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

Pl. Note: NOC will be required for 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.

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

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

*** NOC is required for foreigners ***

There are lots of old forest rest houses built by the the British in our mountains. 'Sattu Bangla" (Bungalow) is one of them. Situated at a very scenic hilltop in the Abbottabad region, it gives us great panoramic views of the mountains of North as well.

We will gather at the meeting point (United Bakery Parking at F-6) and go on a chartered coaster bus.

The hike starting point is near Thandiani in Abbottabad.

Distance: 18Km

Elevation Gain: 700m/2200ft

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!

Deadline for Registration: June 30, 2024

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

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.

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!

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.