Civilizations & Sacred Sites of Pakistan Tour

Created with Sketch. Punjab, KPK, Islamabad, and Azad Kashmir, Pakistan
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Duration

15 Days & 14 Nights

Created with Sketch.

Languages

English, Urdu

Overview

Pakistan, a land where civilizations flourished and spirituality thrived, offers a remarkable journey into its soul through the fusion of sacred shrines, ancient cities, and cultural treasures. The Civilizations & Sacred Sites of Pakistan tour is designed to immerse travelers in the spiritual essence of Sufism, the grandeur of empires, and the diversity of Pakistan’s living traditions.

Beginning in Lahore—the cultural heart of the nation—participants are introduced to Mughal splendor, Sikh heritage, and lively bazaars. From there, the journey flows to Multan, the City of Saints, where time-honored shrines radiate spiritual energy. Bahawalpur adds a touch of architectural charm and royal history, while the mystical Cholistan Desert with its imposing Derawar Fort connects travelers to the vastness and resilience of the region.

The tour then meanders through the scenic hill stations of Murree and Muzaffarabad, blending natural beauty with the serenity of revered shrines like Pir Chinasi. In Peshawar, travelers walk through bustling bazaars and timeless alleyways that have served as a crossroads of civilizations for centuries. Moving deeper into the Buddhist heritage trail, the tour reveals the UNESCO-listed Takht-e-Bahi monastery, followed by the breathtaking valley of Swat, once celebrated as the Uddiyana (Garden) of Buddhism. Here, stupas, monasteries, and rock-carved Buddhas stand as testimony to its ancient spiritual legacy.

Taxila, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, crowns the experience with its extensive ruins and museum, reflecting the Gandhara civilization’s sophistication. Finally, Islamabad offers a modern contrast with its tree-lined boulevards, contemporary landmarks, and serene mountain backdrops.

This carefully curated journey is more than a tour—it is a pilgrimage across time and spirit. By exploring shrines, mosques, stupas, forts, and palaces, participants witness how saints, sages, and civilizations shaped Pakistan’s identity. Along the way, flavors of regional cuisines, encounters with diverse communities, and the interplay of tradition and modernity ensure a transformative experience.

The Civilizations & Sacred Sites of Pakistan tour is ideal for seekers of history, culture, and spirituality, offering an unforgettable voyage into the sacred spaces and ancient civilizations that define the heart of Pakistan.

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HIGHLIGHTS

  • Explore Pakistan’s major cultural cities: Lahore, Multan, Bahawalpur, Islamabad, Peshawar, and Swat.
  • Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Lahore Fort & Shalimar Gardens, Rohtas Fort, Takht-e-Bahi, and Taxila.
  • Discover Sufi shrines and spiritual landmarks across Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
  • Admire the architectural blend of Mughal, Sikh, British, and Islamic influences.
  • Explore Buddhist heritage in Swat, Taxila, and Peshawar.
  • Experience the mystical landscapes of Cholistan Desert and the royal heritage of Bahawalpur.
  • Shop in vibrant bazaars and modern malls of Lahore, Murree, and Islamabad.
  • Savor authentic Pakistani cuisine and interact with diverse local communities.

Itinerary

Day 1-Arrival in Lahore

Upon arrival at Lahore International Airport, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. After some rest, in the afternoon, drive to the Indo-Pak border to witness the dramatic Wagah Border Flag Ceremony, a spectacle of military precision and patriotic fervor. Return to the city for a traditional Lahori dinner. Overnight stay in Lahore.

Day 2- Lahore – The Mughal Jewel

Spend the day exploring Lahore’s rich Mughal and colonial heritage. Visit the Badshahi Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, and the imposing Lahore Fort, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Walk through the Shalimar Gardens, a masterpiece of Mughal landscape design. Explore the Walled City of Lahore, visiting Delhi Gate, Wazir Khan Mosque, and the bustling Anarkali Bazaar. Evening at liberty to sample Lahore’s famous food street. Overnight stay in Lahore.

Day 3- Lahore to Multan (City of Saints)

After breakfast, drive to Multan, known for its centuries-old Sufi shrines and bazaars. Upon arrival, visit the revered shrines of Bahauddin Zakariya and Shah Rukn-e-Alam, centers of spiritual devotion. Stroll through Hussain Agahi Bazaar, famous for handicrafts, blue pottery, and embroidered textiles. Overnight stay in Multan.

Day 4- Multan to Bahawalpur

Depart for Bahawalpur, a former princely state with unique palaces and mosques. Visit Noor Mahal, an Italian-inspired palace, and Darbar Mahal with its Mughal-Gothic architecture. Explore the Bahawalpur Museum showcasing archaeology, Islamic art, and manuscripts. Evening free to explore the local market. Overnight stay in Bahawalpur.

Day 5- Cholistan Desert & Derawar Fort Excursion

Enjoy a full-day adventure into the Cholistan Desert, once part of the ancient Hakra River civilization. Discover traditional desert villages and experience camel rides. Visit the spectacular Derawar Fort, a massive square fortress with 40 towering bastions dominating the desert landscape. Return to Bahawalpur for overnight stay.

Day 6- Bahawalpur to Lahore

Drive back to Lahore. Evening free for leisure, shopping at Liberty Market, or relaxing at the hotel. Overnight stay in Lahore.

Day 7- Lahore to Murree (Hill Station Retreat)

After breakfast, drive to Murree, a colonial-era hill station nestled in pine forests. Check into your hotel, then enjoy a walk along Mall Road, stopping at Pindi Point and Kashmir Point for panoramic views of the mountains. Overnight stay in Murree.

Day 8- Murree to Muzaffarabad & Pir Chinasi

Continue your journey to Muzaffarabad, capital of Azad Kashmir. Visit the historic Red Fort and cross the Neelum River for scenic views. In the afternoon, drive up to Pir Chinasi, a mountain-top shrine dedicated to a revered saint, offering breathtaking vistas of the Himalayan foothills. Overnight stay in Muzaffarabad.

Day 9- Muzaffarabad to Peshawar

Drive through the scenic Hazara region toward Peshawar, one of South Asia’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. Upon arrival, visit Gor Gathri, an archaeological complex layered with Hindu, Buddhist, and Mughal history, and stroll through Sethi Street, known for its beautifully preserved merchant houses. Overnight stay in Peshawar.

Day 10- Peshawar – Crossroads of Civilizations

Spend the day exploring Peshawar’s rich heritage. Visit the Peshawar Museum, housing one of the world’s finest collections of Gandhara Buddhist art. See the Mahabat Khan Mosque, a Mughal-era masterpiece, and the colonial-era Cunningham Clock Tower. Wander through the vibrant Qissa Khwani Bazaar (Storytellers’ Market). End the day with a drive to the historic Baab-e-Khyber at the entrance to the Khyber Pass. Overnight stay in Peshawar.

Day 11- Peshawar to Swat (via Takht-e-Bahi)

En route to Swat, stop at the UNESCO-listed Takht-e-Bahi Monastery, one of the best-preserved Buddhist monastic complexes in the world. Continue to Swat Valley, known as the “Switzerland of the East.” Evening free to explore Mingora’s bazaar. Overnight stay in Swat.

Day 12- Explore Swat – Valley of the Gandharan Legacy

Full-day exploration of Swat. Visit the White Palace of Marghazar, former residence of the Swat royal family. Explore the Swat Museum with its remarkable Gandhara artifacts. Discover Buddhist sites including Amluk Dara Stupa, Gumbat Stupa, Shingardar Stupa, and the iconic Jahanabad Seated Buddha, a colossal rock-carving. Visit Islampur village, famous for traditional handwoven shawls. Overnight stay in Swat.

Day 13 - Swat to Islamabad (via Taxila)

Drive to Islamabad, stopping at Taxila, an ancient center of Buddhist learning and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore Taxila Museum, housing an outstanding collection of Gandhara art, and visit key sites including Julian Monastery, Dharmarajika Stupa, Mohra Moradu, and Sirkap, a city built by Indo-Greek rulers. Arrive in Islamabad for overnight stay.

Day 14 - Islamabad – Modern Capital with Ancient Roots

Tour Islamabad’s landmarks: the majestic Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument, and Lok Virsa Heritage Museum showcasing the country’s folk traditions. Enjoy panoramic views from Shakarparian Hills and a drive into the Margalla Hills National Park. Evening free for shopping in local markets such as Super Market or Centaurus Mall. Overnight stay in Islamabad.

Day 15 - Departure from Islamabad

Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your onward flight. End of services

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.
  • 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. Punjab, KPK, Islamabad, and Azad Kashmir, Pakistan

FAQs

Who is the Civilizations & Sacred Sites of Pakistan Tour suitable for?
The Civilizations & Sacred Sites of Pakistan Tour provides an in-depth exploration of the rich spiritual sites and cultural heritage, showcasing the glorious revered sites and natural beauty of Pakistan. This tour is tailored for all types of travelers, including history enthusiasts, culture lovers, followers of various faiths, students, archaeologists, and more.
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 in Kashmir, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan?
Kashmir and the provinces can be visited all year. However, June & July are always hot while, August, like other cities of Pakistan experience monsoon while rest of the year is well recommended to visit these regions.
What clothes or essentials 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 for winters
● 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?
We can make arrangements for a group of any volume. However, the ideal size of our groups is 15 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 Saints and Sites of Pakistan Tour is a journey that highlights the key attractions of Islamic , Gandhara, Colonial and Sikh heritage in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces of Pakistan, besides a full day sightseeing of Murree and 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 cities.
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 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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