+92-3150556602 info@karakoramjourneys.com
+92-3150556602 info@karakoramjourneys.com

Gandhara Civilization

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5793
07 Days
Availability : All Year
Min Age : 9+
Max People : 34
Overview

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 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 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.

Departure Time

All Year Around

Region

Diamir | Hunza | Gilgit | Swat

Type

Cultural Adventure

Period

Autumn | Summer | Spring

Level

Easy

Comfort

Normal

Itinerary

Day 1Islamabad

Arrive at Benazir Bhutto Airport (Islamabad), meet and transfer to hotel for overnight.

Day 2Islamabad – Peshawar (165KM-3-4hrs)

Drive to Peshawar en route visit ancient city of Taxila, melting pot of culture, has history of 1000 years. Visit Taxila Museum, its collection mainly focus on Gandharan art, there are some 4000 objects displayed , including stone, stucco, terracotta, gold, iron, silver and semi-precious stones. Mainly the display consists of objects from the period of 600BC to 500 AD. Buddhist, Hindus and Jain are well- presented. Sikap city Ruins from 2nd century BC to 5th century AD. Dharmarajika, the largest Buddha stupa in the area of Taxila. It is thought to be established by the Maurya Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC and Jaulian Buddhist Monestary from 1st century AD to 5th century AD, later proceed to Peshawar. On arrival at Peshawar transfer to Hotel for overnight.

Taxila Museum will be closed every month 1st Monday ( Winter time opens 9 am and closes 4pm)

Day 3Peshawar – Swat ( 172KM 4-6hrs)

Morning visit Peshawar Museum, the collection has almost 14,000 items based on Gandharan, later drive to Swat en route visit Takht-i-Bahi Buddhist Monastery. It was 1st Zoroastrian complex, was listed UNESCO world heritage, Shingardar stupa and carving BuddhaGhalegay. On arrival at Swat transfer to hotel for overnight.

Peshawar Museum will be closed every Friday (time opens 9am and closes 4pm)

Day 4Swat Valley Sightseeing

Morning Visit Butakara Stupa- is important stupa in Swat valley, was built by Muryan Emperor,Ashoka 2nd century BC, Swat Museum has best collection of Gandhara. Take an excursion to Malajaba to see the panoramic view of valley and also ski resort at Malajaba and back to Swat for dinner and overnight.

Swat Museum will be closed every Friday (Winter time open 9 am and closed 4PM)

Day 5Swat – Islamabad – (280Km)

Breakfast at hotel and drive to Islamabad via Malkand pass, on arrival at Islamabad city, tour of Capital of Pakistan- Islamabad, including Faisal Mosque, Daman-e-Koh, supermarket. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 6Islamabad – Lahore (400KM)

Breakfast at hotel and drive to Lahore, en route visit salt mines, later proceed to Lahore. On arrival at Lahore transfer to hotel for overnight.

Day 7Lahore – departure

Morning visit Lahore fort, Mosque, Museum, Anarkali Bazaar. Afternoon visit Wagah border to see the flag ceremony between India and Pakistan, then back to Lahore. After Dinner, transfer to Lahore Airport for flight back home.

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