Gandhara Civilization Tour
OVERVIEW & ITINERARY
dETAILS
This tour is designed to discover the hidden treasures of ancient history and the marvels of nature of the northern valleys of Pakistan. Over centuries, the land we now call Pakistan has been the cradle of many civilizations. Whilst Indus Valley civilizations (Harappa 7th millennium BC and Mohenjo-Daro 4th millennium BC) are the landmarks of human civilizations in the southern plains of Pakistan, the Gandhara Civilization (500 BC to 10th Century AD), an era devoted mainly to Buddhism, has been the centre of spiritual influence as well as art and architecture.
It was from here that Buddhism spread towards east as far as Japan and Korea. Despite the vagaries of centuries, Taxila and Swat Valley have preserved these heritages in art and craft. In addition to the museums of London, Delhi, Karachi, Srinager, etc, those at Taxila, Peshawar and Swat host the finest remains of the civilization. But the more intriguing is the visit of the archaeological sites spread all over Taxila, Swat and other parts of North West Frontier Province of Pakistan and the Gilgit-Baltistan that have been discovered in the twentieth century.
Driving on the Karakoram Highway, we can recapitulate the history by visiting petroglyphs that are found along the Indus, Gilgit and Hunza Rivers. These carvings bear not only the “guest books” of passing by traders and pilgrims but also depict the natural beliefs of fairy worshippers.
Along with the journey into the history, one enjoys the splendours of nature while travelling in the valleys of Swat, Indus, Gilgit and Hunza. From Dense pine forest to high passes, thundering rivers, picturesque valleys, terraced field, orchards, breath-taking gigantic peaks and shining glaciers form the salient features of nature. Typically colourful bazaars of Rawalpindi and Peshawar are the additional features of this trip.
ITINERARY
Arrive Islamabad – sightseeing: Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument, Lok Virsa Heritage Museum, Daman-e-Koh viewpoint. Overnight at hotel in Islamabad.
Drive from Islamabad to Peshawar with a sightseeing visit at Taxila on the way. Taxila has been the centre of the ancient Gandhara kingdom, we will visit the museum and archeological sites of Jaulian and Sirkap where lots of Buddhist artefacts can be seen. Overnight at hotel in Peshawar.
Sightseeing day: Gorkhatri, Pashto Academy, Shahji ki Dheri. Overnight at hotel in Peshawar.
From Peshawar we drive to the Swat Valley to visit the two most important sites: Takht-i-Bhai is a Parthian archaeological site, after first having been a Zoroastrian complex it was later converted into a Buddhist monastic complex. It is dated to the 1st century BCE and has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980. Sahr-i-Bahlol (Seri Bahlol) is also listed as an UNESCO World Heritage site and can be found not far from Takht-i-Bahi. It is said to contain the remains of Buddha, but the area has not been properly excavated. Overnight at hotel in the Swat Valley
Sightseeing: Swat Museum, Ranigat. Overnight at hotel in the Swat Valley.
We drive over the Shangla Pass to Besham which is located on the KKH – the Karakoram Highway. Overnight at hotel in Besham.
A beautiful drive through the Indus gorge will take us north to the region of Gilgit-Baltistan, along the way we will stop at several places where ancient Buddhist petroglyphs can be seen. If the weather is clear we might also be able to have an amazing view of Nanga Parbat (8125m – the 9th highest mountain in the world) and we will visit the junction of the three greatest mountain ranges in the world: the Himalayas, Karakoram and Hindu-Kush. Overnight at hotel in Gilgit.
Sightseeing: Bazaar, Danyor Buddhist rock carvings, Kargah Buddha. Overnight at hotel in Gilgit.
We drive further north to the famous Hunza Valley, on the way we stop at Rakaposhi viewpoint, a very impressive and one of the most beautiful mountains (7788m). After arriving in Karimabad we will visit the Bazaar area and the Baltit Fort. Overnight at hotel in Karimabad.
One of the highlights of today is Ganish Village, it was recognized for its strategic location on the breech of the Silk Road and has received an UNESCOs Heritage Award. We will also visit the Altit Fort and at the end of the day we will visit the viewpoint at Duikar for an incredible view of the sunset over the entire Hunza Valley and the surrounding mountains. Overnight at a hotel in Karimabad or Duikar.
A great sightseeing day all the way to the border with China at the Khunjerab Top (4733m), along the way you will see the clear blue Attabad Lake and the Passu glacier. Overnight at hotel in Gulmit.
We start the day with sightseeing in and around Gulmit including visting the Old House, Gulmit Museum, and the Polo Field. At the end of the afternoon we will drive back to Gilgit for our overnight stay.
In the morning take a flight to Islamabad, the afternoon can be spend at leisure. Our goodbye dinner will be at one of the restaurants on top of the Margalla hills which gives you a great view over Islamabad & Rawalpindi. Overnight at a hotel in Islamabad.
We will bring you to Islamabad airport for your flight back home or to an onward destination. We hope you had a great trip!
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Pick and Drop Services
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
- Insurance
- Food & Drinks
ROUTE MAP
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for this trip?
For all trips to Pakistan you will require a visa, depending on the the type of tour you will either need a standard tourist visa or a trekking visa. Our sales team will provide you with all the necessary information as well as a visa invitation letter and related supporting documents after you have booked your tour with us.
Who will meet me on arrival?
An Adventure Pakistan representative will meet you at the airport and will bring you to your hotel.
Do I need a visa for this trip?
For all trips to Pakistan you will require a visa, depending on the the type of tour you will either need a standard tourist visa or a trekking visa. Our sales team will provide you with all the necessary information as well as a visa invitation letter and related supporting documents after you have booked your tour with us.
Who will meet me on arrival?
An Adventure Pakistan representative will meet you at the airport and will bring you to your hotel.
REPORTS & REVIEWS
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for this trip?
For all trips to Pakistan you will require a visa, depending on the the type of tour you will either need a standard tourist visa or a trekking visa. Our sales team will provide you with all the necessary information as well as a visa invitation letter and related supporting documents after you have booked your tour with us.
Who will meet me on arrival?
An Adventure Pakistan representative will meet you at the airport and will bring you to your hotel.
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