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 above 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 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 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 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.

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

Group-1. 24-29 June

Group-2. 12-17 Aug

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). Short 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.

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

Friday 26th to Sunday 28th.

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-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 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.

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.

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 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 comprise 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 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 so don’t wait for the deadline date and immediately call ASG office and book your seat!

Trip Itinerary

Departure from Islamabad at 07:30 am.

Travel on Motorway M-2 and enjoy the dramatic scenery of Salt Range

Visit Khewra Salt Mines

Visit historical temples of Ketas Raj

Drive to Kallar Kahar

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

Return travel to Islamabad

Arrival at Islamabad at around 7:00 pm. End of trip.

Day 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.

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.

Wear sturdy shoes; bring refreshments.

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.