THE LAND OF FRAGRANCE ARCHEOLOGICAL TOUR

Gandhara region had once been the hollowed center of Buddhism, the cradle of the world famous Ghandhara sculpture, culture, art and learning. The archeological remains found in Taxila, Peshawar, Charsadda, Takht Bhai, Swat and rock carvings along the ancient Silk road have well recorded the history of Ghandhara. Lying in Haro river valley, near Islamabad.

Taxila, the main center of Ghandhara, is over 3000 years old. Taxila attracted the attention of the great conqueror, Alexander in 327 BC, when it was a province of the powerful Achaemenian Empire. It later came under the Maurian dynasty and reached a remarkable matured level of development under the great Ashoka. Then appeared the Indo-Greek descendants of the Alexander’s warriors and finally came the most creative period of Ghandhara.

The Kushan dynasty was established in about 50 AD. During the next 2000 years, Taxila, Peshawar and Swat became a renowned center of learning philosophy, art and trade. Pilgrims and travelers were attracted to Ghandhara from as China and Greece. In the 5th century AD, the White Huns snuffed out the last of the successive civilization that held unbroken sway in this region for several centuries.


ITINERARY

Day 01: Day 01 Arrival at Islamabad and transfer to hotel.
Day 02: Leave for Peshawar by road, En route visit Taxila “the Buddhist Heritage” Museum (1 hour drive up to Taxila). The modern town of Taxila is 35 km from Islamabad. Most of the archeological site at Taxila (600 BC-500 AD) are located around Taxila Museum. For over 100 years, Taxila remained fomous as a center of learning in respect of Gandhara art of sculpture, education and Budhism in the days of Buddhist glory. There are over 50 archeological sites scattered in a radius of 30 km around Taxila. Some of the mot important sites are include Dharamarijika, Stupa and Monestry (300 BC-200 AD), Bhir Mound (600 BC-200 AD), Sirkap (200 BC – 600 AD), Jundial Temple (250 BC), and Juallian Monastery (200-600 AD). Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 03: Morning city tour of Peshawar. Tour includes visits to Peshawar Museum, Qissa Khawani Bazaar (or street of story tellers). Afternoon tour of Khyber pass. This historic pass has served as the gateway to the major conquerors of Indo-Pak. Overnight stay in hotel.

Day 04: Departure by coach to Swat. En route stop at Takht Bhai which is the an ancient Buddhist Monastery dating back to 540 AD. After check in hotel in Saidu Sharif visit Buddhist sites, Swat Museum, Butkara I & II and Bazaar.

Day 05: Full day visit Buddhist ruins around the city, visit includes, Nimogram, Jehanabad and Galchi Buddha. At evening drive back to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 06: Morning departure by coach to Besham over Shanglla Pass, transfer to hotel. Overnight stay in hotel.

Day 07: Departure for Gilgit (8 hours drive), en route visit the pre-historic rock inscription at Shatial and Chilas. Arrive at Gilgit. Overnight stay at Gilgit.

Day 08: Full day sightseeing of Gilgit including, Kargha Buddha, Local Bazaar and walk on the water cannel. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 08: Departure for Hunza, sightseeing all along the route which is surrounded by some of the tallest mountains in the world and dominated by the Rakaposhi (7787 m) Peak. Hunza is itself known for the longevity of its residents. Groups visits famous forts. Overnight stay in hotel.

Day 09: Day excursion to upper Hunza up to Khunjerab Pass (Pak-China Border) and at evening drive back to Karimabad for overnight stay.

Day 10: Leave for Chilas, transfer to hotel, overnight stay in hotel.
Day 11: Departure for Islamabad/Rawalpindi, upon arrival transfer to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 12: Morning transfer to airport for onward flight. (End of tour).


For more information or for another queries, please click here