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

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

We are going to explore some beautiful rock pools in the lovely Talhaar valley.

We will assemble at the Japanese Playland parking area and pool cars to drive to Talhar Village, Islamabad. The cars will be parked near the bridge and from there it will be around 7km hike along the water stream to some amazingly beautiful water pools. Our plan is to spend some time there, have a picnic and return. Total walking time is about 3 hours. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water. Also bring snacks accordingly for the picnic.

Hike Rating - Moderate (Long Walk along the water stream)

Planned for the golden hour before sunset, since we plan to get back in time for 'Iftar '- keeping the month of Ramzan 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 minute. 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

Join us on one of our favourite hiking routes!

We will start from the foothill village of Noorpur to Pir Sohawa via the caves of Loh Dandi .

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!

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.

Mukshpuri is the second highest peak of the Galiyat region and one of the most beautiful tourists attractions throughout the year. During the winters it becomes a winter wonderland with all its glory.

Join us for a 'snow' hike this time 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 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: Due to security reasons, unfortunately foreigners are restricted for this hike.

At 1800m, the Panjpir is among the highest and the most beautiful ridges in Kotli Sattian region. It is called Panjpir (Five Pirs/ Saints) due to a shrine at the top. Locals believe five saints came to this place and settled here. On a clear day, it offers stunning views of snow covered mountains of the Kashmir region. The specialty of the Panjpir is the remarkable rock formations and big boulders at the top. The track offers beautiful views of the valleys and the great Himalayas as well as the view of the Jhelum river passing through mountains.. Continuing on the trail will take you to Panjpir shrine. which can be spotted from the distance by a large group of jumbled up trees at the top. On clear days, from the top, you can see Makra and other mountains of Kaghan area on your north while different peaks of Kashmir are visible on the east.

In winters there may be snowfall at the top, come prepared !

The hike starts at Danoi Rest House. There are two options of doing the uphill hike. It is recommended to do all the way but we will decide on the spot.

• The long one is 8Km to the top that includes some road portion as well
• The short version is around 4Km to the top which starts at the end of the road.

Walking time is about 3-4hours. Wear sturdy shoes and bring refreshments for a rest/picnic break at top of the hill.

The hike involves some hard sections and can be categorized as moderate to hard. It can be strenuous for novices or people who have not hiked before.

Autumn 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!

Self Drive

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

Join us for a hike on one of our favourite tracks:the Second Ridge. The spectacular views of the snowclad Himalayas make it very special, as it shows the diversity of the flora of the Margalla Hills. T

The whole track is covered with tall trees and listening to the whispering of the pines in the cool breeze, is an experience of its own! If the weather is clear, the climax of the hike is the 'lakes view point' - from where both Khanpur and Rawal Lakes can be seen...

The total distance is 12Km (return trip). Hike rating is Medium (Easy long walk on top of the ridge)

We will travel in convoy. Due to Covid concerns, we discourage carpooling.

Wear sturdy shoes; bring your own refreshments. Dress appropriately. Don’t forget your camera/phone to create some

special memories!