Gandhara Civilization Tour

Welcome to Lahore, the second largest city in Pakistan. Upon your arrival, the guide and the driver waiting at the airport will pick you up and escort you to check into the hotel. After a short rest, we will start with a visit to the iconic Badshahi Mosque. Built in 1673 by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, this mosque epitomizes the elegance and grandeur of Mughal architecture.

Then we'll head to the Lahore Fort, the most recognizable monument in this city decorated in marble and encaustic tile work. The existing structure of the fort was built between 1556 - 1605 by Mughal Emperor Akbar and one of the famous palaces inside is Sheesh Mahal inlaid with finely cut mirrors.

Next, we will pay a visit to the Shalimar Bagh, a beautiful terraced garden of the Mughal royal family, famous for a sequence of elaborate waterworks. Later we will tour around Minar-E-Pakistan, a minaret rising up 70 meters above the ground and enjoy the panoramic views of the entire city from its top. After that, we will send you back to the hotel.

Accommodation: Pearl Continental Hotel

In the morning, we will go to visit Lahore Museum and Nur Jahan Tomb. Founded in 1864, the museum houses the country's largest collection of historic, artistic and cultural objects such as ancient paintings, carved woodworks, sculptures, potteries, armory jewelries and textiles. Nur Jahan Tomb is a 17th-century marble mausoleum built for the famous Empress - Nur Jahan, the most influential woman at court during the peak period of Mughal Empire.

After lunch, we'll continue this Pakistan private tours to Wagah Border, located 22km from Lahore, famous for the lowering of the flags ceremony. Every evening immediately before sunset, soldiers of Pakistan and India at the border will lower the flags simultaneously. The whole ceremony will last for 30 minutes and after that we'll drive back to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Pearl Continental Hotel

Today we'll take a 6-hour drive to the capital city of Islamabad. En route, we will visit Katas Raj Temple, one of the most sacred Hindu temples in South Asia. It consists of serval ancient temples, Buddhist stupas and a holy pond called Katas, which Hindus believe to be formed from the teardrops of Shiva. Check into the hotel after arrival.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Islamabad Serena Hotel

Drive 2 hours to reach Peshawar, one of the oldest cities in Pakistan with a history dating back to 539 BCE. On arrival, have a good rest at the hotel. After lunch, we'll tour the Balahisar Fort, about 2,500 years old, probably the oldest structure in the city. You could also have some great views over the city from its ramparts.

Then we will go to explore the Kissa Khani Bazaar where you could shop for souvenirs, have a taste of some local snacks and the authentic qahwa - a traditional green tea with cardamom. Last, we will go to Peshawar Museum and appreciate its collections of ancient Gandhara and Greco-Buddhist art.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Pearl Continental

After breakfast, proceed with a visit to Swat, a district well-known for its spellbinding natural beauty and an important role as the major center of early Gandharan Buddhism. We'll stop at Takht-e-Bahi, a well-preserved Indo-Parthian archaeological site of Buddhist monastic complex. Upon arrival at Swat, we will have a short rest at the hotel, and then go to Swat Museum housing over 3,000 antique objects of Gandhara sculptures showcasing the life story of Buddha.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Serena Hotel

Today we will drive back to Islamabad, which will take about 4 - 5 hours, and stop by Taxila, an ancient city famous for ruins of Buddhist monuments. We'll go to explore the Taxila Museum, home to some significant collections of stone Buddhist sculptures from the 1st to 7th centuries. Then we'll go ahead to visit several temple sites at Taxila, namely Jaulian, Sirkap and Mohra Moradu. The last one has some exquisite stucco figures of Buddha. Stay overnight at the hotel in Islamabad.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Islamabad Serena Hotel

After breakfast, visit Faisal Mosque, the world's fifth largest mosque. Built in the shape of a desert Bedouin's tent and decorated with fine mosaics, it is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. Then we will go sightseeing at Shakar Parian National Park located on the highest hill of the capital city. There are arboretum with trees planted by celebrated leaders of foreign states, beautiful gardens, and well-equipped panoramas for visitors to have a bird's eye view over the city.

After getting out from the park, we will pass by the Pakistan Monument, one of the must-see landmarks in Pakistan. The petal-shaped structure of the monument comes from the traditional vaulting of Mughal architecture and symbolizes the unity of Pakistan people from different cultures. Later we will go to a hill top garden named Daman-e-Koh and tour around the Lok Versa Museum with artworks presenting Pakistani folk culture and crafts.

In the afternoon, we will take a ride to Rawalpindi, Islamabad's twin city based on social and economic bond. We'll spend a nice time hanging out at the Raja Bazaar in the heart of Rawalpindi city. At this last stop, you will experience the energetic local lifestyle and take the opportunity to buy some unique souvenirs for your family and friends.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Islamabad Serena Hotel

Today we will escort you to the airport. Thanks for your trust and support. Wish you a safe journey home!

Meals: Breakfast