World Heritage Tours - World Heritage Tours - Tours in the Middle East, Tours in South America, Tours in Indochina, Tours in Africa,  African Safaris
World Heritage Tours - World Heritage Tours - Tours in the Middle East, Tours in South America, Tours in Indochina, Tours in Africa,  African Safaris
PAKISTAN - INDUS VALLEY, GANDHARA & WORLD HERITAGE SITES
A World Heritage Sites Tour of Pakistan
Two of its main centers of the Indus Valley, a cradle of Civilisation, are located in modern day Pakistan. In addition, this region of the sub continent was also the center of the Gandhara period and later, during the medieval times; Lahore was the first Moghul capital. There is much to see and experience and our 12-day journey from the north to the south of this young and ancient country covers the rich archaeology, culture, and beautiful landscape.


Tour Summary
Map
Day

Place
01
Karachi
02
Karachi
03 Karachi / Sukkur / Mohenjodaro
04
Sukkur / Bhong / Bahawalpur
05
Bahawalpur / Multan
06
Multan / Harappa / Lahore
07
Lahore
08
Lahore / Rawalpindi
09
Taxila, Rawalpindi & Islamabad
10
Departure home or continue to Peshawar via Takht-e-Bhae
11
Peshawar
12
Depart Peshawar

UNESCO World Heritage Sites Visited
This tour has been tailored to include the following World Heritage Sites

World Heritage Sites in Pakistan covered on this tour
Archaeological Ruins at Moenjodaro (1980) The ruins of the huge city of Moenjodaro - built entirely of unbaked brick in the 3rd millennium B.C. - lie in the Indus valley. The acropolis, set on high embankments, the ramparts, and the lower town, which is laid out according to strict rules, provide evidence of an early system of town planning.
Historic Monuments of Thatta (1981) The capital of three successive dynasties and later ruled by the Mughal emperors of Delhi, Thatta was constantly embellished from the 14th to the 18th century. The remains of the city and its necropolis provide a unique view of civilization in Sind.
Fort and Shalamar Gardens in Lahore (1981) These are two masterpieces from the time of the brilliant Mughal civilization, which reached its height during the reign of the Emperor Shah Jahan. The fort contains marble palaces and mosques decorated with mosaics and gilt. The elegance of these splendid gardens, built near the city of Lahore on three terraces with lodges, waterfalls and large ornamental ponds, is unequalled.
Detailed Itinerary

Day 01:  Arrive Karachi
Khush Amdeed! Arrival Karachi airport and we are warmly received and transferred to our hotel. Evening we visit the elegant white marble mausoleum of Muhammad Ali Jinnah founder of Pakistan, followed by the impressive modern and world's largest concrete shell dome mosque before our welcome dinner at a local restaurant.  
Overnight: Pearl Continental Hotel, Karachi (2 nights) (D)

Day 02: Karachi
Start with a visit to the National Museum - well stocked with relics from Indus Valley Civilization and Gandharan art eras.  Drive to Thatta an ancient town with an interesting history dating back to the times of Alexander of Macedonia, who used the port to rest his weary troops. View this outstanding Moghul architecture. Next is the World Heritage Site of Makli Hills a large necropolis made up of stone tombs with geometric and floral carvings. We visit the spectacular 17th Century Shah Jehan Mosque with its 99 domes. (B, D)

Day 03:  Karachi / Sukkur  (Flight) Mohenjodaro
After a short flight to Sukkur we proceed to the archaeological site of Mohenjodaro i.e. the Indus Valley Civilization, which flourished some 5000 years ago. The 3rd oldest civilization in the world, Moenjodaro excelled in every conceivable facet of town planning. From the articles discovered here it is believed that the Iron Age had not yet dawned on the Indus Valley civilization. The vessels discovered are made of lead, silver, copper or bronze, whereas the weapons are made only of bronze. We also visit the Mohenjodaro museum. Drive to Sukkur for the night. 
Overnight: Inter Pak Inn, Sukkur (1 nights) (B, D)

Day 04: Sukkur / Bhong / Bahawalpur (Drive)
We start with a tour of Sukkur the largest settlement in interior Sind. Continue on a scenic rural Sind and Lower Punjab drive to Bhong. Bhong is well known for its most extraordinary, albeit modern, mosque. It is a recipient of the Aga Khan Award for Islamic Architecture. Built in traditional style with extravagant use of gold leaf, mirror work and onyx it displays extraordinary Arabic calligraphy. Continue to the one time princely city of Bahawalpur.
Overnight: PTDC Motel, Bahawalpur (1 night) (B, D)

Day 05: Bahawalpur / Multan (Drive)
Tour this city of Nawabs and Rajas before proceeding to Multan - a very interesting and important historical city. Well known as a sufi centre, Multan was the place where Alexander was hit with an arrow which led to his eventual death. Our afternoon tour commences with a visit to the Old Fort, which houses elaborately decorated shrines of Sheikh Bahad-ud-din Zakriya, Shah Shams Tabriz and Shah Rukhn-e-Alam. We also visit the colourful Hussain Agahi Bazaar. Evening free.
Overnight: Ramada Inn Hotel, Multan (1 night) (B, D)

Day 06: Multan / Harappa / Lahore (Drive)
Green and rural Punjab drive gets us to the 2nd Indus Valley settlement of ancient India, Harappa - an ancient and important city from the 3rd millennium B.C. It stands witness to the over 5000 years old continuity of civilization and is the cradle of one of the earliest civilizations known to man. We visit Harappa site followed by the museum before continuing to the majestic city of Lahore.
Overnight: Pearl Continental Lahore (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 07: Lahore
The first capital of the Moghuls in the sub continent, Lahore is where it all began in Pakistan's ancient and medieval history. In just one corner, a heterogeneous example of Mogul, Sikh, colonial and contemporary architectures can be viewed. We visit the 11thC AD Lahore Fort, Shish Mahal (Palace of Mirrors), Badshahi or Royal Mosque, Samadh of Maharaja Ranajit Singh and Guru Arjun Dev, both in solid gold tombs and the World Heritage Site of the Shalimar Gardens. Our afternoon tour starts with the Lahore Museum and its many galleries displaying artifacts from the Gandhara, Buddhist, Jain, Mogul and Colonial periods. The famous statue of the fasting Siddhartha (Buddha) is also on display here as also Rudyard Kiplings gun, the Zamzamma. Next we visit the 1630AD Emperor Jehangir's mausoleum and the tomb of his Empress, Nur Jehan. We also visit Old Lahore and the walled city including the famous Wazir Khan's Mosque, reflecting the nobility of Persian designs. (B, D)

Day 08: Lahore / Rawalpindi (Drive)
We take on the historical Grand Trunk Road to visit yet another World Heritage site – the Rohtas Fort - a garrison built by the great Afghan king Sher Shah Suri. This fort is about 4Kms in circumference and is the first example of successful amalgamations of Pakhtun and Hindu architecture. Rohtas was constructed to block Humayun's return to India after his defeat at the Battle of Kanauj. After visiting Rohtas Fort we drive to Rawalpindi and are transferred to our hotel.  Rawalpindi is the twin city to Islamabad.
Overnight: Pearl Continental Hotel, Peshawar (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 09: Taxila, Rawalpindi & Islamabad
Our full day tour starts with the World Heritage Site located just outside Rawalpindi. The History of Taxila expands over a thousand years - from 500 BC to 500 AD. The Taxila Museum reflects the original culture and tradition of the old Gandhara Civilization. From here we continue to Shakarparian (sweet hills) Gardens from where we get a panoramic view of Islamabad. We visit the Lok Virsa Museum housing a fascinating array of traditional handicrafts including embroidered costumes, old jewellery and intricate woodcarvings. It is a popular place for those wishing to buy traditional Pakistani crafts. We then drive past various modern streets and buildings gracefully designed in Islamic architecture.  The Islamabad portion of the tour culminates at one of the world's largest mosque - Shah Faisal Mosque. The architecture has a blend of the Ottoman minarets. The mosque is considered to be amongst the largest in the world. From here we drive to Rawalpindi and visit this much older town including the historical Raja Bazaar. Evening we have a farewell dinner in Rawalpindi.  (B, D)

Day 10: Departure home or continue to Peshawar via Takht-e-Bhai
For those ending the tour at Islamabad you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight. For those continuing on to Peshawar we drive to the World Heritage ancient city of Tahkt-e-Bhai (Throne of Origins). It has a Buddhist monastic complex dating back to the 1st Century B.C depicting the intrinsic Buddhist monastery architecture. As it was located on a high hill it escaped successive invasions as such is very well preserved. After visiting this historical site we visit the ruins of Sahr-i-Bahlol, a small fortified city dating from the same period before continuing to the historical city of Peshawar.
Overnight: Pearl Continental, Peshawar (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 11: Peshawar
Morning tour of this historical city including the historical Quissa Khawani (story tellers) bazaar. In olden days, this was the place where caravans and military adventures would halt and professional story-tellers recited ballads and tales of travel war and love to the locals and the traders. Today the story-tellers are gone but the atmosphere lingers on. We then visit the incredible Mahabat Khan mosque followed by a tour of the city. Afternoon we have an in-depth visit of the Peshawar Museum - known for its rich Gandhara collection. (B, D)

Day 12: Depart Peshawar
After an unparalleled insight into ancient cultures we are transferred the airport for our departure flight. (B)

B = Breakfast
L = Lunch
D = Dinner

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Departure Dates

2012
Apr 08, May 06, Jun 24, Sep 16, Oct 07, Nov 11


Prices
Season Tour Price US$ Single Sup US$
2012 2995 550
Tour Price Includes Tour Price Does Not Include:
  • Accommodation using Tourist Class Hotels* as mentioned or similar, including hotel taxes
  • Meals as mentioned (B=Breakfast,
    D
    =Dinner)
  • All sightseeing and transfers
  • Services of local English speaking guide
  • Entrance fees to museums and sites included in the itinerary
  • International airfares
  • Departure/airport taxes
  • Insurance
  • Visa
  • Beverages / Tips

Estimated International Airfare(not included in tour price)
East Coast US $ 1650
West Coast US $ 1850
Please note: This tour operates with a minimum of 02 and a maximum of 08 participants.

Other Dates / Customized Itinerary / Languages
In addition to our set programs we are also pleased to offer customized tours.
Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your individual needs.

Customized tours can be conducted in English, French, German, Spanish or Italian. Each departure is conducted in the designated language only.

Contact Information
Bestway Tours & Safaris
Fax: +1-604-264-7774
206–8678 Greenall Ave Phone: +1-604-264-7378
Burnaby B.C., Canada Toll Free (US & Canada): 1-800-663-0844
V5J 3M6 Email: bestway@bestway.com
33 years in small group journeys

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photographs © Peter Langer
Site updated Nov 07, 2011
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