Join us for an unforgettable day trip into the heart of Karor Valley!

Nestled between Kotli Sattiyan and Murree, Karor Valley is a hidden gem, offering a breathtaking blend of scenic beauty and dense pine forests. This journey presents a rare chance to experience unspoiled mountain vistas, far from the usual tourist trails.

Along the way, we will make several stops, including: Simli Dam Viewpoint – a picturesque stop for stunning water and mountain views; Chawan Forest Rest House – a historic site steeped in colonial charm and other historical buildings – an opportunity to explore remnants of a bygone era, including intriguing abandoned poultry sheds!

Our adventure culminates at the recently renovated Aryari-Karore Fire Watch Tower. These towering structures in the past helped forest guards monitor fires and safeguard the region’s natural resources. To reach the tower, we will ascend high into the mountains via a rugged ridge road, followed by a short 10–15 minute trek through the forest. At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views 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!

Important Notes:

• Bring ample water and refreshments.
• Wear sturdy walking shoes and dress appropriately for the weather.
• We are committed to preserving the valley’s beauty—please avoid littering and respect the natural environment.

Join us for this unforgettable experience—where compassion meets conservation!

Step into the Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre for an exclusive experience—an encounter with incredible creatures where every visit plays a role in their survival.

Nestled in the heart of the Margalla Hills, the Margalla Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, operated by the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB), stands as a beacon of hope for wildlife conservation. This sanctuary is home to a majestic leopard, a lion, bears, porcupines, and many other rescued animals- each with their own story of survival and rehabilitation.

This special visit offers a rare chance to see these magnificent creatures up close while supporting vital conservation efforts.

The programme begins with a short documentary, providing insight into the center’s mission and showcasing the importance of wildlife preservation. Following this, wildlife experts will guide you through the facility, sharing fascinating stories of the animals, the threats they face in the wild, and the crucial role the rescue center plays in their recovery.

Please Note: Your contribution will go towards the support of ongoing conservation efforts, ensuring that your visit not only enriches your understanding but also directly aids the protection and care of our precious wildlife!

In a landmark decision, the Islamabad High Court shut down the Islamabad Zoo in 2020, paving the way for a revolutionary transformation. The former zoo was reborn as a Wildlife Rescue & Rehab Centre, providing a lifeline for poached, injured, and orphaned wildlife across Pakistan. From majestic black bears, leopards, lions, and tigers to monkeys, pangolins, kites, owls, porcupines, and freshwater turtles, the Centre has rescued over 300 animals and birds since 2020.

Join us for a screening of a very special short documentary that takes you on a heartwarming journey, showcasing the remarkable stories of rescued wildlife in Pakistan. From abuse to love and care, follow the transformative paths of these incredible animals as they find solace and rehabilitation at IWMB's pioneering rescue centre - the only one of its kind in Pakistan. The documentary also highlight the selfless dedication of the centre's caregivers and the resilience of these remarkable creatures.

The screening wull be followed by an interactive session with the filmmaker. This is your chance to delve deeper into the stories and themes presented in the film, and ask questions about the making of the documentary and the incredible work of the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board's Rescue & Rehab Centre.

• Muhammad Ali Ijaz is an award-winning Pakistani filmmaker and media communication specialist. His work focuses on stories from Pakistan that lie at the intersection of wildlife conservation, ecology, and culture.
• In collaboration with Alliance Francais d' Islamabad

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

The 'Leopard Trail’ in the Leopard Preservation Zone is a unique biodiversity spot nestled in the 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 walking shoes.

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

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