This program was made special for the followers of Buddha.
Ghandhara Civilization is a very ancient one, was founded on the territory of Pakistan (Swat Valley) near 5 century BC. The Civilization was exist till 11 century AD while Muslim conquered whole territory.
Archaeological excavations of Ghandhara ruins was begun only at 19 century AD thanks to Europe people (Italian and England). And only thanks to them main museums in Peshawar, Taxila, Swat, Mardan was founded. It should be admitted that’s even nowadays all ruins of ancient civilization are still under the ground and its required too much investments to maintain and restore all archaeological monuments. Thanks to the foreigner investments we can see the steps of the history on the territory of Pakistan. With the support of private persons, different specialization funds, UNESCO Government of Pakistan made some efforts to keep these historical sights in the country.
Its also should be admitted that since 2007 the territory was occupied by Tallibs, and only after 2017 it was opened for the tourists, so nowadays you have opportunity to travel without any specific permission and its safe.
According to the program we will visit main Buddha museums in Taxila complex, Peshawar, Mardan, Swat and also will visit the ruins of Buddha stupas on nearby territory.
All Ghandhara civilization ruins are in Swat Valley so we will look at the life of local people with their particularities and routine, plus there will be many nice view pictures take during whole trip.
Islamabad
Islamabad
☼ Meet & greet at airport in Islamabad.
☼ Transfer to the guest house in the center of Islamabad, rest 3-4 hours.
☼ Excursion in Islamabad: Faisal Mosque, Lok Virsa Heritage Museum, Said Pur Village.
☼ Dinner at traditional Pakhtoon style restaurant.
☼ Transfer to the guest house for the rest and night.
☼ Breakfast.
☼ Visiting Buddha complex in Taxila with several archaeological cities nearby: Sirkap – Greek style city, Dharmarajika Stupa, Jaulian Monastery, Mohra Moradu.
☼ Transfer back to Islamabad.
☼ Dinner in Monal Restaurant at Margalla Hills with panoramic view of night Islamabad.
☼ Transfer to the guest house for the rest and night.
☼ Breakfast.
☼ Transfer to Peshawar, takes near 2 hours.
☼ Excursion in the city for photo walk: old Bala Hissara Fort, old city with Sunehri Mosque, Mohabbat Khan Mosque, Qissa Khawani Bazaar and peshawari qawa (special green tea).
☼ Visiting the Peshawar Museum with the biggest Ghandhara collection, a worth seeing place to peep into 2000 years back civilization back yard.
☼ Transfer to the guest house in Peshawar for the rest and night.
☼ Breakfast.
☼ Transfer to Mardan, visiting Mardan Museum.
☼ On the road to the Swat visiting 46 year AD Tantra Buddha Monastery in Takhti-Bahi.
☼ Transfer to Mingora, Swat Valley for night stay in the hotel.
☼ Breakfast.
☼ Visiting Swat museum, having an ample amount of Ghandhara sculptures and the sites well arranged to describe the Buddha life.
☼ Visiting Buddhist stupas at nearby places.
☼ Transfer to the hotel for the rest and night.
☼ Breakfast.
☼ Transfer to Kalam Valley (near 6 hours drive) for the photo walk and to see local culture and beauty of nature in mountains.
☼ Transfer to the guest house for the rest and night.
☼ Breakfast.
☼ Visiting by jeep the emerald green Mahodand Lake.
☼ Free time to explore valley and fishing and swinging.
☼ Transfer to the guest house for the rest and night.
☼ Breakfast.
☼ Transfer to Islamabad, takes near 8 hours
☼ Free time in the city: shopping spree, bazaars, etc.
☼ Transfer to the guest house or airport.
