Gandhara region had once been the hallowed centre of Buddhism, the cradle of the world famous Gandhara sculpture, culture, art and learning.
The archaeological remains found in Taxila, Peshawar, Charsada, Takht-e-Bhai, Swat and rock carving along the ancient Silk Road (KKH) have well recorded the history of Gandhara. Lying in Haro River Valley, near Islamabad.
Taxila, the main center of Gandhara, is over 3000 years old. Taxila, attracted the attention of the great conqueror Alexander in 327 B.C., 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 Gandhara. The Kushan dynasty was established in about 50 A.D. During the next 2000 years, Taxila, Peshawar & Swat became a renowned center of the learning philosophy, art and trade. Pilgrim and travelers were attracted to Gndhara from as far as China and Greece. In 5th century AD, the white Huns sniffed out the last of the successive civilization that held unbroken sway in this region for several centuries.
ITINERARY
Day 01: Islamabad: Arrive at Islamabad and transfer to hotel.
Day 02: Islamabad – Taxila – Peshawar: Drive to Peshawar en route visit Taxila.
Day 03: Peshawar: Morning visit of Khyber Pass and PM city sightseeing of PeshawarCity.
Day 04: Peshawar – Swat: Drive to Swat en route visit Takht-e-Bhai, Shinger Dar Stupa and Galachi Buddha.
Day 05: Swat: Local visit, includes swat museum, Butkara I and II & Bazaar.
Day 06: Swat – Shangla Pass – Besham: Drive to Besham over Shangla Pass
Day 07: Besham – Chilas – Gilgit: Drive to Gilgit, en route visit Shatial rock carving.
Day 08: Gilgit – Kargah Buddha – Hunza: Morning tour of Kargha Buddha, visit of Gilgit Bazaar and evening drive to Hunza.
Day 09: Karimabad, Hunza: visit of central Hunza, includes, Altit & Baltit forts, local bazaar and water channel walk.
Day 10: Karimabad, Hunza – Gilgit – Skardu: Drive to Skardu, en route stop for lunch and photography.
Day 11: Skardu – Satpara – Skardu: Skardu local visits, include Menthal Buddha,Satpara Lake & evening sand dunes of Skardu.
Day 12: Skardu – Kachura Lake – Chilas: Morning visit of Shangri la resort (KachuraLake) and afternoon drive to Chilas.
Day 13: Chilas – Islamabad: Drive to Islamabad, Transfer to hotel.
Day 14: ISLAMABAD : Transfer to Islamabad International Airport. From peace and serenity of Southern Pakistan to the hustle and bustles of “modern” trends, you say Khuda Hafiz, the typical farewell, as you depart after a tour.
End Of The Tour.