Unveiling the Enigmatic Gandhara Heritage Tours 13 Days
Day 01: Arrival – Islamabad – Islamabad City Tour
Upon arrival at Islamabad international airport, you'll be warmly greeted by the team of Active Tours Pakistan. After the welcome reception, you'll be transferred to a centrally located hotel in Islamabad. In the half day that follows, embark on a city tour of Islamabad, getting a feel for the city's layout and charm. As the day winds down, indulge in a welcome dinner at a local traditional restaurant, savoring the local flavors. Then, retreat to your hotel for a restful overnight stay, ready to start your adventure in Pakistan.
Day 02: Islamabad – Peshawar – Local Market Visit
After a hearty breakfast, begin your drive to Peshawar. En route, make a fascinating stop at the Taxila Museum, where you can explore a wealth of historical artifacts. Also, admire the vibrant truck art painting, a unique cultural expression. Around late noon, you'll reach Peshawar and check into your hotel. Then, venture out to visit the local market, immersing yourself in the bustling atmosphere, interacting with locals, and perhaps picking up some souvenirs. Later, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and settle in for the night at the hotel.
Day 03: Peshawar City Tour
Today is a full day dedicated to exploring Peshawar. Start by wandering through the Peshawar markets, where the sights, sounds, and smells will captivate your senses. Visit the Story Tellers Bazaar, a place filled with the magic of oral traditions. The Mohabat Khan Mosque awaits, with its stunning architecture and spiritual ambiance. Next, head to the Peshawar Museum to delve deeper into the region's history. The Qisa Khani Bazaar and Chowk Yadgar also offer unique experiences, with their own stories to tell. As the day ends, enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel, reflecting on the rich cultural tapestry of Peshawar you've experienced.
Day 04: Peshawar – Swat Valley – Mingor
Leave Peshawar in the morning and set your sights on the beautiful Swat Valley. On the way, visit the Takht-e-bhai Monetary, a site steeped in history. Later, continue your drive to Mingor, Swat via the Malakand Pass, taking in the scenic landscapes along the way. Upon arrival in Mingor, check into your hotel and enjoy dinner, ready to explore the wonders of Swat Valley the next day.
Day 05: Swat Valley Exploration
Today, embark on an exploration of the Swat Valley. Begin your visit in Saidu Sharif, where you'll visit the Swat Museum, filled with local treasures. Explore Butkara and the White Palace, each with their own unique charm. Around noon, take a leisurely walk in the Mingor bazaar, soaking up the local atmosphere. As the evening approaches, return to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay, surrounded by the natural beauty of the valley.
Day 06: Swat Valley – Besham – Chilas
After breakfast, drive over the Shangla Pass to Besham and then continue your journey on the famous Karakorum Highway to Chilas. En route, visit the pre-historic rock carving inscription at Shatial, a fascinating glimpse into the past. Make several stops for tea, toilet breaks, and to capture the stunning scenery through photography. Reach Chilas around late noon, check into your hotel, have dinner, and rest for the night, ready for more adventures on the Karakorum Highway.
Day 07: Chilas – Gilgit – Karimabad
Following breakfast, drive to Gilgit. Before reaching the city, stop at some interesting sites. Marvel at the rocks with ancient graffiti's at Chilas, and take in the breathtaking panorama of Nanga Parbat, the 9th highest peak of the world, from the viewpoint. Witness the unique point where the three mountain ranges, Karakorum, Himalayas, and Hindukush meet, and visit the confluence of River Indus & Gilgit. After these amazing experiences, continue your drive to Gilgit to visit the Karga Buddha, local bazaar, and suspension bridge. Around late noon, leave for Karimabad, making stops at the KKH monument, collision point, viewpoints of the ancient Silk Route and Rakaposhi along the way. Reach your hotel in the evening, check in, have dinner, and stay overnight, surrounded by the majestic mountains.
Day 08: Karimabad – Local Folks and Historical Sites Visit
Today, the tour offers a chance to meet with local folks, learning about the secrets of their longevity. Also, visit some important historical sites. Explore the recently renovated Baltit Fort, a simple yet overpowering structure that tells tales of the region's past. The Altit Fort also awaits, with its own historical significance. Immerse yourself in the local culture and history, creating memories that will stay with you long after you leave Karimabad. Overnight in Karimabad.
Day 09: Karimabad – Nagir Valley – Passu
From morning till afternoon, take a 4×4 jeep ride to visit the Nagir Valley, surrounded by stunning natural beauty. Later, drive for about an hour on the KKH along the river, with high peaks all around. Before reaching Passu, stop en-route at Ganesh, an old village believed to be populated by descendants of soldiers of Alexander the Great. Further drive to Gulkin village and take a walk on the glacier from Gulkin to Borit Lake, and then trek down to the KKH. Cross the Passu suspension bridges, experiencing the thrill of the adventure. Finally, settle in for an overnight stay at a hotel in Passu, tired but fulfilled from the day's explorations.
Day 10: Passu – Khunjerab Pass – Gilgit
Embark on a full day excursion to Khunjerab Pass, the border between Pakistan & China. In the past, few high passes were suitable for travel from China, but today the Khunjerab Pass, at an altitude of 4733 m, is the highest point in the world on the Karakoram Highway, providing an easy all-weather entry from Pakistan to China's Sinkiang Province. Enjoy a beautiful drive, with views of the high mountains of the Karakorams and the distant Pamir Mountain Ranges. At Khunjerab, now a national park, spot the Marco Polo Sheep (ovis ammon poli). On the way back, make several stops, including viewpoints of Pass glacier, peak and cones, walk down to the suspension bridge, go boating at Atabad Lake, and see rock carvings. Reach Gilgit around evening, check into your hotel, have dinner, and stay overnight, reflecting on the amazing day spent at the high pass.
Day 11: Gilgit – Besham
After breakfast, drive back to Besham (midway). Along the road, make stops for tea, toilet breaks, and photography, capturing the scenic beauty of the journey. Reach Besham around evening, check into your hotel, and enjoy dinner, preparing for the next leg of your trip.
Day 12: Besham – Islamabad – Local Market and Farewell Dinner
Drive back to Islamabad, and en route, be shown the truck art painting, a colorful part of Pakistani culture. In the evening, visit the local market, browsing through the stalls and perhaps buying some last-minute souvenirs. Then, enjoy a see off dinner at a traditional restaurant, savoring the local cuisine one last time before your departure. Overnight in Islamabad.
Day 13: Islamabad – Departure
Transfer to Islamabad International Airport. As you leave, you'll carry with you memories of the peace and serenity of Southern Pakistan and the adventures in the mountains. Say "Khuda Hafiz," the typical farewell, as you depart after this tour that was like a journey to Shangri-La. The tour comes to an end, but the experiences will stay with you forever.
