TRIP TO NEELUM VALLEY

                       JULY 2012

This year again as usual we are embarking on another hiking and trekking expedition to NEELUM VALLEY in Azad Kashmir.

The aims and objective of this expedition is to highlight the short route from Islamabad via the Murree Express way to Masiyari Village, Lower Topa, Bakot, Dalai camp, Domel (Sawan Gucha) to Muzafarabad.

My initial reconnaissance of the road conditions show that up to Ath Mukam in Azad Kashmir we can go on an ordinary vehicle and onwards we need a good 4/4 vehicle / off road.
The detail itinerary is given below and subject to slight modifications from Ath Mukam to Kel and beyond.
You are invited to come and join the expedition subject to your physical fitness and willingness to be a happy member and part of our team.

Neelum Valley
Chita Katha Lake in Shounter, Neelum Valley Azad Kashmir, 13200 Feet

Neelum Valley in Azad Kashmir Region is situated at the North & North-East of Muzaffarabad, running parallel to Kaghan Valley. The two valleys are only separated by snow-covered peaks, some over 4000m above sea level. Excellent scenic beauty, panoramic views, towering hills on both sides of the noisy and gushing Neelum river, lush green forests, enchanting streams and attractive surroundings make the valley a dream come true. Neelum valley is a 144 km long bow-shaped deeply forested region in Azad Kashmir.

Athmuqam - is situated at a height of 1371m, it is the sub-divisional headquarters of the area. It is an attractive place known for its variety of fruit. Neelum hamlet is situated at a distance of about 9 Km from Athmuqam on the right bank of the river Neelum at 1524m above sea level with fascinating scenery. The panoramic lush green valley is profound in fruits and wildlife.

Sharda - a breath-taking green spot at an altitude of 1981m. Shardi and Nardi are two mountain peaks overlooking the valley, reputedly named after legendary princess Sharda. It has a captivating landscape with numerous springs and hill-sides covered with trees. On the right bank, opposite Sharda, the Neelum is joined by the Surgan Nallah along which a track leads to Nurinar Pass and through it to the Kaghan Valley. Ruins of an old Buddhist University can also be found in Sharda.

Kel - a small valley situated at a height of 2097m. This is another picturesque place in the Neelum Valley. This is also the head quarters of the forward brigade of the Paksitan Army leading to NIKRO in the forward area bordering occupied Kashmir.

The Shounter Nallah joins river Neelum at this place and leads to Gilgit Agency (Northern Areas)

Arang Kel In Neelum Valley Kashmir.

ATHMUQAM
Athmuqam or Athmakam is a small city about 84 kilometers from Muzaffarabad, Pakistan. It is the headquarters of Neelum District. Its population is about 8,000. The name Athmuqam means 8th station, derived from the number of stages from both Muzaffarabad and Kel to Athmuqam. A "nullah" divides Athmuqam into two parts Athai and Athmuqam.  

Athmuqam is in a cup like valley surrounded by mountains on all sides, full of greenery and forests with deodar, pine, cheer and fir trees. For tourist interests there are two hiking tracks: one from Rawta leads to Guther and the second toward Dogga top. 

Athmuqam had the status of tehsil before Partition. Its official name was formerly Karna. Folk stories tell of a very advanced and congested city which was ruined by a flood, and this is supported by some archaeological evidence.

RAZA SAFARI TOUR ITINERARY JULY 2012

DATE                                  DESTINATIONS FROM    TO               NIGHT STAY

01st July 2012                      Assembly in RWP / ISB                               At own

02nd July 2012                     Rawalpindi    Muzzafarabad                         Hotel / Mess

03rd July 2012                     Muzzafarabad    Local Stay                          Hotel / Mess

04th July 2012                      Muzzafarabad    ATH Muqaam                   Camping / Mess

05th  July 2012                     ATH Muqaam    KAIL                               Mess

06th  July 2012                     KAIL    Local Stay                                     Mess

07th July 2012                      Kail    Nikroo (Trek)                                  Camping / Mess

08th  July 2012                     Nikrooo    Back to Kail                              Mess

09th July 2012                      Kail    Karen / Sharda                                 Rest house

10th  July 2012                     Karen / Sharda    Muzaffarabad                  Hotel / Mess

11th  July 2012                     Muzzafarabad    Murree (Optional)             Hotel / Mess

12th  July 2012                     Murree    Rawalpindi                                  Home / Dispersal
           

Expected expenditure 


The estimated expenditure per participants may vary from 22,000 to 25000/-
This includes transportation / hotel stay / messing / camping / horse fare / Jeep transportation, local tolls from ISB to NEELAM VALLEY & Back.
Last date of confirmation.
In case you are interested please confirm your participation before 15th June 2012.

Note: 

The dates from 05th to 9th July 2012 may vary as to the road conditions / weather conditions and fitness of the participants / members and the local topographic conditions.


PRELUDE TO THE TRIP
Things to take with you

PERSONAL.

•    Joggers, trainers, or hiking boots up to ankle high
•    03 pairs of towel socks white colour
•    cap , jungle cap , sola cap
•    Sun glasses
•    Sun block with S.P.F 50 , anti sun block
•    Shooting jacket
•    Jeans , trousers , track suit shalwar kameez
•    T- shirt , sweat shirts
•    Vests , u / wear  Bermuda shorts
•    Shock proof wrists watch , pocket compass
•    Rechargeable flash light and torches
•    Personal medications
•    Towel handkerchief  and towels
•    Chappal and moccasins
•    Mosquito repellants / sprays
•    Personal back pack
•    Warm Clothes jacket / Pullover / Sweaters
•    Sleeping Bags
•    Ground Sheet   
•    Walking stick / Mountain Stick


EQUIPMENT:- 


Provided by the Organizer 

•    Tents  ground sheet / sleeping bags     Optional
•    Pick and shovel
•    Cooking utensils
Gas stove, frying pan, disposable glasses, plastic glasses, plates, fruit knife or sauce pan
•    Walkie /talkie , vehicle mobile charger
•    Generator
•    Masalas, condiments , salt , cooking oil , wheat flour , sugar tea bags , powder milk and rice
•    Tinned fruits cocktails , meat balls , minced meat , meat curry , fish
•    Biscuit saltish and fancy as per your liking loads and loads of them
•    Cold drinks , mineral water in  plastic bottles
•    Whistle & mega phone
•    G.P.R.S phone (If available)
•    Maps general map, topo graphic map, contour map.
•    To top it all by 4 x 4 vehicle / Toyotta Hiace Ace / Hi Roof 
•    First Aid Kit

Daily Trek Notes

•    Reach your next destination point before sunset under no circumstances should you over stretched your self or travel at night.
•    Please mark your route before you start your journey
•    There should be a talc sheet over your map with markings 
•    Permanent marker: - Plan your trek in such away that you are able to make it to your next point with in that day before sunset.


PREPARATIONS FOR THE TRIP
Please start walking and exercise daily by covering 1 mile distance in 15 minutes.
Climb 50 stairs in 10 – 12 minutes
Carry a load of 05 - 10 kg on your back for half to 1 hour

DETERMINATION  

Remember this is a chance to see Mother Nature at its best and those areas of Pakistan where less than 10 % of the population has gone.
So be determined and make a resolve to complete this trip as a challenge for the out doors.

FOR THOSE WHO DARE LIFE HAS A CHALLENGE WHICH THE SHELTERED NEVER ENJOY.

DR. BABUR ZAHIRUDDIN

Cell: 0332-4923235

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In Quetta some where in 1990's receiving the RAMZAN ALI SYED Gold Medal from Mr. Poonegar Chief Secretary Balaochistan on behalf of my Father Brig (R) MoIhammad Alimuddin.......

Opening Ceremony of Askari Bank Branch

As chief guest on the occasion of the Opening Ceremony of the Askai Bank Khayaban – e – Bukhari branch in D.H.A Karachi….

A TRIBUTE TO MY FATHER

Brig ® Mohammad Alimuddin, T.I, (1917 - 28th December 2001)

December each year brings nostalgic reminisces about the melancholic and emotionally charged events which took place towards the end of this month about 10 years ago on this day in the year 2001.

28^th December 2011 will be 10^th death Anniversary of my Father Brig ® M. Alimuddin, who’s presence and guidance has been missed by me from day to day and from time to time and the vacuum thus created can never be filled.

More than a decade has passed and time has not been able to heal my wounds nor have his pleasant and emotional memories faded or even become dim from my memories.

As every day passes I miss him more and more and find the bond between Father and Son become even stronger which even death can not weaken.

Why is it that such nice relationships and comradeship has to be annulled by the irony of fate that is DEATH, and death is a reality which no one can deny or escape, We all have to embrace it sooner or later.

In order to pass on the Rich Legacy and traditions left by him I on my humble behalf have tried to keep the beacon of light lit for future generations to come. We have started a trust in his name RAZA CHARITY TRUST in which we give Rations during the month of RAMZAN and help the needy and poor people from time to time on monthly basis.

All friends and well wishers are requested to join me in my humanitarian and philanthropic cause to help the needy and poor.

As usual we have arranged FATIYA KHAWANI in the JAMIA ISLAMIA MOSQUE followed by distribution of food to the needy.

All friends and well wishers are requested to join me in a humble prayer for the departed soul.

GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU,

Dr. Babur Zahiruddin

CHURCHILL PICQUET

Many Pakistani’s are not aware about our rich cultural heritage landmarks and monuments which are found in plentiful in northern areas, Kyber Pakhtoon-khawa and Potohar regions.

As you leave the motorway which leads to Peshawar at the RASHA KAI interchange and come down to the exit after the toll plaza its says Mardan 10 kms.

And at the same time milestone also shows chitral 229 miles away. As we leave the Motorway the road becomes Narrow and we are met with typical frontier traffic slow and impatient, as if everyone is in a hurry and the world is on fire.

We pass the Punjab Regimental Centre the home of the training of famous Punjab Battalions of Pakistan Army and go pass Takht Bai one of the oldest Buddhist Monastery and Stupa are located here. SHINGARDARA STUPA about three kilometers from Barikot, one gets a glance of a magnificent Buddhist Stupa on the right side. Just about one and a half km away from this Stupa, one can see large figures of Buddha carved on the rock.

Our journey then takes us to Shergah and we enter in to Malakand agency to Sakhakot. We pass Malakand agency markaz and started climbing the incline. It is a very good road made by Frontier Works Organization (F.W.O), a tribute to the Army Engineers. We pass through the Malakand Tunnel and the mobile services work very well in the hilly areas. We reach Batkhela (home of Malakand levies) and go pass the Malakand fort.

The Malakand Fort is situated on a high point of the mountain and some parts inside and outside the building bear 1896 as the period of construction of the Fort. It is surrounded by a stone wall with fire slits and iron shutters.

In 1897 Sir, Winston Churchill as a War correspondent stayed in one of the rooms in the Malakand fort which I visited courtesy of the 37 division headquarters of the Pakistan Army. The room where Churchill stayed is marked by a marble commemorative plaque which says Sir Winston Churchill the future prime minister of Great Briton stayed in this room in 1897.

I specially requested to see this room and had to pass through many ups and downs of steep stair cases and ascent to reach the room where Sir Winston Churchill stayed.

This fort needs a full day visit but these days it is occupied by one of the battalions of the Pakistan Army a part of 37 divisions which has now moved for Operation RAHE-RAST in the Swat valley.

We then start our descent down hill to Pirano pass Batkhela Canal and there we encounter a great mad rush on the road hence the speed has to slow down to an ant crawl.

As you reach Batkhela a small sleepy town where main bazaar is more than 2 kilometers long, there are no intersections (junctions) so no traffic lights. Therefore it is the longest bazaar in the country that has no traffic lights or junctions.

Batkhela has many beautiful and big mosques. Some of them are located over fast flowing rivers which increases the beauty of these mosques.

This beautiful valley is covered by tall hills from all sides and there are many fast flowing rivers which are a contribution to its wonderful landscape. One water canal that pours into a small dam in Jaban area is the main source of electricity production.

Churchill Picket, Swat

As you go pass the Chakdara bifurcation the road on the left curves over the Swat River and on the right side is the Chakdara fort, now housing the first wing of the Chitral scouts. About 30 years ago when I visited this place it was the home of the Bajaur Scouts.

As you cross the swat river on the new bridge which was recently washed away by the floods and now two spans have been repaired by the launch of BAILEY BRIDGE a tribute to the Engineers of the Pakistan Army.

This watch tower (Churchill Picket) in Swat Pakistan, is said to be named after Sir Winston Churchill, former Prime Minister of England. It is said that he was stationed here in his military days. Going from Chakdara to Timar Garaha you can not help noticing the sentinel picket which is a local landmark - Churchill's Picket - a lonely spot at the far extremity of the then British Empire where in 1897, the future wartime leader of Great Briton was nearly killed in a ferocious battle against the Mad Mullah of Malakand.

Just across the bridge on the left side is a well marked incline walk way which is further highlighted by white wash stone markings on either side of the path.

It is quite a steep incline and novices and people with hypertension and arthritis should not try to attempt to climb this path in one go.

For the fit and regular walkers it is about 25 – 30 minutes climb to the top of the hill on which is perched the Churchill picket.

It is a well maintained monumental building which is made of stone with an elevation of about 2 ½ stories high.

At the present moment the entry to the picket is not allowed because of the security purpose for which permission has to be taken from the Army Authorities.

On the front side on the picket there are white neat stone markings, which say CHURCHILL PICKET and can be viewed from a distance across the swat river and beyond.

Sir, Winston Churchill came here in 1897, as a war correspondent for the Allahabad Pioneer and Daily Telegraph. He used to signal his messages from this spot to Malakand and onwards by Heliograph. A heliograph meaning "sun", graphein, meaning "write") is a wireless solar telegraph that signals using Morse code flashes of sunlight reflected by a mirror. Heliographs were standard issue in the British and Australian armies until the 1960s, and were used by the Pakistani army as late as 1975.

That is why the picket is also known as "Shisho Picket" (Shisha for Mirror in local language). The present picket was constructed by the British and commands the area around it like a sentry guarding a vantage point which covers 45 degree’s angle of visual eye ball contact on each side.

The picket is set a top a hill in such a way that it over looks 4 valleys at the same time.

On the front is the Swat river on the right is the Malakand agency on the back is the road leading to Timar Garaha on the left side is the Chakdara fort.

The Chakdarra Fort occupies a small detached hillock that provides observation of the surrounding areas on the backside of which is small fishing hut which is a paradise for trout anglers.

So next time when you are visiting Swat Valley for Holidays, please find time to make a small detour to visit Churchill Picket and enrich yourself with the first hand knowledge of our rich cultural heritage.

DR. BABUR ZAHIRUDDIN

RAZA CHARITY TRUST

It was some times back in the fall of 2002, I was very withdrawn melancholic depressed and introvert after the loss of my Parents in 2001 with in short span of three months that the phasic depression engulfed me.

I did not find any respite in any of my pursuits like sports, outdoor activities and interaction with friends….. I thought that this was the end.

Then came the Holy month of RAMZAN in 2002 and it was a month of fasting and sharing other people joys and sorrow that the idea dawned on me that happiness lies most in giving to the needy and poor. To help the destitute and those who are under privileged.

With this small idea in mind like the flickering oil lamp (DIWA) as narrated by RABINDAR NATH TAGORE the first noble laureate of South East Asia in his poem GEETANGALI that one small candle lights anther candle.

I started my humble philanthropic and altruist beginning in the form of a Charitable Trust dedicated to the memory of my late Father Brig ® Mohamamd Alimuddin T.I.,

Initially it was a very modest and miniscule endeavor but with the passage of time and because of help and encouragement of my family members and friends that we have matured into a Well organized Charitable Institution by the Name of RAZA CHARITY TRUST.

Since 2002 we have given RATIONS and donations to more than 6000 people and have helped the needy and poor people to overcome their financial problems in the shape of School fees, Utility bills and Marriage of Daughters of widows and less fortunate people.

This year because of inflation and price hike I feared that I will not be able to come up to the expectations of the people registered with me but GOD works in strange and mysterious ways.

By the grace of GOD almighty and with help and donations from my sons, wife and friends the response has been over whelming.

This year again we distributed RATIONS on the 18^th 19^th 20^th and 21^st August 2011 from 1100 to 1600 hours at RAZA EYE CLINIC 123/A, Market Road Saddar Rawalpindi for more than 700 people.

Also we have arranged AFTARI in the JAMIA ISLAMIA, Mosque Kashmir Road, Saddar, Rawalpindi for more than 125 people daily for the 29 days of RAMZAN.

This information along with photographs is being sent to you to show gratitude and thanks to all my friends, family members and well wishers who have been a source of inspiration and encouragement for me and have helped me with their generous donations.

Please watch our appeal on u-tube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnrYDcd_-jI

I look forward to greater response and cooperation next year in RAMZAN.

Thank you my friends May God Bless you

Dr. Babur Zahiruddin