Wholesome Gandhara Study Tour(佛教游学)
Itineraries
DAY 1
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Arrival Islamabad Airport in the morning. Meet & greet by our guide, transfer to hotel and freshen up. In
afternoon, city tour; visit Islamabad museum and Lok Virsa Heritage museum and important landmarks.
Proceed to Damen-e-Koh mountain point for panoramic view of the city. Welcome dinner at famous Monal
restaurant overlooking the beautiful capital city. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 2
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After breakfast, drive to Taxila and start exploring the wonders of Gandhara civilization:
-Taxila Museum: Explore the comprehensive collection of Gandhara art dating from the 1-5 century BCE.
– Dharmarajika Stupa: Wonderfully preserved first Stupa built in Gandhara, housing first University of the world
with several monastic buildings built around the stupa. Chief Monk of Thailand announced its complete
restoration as Meditation Centre during his visit in October 2019.
– Sirkap & Sirsukh Cities: 2500 years old cities symbolizing coexistence of multiple religions and beliefs.
– Mohra Moradu Monastery: Buddhist complex comprising Stupa (venerated tomb) and a monastery.
– Bhir Mound: Remains of the first city established at Taxila.
– Jandial Temple: An ancient temple well known for its ionic columns.
-Julian City and Monastery: Buddhist monastery dating from the 2nd century, comprising two-levels building;
with 28 students’ rooms on first floor and same on the second level.
Refreshments and lunch at Taxila. Dinner & overnight at hotel in Islamabad.
DAY 3
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After breakfast, depart via motorway towards Peshawar. On the route, visit wonderfully preserved Takht
Bahi Monastery, which is amongst the most imposing relics of Gandhara civilization:
– Arrive Peshawar and transfer to hotel. Freshen up and visit Peshawar Museum, displaying the largest collection
of Gandhara Art in the world, followed by a brief city tour (may also visit the beautiful Mohabbat Khan Mosque
adjoining historical Bala Hisar Fort).
-In evening, visit Qissa Khawani bazaar to enjoy the hospitality and colors of the lively Pashtun people.
-Lunch optional and dinner at historical Namak Mandi. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 4
Your Plan
After breakfast, proceed for the picturesque Swat valley via Buner to explore yet another dimension of
Gandhara civilisation. While enjoying drive through the lush green mountains and along the fast flowing river,
visit following locations in the route:
-Ranighat Ruins (Buner): Beautifully designed city of Gandhara period, has the attraction of Stupas, monasteries,
drainage system and a big rock erected for worship.
– Gumbat Monastery: An incredible two door Buddhist monastery preserved in good condition.
– Amlok Dara Stupa: The high stupa stands raised on a magnificent square plinth prominently visible from the
surrounding area, naturally sheltered by the great Mount Elum.
– Shingerdara Stupa : One of the beautiful monuments in Swat Valley.
Dinner & overnight stay at hotel in Mingora, Swat.
DAY 5
Your Plan
After breakfast, depart to explore following Gandhara Sites:
-Swat Museum: The Museum has a huge collection of Gandhara sculptures from the Buddhist sites.
– Butkara 1 & 3 Stupas: Built by the Mauryan emperor, Ashoka the great in later end of 2nd century.
-Proceed for Manglor to explore the renowned rock sculpture famously known as the Seating Buddha of
Jehanabad and hundreds of rock carvings, inscriptions in the area. On the way, may also visit the White Palace
Marghazar (residence of the King of Swat) and Fiza Gut Park.
Lunch during the tour. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Mingora, Swat.
DAY 6
Your Plan
After breakfast, drive for Besham via Shangla Pass. On the way, short stay and lunch at Mallam Jaba Ski
Resort, the most popular hill station of Swat Valley alongside Hindu Kush Mountain Range. Explore the heavenly
and mesmeric beauty at an altitude of 2800 meters; enjoy Ice Skating, Zipline, Bungee Jumping and Chair lift
experience etc.
Arrive Besham, check in hotel; dinner and overnight at hotel. Spend a memorable evening and the night beside
Karakoram Highway (old silk route) and the sound of the mighty Indus River.
DAY 7
Your Plan
After breakfast, drive to Gilgit on Karakorum Highway alongside the mighty Indus River. On the way, find
several sites with Budhist inscriptions on stone and also look for some breath taking views of Nanga Parbat; 9th
highest mountain in the world.
Arrive Gilgit, dinner and overnight at hotel.
DAY 8
Your Plan
After breakfast, Proceed to Hunza (2500 meters above sea level) while enjoying the memorable drive
through beautiful valley, lofty mountains, various sightseeing spots and the fresh water channels. Visit following
locations besides enjoying the wonderful and hospitable community of Hunza:
– Attaabad lake: Beautiful lake on Hunza River, formed due massive sliding in 2010.
– Hussaini Bridge and Passu glacier: May also view the Ibex coming down the glaciers.
– Ganish Village: the oldest settlement in the area (over 1000 years).
– Altit and Baltit forts: 900 years old, built by the ruler of Hunza.
– Duikar valley (ideal photographic site) to view sunset and the best view of Rakaposhi Mountain.
Shop for the traditional outfits, natural stones and creative ornaments during the drive or from Karimabad
besides enjoying the beautiful and hospitable community. Lunch and dinner at Hunza. Drive back and overnight
at hotel in Gilgit.
DAY 9
Your Plan
After late breakfast, visit the renowned Kargha Budha Rock Sculpture. Move around, shopping and
community interaction at Gilgit city. Prepare for the next morning return flight to Islamabad. Dinner and
overnight at hotel.
DAY 10
Your Plan
Transfer to Gilgit airport to board morning flight to Islamabad OR travel by road (In case of flight
cancellation, we will drive back to Islamabad).
-In case, return by air then in late afternoon the city tour of Islamabad and Dinner at renowned restaurant on
Margalla hills, overlooking the capital city.
-In case return by road then dinner and overnight at hotel in Islamabad.
DAY 11
Your Plan
After breakfast, the free day where we remain standby to take you anywhere for shopping, sightseeing
or any other activity you desire.
In evening, Farewell dinner at hotel in Islamabad, followed by the presentation of Souvenirs / Memento. Late
check out from the hotel to catch early morning return flight to China/ Thailand/ Japan/ Malaysia/ Asia Pacific
etc.
- Arrange INVITATION LETTER and assist in earliest processing of visas from Pak Foreign Missions.
- Accommodation at 3/4* hotels on twin sharing basis with breakfast.
- Transportation in latest model air-conditioned coached.
- Services of a well versed Guide/ Tour Manager from arrival till Departure.
- Lunches/ Dinners (VEG/Non VEG) as mentioned in the itinerary.
- Unlimited bottled water during the journeys.
- Professional movie maker/still photographer staff to cover the trip activities (CD duly edited before departure).
- Travel health insurance.
tour with us
