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

Day 1. Lahore

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

Day 2. 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.

Day 3. Lahore–Katas Raj Temple–Khewra–Islamabad

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

Day 4. Islamabad

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

Day 5. Islamabad-Taxila-Peshawar