Gandhara Civilisation
A Journey of Faith & History
Overview
Buddhism was founded by Siddhartha Gautama (“the Buddha”) more than 2,500 years ago in India. With about 470 million followers, scholars consider Buddhism one of the major world religions. The Buddha was born in Lumbini (now in Nepal) and died around the age of 80 in Kushinagara (India).
Taxila is the modern form of Takshashila, the Centre of the Gandhara civilization from the first millennium BC to the first millennium AD. The seat of inspiration and learning created an expansion of Buddhism throughout the region. The great Mauryan king, who had embraced Buddhism, established his capital as the Centre of spiritual enlightenment. It was from here that Buddhism spread to the eastern regions through the northern valleys of the Karakoram, the Himalayas and the Hindu Kush. The vivid heritage of its golden period is preserved not only in the form of ancient artifacts and monuments, but it can also be observed in the daily life of its people.
While visiting the historic cities of Taxila, Peshawar, Swat and many other places one can relive in the glorious period of Gandhara. The exciting trip which has been designed to explore the awe-inspiring Buddhist remains in Pakistan, once home to the incredible faith and centre of learning for monks.
Tour Facts
Tour Name: Gandhara Civilisation
Tour Code: ATP-GCT-01
Tour Duration: 9 days/8 nights
Route: Lahore-Khewra- Islamabad-Taxila-Peshawar-Swat-Islamabad.
Best time: Round the year
Tour Grade: Easy
Visa Category: Tourist Visit Visa
Gallery
Tour locations on map
Itinerary
Arrival at Allama Iqbal Airport Lahore, transfer to hotel. After refreshment city tour of Lahore.
Key Attractions
Lahore’s walled city
Lahore Fort-built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan
Badshahi Masjid built between 1671 & 1673 by Mughal emperors
Lahore Museum – Showcasing one of the largest and most representative collection of miniature paintings in the Subcontinent
Anarkali Bazar – one of oldest surviving markets in the Lahore
Full day city tour of Lahore.
Key Attractions
Mausoleums of Jahangir & Noor Jahan in Lahore
Visit Masjid Wazir Khan -Built by Wazir Khan, the viceroy of Punjab during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan
Shahi Hamam – a Persian-style bath which was built during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan.
Visit Shalimar Garden (optional)
Experience the flag ceremony at the Wagah, the border between Pakistan & India.
Islamabad- Katas Raj Temple: 270 kms/ 4 hours’ drive
Katas Raj – Khewra Salt Mines: 16 kms/ 40 minutes’ drive
Khewra Salt Mines – Islamabad: 172 kms/3 hours’ drive
Drive to Islamabad from Lahore visit Katas Raj Temple Complex & Khewra Salt Mines en-route
Key Attractions
Katas Raj Temple Complex
Khewra Salt Mines
Full day city tour of Islamabad & Rawalpindi.
Key Attractions
Shah Faisal Mosque – the largest mosque in Pakistan
Lok Virsa (Folk Heritage) Museum
Pakistan National Monument
Daman-e-Koh (Islamabad View Point)
Golra Sharif Rail Museum or Pakistan Railways Heritage Museum
External view of Parliament House, President House, Prime Minister House & Supreme Court of Pakistan
Islamabad-Taxila: 32 kms/45 minutes’ drive
Taxila – Peshawar: 156 kms/2.5 hours’ driver
Drive to Peshawar visiting Taxila archaeological sites and museum en-route.
Key Attractions
Taxila Museum-showcasing antiques and artifacts of Gandhara civilization
Julian Buddhist Stupa & Monastery
Dharmarajika complex and stupa
Sirkap: a fortified city of ancient Taxila
Jandial Complex: an ancient temple site in Taxila
Mohra Muradu Stupa and Monastery
Peshawar – Takht-e-Bhai: 66 kms/1.5 hours’ drive
Takht-e-Bhai – Mingora Swat: 120 kms/2.5 hours’ drive
In the morning visit Peshawar. After lunch, drive to Swat visiting the archaeological sites of Takht-e-Bhai on the way.
Key Attractions
Peshawar Museum-collection of Buddhist art work
Qissa Khawani Bazar (The bazaar of storytellers)
Buddhist Monastery in Takht Bhai
Full day reserve for exploring the Gandhara sites of Swat.
Key Attractions
Swat Museum-showcasing collections of Gandhara Art
The Buddhist sacred Area of Budkara
Jahanabad Buddha
Swat – Islamabad: 235 kms/4 hours’ drive
Drive from Swat to Islamabad
Key Attractions
Barikot Archaeological site
Shingardar Stupa
Amluk Dara Stupa & Najigram Stupa
Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for departure flight.