Gandhara Civilization Tour

A 14-day heritage tour that follows Gandhara's Buddhist legacy from Taxila and Peshawar to Takht-i-Bahi and Swat, then up the Karakoram Highway to rock carvings near Chilas and Gilgit and the forts of Hunza.

About the Gandhara Civilization Tour

The tour is designed to discover the hidden treasures of ancient history and the marvels of nature in the northern valleys of Pakistan. Over centuries, the land we now call Pakistan has been the cradle of many civilizations. While Indus Valley civilizations (Harappa 7th millennium BC and Moejodaro 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 center of spiritual influence as well as art and architectures.

Driving on the Karakoram Highway, we can recapitulate the history by visiting petroglyphs 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 history, one enjoys the splendors of nature while traveling in the valleys of Swat, Indus, Gilgit, and Hunza. From Dense pine forests to high passes, thundering rivers, picturesque valleys, terraced fields, orchards, breathtaking gigantic peaks, and shining glaciers form the salient features of nature. Typically colorful Rawalpindi and Peshawar bazaars are this trip’s additional features.

Introduction as published on the Cultural Tours page.

Key facts

Duration: 14 days
Starts and ends: Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad

Who it suits

It suits travellers interested in archaeology and history who also want the northern mountains. The programme lists entry tickets to Taxila, Takht-i-Bahi, Swat Museum and Peshawar Museum among its inclusions.

The tour starts in Islamabad with Shakar Parian, Lok Virsa Museum and Faisal Mosque.
The Hunza section includes Baltit and Altit forts, Ganish village and the Khunjerab Pass.
Commercial or documentary filming fees at monuments are listed as not included.

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1: Arrival
Arrive in Islamabad – sightseeing: Shakar Parian, Lok Virsa Museum, Faisal Mosque.
Day 2
Taxila – Peshawar.
Day 3
Peshawar – sightseeing: Gorkhatri, Pashto Academy, Shahji ki Dheri.
Day 4
Peshawar Takht-i-Bahi – Sehri Bahlol – Swat.
Day 5
Swat – sightseeing: Swat Museum, Ranigat.
Day 6
Swat – Shangla Pass – Besham.
Day 7
Besham Shatial & Chilas & Alam Bridge Buddhist rock carvings – Nanga Parbat viewpoint -Gilgit
Day 8
Gilgit – sightseeing: Bazaar, Danyor Buddhist rock carvings, Kargah Buddha.
Day 9
Gilgit – Rakaposhi viewpoint – Baltit Fort – Karimabad / Hunza.
Day 10
Karimabad – Ganish Village & Sacred Rocks – Altit Fort – Duikar.
Day 11
Hunza – Passu – Khunjerab Pass – Gulmit.
Day 12
Gulmit sightseeing: Old House, Gulmit Museum, Polo Field – drive back to Gilgit.
Day 13
Gilgit – fly or drive to Islamabad.
Day 14: Return

Included and not included

Listed as included

Hotel Accommodation on a sharing basis (standard 3/4-star heritage & city hotels)
Daily Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (authentic local & traditional cuisine)
Air-conditioned luxury transport throughout the tour itinerary
English-speaking archeological & historical tour guide
All entry tickets to museums and archeological sites (Taxila, Takht-i-Bahi, Swat Museum, Peshawar Museum)
Government archeological photography permits & site access fees
All toll taxes, fuel charges, and parking fees
Domestic airport transfers and baggage handling tips at hotels & airports

Listed as not included

International flight tickets to and from Pakistan
Pakistan tourist visa fees
Travel insurance, personal medical insurance, and evacuation expenses
Personal expenses such as phone calls, laundry, internet, room service, alcoholic or soft beverages
Professional documentary or commercial video camera fees at museum/monument sites
Any extra expenses caused by unforeseen events (flight delays, road closures, strikes, or extended hotel stays)

As listed in the programme's service details; confirm the current inclusions when you plan your dates.

Places on this route

Destination guides for the places this itinerary passes through:

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