May-June 2014 Volume 3, Issue 3 STFP Bulletin

STFP promotes tourism practices that are environmentally sustainable, economically beneficial to the local communities, and educational experience for tourists.

Newsletter Highlighhts: EXPLORE THE MOST IMPRESSIVE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES OF SWAT VALLEY

• Weekend trip to explore Swat is without doubt one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in the northern . Swat has a rich historical past. It was described as“Udyana” (the garden) in ancient Hindu epics and Historical sites of lower where in 327 BC, Alexander the Great fought and won some of his major battles before crossing Swat Valley 1 over to the plains of the five rivers. The famous Gandhara Buddhist civilization later flourished in • Adventure weekend Trip this valley.

to Shogran, There are many remains of Buddhist stupas, monasteries and settlements in the lower Swat. This 2 area is full of rich and amazing archaeological sites in an environment still intact and dominated by • Eco Adventure Weekend Trip the calm majesty of Mount Ilam. In the area south of Barikot, in about 200 sq km, archeoloogists have documented more than 400 sites from proto-history to Islam. to Nathiagali 3

• Eco Adventure Trekking Under a joint venture, Italian ACT- Field School Project and Sustainable Tourism Foundation Expedition to Base Camp Pakistan is working jointly to promote community based ecotourism in the area of Lower Swat to Nanga Parbat 4 Valley. We have designed a very special two days archaeological exploration trip to Swat when • Explore Alpine Lakes of this area looks most beautiful with spring blossom of fruit trips. The trip involve some easy hiking to reach to the view points on the top of the hill so wear good comfortable walking shoes. Kaghan Valley 5

Date: 10-11 May • Youth Nature Camp Batakundi 6 Days: Saturday and Sunday

• Benefits of Duration: Two days Sustainable Tourism Departure Time: 0800 hours 7 Base: Per head Fee: Rs.6,900/-

Booking Deadline: 5 May To register for this trip please send us an email at: [email protected] For further information contact: Arif Tufail at 051-2612448, 0345- 8566048

STFP Bulletin Page 2 of 7

Adventure Weekend in Shogran - Kaghan Valley

Shogran, one of the most beautiful plateaus in Kaghan Valley is situated 219 km from Islamabad. It takes about six hour to reach here via Abbottabad, Mansehra, and Kawai. Surrounded by thick pine forests and with an altitude of 7747 feet, the early summer climate of Shogran is very mild and pleasant. From here you can have a breathtaking view of Kaghan Valley’s snow covered peaks such as Musa Ka Musalla

(4419m), Makra (3885m) and (5290m).

On Friday morning we will drive in a coaster to Shogran with couple of photo/refreshment stops. Shogran will be our base for two trekking excursions. On day one, we will go on a four km easy trekking in the Malakandi Forest after lunch and on day two we will go on a moderate trekking trip to Sari and Paya (5 to 6 hours both ways on slow pace). We will climb 2300 feet through thick pine forest to the top of Paya ridge, a lush green meadow with spectacular view of Malika Parbat and a panoramic view of Kaghan Valley. On day thee, morning will be free for rest and recreation in Shogran. After lunch we will leave for Islamabad.

Date: 16-18 May Days: Friday to Sunday Duration: Three days

Departure Time: 0800 hours

Base: Islamabad Per head Fee: Rs.10,900/- "The man who follows the crowd will Booking Deadline: 12 May usually get no further than the crowd. The man who walks alone is likely to To register for this trip please send us an email at: [email protected] find himself in places no one has ever For further information contact: Arif Tufail at 051-2612448 0345-8566048 been before." — Anonymous

STFP Bulletin Page 3 of 7

Eco-Adventure Weekend in Nathiagali Ayubia National Park is 33sq.km in area on the Murree-Abbottabad road between Changlagali and Nathiagali in the Himalayan moist temperate coniferous zone, at roughly 2,700m elevation. Blue Pine dominates, but the forest is mixed Fir, Spruce, Deodar, Himalayan Poplar, Elm, Walnut, Maple and Oak trees. Troops of rhesus monkeys welcome you, and beg food at many places. Several female still have babies clinging to their backs. Two species of flying Squirrels glide from tree to tree give their good view with a torch light at night. Palm civet and Yellow Throated Martin is a chance sighting. A large population of Koklas Pheasants calls from their roosting trees early in the morning.

We will drive to Nathiagali on the morning of Saturday. After lunch and some rest, we will go for nature walk on a level pipeline trek (4 km walk), next day we will go on a gentle climb from Nathiagali to Mushkpuri Top (2817m) and return to Dongagali after covering about 7 km distance. We will be back in Islamabad on the evening of Sunday.

A quiet weekend to enjoy the arrival of spring in the mountains and enjoy the beautiful views of mountains of Western from Mushkpuri Top.

Date: 23-25 May Days: Saturday and Sunday Duration: Two days Departure Time: 0800 hours Base: Islamabad Per head Fee: Rs.6,500/- Booking Deadline: 18th May To register for this trip please send us an email at: [email protected]

"When one door closes, another door For further information contact: Arif Tufail at 051-2612448, 0345-8566048 opens; but we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones that open for us." — Alexander Graham Bell

STFP Bulletin Page 4 of 7

ECO‐ADVENTURE TREKKING EXPEDITION TO THE BASE CAMP OF NANGA PARBAT

Nanga Parbat (8126m) is the second highest mountain peak of Pakistan and its base camp is one the most assessable base camps of any 8000-meter peak in Pakistan. On this 7 days adventure trip we will take you to the Fairy Meadows side of Nanga Parbat. This area offers excellent trekking opportunities with lush green meadows, pine covered slopes and superb views of Nanga Parbat and other high peaks. On this trail porters carry the camping equipment and heavy luggage while you hike carrying your day pack to a series of camps located at 3000 to 4500 meters from sea le vel. A unique opportunity for adventure and nature lovers.

Date: 13-19 June (Group-1) Date: 15-12 August (Group-2)

Days: Friday to Thursday

Duration: Seven day

Departure Time: 0600 hours

Base: Islamabad

Per head Fee: Rs.22,900/- (all inclusive)

Booking Deadline: 09th June

"It is more sensible to spend To register for this trip please send us an email at: [email protected] energy focusing on the solution For further information contact: Arif Tufail 0345-8566048 Tel: 051-2612448 rather than worrying about the problem." — Dalai Lama

STFP Bulletin Page 5 of 7

EXPLORE ALPINE LAKES OF KAGHAN VALLEY

Kaghan is a jewel among the many beautiful valleys in the of Hazara.

This 160 kilometer long valley is most popular summer holiday spots for both Pakistanis as well as foreigners.

The valley features pine forests, alpine meadows, crystal clear lakes and cool mountain streams. , the main feature of the valley, is famous for its trout. Nestled along the banks of the river are the towns of Balakot, Paras, Mahandari, Kaghan and . The local people are friendly and simple.

This soft adventure vacation in Kaghan Valley will be an unforgettable experience for adventure lovers. We have planned a 4 days family adventure trip to Kaghan Valley. Participants will visit Naran, Shogran, , Lake and while staying at the most beautiful location of Kaghan Valley.

Date: 20-23 June Days: Friday to Monday Duration: Four days Departure Time: 0800 hours Base: Islamabad Per head Fee: Rs.15, 600/-

Booking Deadline: 17th June

To register for this trip please send us an email at: [email protected] For further information contact: Arif Tufail 0345-8566048 Tel: 051-2612448

"Moving towards better rather than moving away from bad is an attitude of embracing life rather than rejecting it." — Dalai Lama

STFP Bulletin Page 6 of 7

Youth Nature Study Camp at Batakundi – Naran Take your students on an inspiring outdoor experience this summer!

We provide exciting and educational adventure outings for young students of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels. Our “Back to Nature‐ School Summer Nature Study Camp focuses on providing leadership training and learning opportunities that are not available in the classroom or at home. We realize that youth today are faced with many challenges in their everyday world, including peer pressure, low self‐esteem, and overly busy lives. Our programmes strive to deal with these challenges by exposing young people with experiences that open their eyes to a larger world around them, and to realize that they are valuable human beings with tremendous potential. To achieve these goals, we teach students necessary skills and how to work together to

Date: Any time from June to Sep. successfully complete their journey in the mountains. To enhance the experience, we incorporate group and individual challenges that develop self awareness, spark significant Days: Friday to Monday personal growth, and build confidence. Duration: Four days We strongly believe that the experience must be fun to be successful! In this way we make sure Departure Time: 0800 hours to give students the chance to spend quality time in the natural environment, away from their usual lives, and to have a great time! Base: Islamabad The benefits of our youth wilderness adventure programme are immeasurable. They have a Per head Fee: Rs.11, 800/- (all significant impact not only on the students who participate, but on family and friends as well. inclusive) We are always inspired by the incredible experiences we share during these journeys, these are

To register for this trip please send the seeds that change lives. us an email at: [email protected] Highlights of Summer Nature Study Camp-2014 For further information contact: Arif Tufail • Learn camping and trekking skills Cell: 0345-8566048 • Learn leadership and teamwork skills Tel: 051-2612448 • Learn basic map reading and navigation skills • Learn about mountain formation • Learn about water cycle • Collect information about the moist temperate and dry temperate forest zones • Tree plantation "I gain more confidence once I Learn how to become an eco-friendly tourist overcome a challenge." • • Hiking trip to Saiful Muluk Lake National Park — Roy Chung, Hong Kong OB Chairman • Trekking adventure to Lalazar • Discover the natural and cultural heritage of Naran and Upper Kaghan Valley • Trip to Jalkhad to study the wild flora of sub-alpine ecosystem • Enjoy camp fire on the last night

STFP Bulletin Page 7 of 7

Sustainable Tourism Foundation Pakistan

Islamabad House # 9, Street # 11, Main Road, Banigala Islamabad Ph # 051-2612448 Cell # 0345-8566048

Karachi House 53/3, Maqbool, C.H.S, Alamgir Road, Karachi. Ph # 0300-8216787

E-MAIL: [email protected]

We’re on the Web!

See us at: www.stfp.org

Upcoming Events • Eco Adventure Trip to Deosai 8-15 August • Spat Valley Trekking Expedition 15-21 August • Trekking Trip to Rakaposi Base Camp 22-28 August • Silk Route Family Adventure Trip 22-28 August "It is the quality of our • Youth Nature Camp at Batakundi throughout August experiences, the • Kaghan Valley Family Adventure throughout August satisfaction, excitement or joy that we get or fail to get from them that will Field trips are also open for your family members and friends, determine how those experiences will change so you are welcome to invite them on these trips with prior us, in short what we learn." intimation to the concerned staff of STFP at the time of signing John Holt up. Minimum group size for each trip is 8 persons.

Your participation in our trips, expeditions and knowledge sharing events provide support to STFP’s mission of increasing awareness through exploration, environmental education, exchange of ideas and research work.