Civilization of Indus (Extended Version)

Created with Sketch. Sindh, KPK, Punjab, and Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan
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Duration

20 Days / 19 Nights

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Languages

English, Urdu

Overview

Pakistan, a land bearing the ancient imprints of the world’s oldest civilizations, invites you on a captivating journey through time. From the prehistoric wonders of Mehargarh to the iconic cities of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, and from the cultural embrace of Gandhara and Buddhism to the opulence of the Islamic and Mughal eras, each period has left an indelible mark on this region. Notably, the enigma of the Indus Valley Civilization persists, with its language still veiled in mystery.

This tour is an immersive exploration of the diverse ancient civilizations and monuments nestled in the Indus Valley. It spans from the cradle of civilization in Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa to the lesser-known marvels of the Islamic era, including the resplendent Mughal city of Lahore, the cerulean-glazed monuments of Multan and Uch Sharif, the former princely state of Bahawalpur on the fringes of the Cholistan Desert, the formidable desert fortress at Derawar, and the colossal Rohtas Fort. The journey also unveils the extraordinary decorated necropolis at Thatta, a testament to the artistic legacy of bygone eras.

Your odyssey extends to the splendors of northern Pakistan, where the landscapes tell tales of legendary Hunza, the majestic Khunjerab Pass, the historic Gilgit, the rugged terrain of Chilas, and the picturesque Swat Valley. Each valley echoes with the whispers of a time long past, encapsulating the essence of Pakistan’s rich and diverse cultural heritage.

On this expedition, we unravel the layers of time, from the ancient civilizations of the Indus Valley to the modern marvels that grace the landscapes of Pakistan. Let this journey be your gateway to the treasures and tales that have shaped this extraordinary land throughout the ages.

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HIGHLIGHTS

  • Discover the major cities of Pakistan, including Karachi, Sukkur, Bahawalpur, Multan, Lahore, Rawalpindi/Islamabad, Besham, Gilgit, Hunza, Swat.
  • Visit Pakistan’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Makli Necropolis, Mohenjo Daro, Lahore Fort and Shalimar Gardens, Rohtas Fort, and Taxila.
  • Experience the grandeur of the Nawabs in Bahawalpur.
  • Delve into the rich Islamic heritage of Multan.
  • Witness the blend of Mughal, Sikh, and British influences in Lahore.
  • Explore the vibrant capital city of Islamabad and its key attractions.
  • Drive along the Karakorum Highway all the way to Pak-China Border and explore key attractions.
  • Explore the Buddhist heritage in Swat, Gilgit and along the Karakorum Highway.
  • Shop at the top malls in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad.
  • Savor the diverse flavors of Pakistani cuisine across different cities.
  • Engage with people from various cultural and ethnic backgrounds.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Karachi: Gateway to the Past

Highlights: Quaid-e-Azam’s Mausoleum, National Museum, Empress Market
Upon arrival in Karachi, Pakistan’s bustling coastal metropolis, meet and greet at the airport followed by a transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, begin your discovery with a guided visit to key landmarks: pay homage at the mausoleum of Pakistan’s founder, explore centuries of history at the National Museum, and experience colonial-era vibrance at Empress Market.

Day 2 – Karachi to Hyderabad via the Makli Necropolis

Highlights: Chaukhandi Tombs, Banbhore Ruins, Makli Hills
Depart for Hyderabad with enriching stops en route. Visit the intricate sandstone tombs at Chaukhandi, explore the ancient seaport of Banbhore tied to early Islamic history, and marvel at Makli Hills, one of the largest necropolises in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Arrive in Hyderabad and check into your hotel for the night.

Day 3 – Exploring Hyderabad: The City of Winds

Highlights: Pacco Qillo, Sindh Museum, Shah Latif Bhittai's Shrine
Enjoy a full day uncovering Hyderabad's rich Sindhi heritage. Visit the Pacco Qillo (strong fort), immerse in local traditions at the Sindh Museum, and pay respects at the Shrine of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, a beloved Sufi poet whose verses still resonate in the region.

Day 4 – Hyderabad to Sukkur via Kot Diji Fort

Highlights: Kot Diji Fort
Drive to Sukkur, stopping en route at the majestic Kot Diji Fort, perched on a hill overlooking the Indus plains. This 18th-century stronghold predates the colonial era and provides insights into Sindh’s feudal past. Continue to Sukkur for your overnight stay.

Day 5 – The Ancient Indus: Mohenjo-Daro and Rohri

Highlights: Mohenjo-Daro, Lansdowne Bridge, Tombs of Rohri
Step into the cradle of civilization with a visit to Mohenjo-Daro, one of the most significant Indus Valley archaeological sites. Later, explore Sukkur’s riverside charm and the tombs at Rohri, steeped in Sindhi Sufi traditions. Return to your hotel in Sukkur.

Day 6 – Sukkur to Bahawalpur via Bhong and Dera Nawab

Highlights: Bhong Mosque, Noor Mahal
Drive to Bahawalpur, stopping to admire the exquisite Bhong Mosque, a masterpiece of mosaic and calligraphy. Continue to Dera Nawab, where the palaces of the former princely state still stand in grandeur. Overnight stay in Bahawalpur.

Day 7 – Into the Desert: Derawar Fort and Uch Sharif

Highlights: Derawar Fort, Uch Sharif
Embark on a day excursion into the Cholistan Desert to witness the formidable Derawar Fort, its imposing bastions rising from the sands. Later, visit Uch Sharif, known for its blue-tiled Sufi shrines and distinctive Central Asian architecture. Return to Bahawalpur.

Day 8 – Bahawalpur to Multan: The City of Saints

Highlights: Shah Rukn-e-Alam, Bahauddin Zakariya, Multan Bazaar
Drive to Multan, renowned for its spiritual legacy and Sufi shrines. Visit the ornate tombs of Shah Rukn-e-Alam and Bahauddin Zakariya, then stroll through the vibrant bazaar filled with handicrafts, camel skin lamps, and traditional sweets.

Day 9 – Multan to Lahore via Harappa

Highlights: Harappa Ruins, Lahore Fort, Badshahi Mosque
Depart for Lahore, stopping at Harappa, an important Indus Valley site where early urban life once thrived. In the afternoon, explore Lahore’s regal past with visits to Lahore Fort and the magnificent Badshahi Mosque, both testaments to Mughal glory.

Day 10 – Culture and Ceremony in Lahore

Highlights: Shalimar Gardens, Lahore Museum, Wahga Border
Spend the morning exploring Lahore's Mughal gardens and museums. In the evening, head to the Wahga Border to witness the stirring flag-lowering ceremony—a display of patriotism and pageantry shared between Pakistan and India. Overnight in Lahore.

Day 11 – Lahore to Islamabad via Rohtas Fort

Highlights: Rohtas Fort
Drive to the capital, stopping to explore the massive Rohtas Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by Sher Shah Suri. Its vast defensive walls and gates are an outstanding example of early Islamic military architecture.

Day 12 – Taxila and Onward to Besham

Highlights: Taxila Museum, Buddhist Sites
Begin your journey north with a visit to Taxila, once a center of learning in the Gandhara civilization. Explore its archaeological remains and museum showcasing Buddhist relics. Proceed through the scenic hills to Besham, gateway to the Karakoram Highway.

Day 13 – Besham to Gilgit: Along the Roof of the World

Highlights: Karakoram Highway, Indus Valley Views
Travel along the legendary Karakoram Highway, often dubbed the 8th wonder of the world. Pass dramatic gorges and glacial rivers as you ascend into the heart of Gilgit-Baltistan. Overnight in Gilgit.

Day 14 – Gilgit to Hunza: Arrival in the Valley of Legends

Highlights: Rakaposhi Viewpoint, Karimabad
Continue along the Karakoram to reach Hunza, a serene valley nestled among the world's highest peaks. Stop at the Rakaposhi Viewpoint and check into your hotel in Karimabad, the cultural center of Hunza.

Day 15 – Discovering Hunza’s Timeless Beauty

Highlights: Baltit Fort, Altit Fort, Duikar Viewpoint, Local Market
A full day of sightseeing in Hunza. Tour the restored Baltit and Altit Forts, reflecting Tibetan and Central Asian influences. Head to Duikar Viewpoint for breathtaking sunset views over the Hunza Valley. Explore local crafts at the bazaar.

Day 16 – Khunjerab Pass or Upper Hunza Exploration

Highlights: Khunjerab National Park or Passu Cones, Attabad Lake
Weather permitting, drive to Khunjerab Pass (4,693m) on the Pakistan-China border for unparalleled alpine vistas. Alternatively, explore Upper Hunza—visit the iconic Passu Cones, and boat on the turquoise waters of Attabad Lake. Return to Gilgit for overnight stay.

Day 17 – Gilgit to Besham: Return Along the Karakoram

Retrace your route along the Karakoram Highway, soaking in the landscape one last time as you journey south to Besham. Overnight at hotel.

Day 18 – Besham to Swat via Shangla Pass

Highlights: Mingora, Fizagat Park
Cross Shangla Pass into the lush Swat Valley, often called the "Switzerland of the East." Explore Mingora and Fizagat Park, surrounded by green hills and gushing rivers. Check into your hotel in Swat.

Day 19 – Swat to Islamabad via Malakand Pass

Highlights: Takht-i-Bahi (optional), Faisal Mosque
Drive to Islamabad, passing through Malakand Pass. Upon arrival, visit Faisal Mosque, Pakistan's iconic modern structure. Optional stop at Takht-i-Bahi, another UNESCO site and ancient Buddhist monastery, time permitting.

Day 20 – Departure from Islamabad

Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your onward flight home, marking the end of your extraordinary journey through the cultural and historical heart of Pakistan.

Included/Exclude

  • Hotel accommodations on a twin-sharing basis throughout the trip.
  • All ground transportation during the tour, including airport transfers.
  • All meals as outlined in the itinerary—breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
  • Light refreshments such as coffee, green tea, cookies, and nuts.
  • Bottled water provided throughout the journey.
  • Entry tickets and admission fees for all sites and attractions mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Services of a professional English-speaking tour guide, with support staff if required.
  • Porterage at hotels and airports.
  • All applicable tolls, local taxes, and parking charges.
  • Basic first aid kit available for emergency use.
  • Visa assistance, including the provision of a Letter of Invitation (LoI) for the Pakistan Tourist Visa.
  • Domestic and international airfare, airport taxes, and visa application fees.
  • Personal travel insurance (mandatory for international participants).
  • Visa processing costs and related documentation.
  • Meals, snacks, and beverages not mentioned in the itinerary, including soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.
  • Personal clothing, gear, and equipment (e.g., jackets, footwear, backpacks).
  • Additional hotel nights beyond those specified in the itinerary.
  • Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, and souvenirs.
  • Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, porters, and support staff.
  • Costs arising from delays, cancellations, or unforeseen events beyond human control.
  • Any extra services or items not clearly listed under the “Services Included” section.

Tour's Location

Created with Sketch. Sindh, KPK, Punjab, and Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan

FAQs

Who is the Civilization of Indus Tour suitable for?
The Civilization of Indus Tour offers a comprehensive journey through the historic landmarks of southern Pakistan and the rugged terrain of norther Pakistan, making it the perfect vacation for history and cultural heritage enthusiasts and also for adventure lovers. The tour spans key attractions in Sindh, Punjab, and the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as well as Hindu, Islamic, Mughal, Sikh, and British heritage sites and also the scenic beauty of the Hunza valley. Additionally, travelers will have the chance to connect with people from various cultural and ethnic backgrounds. This tour also provides opportunities to savor diverse Pakistani cuisines and explore the shopping malls in each city.
How do I register for this tour?
Please share your plan, dates and other people planning to travel with you so that we can arrange accordingly.
What would be the weather like during winter in South and north Pakistan?
Sindh and southern Punjab are the key destinations where you will enjoy a warm weather condition. Lahore and Islamabad are comparatively cooler where temperatures vary between 5-10 degrees. For the tour to the north, you will need a warm layers as temperatures drop below zero degrees.
What clothes or equipment's should I bring on the tour?
The weather is moderate in the southern regions; you may pack up ordinary things including

● Important medicine/first aid kit
● Sunglasses
● Sunblock and lip balm
● Water bottle
● Cap/hat, and scarf (to avoid scorching sun)
● Full sleeves shirt
● Comfortable shoes and flip-flops
● Warm Layers of clothing
● Camera with additional batteries (optional)
● Cell phone with charger and charging bank (optional)
Do you organize tours for private groups?
We do. We can organize customized tours for solo tourists and groups of any volume, but we prefer not more than 20. All we need is the information on the interest, dates, and number of persons with special instructions if any.
What is the minimum/maximum size of your groups?
The maximum size of our groups is 20 persons. The average size of our groups is 10 members.
What types of meals should I expect?
During this tour, all three meals including breakfast, lunch, and dinner) will be served to the participants. A combination of Foreign and Pakistani meals will be included in our food plan. Breakfasts will have coffee, cereal, tea, eggs, muesli/porridge, bread/chapatti included. Lunches include fresh meat and veggies, chapatti, rice etc. The dinner will be served in the hotel restaurant or at a famous food outlet in the vicinity of your hotel.
What is the accommodation like?
Accommodation will be arranged as per the commitment. We always try not to compromise on services and provide the highest standards of accommodation.
What is a typical day like?
The Ancient Pakistan Tour is a two-week journey that highlights the key attractions of southern Pakistan, with visits to the Sindh and Punjab provinces, as well as the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Each day begins with breakfast at the hotel, followed by travel to the next destination, with stopovers at the major attractions outlined in the itinerary. The day includes a lunch break, hotel check-in, and time to explore the local markets and city.
How and where can I apply for Pakistani visa?
All nationalities must obtain a valid visa for entry into Pakistan. Tourists are advised to contact the nearest Pakistan Embassy/High Commission/consulate in their respected country/city. For the detailed information on visa, please refer to https://visa.nadra.gov.pk/ Pakistan does have visa on arrival facility for a number of countries. Please check the details here https://visa.nadra.gov.pk/visa-on-arrival-tourist/
Do I need batteries and accessories on the trek?
Portable chargers, storage cards and extra batteries may be required during the trekking holiday. We advise you to make a relevant list of adapters, sockets and any other kind of electrical items you might require keeping your devices function as long as possible.
How much to tip the support staff?
Tipping in Pakistan is not obligatory; it is entirely at one’s own discretion. Staff generally expects to be tipped at the end of the tour. If the staff during the trip performed well, a good tip is considered well-deserved. However, there is no defined amount as it depends on the situation, number of days spent and performance of the staff. With groups clients can join in to add to an amount.

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