Gandhara Pakistan Tour

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

10 Days / 09 Nights

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Languages

English, Urdu

Overview

Step into a world where history whispers through ancient stones and art speaks the language of divinity. The Gandhara Pakistan Tour offers a breathtaking exploration of one of the most fascinating yet lesser-known civilizations of the ancient world — Gandhara. Nestled in the serene valleys of Peshawar, Swat, and Taxila, Gandhara was once the cradle of Indo-Aryan culture and a global beacon of Buddhist learning, art, and spirituality.

From the 6th century BCE to the 11th century CE, the Kingdom of Gandhara stood at the crossroads of cultures, religions, and empires. Its golden era under the Kushan dynasty witnessed an artistic and intellectual renaissance that radiated from the heart of present-day north-western Pakistan to as far as China, Korea, and Japan. Walk in the footsteps of monks and merchants along the ancient Uttarapatha, the northern high road that once connected Central Asia to the Indian subcontinent.

Marvel at the magnificent ruins of Taxila, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and feel the serenity of Buddhist stupas nestled in Swat’s emerald valleys. Experience the rich fusion of Greek, Persian, and Indian aesthetics in the awe-inspiring Gandharan sculptures — serene Buddhas carved in stone, each telling a story of enlightenment, resilience, and timeless beauty.

But Gandhara is more than a destination — it’s a living heritage waiting to be rediscovered. With every temple ruin and archaeological marvel, you connect with a civilization that shaped the spiritual and artistic history of Asia.

Ready to be transformed? Embark on the Gandhara Pakistan Tour and uncover the soul of an ancient kingdom. This is your chance to witness where East met West, where spirituality met sculpture, and where history was etched in stone.

Book now to experience the magic of Gandhara — the journey of a lifetime starts here.

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HIGHLIGHTS

  • Discover the major cities of Pakistan, including Lahore, Rawalpindi/Islamabad, Peshawar, and Swat.
  • Visit some of the Pakistan’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Lahore Fort and Shalimar Gardens, Rohtas Fort, Takht-e-Bahi and Taxila.
  • Witness the blend of Mughal, Sikh, and British influenced architecture in Lahore.
  • Explore the vibrant capital city of Islamabad and its 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 Lahore

Upon arrival at Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Known as the cultural capital of Pakistan, Lahore is a city that has witnessed centuries of grandeur—from the Mughal Empire to the British Raj. The rest of the day is free for rest and recovery from your journey, with an overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 2- Lahore to Islamabad

Today, you will travel north towards Islamabad, Pakistan’s purpose-built and picturesque capital. En route, stop to explore Rohtas Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site constructed in the 16th century by Afghan ruler Sher Shah Suri. The fort is an impressive example of military architecture and offers insight into the defensive strategies of its era. After exploring its massive gateways and ramparts, continue your drive through the lush Potohar Plateau to Islamabad. On arrival, check in at the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 3- Islamabad Sightseeing

Spend the day discovering the contrasting yet complementary cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Begin with a visit to Faisal Mosque, one of the largest and most iconic mosques in the Islamic world, nestled against the Margalla Hills. Continue to the Pakistan Monument, which symbolizes the nation’s unity, and then explore the Lok Virsa Museum, which showcases Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage. A stroll through the historic Saidpur Village offers a charming glimpse into Mughal-era village life. In Rawalpindi, enjoy the old-world charm of Raja Bazaar, where colonial buildings and bustling markets coexist. Return to the hotel in Islamabad for the night.

Day 4- Islamabad to Swat Valley

Depart from Islamabad and head towards the Swat Valley, one of Pakistan’s most scenic and culturally rich regions. Along the way, stop at Taxila, an ancient city that was a center of learning and Buddhist scholarship in the Gandhara period. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features archaeological ruins and a well-curated museum showcasing Greco-Buddhist art and architecture. After the visit, continue through the dramatic Malakand Pass and arrive in Swat. Check in at your hotel and enjoy an overnight stay amidst the lush green surroundings.

Day 5- Explore Swat Valley

Today is dedicated to exploring the many historical and natural wonders of Swat Valley. Start with a visit to the Swat Museum, home to an outstanding collection of Gandharan sculptures. Then proceed to Butkara Stupa, an ancient Buddhist site dating back to the 3rd century BCE. In Jahanabad, marvel at the colossal rock-carved Buddha, a remnant of Swat’s Buddhist heritage. Continue to the White Palace in Marghazar, once the summer residence of the Wali of Swat, and then explore the Shingardar and Gumbat Stupas, along with the Ghalegay Buddha, each revealing layers of religious and cultural history. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 6- Drive to Peshawar

After breakfast, drive towards Peshawar, stopping en route at Mardan to visit the Takht-e-Bahi Monastery. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most well-preserved Buddhist monastic complexes in the region and offers a spectacular view from its hilltop location. Dating back to the 1st century CE, Takht-e-Bahi played a central role in the spread of Buddhism in the Gandhara region. After exploring the site, continue your journey to Peshawar, one of South Asia’s oldest living cities, and check in at the hotel for the night.

Day 7- Peshawar full-day sihgtseeing

Spend the day exploring the historic and cultural treasures of Peshawar. Begin with a visit to the 17th-century Mahabat Khan Mosque, a stunning example of Mughal architecture. Next, view the Cunningham Clock Tower, a colonial landmark in the heart of the city, and wander through Sethi Street, where elaborately carved wooden mansions reflect the affluence of 19th-century merchants. The Peshawar Museum houses one of the finest collections of Gandharan art and artifacts. Later, visit the Bala Hisar Fort, which has served as a stronghold for Durrani kings and British commanders alike. End your day at Gor Gathri, a site that has functioned as a caravanserai, Hindu temple, and archaeological zone over the centuries. Return to your hotel for overnight stay.

Day 8- Peshawar to Lahore

Depart Peshawar and enjoy a scenic drive back to Lahore. Along the way, observe the changing landscapes as you move from the rugged frontier to the fertile plains of Punjab. Upon arrival in Lahore, check in at your hotel and relax after the long journey.

Day 9- Lahore sightseeing

Today, immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of Lahore. In the morning, visit the Lahore Fort and the adjacent Badshahi Mosque, two masterpieces of Mughal architecture that stand as proud symbols of Lahore’s imperial past. Then proceed to Jahangir’s Tomb, the majestic final resting place of Emperor Jahangir, surrounded by Persian-style gardens and intricate inlay work. In the afternoon, head to the Wagah Border to witness the electrifying flag-lowering ceremony, a display of patriotic fervor and military discipline shared between Pakistan and India. Return to the hotel for your final overnight stay in Lahore.

Day 10- Fly homeland

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Allama Iqbal International Airport for your flight home. As your journey concludes, you leave with unforgettable memories of Pakistan’s heritage, natural beauty, and warm hospitality.

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. KPK, Punjab, and Islamabad, Pakistan

FAQs

Who is the Gandhara Pakistan Tour suitable for?
The Gandhara Pakistan Tour provides an in-depth exploration of the rich Buddhist heritage, showcasing the glorious history of Buddhism in the Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces. This tour is tailored for all types of travelers, including history enthusiasts, Buddhist followers, 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 Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan?
Both provinces are visited all year. However, June-August, like other cities of Pakistan experience a hot weather while rest of the year is well recommended to visit these regions.
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 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?
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 Gandhara Pakistan Tour is a ten day journey that highlights the key attractions of Gandhara Heritage in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces of Pakistan, besides a full day sightseeing of 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 porters?
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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