Day trip

Nestled between Kotli Sattiyan and Murree, Karor Valley stands as a captivating fusion of the scenic splendor and beauty of dense pine forests.

This is a rare opportunity to savor mountain vistas away from the general more tourist-oriented locations. Along the way, we will make several stops, including the scenic Simli Dam viewpoint, a visit to the historic Chawan Forest Rest House, the Colonial police station and explore historical buildings that evoke a sense of the bygone era, such as abandoned poultry sheds!

Our final destination will be the recently renovated Aryari-Karore Fire Watch Tower. (Fire towers are tall structures in the forest designed to help forest guards keep watch, primarily for fires but also for timber theft). To reach this point, we will drive up high into the mountains along a somewhat precarious ridge. From there, a 10-15 minute trek through the jungle will lead us to the tower, offering enchanting vistas of the surrounding landscape. Participants will have the opportunity to marvel at the majestic pine trees, relish the pristine surroundings, engage in meditation, take leisurely strolls around the area, and indulge in nature photography!

Please note : Bring ample refreshments/ water etc. Additionally, wear sturdy walking shoes and dress appropriately keeping weather conditions in mind!

We have meticulously planned this trip to preserve the natural beauty of the area by minimizing our impact on the environment. We strongly encourage everyone to utilize the transportation arranged for the trip to minimize emissions. While there is an option for self-driving, we discourage it to uphold our commitment to environmental conservation.

Day Trip/ Self Drive

Waterfowl migration from extremely cold Siberian Winters to the wildlife sanctuaries of Chashma Barrage, Mianwali Wetland Game Reserve, and Marala Headworks near Sialkot display their annual diversity of around 5 million birds of 46 waterfowl species from December till March.

Many of these species are under the threat of extinction due to excessive illegal hunting, duck netting, and shrinking water basins due to the cultivation of wheat on the sandy patches disturbing the natural habitat of the area’s avifauna.

For amateur/professional photographers and ordinary camera buffs, it is a great opportunity to capture images of these beautiful migratory waterfowls like Siberian Pied Wagtails and Cranes, Grebes, Egrets, Teels, and Tefted Ducks at Chashma Barrage, among various local species.

• Chashma Barrage on the River Indus was declared a wildlife sanctuary on January 31, 1974, for five years under the Punjab Wildlife Act, 1974. Since then, it has continuously existed as a wildlife sanctuary. It is a wetland of international importance and is also a RAMSAR Site. The sanctuary is 25 km southwest of Mianwali town on the Mianwali–Kundian–Dera Ismail Khan Road and comprises 0.327 million hectares. We will travel to Chashma Barrage on the newly constructed new Motorway . The three-hours drive will also give participants an opportunity to capture landscapes enroute !

Join us on an exclusive journey at the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre... a world of incredible creatures, where every visit becomes a meaningful contribution to their survival!

Nestled in the heart of Margalla Hills, the Margalla Rescue Center operated by Second Chance Wildlife Pakistan (SCW) stands as a beacon of hope and dedication to the conservation of wildlife. The center is currently a sanctuary to the majestic tigers, bears, porcupines and many other wildlife.

This exclusive visit provides a rare opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures up close while supporting the ongoing conservation efforts. The SCW experts will lead you through the center, sharing insights into the individual histories of the animals, the challenges they face in the wild, and the vital role the rescue center plays in their rehabilitation.

In an effort to support the vital conservation initiatives, a generous donation of Rs. 1000 will be made by each participant joining the event, ensuring that your presence not only enriches your experience but also contributes directly to the ongoing efforts to protect and preserve our precious wildlife!

Please Note: Foreigners requested to check if NOC’s required

(Some parts of the area are in Haripur District of KP).

Given the season and the stunning autumn scenery , we invite you to join us on a very special nature walk through the scenic Margalla Hills, along the ancient 'Alexander's Route'.

As we trek through the area, you will be briefed on the indigenous wildlife, local flora, history, heritage / ancient cultures, and the environmental impacts of deforestation in the region. Birds and other forest dwellers- unique to this area will welcome you, and a very special floral variety -unique to the Margalla Hills National Park- will be in full bloom !

We will travel to the base camp at Gharyala- next to the famous 'Buddha Caves', and from there to the Kenthla mountain top.

After reaching the track at Papran De Khoe, we will go for a 120 minutes nature trek- (and perhaps a bit further) through the uniquely dense Papran and Pine tree forests, and complete the 3 km loop, with two water springs on the way!

As we walk along the route, we will also be able to observe signs of mining in the region and fossils preserved from various geologic ages. This is also an opportunity to stop at Alexander’s well (reputedly dug by Alexander’s army) and check out the oldest mango tree- unique to this region!

On the way back, we will take a pit stop at an outdoor restaurant ‘Sadhu’s Retreat’ to relax. (Refreshments on order will be available at the retreat- though You are encouraged to bring your own refreshments ).

Don’t forget to wear sturdy walking shoes and dress appropriately keeping weather conditions in mind!

Join us for an exclusive programme : the ‘Leopard Trail’ in the Leopard Preservation Zone- a unique biodiversity spot nestled in the Margalla Hills National Park (MHNP) Islamabad.

The guided tour is a rare opportunity for nature enthusiasts . Unique insights -by experts in the field -regarding leopards and their habitat !

With scenic views, serene nature and a barely touched ecosystem, this trail is located in the heart of Leopard territory, which means that there are good chances of spotting leopards, deer and other wildlife!

Since we intend to witness wildlife up close, we will be accompanied and guided by trained staff of MHNP who will tell us about their experiences with the leopards, their nature, habitat and recordings from trap cameras and about the other wildlife in the newly formed Leopard Preservation Zone. The programme will end with a projector documentary about the new trail and wildlife in MHNP.

The hike is approximately 2 Km, we suggest that you use a mosquito repellant, wear full-sleeved clothes and sturdy shoes.

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

Exciting News...Exciting News...Exciting News!

Join us for a guided tour cum hike to Ridge Trail that is yet to be inaugurated !

Escorted by the Margalla Hills National Park (MHNP) staff, we will discover and be informed about the variety of tree species and old 'bunds' , fossils, view points and historical names of places etc. that you would not even be aware of as an ordinary trekker!

It's an easy to moderate hike. We will start the hike around 04:00 pm and complete a two hours loop just before the sunset to break the fast.

Since this is during Ramzan/ Ramadan everyone is invited to join, and bring along refreshments to enjoy the sunset & share at 'Iftari' time!

About the trail: This trail is the most picturesque part of the hills that falls completely within Margallah Hills National Park. Access is from Talhar Mor on the way up on Pir Sohava Road. The Trail exits at Kot Janan from where there is a road (metalled) leading down from MHNP and out to Sinyiari village and from there connecting to main Margallah Road. Talhar Mor to Kot Janan takes approximately 10 km long, zig-zag.

Celebrating Spring-planting trees is planting hope !

Join us for a memorable trip to an unconventional orphanage education facility in Pakistan. Located in the Murree hills, the facility aims at providing better educational environment and residential facilities to orphans supported by generous contributions.

With the notion to give back to the nature, we have planned a plantation drive with the beautiful souls at the facility, followed by a poster competition and visit of the facility.

It will be an unforgettable experience, do join us to learn more and contribute through your participation,... by making a change for those who really matter!

Please note: This is a self- Drive trip approximatly 100 mts. drive to the location. Bring refreshments!

Autumn in Islamabad...early in the morning, energized by bird song, shrouded by the changing colours...moments to cherish!

We invite you to join us in a relaxing outdoors meditation session followed by nature walk onTrail-5.

'Feel the earth beneath your bare sole,

nourish thy self in nature’s fold;

take comfort in the soft green grass,

that delights in your joyous steps;

a moment to behold nature’s wonder,

a reprieve from life’s crazy meander;

for in these seemingly little things,

lies life’s illusive treasures'.

-Mo Irom

Join us for an exclusive programme- specially organised for the ASG- through the newly opened ‘Leopard Trail’ in the Leopard Preservation Zone, Margalla Hills National Park (MHNP) Islamabad.

With scenic views, serene nature and a barely touched ecosystem, this trail is located in the heart of Leopard territory, which means that there are good chances of spotting leopards, deer and other wildlife!

Since we intend to witness wildlife up close, we will be accompanied and guided by trained staff of MHNP who will tell us about their experiences with the leopards, their nature, habitat and recordings from trap cameras and about the other wildlife in the newly formed Leopard Preservation Zone. The programme will end with a projector documentary about the new trail and wildlife in MHNP.

The hike is approximately 2 Km, we suggest that you use a mosquito repellant, wear full-sleeved clothes and sturdy shoes. Bring refreshments!

The guided tour is a rare opportunity for nature enthusiasts for unique insights -by experts in the field -regarding leopards and their habitat!

A hike like never before...let us speak the language of 'nature'. This is an oppportunity for you to understand, appreciate and learn to observe its intricacies... with a pinch of learning, a bit of exercise and a whole lot of fun!

Participants are encouraged to bring a notepad and pen / pencils. We will note down the birds, animals, plants and trees located in a particular area that we can recognize, learn about the ones we don’t know about, and understand their role in the Margalla Hills National Park.

Participants are also encouraged to take unique pictures and note down interesting observations.At the get-together after the hike, we will have a discussion and -yes- there is a photography contest too... we have a surprise gift for the winner!

And more!

We are living in a time when climate change caused by our behaviors is a threat to every being on the planet. Yoga plays an important role in relaxing and energizing our bodies.It serves as a toolkit for everyday tensions, to enable ourselves to conduct ourselves in ways that benefit others/ and the environment. To rejuvenate ourselves we invite you to join us on a small Yoga session at the end of the programme!