|
THE
INDUS VALLEY TOUR
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 / Hyderabad |
| 03 |
Hyderabad |
|
04
|
Hyderabad
/ Sehwan / Larkana |
|
05
|
Larkana / Moenjodaro / Sukkur |
|
06
|
Sukkur |
|
07
|
Sukkur
/ Bahawalpur |
|
08
|
Bahawalpur
/ Multan |
|
09
|
Multan
/ Harappa / Lahore |
|
10
|
Lahore
|
|
11
|
Lahore
/ Islamabad |
|
12
|
Islamabad
|
|
|
 |
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 Monday:
Arrive Karachi
Khush Amdeed and we are welcomed at Karachi airport and transferred
to our hotel. Afternoon city tour of Karachi, which commences
with a visit to the modern Defense Mosque of Masjid-i-Toba
to see the world's largest concrete shell dome. It then continues
to New Clifton Beach followed by visit to the Quaid-e-Azam
Mausoleum where the Father of the Nation, Muhammad Ali Jinnah,
lies buried. Built entirely of white marble, the Mausoleum
has an impressive dome housing a huge crystal chandelier of
Chinese origin. Next stop is the National Museum with its fascinating
display of ancient relics of the Indus Valley Civilization
and an excellent collection of Gandhara art, before ending
with a visit to a handicraft gallery.
Overnight: Mehran Hotel, Karachi (1 night)
Day 02 Tuesday: Karachi/Hyderabad (Drive)
Today we departure for the historical city of Hyderabad via
the ancient town of Thatta. Situated 100 Kms east of Karachi,
Thatta is an ancient town with an interesting history dating
back to the time of the Macedonian, Alexander the Great, who
used the port to rest his weary troops. The present Thatta
was founded in the 15th century. Under the Mughals it was a
provincial capital and during this period there were as many
as 400 institutions of learning in the city. Some outstanding
architecture left from the Mughal period remains in the religious
and historical monuments. Makli Hill is a large necropolis
of mausoleums, made up of stone tombs with geometric and floral
carvings, which retain their indigenous beauty of the coloured
brick enamel and glazed tile used in their construction. The
great Mosque of Emperor Shah Jehan, built in the mid 17th century
A.D., has 99 domes with incredible acoustic quality. Continue
our drive to Hyderabad.
Overnight: City Gate Hotel, Hyderabad (2 nights) (B)
Day 03 Wednesday: Hyderabad
Today we will make a full day excursion to Bhit Shah & Hala.
Bhit Shah is famous for the shrine of Shah Abdul Latif, one
of the most famous Sufi poets of Indian sub-continent during
18th century. Situated about 50 Kms from Hyderabad, the shrine
of Shah Abdul Latif is the hub of devotional activities including
the singing, folk music and dancing by his devotees from all
the corners of Sindh. The special events are the evenings of
every Thursday and his annual death festival, when Bhit Shah
becomes the capital of Sindh. Situated at another 05 Kms from
Bhit Shah is Hala, which is the most famous handicraft center
of Sindh as well as Pakistan. The New city of Hala is located
about 03 Kms from banks of River Indus as the old city was
destroyed during the disastrous flood. Even today the potters
in Hala produce the best of blue lined white ceramics besides
the other specialties of Hala, which include pottery vases,
birds & tiles, lacquer work chairs, beds and cots and wood
carvings. We will also visit the Mausoleum of famous Muslim
Saint, Makhdoom Nooh. The façade of his mausoleum is
covered by some of Hala’s best blue and white tile work
in floral and geometric designs. (B)
Day 04 Thursday: Hyderabad/Sehwan/Larkana (Drive)
An interesting day ahead as we drive to Larkana via Sehwan.
At Sehwan we visit the shrine of great Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar,
a famous Muslim Sufi Saint of 10th century. The main attraction
of shrine is Dhamal (sufi’s dance) with folk music and
colorful dress and this dhamal is at its full swing during
the annual urs (death ceremony), when his devotees from all
around Pakistan get gathered here. After visit to Sehwan, we
will continue to Larkana and on arrival transfer to hotel.
Overnight: Sambara Inn, Larkana (1 night) (B)
Day 05 Friday: Larkana/Moenjodaro/Sukkur (Drive)
Morning drive to Sukkur with visit to Moenjodaro, enroute.
Moenjodaro is the archaeological site of Indus Civilization,
which flourished here some 5000 years ago. This is third oldest
civilization in the world, being preceded only by those of
Egypt and Mesopotamia. Moenjodaro excelled in practically 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 of
lead, silver, copper or bronze, whereas the weapons are made
only of bronze. The museum displays interesting relics found
during excavation, such as engraved seals, utensils, ornaments,
weapons, sculpture, and pottery. Once the tour is finished
in Moenjodaro, then we will resume our journey to Sukkur and
on arrival transfer to hotel.
Overnight: Interpak Inn, Sukkur (2 nights) (B)
Day 06 Saturday: Sukkur
Full day sightseeing tour of Sukkur. Morning we will make an excursion to Kot
Diji, which is a magnificient early 19th century fort built by Talpurs, the former
rulers of Sindh from 1789 to 1843. It is a well preserved fort perched on the
ridge of a steep narrow hill and is an interesting place to visit. At Kot Diji,
we will also visit the pre-historic site located at the foot of the hills. Archaeologists
believe that Kot Dijians were the forerunners of the Indus Civilization and even
the Indus Civilization borrowed or developed some of the basic cultural elements
of the Kot Dijians in about 2800 B.C. However, no when is sure about the origin
and destruction of Kot Diji Civilization. Afternoon, we will make a sightseeing
tour of Sukkur, which has become a famous town in 10th century when Aror, the
former capital of Upper Sindh was destroyed due to earthquake. At Sukkur, we
will visit Minaret of Masum Shah (16th century), Faiz Mahal, an octagonal brick
building with a glazed brick dome. From here we will continue to banks of River
Indus to see Mohana boat people who either live on their boats or in temperory
mud huts on the banks of Indus. If time allows then we will visit various forts,
tombs, shrines and mosques in the city. (B)
Day 07 Sunday: Sukkur/Bahawalpur (Drive)
Today we drive to Bahawalpur via National Highway, which runs through irrigated
farmlands and rich cultural countryside of Lower Punjab. On the way we stop at
Bhong, which boasts an extraordinary modern mosque started in the 1960s and winner
of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture. It is built in traditional style with
extravagant use of gold leaf, mirror work and onyx; it is particularly famous
for its stylized Arabic calligraphy. A rich merchant Rais Ghazi sponsors the
mosque. After our visit of Bhong, we again take our way to Bahawalpur and on
arrival transfer to hotel.
Overnight: PTDC Motel, Bahawalpur (1 night) (B)
Day 08 Monday: Bahawalpur/Multan (Drive)
After a short drive through the Bahawalpur city, we will drive to Multan, which
is a historical city and is known as city of Saints. On arrival at Multan, transfer
to hotel.
Afternoon city tour of Multan that commences with visit to Old Fort, which is
an eloquent example of the proud history of this city. Among the attractions
inside the fort are the elaborately decorated shrines of Sheikh Bahad-ud-din
Zakriya, Shah Shams Tabriz and Shah Rukn-e-Alam. Damdama, the highest point in
the fort, provides a bird’s-eye panoramic view of the city, which has survived
the destructions of invaders since Alexander the Great in the 4th century B.C.
Among the other places to visit are Eidgah Mosque and Hussain Agahi Bazaar.
Overnight: Sinbad Holiday, Multan (1 night) (B)
Day 09 Tuesday: Multan/Harappa/Lahore (Drive)
Today is our drive to Lahore via Harappa. Harrappa is the site of an ancient
and important settlement of the prehistoric Indus Valley Civilization (3rd to
2nd millennium B.C.) and stands witness to the 5000 years old cultural continuity
of civilization in Pakistan. Harrappa was the cradle of one of the earliest civilizations
known to man and conjures up images of fifty centuries ago, a period about which
very little is known. An interesting and well maintained museum at the Harrappa
site houses artifacts found in the area. Harrappa is located about 175 km from
Multan and about 30 km (19 miles) from Sahiwal. At the end of the visit to Harappa
we drive to Lahore.
Overnight: Gulberg Kabana /Ambassador Hotel, Lahore (2 nights) (B)
Day 10 Wednesday: Lahore
Today is our journey into the cultural center of the Sub Continent. In just one
corner of Lahore is a heterogeneous example of Mogul, Sikh, Colonial and Contemporary
architecture. The historic Lahore Fort, built in the 11th century A.D., is the
only place where one can see different phases of Mogul architecture, as a long
line of rulers made additions. Inside the Fort you visit many of the rooms, including
Shish Mahal, the Palace of Mirrors. Overlooking the Fort is the Badshahi or Royal
Mosque, beside the tomb of the philosopher and poet Iqbal, who infused the idea
of Pakistan among the Moslems of British India. Another interesting complex of
nearby buildings are the Samadh of Maharaja Ranajit Singh and Guru Arjun Dev,
both solid gold tombs dating back to the Sikh era. The tour concludes with a
visit to Shalimar Gardens, which were laid out during the reign of Shah Jehan
in the early 1640's and are a tribute to the aesthetic and artistic sense of
the Moguls.
In the afternoon continue the city tour of Lahore. Lahore Museum houses a rich
and varied collection of historical objects. This is the oldest museum in Pakistan
and has 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. Next, you will visit Emperor Jehangir's mausoleum that
was built in the 1630's and is another example of the talented Mogul architecture.
Nearby is the tomb of Empress Nur Jehan, wife of Emperor Jehangir. In Old Lahore,
the walled city of narrow, dimly lit alleys leading from Sarafa Bazaar (Jewelers
Bazaar) to Kashmiri Bazaar, you'll find bargains in the local handicrafts, including
brass inlay work. You will also visit the Golden Mosque and Wazir Khan's Mosque,
which reflect the nobility of Persian design with floral designs, superb calligraphy
and lofty minarets. (B, D)
Day 11 Thursday: Lahore/Islamabad (Drive)
Morning we drive to Islamabad via Motorway and with visit to Khewra Salt Mines,
enroute. Khewra Salt Mines, the 2nd largest Salt Mines in the world and which
were discovered long way back in 326 B.C. when Alexander the great had a battle
with Raja Porus on the bank of river Jhelum. However, Dr. Warth introduced the
scientific mining at Khewra in the year 1872 during the British Empire in this
region. On arrival meet with the management of the Khewara mine and start your
tour with local guide. Most interesting part of the visit is to see the models
of Badshahi Mosque, Mall Road and Lake Saif-ul-Muluk. Moreover it would be a
scintillating experience to come across a small pound of the crystal water in
the mine. Later resume your drive to Islamabad and on arrival transfer to hotel.
Afternoon we visit the old garrison town of Rawalpindi followed by a scene into
modernity at Islamabad. Visit Shakarparian (sweet hills) Garden, which gives
you a panoramic view of Islamabad before driving past various modern streets
and buildings - graceful with a touch of Islamic architecture. Your tour culminates
at one of the world’s largest mosque - Shah Faisal Mosque, which also houses
a University specializing in Islamic Philosophy and Law. During the tour we will
also drive past various Government Buildings, which are blend of modern and traditional
Islamic architecture.
Overnight: Regency / Marina Hotel, Islamabad (1 night) (B)
Day 12 Friday: Depart Islamabad
After an unparalleled insight into an ancient culture, transfer to airport for
your departure flight. (B) |
|
B
= Breakfast
|
L
= Lunch
|
D
= Dinner
|
|
Back
to top
|
Departure Dates |
|
2010
Mar
22, Apr 12, May 17,
Jun 21, Jul 05, Sep
20, Oct 11, Nov 08
|
| Prices |
| Season |
Tour
Price US$ |
Single
Sup US$ |
| 2010 |
2380 |
295 |
| 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
$ 1200 |
| West
Coast |
US
$ 1400 |
| Please
note:
This tour operates with a minimum of 02
and a maximum of 15
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 |
|
|
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 |
|
30
years in small group journeys
|
Back
to top
|
|
|
|
Site
updated Jun 01, 2009
|
|
|
