Taxila: Gandhara Heritage near Islamabad
Taxila, about an hour's drive from Islamabad, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with ruins spanning several centuries of Gandhara history.
About Taxila
The site includes the remains of several ancient cities and Buddhist monasteries, with a museum on site. It is the first heritage stop on our cultural tours after Islamabad.
Both cultural tours stop at Taxila on the way from Islamabad to Peshawar.
Trips that include Taxila
Every published programme whose day-by-day itinerary mentions this destination, with its length and season:
| Programme | Days | Best time | Starts from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Tour in Gilgit-Baltistan | 15 | Mid-October to End-October | Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad |
| Cherry Blossom Tour | 15 | Mid-March to End- March | Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad |
| Gandhara Civilization Tour | 14 | — | Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad |
| Indus Civilization Tour | 15 | — | Karachi Airport, Sindh, Pakistan |
| Kalash Festival | 11 | 14th – 15th May/19th – 20th August/7th – 22nd December | International Airport, Islamabad |
What the itineraries do in Taxila
Itinerary days that mention this destination, quoted from the programmes:
Day 2
Taxila – Peshawar.
Day 5
Islamabad – Taxila – Peshawar.
10: Islamabad
After breakfast, we visit Taxila city, which is 35 km, 20 minutes drive from Islamabad, moving towards the north-west where the civilization of Gandhara exists. While traveling on GT road, there is Taxila Museum after crossing Margalla Hills, just turning left from Taxila bypass at Khanpur Lake road, about 4 km away. It’s a site museum where the collections of Gandhara art are placed, which is about 600 BC to 700 BC. Two beautiful & well-maintained gardens are also attached to the museum’s building for visitors to relax and enjoy the natural environment and weather.
Autumn Tour in Gilgit-Baltistan
02: Islamabad to Besham
After breakfast, we will depart for Besham en route to visit the Taxila Museum and the archaeological sites. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay at Besham.
Planning notes
- Taxila is a short drive from Islamabad, usually combined with onward travel the same day.
- Entry to Taxila is listed in the Gandhara tour inclusions.
- See the cultural heritage guide for how Taxila fits into a longer route.