Tilla Reserve Forest

The forested Tilla Jogian hill in Jhelum District, crowned by an abandoned complex of jogi temples.

GPGreenPak Field GuidesSourced from Green Tourism Pakistan · 2 min read

Tilla Reserve Forest covers about 13,166 acres around Tilla Jogian, the highest peak of the eastern Salt Range, about 25 km west of Jhelum. Near the summit, at about 975 m, stand the ruined temples of Tilla Jogian, “the hill of the jogis”.

Why go

✦The abandoned temples of Tilla Jogian
✦The highest peak of the eastern Salt Range
✦Wild olive and pine forest
✦A place in Heer Ranjha and Sikh tradition

About

Before 1947 Tilla Jogian was the most important centre of Hindu jogis in Punjab, home to hundreds of ascetics of the Kanphata order founded by Guru Gorakhnath. It is also linked with Guru Nanak, and in Waris Shah's Heer Ranjha it is where Ranjha became a jogi. After Partition the complex was abandoned, and its temples are now in poor condition. The summit is cooler and wetter than the Punjab plains, forested with wild olive, pine and phulai.

History

Guru Gorakhnath's Kanphata jogis, known for their pierced ears, were centred here; after him leadership passed to Lakshmannath, and the order later split into the Natesri, who stayed at Tilla, and the Darya, who moved to the plains. Pilgrims and pundits came in large numbers until 1947, after which the site fell into disuse.

How to Reach

About 25 km west of Jhelum and Dina, near the Grand Trunk Road; the last stretch to the summit is on foot or by a rough track.

Responsible Travel

Use Leave No Trace principles, carry out all rubbish, avoid disturbing wildlife and livestock, and respect private/community land.

Planning tip

Best Time to Visit, October to March.

Getting there, About 25 km west of Jhelum and Dina, near the Grand Trunk Road; the last stretch to the summit is on foot or by a rough track.

Allow, A full day.

What to Do

◆Hike up to the Tilla Jogian temples

◆Walk through the olive and pine forest

◆Combine it with Rohtas Fort nearby

◆Go with a local guide; the track is rough

Nearby

Straight-line distance from Tilla Reserve Forest, within 5 km.

Guru Nanak's Shrine, Tilla Jogian

In the same spot as Tilla Reserve Forest