Gandhara & Hunza in North Pakistan / INDUS CARAVAN (Pvt)Ltd.

Gandhara & Hunza in North Pakistan

Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan

12 Days

Mar - Oct

US$ 1575

Gandhara region had once been the hallowed center of Buddhism, the cradle of the world famous Gandhara sculpture, culture, art and learning. Pakistan is the land which attracted Alexander the great from Macedonia in 326 B.C., with whom the influence of Greek culture came to this part of the world. During the 2nd century B.C., it was here that Buddhism was adopted as the state religion which flourished and prevailed here for over 1000 years, starting from 2nd century B.C., until 10th century A.D. During this time Taxila, Swat and Charsaddah (old Pushkalavati) became three important centres for culture, trade and learning. Hundreds of monasteries and stupas were built together with Greek and Kushan towns such as Sirkap and Sirsukh both in Taxila. It was from these centres that a unique art of sculpture originated which is known as Gandhara Art all over the world.

Itinerary

Show more itinerary

01 Arrive Islamabad

Arrive Islamabad. Transfer to hotel.

Dinner

02 Islamabad – Taxila – Peshawar

After breakfast drive to Taxila

Arrive at Taxila, the famous capital of Buddhists.

At Taxila, visit Archaeological Museum, Jaulian Monastery and Sirkap.

Later drive to Peshawar

Upon arrival transfer to hotel for night stay.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

03 Peshawar local sightseeing

Breakfast at hotel restaurant

Visit Peshawar Museum, Mahabat Khan Mosque, Qissa Khawani bazaar and Bala Hisar Fort from outside

Lunch will be served in a local restaurant

Night stay at Hotel in Peshawar

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

04 Drive to Swat via Takht-e-bahi.

After breakfast drive to Swat

Visit Takhat-e-Bahi site en route

Resume drive to Swat brief stop at Malakand Pass

Visit Shingerdar Stupa and famous Budha carved on the roadside

Upon arrival transfer to hotel for Night stay - Swat

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

05 Swat Local Sightseeing - Besham

Breakfast at hotel restaurant

Local visit includes Swat museum, Butkara I & II and Bazaar.

Later drive to Besham via scenic Shangla pass.

Upon arrival transfer to hotel for night stay in Besham.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

06 Besham – Gilgit

After breakfast drive to Gilgit

Following the upstream course of River Indus, we will make photo stops at the Shatial and Chilas rocks, which have ancient markings on them.

Nanga Parbat viewpoint offers a breathtaking panorama while our next stop will be the unique point where three mountain ranges, Karakoram, Himalayas and Hindu Kush meet, and then the last viewpoint is the confluence of the Indus and Gilgit Rivers before arriving at Gilgit.

Upon arrival transfer to hotel for night stay in Gilgit

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

07 Gilgit – Kargah Buddha – Karimabad (Hunza)

Breakfast in hotel restaurant

Morning tour of Kargha Buddha, Kargah Buddha is an archaeological site located about 6 miles (9.7 km) outside of Gilgit. It is a carved image of a large standing Buddha in the cliff-face in Kargha Nala

After lunch drive to Karimabad (Hunza)

Upon arrival transfer to hotel for night stay in Karimabad

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

08 Hunza local sightseeing - Excursion to Nagar Valley

Drive to Duikar for sunrise and enjoy the view of Ultar, Hunza Dome, Spantik, Diran and Rakaposhi peaks.

After Breakfast visit Baltit Fort Museum and Altit Fort

Drive by jeeps to Nagar Valley, the rival village of Karimabad with few tourists and less pollution. At Nagar we drive up to view point for Hoper Glacier

After a stop for photography at Hoper Glacier drive back to Karimabad.

Night stay at Hotel in Karimabad

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

09 Day excursion Khunjerab Pass

Breakfast will be served at hotel restaurant

After breakfast departure for Attabad Lake

Visit to Attabad Lake while passing through the majestic Passu cones.

Resume drive to Khunjerab pass. En route visit Sost

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant

Visit Khunjerab Pass drive back to Gilgit

Night stay at Hotel in Gilgit

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

10 Fly to Islamabad or drive to Besham in case of flight cancellation.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

11 Free day or complete road journey to Islamabad.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

12 Fly out.

Breakfast

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Map

Tour Price

US$ 1575

per adult in a twin room

US$ 515

Discounted rates are available

March 2020 till October 2020

*Prices are based on sharing basis and are subject to final bookings and confirmations from Hotel.

Inclusions & Exclusions

Air Conditioned transport

Fuel

Toll Expense

Hotel Accommodation on Twin or Triple sharing basis

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Professional Guide Services.

Entrance fee at museum, monument, chairlift, etc.

Domestic / International Airfare

Portage or Boat Charges if any

Any kind of personal nature expenses.

Extra expenses due to landslides\road blocks, acts of nature\political reasons etc.

Disclaimer

Please note that no transport and rooms reserved at this stage. We will be thankful if you could give us tentative dates of the visit so that we can reserve the transport and hotels accordingly

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