Discovering GANDHARA Civilization.

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7 Days From

~~$1745~~

$1666

Discovering GANDHARA Civilization.

7 Days Starting and ending in Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan

Visiting: Faisal Masjid, Pakistan Monument Museum, Islamabad, Taxila, Peshawar, Peshawar Museum, Qissa Khwani Bazaar, Takht Bhai, Swat, Swat Museum, Shingardar Stupa, Butkara I, Mardan, Rawalpindi

Tour operator:

Black Glacier Tours BGT

Tour code:

GNDHRA07

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 12

Physical rating:

Low, Easy

Age range:

5-85

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Vegans, Meat, Halal, Pakistani cuisine

Tour operated in:

English

Private Available:

From:

$1745

$1666 Exclusive Members Discount: -$79

NB: Prices correct on 08-Jun-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Gandhara, the cradle of Buddhist Civilization, holds a rich history that dates back to the Rigveda. This region, reminiscent of the provinces of the Achaemenian Empire as per a Darius period inscription from the 6th century BC, has seen the rise and fall of various dynasties and civilizations. Pushkalavati, known as Balahisar-Charsadda, served as its first capital from the 6th century AD and witnessed the invasion of Alexander the Great in 327 BC. Subsequently, Gandhara was ruled by a succession of powers including the Mauryans, Indo-Greeks, Scythians, Parthians, and Kushans, with their capital established at Pushapura or Peshawar in the 1st century AD. The Shahi Dynasty later made Hund its capital until the Ghaznavids' invasions in 998 AD marked the end of Gandhara's rule. Embark on a tour that delves into the major ruins and remnants of the Gandhara civilization, offering a glimpse into its glorious past. Explore the grandeur of the largest university of its time in Taxila and marvel at the artifacts housed in museums that showcase the artistry of Gandhara. By the conclusion of this journey, you will be captivated by the profound history of Buddhism and its enduring significance in Pakistan, leaving you with a deep appreciation for the cultural heritage that thrives in this region.

Highlights

A tour that delves into the major ruins and remnants of the Gandhara civilization,
Offering a glimpse into its glorious history of Bhuddism in the region.
Explore the grandeur of the largest university of its time in Taxila
Witness the marvel at the artifacts housed in museums of Peshawer and Swat that showcase the artistry of Gandhara.
By the conclusion of this journey, you will be captivated by the profound history of Buddhism and its enduring significance in Pakistan,

Places You'll See

Discovering Gandhara Civilization.

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Islamabad Arrival

Location: Islamabad International Airport, Faisal Masjid, Pakistan Monument Museum

Accommodation: Hostel

Meals Included: Lunch

• Arrival at Islamabad International Airport met and transfer to the hotel.
• Later in the afternoon visit Pakistan Monument and Museum, Faisal Mosque,
• Overnight in the hotel.

Day 2 : Islamabd - Taxila - Peshawar

Location: Islamabad, Taxila, Peshawar

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

• After breakfast leave for Taxila.
“Taxila was an important Bhuddism center from 5th to 6th century BC. Taxila ruines consists of a complexes, stupas, monasteries, groupings and a museum”
• After completing the complete visit of Taxila, drive further to Peshawar.
• Transfer to hotel.
• After enjoying local cuisine
• Overnight in Peshawar.

Day 3 : Peshawar

Location: Peshawar, Peshawar Museum, Qissa Khwani Bazaar

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

• Early morning visit Shaji ki Dheri.
• Visit Peshawar Museum to witness the largest collection on Bhuddism.
“Peshawar Museum has one of the largest and most extensive collections of Gandhara art of the Buddhist period and is considered to be one of the biggest collections of Buddhist objects in the world”.
Depending on the available time visit Qisa khwani Bazar.
Overnight in Hotel in Peshawer.

Day 4 : Peshawar - Takht Bhai-Swat

Location: Peshawar, Takht Bhai, Swat

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

• Early morning hit the road for Swat, on the way stopover at Takht-iBahi archeological site.
“The monastery was founded in the 1st century CE, and was in use until the 7th century”.
• After a thorough visit of the site drive further for Swat.
• Transfer to the hotel.
• Overnight in hotel in Swat.

Day 5 : Swat

Location: Swat Museum, Shingardar Stupa, Butkara I

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

• Visit Butkara and Shingardar stupa two of the most important stupas of Gandhara civilization.
• Visit Swat museum. Swat Museum has a huge collection of artifacts of Gandhara civilization.
• Overnight in hotel.

Day 6 : Swat- Islamabad

Location: Swat, Mardan, Islamabad

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

• Drive from swat back to Islamabad.
• Along the way visit Mardan city.
• Travel on the famous G.T Road.
• Arrive at the hotel in Islamabad
• Dinner in an old village around Islamabad.
• Overnight in Islamabad.

Day 7 : Islamabad - Rawalpindi - Fly Home

Location: Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Islamabad International Airport

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

• Visit Raja Bazar Rawalpindi, to witness the old architecture and the bustling market.
• Later in the afternoon drive to the aiprot to catch flight back home (subject to the flight time

What's Included

Accommodation

We provide twin bed sharing accommodation in three or four star hotels.
Airport Transfers at Destination

We provide airport Transfers at destination, both at the time of arrival and departure, as well as during any domestic flights.
Fully Guided

Fully guided tours. Our guides are equipped with 4 decades of experience of provided services to nationals of almost every country in the world.
Meals

2 meals included (breakfast and Lunch/dinner)
Transport

Depending on the terrain and number of members the type of vehicle would change between Sedan, 4 x4, mini bus, Coasters.
Chinese
Chines, French and Malay Guide

Chinese, French and Malay guide could be arranged as per request.

What's Not Included

Additional Services
Insurance

Not included
International Travel

Not included
Optional
Any types of entry tickets or passes •

not included

Optional Extras

Discount

Summer Offer

Mode of Transport

We use variety of vehicles depending on the terrain and the number of group members.
For this particular group we us Sedan Cars, SUVs, Minibus and Coasters.

Accommodation

We offer twin bed sharing rooms in three and four star hotels. For members who do not like to share space and prefer private room, need to inform in advance so that booking could be made accordingly. However, those individuals would have to pay for the additional charges.

Check out our Q&As

Do you require a visa for this holiday?

Yes , but policies differ depending on the nationality. Therefore please review the following page. https://visa.nadra.gov.pk/visa-on-arrival-tourist/
Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

Yes, All the Guides are English-speaking and are locals. However if requested we could also provide, Chinese, French, German and Malay speaking guides, which may cost a little extra.
Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

Yes, Children can participate in this tour. however parents should be responsible to take care of their children below the age of 12.
What currencies are required for this tour?

You can bring any currency with you especially Euro, USD, GBP, AUD, Canadian Dollars, Saudi Riyal, UAE Dirham etc. We would help you get them exchanged to PKR (Pak Rupees), the official currency of the country.
Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

We encourage solo travelers to visit this beautiful country. We make sure that they get special attention and enjoy to the fullest

Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

Yes, it totally depends on the clients. We dedicate tour guides and vehicles all the time. However, if they wish to have an evening or morning walk on their own. We do guide them about the dos and don'ts.
Is the tour coach air conditioned?

Yes, all the vehicles are in good condition and they include a chilling air condition, to ensure comfortable travel of our clients.
Are airport transfers included in this tour?

Yes, Airport Transfer both arrival and departure are included in this tour, as well as during any domestic air travel
Are flights included in this tour?

Yes, domestic flights are included in this Tour.
What is the maximum group size?

We could easily handle a group size of 45 and less.
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

We welcome customers from all over the world!
What documents will I receive before I travel?

Invitation Letter from Our company
How long has the tour company been trading?

Its been 5-6 years we are trading but our director has almost 40 years of experience in the Tourism Industry.
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

You can inform us at your earliest convenience, at least a week before you are due to depart ideally
Can I join the tour once it has departed?

Yes
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

Yes

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Joseph Kaelin Switzerland

Joseph Kaelin

20-Aug-2023

Joseph Kaelin A long time ago, shortly after the Karakoram Highway was built, I travelled through the Hunza Valley. I always hoped to come back some day and explore this area more. Fortunately, work took me recently to northern Pakistan and I was able to visit the upper Hunza valley. I trekked to the Passu glacier, Patundas Meadow and the Passu Peak base camp. This was a wonderful trek. The terrain that we crossed was varied, mostly in the arid zone, but sometimes also in the cedars, then finally in the alpine zone. We hiked along glacier moraines, crossed the Passu glacier and hiked the ridge above Patundas Meadows. Everywhere the views were breathtaking. The locals call it Patundas table, because the meadow is flat and provides a true 360 degree panorama. Some preparation is required to visit the area, organising the porters and food. My thanks go to Black Glacier Tours for excellently preparing and carrying out my tour and for making this trip so unforgettable. https://www.google.com/maps/place/Pasu+Glacier/@36.4751378,74.6673416,12z/data=!4m8!3m7!1s0x38e8a55bd832f205:0x44b2081e17f913a4!8m2!3d36.4697645!4d74.7732056!9m1!1b1!16zL20vMGQ2N202?authuser=0&entry=ttu Joe Kaelin https://www.google.com/maps/place/Pasu+Glacier/@36.4751378,74.6673416,12z/data=!4m8!3m7!1s0x38e8a55bd832f205:0x44b2081e17f913a4!8m2!3d36.4697645!4d74.7732056!9m1!1b1!16zL20vMGQ2N202?authuser=0&entry=ttu https://www.google.com/maps/place/Pasu+Glacier/@36.4751378,74.6673416,12z/data=!4m8!3m7!1s0x38e8a55bd832f205:0x44b2081e17f913a4!8m2!3d36.4697645!4d74.7732056!9m1!1b1!16zL20vMGQ2N202?authuser=0&entry=ttu

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Jun 11, 2024 - Jun 17, 2024

~~$1745~~ $1666