This short, compact tour of 8 days gives you a taste of Pakistan. From the splendid Moghal architecture and old city in Lahore to the modern & beautiful capital Islamabad, from the splendid scenic beauty of Swat to the hidden mysteries of Peshawar. Visit the tribal towns and traverse the historic Khyber Pass. A trip not to be missed.
Cities visited on this programme are: Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Swat, Peshawar.
Your Itinerary
Day 1:
Upon arrival in Lahore, you will be met by our representative and transfer to the hotel.
Lahore is the city of saints and is studded with shrines. It stands on the bank of the Ravi river at an elevation of 902 feet above sea level, and covers an area of 115 square miles. Lahore merely means Loh-Awar, a fort as strong as iron. The Lahore Fort has 13 gates. Lahore rose to its importance during Ghazanavid period. It was developed and enlarged under Ayaz, the favourite of Mahmud. Ayaz was for serveral years the Governor of Lahore and lies buried there. Lahore attained its glory and flourished
under the Moghul period. Akbar made Lahore his capital from 1584 to 1598. Jahangir had great love for the city and his tomb and the tomb of his wife Nurjahan are in Lahore.Shah Jahan was born at Lahore and did much to llish the city of his birth. He gave the city Shalimar Gardeens in 1647. Aurangzeb gave the town the Badshahi Mosque. After the Moghal glory there were several invasions, the most destructive beign the Ranjit Singh invasion. He ruled the city for fifty years and stripped its monuments of practically all the ornaments and transferred them to Amritsar. During the British rule from 1849 to 1947, Lahore acquired a renewed look. The Supreme Court, the High Court and the Govermment College were constructed and are some of the fine examples of colonial British architecture -
a strangely attractive mixture of Moghal, Gothic and Victorian styles. In 1940, the Pakistan resolution was passed at a site that later became the Pakistan Minar - a tower built to denote the passage of the resolution. After the partition in 1947, Lahore became the capital of the West Punjab. In 1970, on the disintegration of Pakistan as one unit and into
four provinces, Lahore became the capital of the Punjab province.
Meals and overnight at hotel.
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Day 2:
After breakfast proceed for halfday city sightseeing of Lahore includes Lahore Fort, Badshai Mosque, Lahore Museum and Anarkali Bazaar.LAHOR MUSEUM: On the far side of Zamzama is the Lahore Museum, built in Moghal Gothic style and opened in 1894 is the best museum in Pakistan with a superb collection of relic of the rich cultural heritage of Lahore. The rare collection of Mughal paintings, statues of the Buddha in various attitudes including the priceless "Fasting Buddha" also other examples of Gandhara sculpture and evidences reflecting the successive stage of the oriental civilization, miniature paintings, manuscripts are on display. A visit to Lahore museum will prove to be a rewarding experience.
Afternoon board a train to Islamabad.
Upon arrival transfer to the hotel.
Rawalpindi and Islamabad are twin cities situated at the edge of the Potohar plateau. Rawalpindi was originally known as Fatehpur Boari. It was destroyed during the 14th century by a Moghal invasion and remained deserted for a number of years. 350 years ago, during the reign of Emperor Jehangir, a sikh by the name of Rawal Jogi came to the deserted Fatehpur Boari and was instrumental in recreating the glory of the city. In appreciation, the town became known as Rawalpindi. Today, Raja Bazaar is the main shopping centre, where business is carried out on a wholesale basis. The cantonment area, created by the British, is a comparatively new establishment. It has a Saddar Bazaar with modern shops and has subsequently become the hub of all shopping. Islamabad on the other hand, is a city that is barely two decades old. Two sleepy villages, Saidpur and Nurpur, existed here prior to the sudden sprouting of buildings. The Margala Hills (passage of the serpent)provided an ideal backdrop and the naturally hilly terrain caught the government`s eye when they were in search of a place to construct a new capital. Islamabad belongs to the rare class of capital cities built entirely to plan, such as Washington, Brazil and Canberra. Some of the world`s most distinguished architects were called upon to provide their ideas for the city; names such as Doxiaees, Ponti and Edward Durell Stone figured heavily in the final plan. Around the twin cities there are many places of interest and recreation bleended with scenic beauty and history.Places like Murree-42 miles from Islamabad at an elevation of 7517 feet above sea level, thronged by visitors during the summer because of its pleasant atmosphere - and Taxila - situated 35 miles away from Islamabad, the ancient Gandhara centre of learning,philosophy and art, which flourished from the 5th century B.C.to 450 A.D.
Meals and overnight at the hotel.
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Day 3:
After breakfast proceed for city sightseeinng of Islamabad.
We will begin our sightseeing tour from Damn-e-Koh passing through Constitution Avenue and Margallah Road. Damn-e-Koh is situated at an altitude of 1100 Mtrs which provides bird's eye view of Islamabad, the beautiful capital of Pakistan. Then we will drive to Shah Faisal Mosque. Our next stop will be at the Shakar Parian, " Sweet Hills" to catch a bird's eye view of Islamabad from eastern side, before returning to the hotel.
After sightseeing drive to Swat enroute visit Taxila.Situated 35 miles from Rawalpindi, Taxila was once the seat of Oriental culture. It was first mentioned as a satrapy of the Archemenian empire in 6th century B.C. It was invaded by Alexander the Great and passed along to other rulers until finally reaching the hands of Ashoka the Great, who moulded the city into a center of learning. The creative Gandhara period followed shortly thereafter and Taxila remained the centre of learning, philosophy and art. It came to a disasterous and pathetic end when sacked by the White Huns. Today, Taxila is an archaeologist's paradise: there is a well-maintained museum here and eight sites scattered around a very short radius. Amongst the best preserved are Sirkap, Jaulian ( the University).
After visiting Taxila continue drive to Swat.
Upon arrival transfer to the hotel.
The Greeks fought for its beauty, the Buddhist inhabited it because of its eternal beauty and peace, the Moghals envied its lush green valleys and fast flowing rivers and today it is coveted by the Pathans, the Kohistanis and the Gujars. Over two thousand years ago, this prosperous valley of Swat - originally known as Udyan - was the home of well-settled people, living within magnificently planned towns. In 327 B.C., Alexander the Great fought his way to Udigram and Barikot and settled a good part of his army here. Later, the Buddhists came, they preached, converted, fought and stayed to worship. Graphic remains of the Buddhist culture date back to the 2nd century. In the 11th century Mahmud of Ghazni invaded Swat after having advanced through Dir, and defeatd Gira, the local ruler, near Udigram. After him followed the Moghals, under Babar and his grandson Akbar, yet they were unable to conquer the valley. There is evidence that by then the Yusufzai Pathans - fierce, proud and resolute warriors - defended their soil against all invaders, including the British. Winston Spencer Churchill, in his account of the Malakand campaign, narrates a colourful tale. Swat, a land that shines with fruit-laden orchards,flower-filled slopes, meandering rivers, tumbling streams and is surrounded by the mighty ranges of the Hindu Kush and the Karakoram. The valley is 3250 feet above sea level and Saidu Sharif and Mingora are the towns that form the twin capital of this area. Kalam, 64 miles from Saidu Sharif,is the last town accessible by road. It is at a height of 6800 feet, and is surrounded on all sides by the snow-covered peaks of the Hindu Kush, dense forests of pine, fir deodar and wild flowers, dotted with orchards of walnut and borders the Ushoo stream.
Meals and overnight at the hotel.
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Day 4:
After breakfast proceed for halfday excursion to Madyan Bahrain.
35 miles north of Saidu is the charming town of Madyan, lying at an elevation of 4336 ft. The town borders the Swat river and trout fishing is a favourite pastime. 6 miles further north is the town of Bahrain, whose precarious wire bridge and fabulous woodcarving makes it a must see.
After tour return to the hotel.
Afternoon proceed for city sightseeing of Swat.
Butkara - the remains of one of the most important Buddhist shrines in the valley. This site consists of a main stupa around which jostle 215 votive stupas in apparently glorious disarray. The main stupa was believed to contain some ashes of Lord Buddha and to have been built by the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka. It is difficult to imagine it as it must have been once, all painted and gilded and topped by stone umbrellas.
You can still see the statues of lions crouching on their haunches. They probably fell off the tops of the tall columns which once stood near the stupa.After visiting the Butkara Monastery. You will visit Swat Museum. Then you will visit Mingora Bazaar, which is the commercial centre well-worth visiting, for there you will find emeralds for which Swat is famous.
Meals and overnight at the hotel.
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Day 5:
After breakfast drive to Peshawar enroute visit Takht-e-Bahi Buddhiat Monastery.
Takht-Bahi, situated 500 feet high on a rocky spur. This site, dating back to 45 A.D. has produced sculptures in stone and stucco that are uniquely arranged on small shrines that surround the main stupa.
After visiting the site continue drive to Pashawar.
Upon arrival transfer to the hotel.
Peshawar is the capital of the North West Frontier Province, strategically situated at the mouth of the Khyber Pass. Known as the ancient and historical city of Central Asia, Peshawar is a city of many secrets. Her story is the story of many cultures, peoples, traditions, and customs. It has seen countless epochs of invaders, conquerors and emperors. The inhabitants of this city - the legendary Pathans - have thus evolved into a daring and fearless race. The bazaar is known as the Qissa
Khawani (Story Tellers) bazaar: Years ago, caravans used to travel from Russia and China into Persia, and Peshawar used to be the Gateway. All kinds of people used to meet and exchange stories and brag about their exploits - hence the name. Until the mid-fifties, Peshawar was enclosed within walls having sixteen gates.On the Eastern approach to the city lies the mighty Bala Hisar fort, built by Babar, the first of the Moghals. On the Eastern aproach, lies the sombre Jamrud fort, which today still is used as part of the second defence perimeter. In the heart of the city lies the Mahabat Khan mosque, built in 1680 by Mahabat Khan, the then Governor of the province. The architect attempted to copy the mighty Badshahi Mosque of Lahore, and constructed six small
minarets in between two huge minarets towering 110 feet into the air.
Meals and overnight at the hotel.
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Day 6:
After breakfast proceed for halfday excursionn to Khyber Pass.
[PLS NOTE THAT KHYBER PASS EXCURSION IS SUBJECT TO GOVERNMENT'S PERMISSION AND WE NEED FULL PASSPORT DETAILS ATLEAST 21 DAYS BEFORE ARRIVAL TO APPLY FOR PERMIT]
This famous pass has been a silent witness to the countless number of invaders, pleasure seekers, adventures and soothsayers that have filtered through its narrow gateway over the centuries. The historic Khyber Pass begins at a distance 15 miles west of Peshawar at the Babi-Khyber watchtower, which acts as a gateway to the Pass. You then begin a winding journey through a tribal area,passing the Jamrud fort, and for 36 miles are another `invader`,
witnessing the stark and severe beauty of this passage hewn through great rocks. The pass ends at the Torkham Border, passing the smugglers` bazaar, Landikotal, which at a height of 3518 feet straddles the top of this historical passageway. At Torkham the Durand line separates Pakistan from Afghanistan. After tour return to the hotel.
After a short rest proceed for halfday city sightseeing of Peshawar.
We begin by visiting the rich museum of Peshawar, which houses treasures of the Gandhara period. Proceed to old Peshawar through the Kabuli Gate - one of the sixteen - to the Qissa Khawani bazaar, " the street of story tellers", and witness unusual and unforgetable sights. We will also visit the coppersmith's bazaar, which flourished from the 1st century B.C. to the 5th century A.D. Continue to Mahabat Khan's mosque, built in 1670 by the Governor of Peshawar under Moghal Emperor Shah Jahan. Our tour will pass by Balar Hisar Fort, built by Babar in 1526 - 30, and rebuilt by Hari Singh Nalva, under the guidance of French engineers in 1830.
Meals and overnight at the hotel.
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Day 7:
After breakfast drive to Lahore, first through the 16th century Grand Trunk Road, and later, by the modern-age motor way between Islamabad and Lahore. The drive takes you through the varied landscape of the Noeth West, Frontier Province and Punjab.
Upon arrival transfer to the hotel.
Rest of the time free at leisure.
Meals and overnight at the hotel.
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Day 8:
After breakfast proceed for halfday city sightseeing of Lahore.
We drive through Lahore's crowded streets to the Shalimar Gardens, designed by Ali Mardan of Persia and set out in the Persian style with marble pavilions, a marble waterfall and more than 400 fountains in an area of 42 acres. Emperor Shah Jahan ordered the construction of this " Garden of Heaven" in 1642. Next we proceed to the Anarkali Bazaar, named after a pretty dancer named Anarkali who was put to death by Emperor Akbar for having an affair
with Prince Salim, who later became Emperor Jehangir.We will also visit Wazir Khan's Mosque, constructed under the stewardship of the Governor in 1643, and shrine of Data Ganj Buksh.
After sightseeing transfer to the airport for your home bound flight.
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Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Departure: EVERY THURSDAY WITH SAME PRICE DURING 1999 & 2000
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