top of page

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

No Data.jpg

Subgroup Programmes: 

Adventure Club, Archeology, Hiking - TILLA JOGIAN: A DAY TRIP/HIKE

Adventure Club, Archeology, Hiking - TILLA JOGIAN: A DAY TRIP/HIKE

Saturday, 25 February 2023

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.

Hiking - MUKSHPURI- A 'SNOW' HIKE!

Hiking - MUKSHPURI- A 'SNOW' HIKE!

Saturday, 21 January 2023

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.

 

Hiking -DANOI FOREST & PANJPIR ROCKS

Hiking -DANOI FOREST & PANJPIR ROCKS

Saturday, 17 December 2022

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.

 

 

Hiking - TALHAAR RIDGE AND KHANPUR VIEWPOINT

Hiking - TALHAAR RIDGE AND KHANPUR VIEWPOINT

Saturday, 12 November 2022

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!

Hiking -THE SECOND RIDGE

Hiking -THE SECOND RIDGE

Sunday, 16 October 2022

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!

 

 

Hiking - TO THE HIGHEST POINT OF GALIYAT - MIRANJANI PEAK

Hiking - TO THE HIGHEST POINT OF GALIYAT - MIRANJANI PEAK

Sunday, 4 September 2022

Outside Islamabad: Foreigners/ diplomats will require 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. It is recommended to bring your own snacks and drinks to avoid depending on the local shops as much as possible.

Wear sturdy shoes; bring a bottle of drinking water, and your picnic lunch/ snacks. Dress appropriately.

Don’t forget your camera/phone for some special memories!

Hike Rating is Hard (same as Trail3 hike) with a distance of around 10Km for the complete loop.

Hiking - KOTLI SATTIAN PHOFANDI TRACK TO PATRIATA

Hiking - KOTLI SATTIAN PHOFANDI TRACK TO PATRIATA

Sunday, 22 May 2022

Join us on a trail less hiked!

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.

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

Wear sturdy shoes; bring refreshments.

 

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

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

Sunday, 27 March 2022

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!

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 start the hike.

Bring refreshments. Wear sturdy shoes & it may become windy so dress accordingly!

Adventure Club -  TILLA JOGIAN

Adventure Club - TILLA JOGIAN

Sunday, 6 March 2022

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.

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.

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.

 

Hiking - PHARILLA FOREST REST HOUSE

Hiking - PHARILLA FOREST REST HOUSE

Sunday, 13 February 2022

As we hike on the Margalla Ridge from Pir Sohawa, a narrow and curvy stretch of the scenic Pharilla Track offers pine trees, small streams and panoramic view of the nearby areas...

An old forest rest house from the British Era is located at Pharilla, approximately 8Km from Pir Sohawa. Maintained by the CDA, it provides the perfect picnic spot!

All SOP’s to be strictly observed.

Travel by convoy. Car Pooling to be avoided.

Distance: 20Km round trip (from/to PirShoawa)

Elevation Gain: 450m

Hike Rating: Strenuous (because of the distance)

Wear sturdy shoes; bring refreshments. Also do not forget camera/phone as you do not want to miss taking shots of the beautiful views!

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

Asian Study Group (ASG) Office:

Malik Complex

80 West, Jinnah Avenue

Blue Area, Islamabad.

 

Office hours:11 am–2 pm
[Tuesday-Wednesday ONLINE ONLY
(via email and WhatsApp @ 03435127861)
Thursday-Saturday IN PERSON]

The Asian Study Group (ASG) an apolitical, non profit organisation was created in 1973 as a voluntary organisation. It was established as a Trust in December 2015.

Telephone/Fax: (051) 2802343

 

E-mail: asianstudyg@gmail.com

Web: www.asianstudygroup.org

© 2024 by Asian Study Group

bottom of page