HIKERS: AN OPPRTUNITY NOT TO BE MISSED!

Foreigners: Please check with your organisations: the need for an NOC!

Mukshpuri is the second-highest peak of the Galiyat region and one of the most beautiful tourist attractions throughout the year. During the winter it becomes a winter wonderland with all its glory.
Join us for a 'snow' hike and enjoy the place to the fullest. We meet up at the United Bakery and go together on the chartered Coaster. The hike is not too hard, but the snow will make it challenging. Please come fully prepared!
Some tips that will help you with the hike...
1-Footwear is important. 'Gaiters' can be a good addition to such adventures.
2- Dress in layers.
3- When you are cold, it is tempting to not drink as much, or only drink coffee and hot chocolate. But you’re still sweating under all those layers, and your body needs water and electrolytes. Be sure to take sips of water when you stop. Keep enough water with you.
4- Hiking poles are handy on snow hikes.
Along with the necessary precautions, don't forget to bring cameras as the views will be amazing!

Join us for a unique experience as we explore the magnificent big Banyan Tree at Sinyari. Located at the base of the Margalla Hills, it is believed to be over a thousand years old! It stands as a testament to nature's resilience and beauty, offering a serene escape into the wilderness of the Margalla Hills!

Did you know that a banyan tree can roughly grow up to 2000 years? It has an interesting mechanism of expanding. From the branches of the trees, rope like structures called boughs fall towards the ground -and upon touching the ground- they become a branch... this way the tree keeps expanding even long after the death of the original tree!

Myths pertaining to Banyan trees are commonly found in almost all of the Sub- continental cultural/ religious traditions.

Seals dating back to Mohenjadaro also depict the Banyan tree, leading researchers to conclude that the reverence of the Banyan trees in Hinduism could have been borrowed from the indigenous religion of the Indus valley. With its a semi-divine status in both Hindu and Buddhist traditions people come and pray to the Banyan tree to get the blessings of the spirit. The Buddhists believe that it was under a Banyan tree that Buddha attained enlightenment and that is why they call it Bodhi tree meaning ‘tree of enlightenment'- a symbol for Buddha himself...

Instructions for participation:

• Assemble at the Khyber Gate of the F-9 Park (on Margalla Road). Hikers,cyclists and wildlife enthusiasts will come together for a brief introduction and safety instructions.
• From there the caravan will depart for the Big Banyan Tree, located just a couple of kilometers from the park.
• Upon arrival, we will take time to explore and appreciate the grandeur of this ancient tree. Participants can learn about its history, ecological significance, and the biodiversity of the surrounding area.
• For those interested in further exploration, a short hike into the forest will be organized. This hike will offer an opportunity to discover more of the natural beauty of the Margalla Hills.
• After the hike, we will gather back at the Big Banyan Tree for a closing discussion and group photo before heading back to F-9 Park.

What to Bring:

• Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
• Refreshments/Water
• Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
• Binoculars and cameras for the tree & wildlife observation
• A small backpack for personal items

The Second Ridge is just outside Islamabad, in the KPK region. Pl. NOTE: NOC may be required for foreigners/ diplomats

The Second Ridge has been one of our favourite hiking tracks! The views of the snow-clad Himalayas make this very special as it shows the diversity of the flora of the Margalla Hills. The whole track is covered with tall pine trees, and listening to the whispering of pines in the cool breeze is an experience on its own!

If the weather is clear. The climax of the hike is the lake's viewpoint from where both Khanpur and Rawal Lake can be seen!

The total distance is 12 km (return trip).

The hike rating is Medium (Easy long walk on top of the ridge)

We will go together in our own cars in convoy.

Wear sturdy shoes; bring your own refreshments. Dress appropriately. Don’t forget your camera/phone for some special memories!

Please Note: The area is outside Islamabad: Foreigners/ diplomats will require an NOC to participate.
Mukshpuri at 2800m (9200ft) is the second highest mountain of the Galiyat region. The hike is around 10Km long (complete) and has stunning views of the beautiful valleys and the Himalayas of Kashmir. If lucky, we may get a glimpse of the mighty Nanga Parbat from the top.

We will take the road via Murree and it will take us about an hour and a half to reach Nathia gali from where the hike will start. Our transport will be a coaster with limited seats.

Wear sturdy shoes; Dress appropriately.

Please bring own refreshments!

Don’t forget your camera/phone for some special memories!

Hike Rating is Medium with a distance of around 10 Km for the complete loop.

Please Note: The area is outside Islamabad: Foreigners/ diplomats will require an NOC to participate.
Miranjani at 2980m (9800ft) is the highest mountain of the Galiyat region. The hike is around 5Km long (one way) and has stunning views of the beautiful valleys and the Himalayas of Kashmir. If lucky, we may get a glimpse of the mighty Nanga Parbat from the top. We will take the road via Murree and it will take us about an hour and a half to reach Nathia gali from where the hike will start.Our transport will be a coaster with limited seats.

• Wear sturdy shoes; Dress appropriately.
• Bring own refreshments
• Don’t forget your camera/phone for some special memories!
• Hike Rating is Hard (the same as Trail 3 hike) with a distance of around 10 Km for the complete loop.

Self Drive/In Convoy

Spring Vibes...the perfect time to put on your hiking boots and go trekking!!

Assemble at the Japanese Park parking and go in a convoy to Talhaar- from where we will start our hike towards the ridge. The views of the valleys and Khanpur dam are absolutely breathtaking!

After having a picnic at the top of the ridge we will return from the other side of the hill and go back to our cars. Wear sturdy shoes suitable for the rocky hiking trails, and bring along refreshments.

This is also an opportunity for photogtraphy buffs!

A hike timed for the golden hour before sunset... since we plan to get back in time for 'Iftar '- keeping the month of Ramzan/Ramadan in mind!

Join us for a short hike on one of the most beautiful tracks in Islamabad... the back of Saidpur Village on a trail that ascends to the Pir Sohawa road near Monal.

Duration: 60-75 minutes. Easy to medium.

Wear sturdy shoes and don't forget to bring your camera/phone for some spectacular photography!

We will gather at the parking of the Saidpur model village.

Parking lot: https://maps.app.goo.gl/x9qHHCpNpT1oPkSa7

The Tila Charauni, at 1490m, is the highest peak of the Margalla Hills ridge adjacent to Islamabad. On a clear day, the views of the mountains in the north are amazing! The winter means the snowclad mountains of the North will be a treat to watch!

Total distance of the hike is 10Km, half of which is the climb to the top. It is categorized as a moderate level hike.

We will gather at the meeting point and will use our own cars to reach Pir Sohawa, from where we will

start the hike.

Bring refreshments. Wear sturdy shoes & dress accordingly as it may get windy and cold !

As we hike along the Margalla Ridge from Pir Sohawa, a narrow and curvy stretch of the scenic Pharilla track offers pine trees, small streams, and a panoramic view of the nearby areas.

An old forest rest house from the British Era is located at Pharilla, approximately 8Km from Pir Sohawa. It was maintained by the CDA until a big forest fire destroyed it a couple of years ago. It still provides a perfect picnic spot!

• We will gather at the meeting point
• Travel as a convoy to the starting point
• We will park our cars at Dino Valley parking.
• Distance: 18Km round trip (from/to Pir Shoawa)
• Elevation Gain: 450m
• Hike Rating: Strenuous (because of the distance)
• Wear sturdy shoes; bring refreshments. Also do not forget your camera/phone as you do not want to miss taking shots of the beautiful views!

Please Note: People who have not registered will not be allowed to join the hike.

Join us for a unique experience as we explore the magnificent big Banyan Tree at Sinyari. Located at the base of the Margalla Hills, it is believed to be over a thousand years old! It stands as a testament to nature's resilience and beauty, offering a serene escape into the wilderness of the Margalla Hills!

Did you know that a banyan tree can roughly grow up to 2000 years ? It has an interesting mechanism of expanding. From the branches of the trees, rope like structures called boughs fall towards the ground -and upon touching the ground- they become a branch... this way the tree keeps expanding even long after the death of the original tree!

Myths pertaining to Banyan trees are commonly found in almost all of the Sub- continental cultural/ religious traditions.

Seals dating back to Mohenjadaro also depict the Banyan tree, leading researchers to conclude that the reverence of the Banyan trees in Hinduism could have been borrowed from the indigenous religion of the Indus valley. With its a semi-divine status in both Hindu and Buddhist traditions people come and pray to the Banyan tree to get the blessings of the spirit. The Buddhists believe that it was under a Banyan tree that Buddha attained enlightenment and that is why they call it Bodhi tree meaning ‘tree of enlightenment'- a symbol for Buddha himself...

Instructions for participation:

• Assemble at the Khyber Gate of the F-9 Park (on Margalla Road). Cyclists, hikers, and wildlife enthusiasts will come together for a brief introduction and safety instructions.
• From there the caravan will depart for the Big Banyan Tree, located just a couple of kilometers from the park.
• Cyclists will enjoy a leisurely ride through scenic route, while the other participants will drive to the location.
• Upon arrival, we will take time to explore and appreciate the grandeur of this ancient tree. Participants can learn about its history, ecological significance, and the biodiversity of the surrounding area.
• For those interested in further exploration, a short hike into the forest will be organized. This hike will offer an opportunity to discover more of the natural beauty of the Margalla Hills.
• After the hike, we will gather back at the Big Banyan Tree for a closing discussion and group photo before heading back to F-9 Park.

What to Bring:

• Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
• Refreshments/Water
• Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
• Binoculars and cameras for the tree & wildlife observation
• A small backpack for personal items