.Wear comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing. Detailed trip joining instructions will be issued to participants well in time.

Trip Itinerary

Day-1

Departure from Islamabad at 07:00 am

Travel on M-1 Motorway and onward to Swat Expressway

En-route commentary about sites of tourist interest.

Visit

-The archaeological site of Bazira near Barikot. (In 327 BC, Alexander the Great captured this city).

Lunch: (carry pack lunch/snacks)

Continue towards Mingora/Saidu Sharif

Visit

-Shingardar Stupa on the way

-Archaeological sites of Sultan Mahmood Ghaznavi’s 11thcentury Mosque at Udegram

-Remains of Raja Gira’s Castle of Hindu Shahia period (short hike involved)

Arrival at Mingora/Saidu Sharif

-In the evening visit shops of handicrafts at Mingora.

Dinner and night stay at hotel.

Day-2

Breakfast at hotel

Visit

-Swat Museum (one of the finest collections of Gandhara artifacts)

-Batkara Stupa (one of the main Buddhist Stupa built in this region)

Checkout from the hotel. Departure for return travel

Visit

-Galeghai cave and Buddha image on a rock along the road.

-Amluk-Dara Stupa (one of the most important sites of Buddhism in Swat)

Lunch: At Afghani Cuisine restaurant (Khorak Mahal) near Chakdara

Return travel to Islamabad

Estimated time of arrival of group at Islamabad: 7:00 pm

Two days/one night

Swat is without doubt one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in the northern Pakistan. It has a rich historical past. Described as “Udyana” (the garden) in ancient Hindu epics , it is where (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 lower Swat. The area is full of 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 two days archaeological exploration trip to lower Swat when the area looks beautiful with spring blossoms . Some easy hiking to reach to the view points on archaeological sites is involved.Wear comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing. Detailed trip joining instructions will be issued to participants well in time.

Trip Itinerary

Day-1

Departure from Islamabad at 08:00 am

Travel on M-1 Motorway and onward to Swat Expressway

En-route commentary about sites of tourist interest .

Visit

-The archaeological site of Bazira near Barikot. (In 327 BC, Alexander the Great captured this city).

Lunch: (carry pack lunch/snacks)

Continue towards Mingora/Saidu Sharif

Visit

-Shingardar Stupa on the way

-Archaeological sites of Sultan Mahmood Ghaznavi’s 11thcentury Mosque at Udegram

-Remains of Raja Gira’s Castle of Hindu Shahia period (short hike involved)

Arrival at Mingora/Saidu Sharif

-In the evening visit shops of handicrafts at Mingora.

Dinner and night stay at hotel.

Day-2

Breakfast at hotel

Visit

-Swat Museum (one of the finest collection of Gandhara artifacts)

-Batkara Stupa (one of the main Buddhist Stupa built in this region)

Checkout from hotel. Departure for return travel

Visit

-Galeghai cave and Buddha image on rock along the road.

-Amluk-dara Stupa (one of the most important site of Buddhism in Swat)

Lunch: At Afghani Cuisine restaurant (Khorak Mahal) near Chakdara

Return travel to Islamabad

Estimated time of arrival of group at Islamabad : 7:00 pm

A Day Trip

Foreigners: Please apply for NOC's 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. 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 found 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 fought 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 Katas. The Shri Katas Raj Temples 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 the Hindu community.

As legend goes, the temples' pond is said to have been created from the teardrops of 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. 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

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 historical temples of Katas Raj

Drive to Kallar Kahar

Short stay at Kallar Kahar (for tea and enjoying scenic beauty of this area)

Arrival at Islamabad at around 7:00 pm.

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.

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.

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.

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

0900 departure from Islamabad

1000 Arrival at Taxila. Visit Taxila Museum

1115 Visit archaeological sites of Sirkap and Julian 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 a Home destination.

1730 approx. Arrival at Islamabad.