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.

Foreigners Please check for NOC requirements.

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.

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 refreshments (if needed).

Take road to Mardan.Visit historical site of Takht-e-Bahi along with local guide

Return to main road and stop at local restaurant for lunch of “Chapli Kabab and tandoori nan"/or your own refresments.

Departure for Islamabad 3:30 pm

Arrival at Islamabad at around 6:30 pm.

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 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

1330 Free time for lunch (bring your own refreshments)

1500 Departure for Home destination

1730 Arrival at Islamabad. End of tour

Autumn is the time when the landscape of Baltistan 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 snow covered mountains.

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. Chances are there that the best photograph is also selected for the 2022’s calendar of ASG.

Itinerary

Day 1: Islamabad to Skardu by air. Arrival at Skardu. Skardu to Shigar Valley. Photography en route. Arrival at Shigar. Photo walk at Shigar. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 2: Morning walk for photography. Departure for Khaplu. Photography en route. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 3: Full day in and around Khaplu to capture the best scenery of Karakorum. Overnight at hotel.

Day 4: Return travel to Skardu. Visit Satpara Lake, Buddha Rock, Lower and Upper Kachura Lakes. Opportunity to capture excellent landscape and village life. Night stay at hotel.

Day 5: Return flight from Skardu to Islamabad. End of tour

Swat is without doubt one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in 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 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 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.

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.

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.

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

Stop en-route for tea etc.

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

End of tour.

Foreign members are requested to apply for their travel NOC well in time.

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 for 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 coaster to Shogran with a couple of photo/refreshment stops en route. Shogran will be our base station where we will stay for two nights in a comfortable hotel. The 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. 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 a 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.

The hikers' group (availing option-II) will go to Paya by 4x4 jeeps and climb Makra Mountain (3,885m). They will return to Shogran in the late afternoon using the trekking route. We will come back to Shogran by jeeps and spend the night at the hotel.

On Sunday, the 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.

The cost of the trip covers transport, hotel accommodation (on a twin sharing basis)including breakfast and services of English speaking tour guide.

· For vehicle details please send an email to Aftab Rana at afopak@yohoo.com

Nanga Parbat (8126m) is the second-highest mountain peak of Pakistan and the ninth-highest in the world. Its base camp is one the most beautiful and most accessible 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 an 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. May is the best time to visit this place. 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 a break for lunch and refreshments. Overnight stay at a hotel in Chilas.

Day 2: Early Breakfast at the 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 the area around the camping site and enjoy a nature walk, photography and spend time at leisure. Overnight stay in wooden huts/tents at Fairy Meadows. Dinner with Bonfire.

Day 4: Breakfast at the camping site. Enjoy morning hours to do photography, explore the 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 a hotel in Chilas.

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

Tour cost is based on a minimum of 6 persons.

· Cost includes Transport, accommodation in a deluxe room at Chilas and wooden huts/tents at Fairy Meadows as per package, meals (3 breakfast, 4 lunch, 4 dinner), services of English speaking tour guide.

· Foreign members are requested to apply for their travel NOC well in time. For vehicle details please send an email to the group coordinator at afopak@yohoo.com

· Pakistani members should bring their national ID cards with them.

Adventure Club - KETAS, KHEWRA SALT MINES & KALLAR KAHAR

A day trip to explore the historical sites of this fascinating area!

Foreigners: Please check for need of NOCs/Security clearance 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. The 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.

Historically this region is also very rich. Alexander the Great passed through the Salt Range on his way to fight a 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 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 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 the core habitat for the endemic Punjab Urial.