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Hiking

Subgroup: 

Hikes

The   Hiking Subgroup conducts regular treks in and around Islamabad.The Margalla hills, which are the foothills of the great Himalayas are not just fine to look at, they contain numerous hiking trails of various lengths, the longest being the 50Km Margalla Ridge Trail. Hikes are rated according to their viability.

Coordinator: Ahtasham Ali Raja

Co-coordinator: Kamran Hashmi

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Subgroup Programmes: 

Hiking - THE 'PHARILLA' TRACK !

Hiking - THE 'PHARILLA' TRACK !

Saturday, 27 April 2024

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 gather at the meeting point
  • Travel as a convoy to the starting point
  • We park our cars at Dino Valley parking.
  • Distance: 18Km round trip (from/to PirShoawa)
  • 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.

Hiking - LOH-E- DANDI & BRUTI LOOP

Hiking - LOH-E- DANDI & BRUTI LOOP

Saturday, 9 March 2024

Join us on one of our favourite hiking routes just before the Ramadan!

We will start from the foothill village of Noorpur to Pir Sohawa via the caves of Loh Dandi. We are meeting at Trail 3 parking from where we will go together on our own cars to the starting point.

This is an old route developed & used by local villagers. It offers a fascinating experience of walking past the old villages in the hills, besides offering views of the valleys below.

Car pool to go to the actual starting point of the hike: the parking of Loh Dandi.

The hike is around 8-9Km long. We will climb up a track made for the shrine and caves of Loh Dandi, and go all the way to the top. From there we will descend back to the parking through a beautiful track through the valley.

Hike rating is Hard. Wear sturdy shoes and bring refreshments. This is an opportunity for you to take some awesome photos for the next ASG Calendar!

Hiking - MIRANJANI 'SNOW' HIKE!

Hiking - MIRANJANI 'SNOW' HIKE!

Sunday, 21 January 2024

Note: NOC will be required for the foreigners/ diplomats

Last winter we went on to summit Mukshpuri which is the second highest peak of the Galiyat region... join us this time as we hike to the top of Miranjani- the highest peak of the Galiyat region - a winter wonderland at this time, and one of the most beautiful tourists attractions throughout the year !

We meet up at the United Bakery and travel together on the chartered Coaster. The hike is not too hard, but 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 for 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.

Please Note: Hike schedule is subject to change in case of inclement weather

Disclaimer: ASG shall not accept any liability for any injury, loss, or damage incurred from participating in the event.

Hiking - KAINTHLA HIKE (TRAIL#7)

Hiking - KAINTHLA HIKE (TRAIL#7)

Saturday, 9 December 2023

The western parts of the Margalla have a unique terrain of hills that provide a great hiking experience and this time of the year is certainly the best season to explore the Kainthla trails & Trail 7!

We will gather at the parking of F-9 Park at Bolan Gate (F-10 facing) and car pool to reach the Trail 7 trailhead which is near D-12. Alternatively you can meet us directly at the trailhead parking.

Hike rating is moderate as the total distance is around 8Km loop. If you dont want to do the complete hike,you can turn back from the first main viewpoint which will be after 2 Km. (Total hike: 4 Km ).

 

Wear sturdy shoes and bring refreshments.

Hiking - THE BEAUTIFUL VALLEY OF SANGADA AND MAKHNIYAL

Hiking - THE BEAUTIFUL VALLEY OF SANGADA AND MAKHNIYAL

Saturday, 18 November 2023

Self drive/ car pooling

Foreigners: The area is just outside the Islamabad boundary so NOC is not required-but best to check and confirm with your agencies!

Winter is here and it's the best time to enjoy long walks in the Hills. This time we are taking you to explore a beautiful valley in the Margallas. It is near Sangada (3 km from PirSohawa).

We will split into two groups.

Group 1: We will explore a little further into the valley and turn back. This is an easy hike which can be done by anyone.

Group 2: The climbing part which is a little tougher. We will climb up to Makhniyal and return via the road or trail back to the start point.

Wear sturdy shoes and bring refreshments

Hiking - 'MIRANJANI'- THE HIGHEST PEAK OF THE GALIYAT

Hiking - 'MIRANJANI'- THE HIGHEST PEAK OF THE GALIYAT

Sunday, 22 October 2023

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 coaster with limited seats.
Wear sturdy shoes; Dress appropriately.It is recommended to bring your own refreshments and not rely on the local vendor
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 10Km for the complete loop.

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

Hiking - 'TILLA CHIRAUNI'- THE HIGHEST POINT OF THE MARGALLAS

Hiking - 'TILLA CHIRAUNI'- THE HIGHEST POINT OF THE MARGALLAS

Sunday, 24 September 2023

Tila Charauni, at 1490m, is the highest peak of the Margalla Hills ridge adjacent to Islamabad. Hike to this peak has been one of the most regular hikes in our ASG calendar. Get ready for another awesome one!

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 6:00am at the Japanese Park Playland parking and will use our own cars to reach Pir Sohawa, from where we start the hike.

Wear sturdy shoes; bring refreshments

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

Hiking - PHOFANDI TRACK - BURJ TO PATRIATA

Hiking - PHOFANDI TRACK - BURJ TO PATRIATA

Sunday, 20 August 2023

Note: NOC will be required for the foreigners/ diplomats

 

Patriata and Kotli Sattian on the eastern side of Murree Hills present some of the most beautiful places for exploring nature. Due to the close proximity to Murree which is the central point of activity for tourists, this area has fortunately remained less explored!

There is an old track that connects the Kotli Sattian to Patriata through the hills. The track passes through the Phofandi -a hill top near Kotli Sattian and on a clear day it presents spectacular views of the Himalayas in the East.

The coaster will drop us off at Burj - near Kotli Sattian- and pick us up at the Patriata top.

We meet at the United Bakery at 5:45am and hope to be on our way at 6am.

Hike Rating is Moderate with a distance of around 8Km.

Wear sturdy shoes; bring refreshments and sufficient water/liquids. We will have picnic at the Phofandi Top.

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

 

Hiking - KAINTHLA MEADOWS VIA CHAUNTRA TRACK

Hiking - KAINTHLA MEADOWS VIA CHAUNTRA TRACK

Sunday, 23 July 2023

Get Ready for this very special hike in the Margallas!

There are some beautiful meadows on the ridge. We will approach these meadows from the Chauntra Village early in the morning. Its a challenging hike that involves some steep sections both at uphill and downhill. Our plan is to start as early as possible to complete the hike before it gets hot later on.

 

We gather up at the Khyber Gate of the F-9 Park (on Margalla Road) and go to the Chauntra Village as a convoy (5Km from there). We park cars at the village and start the hike.

 

Hike Rating is Medium to Hard (due to the steep sections). Distance is 12Km loop. Wear some sturdy shoes and bring enough water/drinks to stay hydrated. If everything goes as per plan, we will do a short picnic at the meadows, so dont forget to bring along refreshments. Also, you dont want to miss taking photos !

 

Hike Tip: Hiking Poles (sticks) are very handy tools especially on the steep slopes both uphill and downhill.

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

Hiking - THE SECOND RIDGE

Hiking - THE SECOND RIDGE

Sunday, 25 June 2023

 

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

The Second Ridge has been one of our favourite hiking tracks! The views of the snowclad 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 cool breeze is an experience on its own!

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

The total distance is 12Km (return trip).

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!

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

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