Panjpeer rocks is situated in tehsil Kahuta / Kotli Sattian, district Rawalpindi. Having an elevation of 1800 meters / 5905 feet above sea level, the place offers exquisitely jaw-dropping scenery of mountain ridges of Murree and Kashmir to its east and Himalayan foothills extending towards North.
Himalayan foothills starting from Margalla hills in Islamabad connects with Hindukush range in KPK and GB region of Pakistan.
Panjpeer rocks history:
The word PANJPEER or PANJPIR is derived from Persian language meaning five saints. The area is associated with five Sufi saints visited rocky mountain ridge for meditation and finding solitude in calm and relaxing environment. Generally, in Central Asia and specifically in South Asia, it’s a common sight to observe a shrine or a meditation site at the top of mountain intertwined with a Sufi saint, Buddhist monk or a yogic practitioner.
The rocks and big boulders present in tehsil Kotli Sattian dates to four million years. The round shape boulders with no sharp edges provides a hint that this area might be under water in older centuries.
Distance of Panjpeer rocks from Islamabad International Airport:
Slightly below 100 km from Islamabad International Airport, Panjpeer rocks is a rocky mountain ridge in Union Council Narar, tehsil Kahuta, district Rawalpindi.
There are two routes leading to Panjpeer rocks from Islamabad International Airport.
- Via Srinagar highway and Lehtrar road
- Via Kahuta road
For hiking enthusiasts interested in attempting the hike, use route no.1 to reach Danoi hilltop, tehsil Kotli Sattian I-e,. starting of the track.
Route no.2 via Kahuta road is suitable for bike and 4×4 vehicles to reach directly at the mountain top.
Forest Rest House Danoi near starting of Panjpeer track:
Forest Rest House Danoi is a typical colonial era facility established in 1928 for British Army officers to relax in calm and serene environment. Currently under Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab (TDCP), room or camping pod can be booked for overnight stay from Rawalpindi.
Majestic Margalla Ridge Trail | Talhar to Kenthla hike
Professional and seasoned hikers can start hiking from Forest Rest House Danoi to Panjpeer rocks (12 km one side), which is a manageable distance considering a full day hike starting early morning.
Parking at Panjpeer track:
Unfortunately, there is NO safe parking space established by district authority for tourists going out on a hiking expedition at Panjpeer track. The ONLY option left is to park the vehicle near sitting area of Danoi hilltop or in front of small market which is the starting of track. The area getting attention with good tourism options, we might see some better options for safe and secure parking concerns.
Starting of Panjpeer track:
Small market having few shops and a Hillview restaurant near Danoi hilltop is the starting of mystic hiking track leading to Panjpeer rocks.
Another route starts from Parindla village; 3 kms from small market in Danoi. Hiking time and distance from either route is similar ranging from 90 -120 minutes to reach the highest point of Danoi ridge covering 5 kms (one side).
Water stream in Parindla village:
Parindla village is like any other small villages in mountain environment having few homes, goats, cows, and local harvesting machine. Starting hike from Parindla provides the opportunity to witness water stream and rock formations early on the mystic track to Panjpeer top.
The rock formations present on the track having long history is quite interesting for geology students and tourists in general. These rock formation is carved over million years through gradual erosion and weathering of limestone. The formation of rocks are a testament to the earth geological processes.
Midpoint of Panjpeer track:
A Shanghai style hut is the reference and mid-point of Panjpeer track. Passing the hut, half of the expedition is done with big boulders and massive rocks starting to appear until the top of the ridge.
Rocky mountain ridge at Panjpeer Rocks:
Unlike other mountain ridges having grassy land, green meadow, long pine trees or a pasture, this rocky mountain ridge has a unique significance of having total rocky meadow with lesser trees around.
Panjpeer track elevation:
An elevation of 500 meters starting from Danoi hilltop (1300 m) until the top of Danoi ridge (1800 m) is expected for hikers and tourists to know while going out on a hiking expedition at Panjpeer rocks. Some part of the track is easy with not much elevation gain and some patches having substantial elevation.
Markings on Panjpeer track:
Track markings at few locations can be witnessed enroute to highest point of Danoi via Panjpeer track. These markings are crucial element for hikers and tourists to know how much distance being covered and to know they are on the right path. The track needs to have more marking and arrow directions for the ease of tourists visiting this fabulous and mystic hiking track.
Weather at Panjpeer Rocks:
The weather at Panjpeer rocks remain cool and pleasant in summers while winters are cold and chilly receiving slight snowfall in winters. The area receives high amount of rainfall averaging 60.53 inches in Kotli Sattian subdivision. July and August being the monsoon season in Pakistan are the wettest months receiving 14 inches of average rainfall. November is the driest month receiving less than 1 inch of average rain.
Murree Hills from Panjpeer Rocks:
Murree hills being in closer proximity to tehsil Kotli Sattiyan can be observed towards East direction on a clear sunny day. Standing at the top facing north, mountain ranges in KPK and GB region can also be witnessed from the hilltop.
Own food arrangement at Panjpeer Rocks:
The area being away from urban city environment, does not have much facility of restaurants, dhaba or tuck shop. It is absolutely recommended to arrange own food at Panjpeer rocks. Carrying a portable stove and related utensils is advisable, in case you are looking forward to have fresh food, tea or coffee.
Sitting place of sufi saint at Panjpeer Rocks:
Hazrat Shah Shams, one of the sufi saint visited the area had a marble stone carving at the edge of hilltop facing north towards Himalayan foothills. It is believed that the sufi saint use to sit at this point during his meditative journey.
Tilla Charouni Hike | Highest point of Margalla Hills standing at 1604 meters
Conclusion:
“A soul satisfying journey for those who dare to come out of their comfort zone”.
Serene, calm, and peaceful environment within district limits of Rawalpindi, Panjpeer rocks having a perfect blend of history is a nice spot for wandering spirits and hiking enthusiasts. With proper planning and preparation, the place offer some tonic in today’s fast paced world with electronic gadgets cluttering human well-being.
I’m not sure what Area 52 has to do with any of this?