Discover Islamic-Mughal Trails 11 Days
Day 01: Arrival – Islamabad
Upon your arrival at Islamabad, you'll be transferred to your hotel. Then, embark on a half-day tour of Islamabad. First, visit the Lok Virsa Pakistan monument, a place that showcases the rich cultural heritage of Pakistan. Next, head to Shakarpara Hill before sunset, where you can enjoy a spectacular view of the twin cities, Islamabad and Rawalpindi, and engage in some birdwatching. Explore the garden where Pakistani and allied countries’ politicians have planted trees, take in the sight of Rawal Lake and numerous fountains. After that, visit the Faisal Mosque, an architectural masterpiece designed by the Turkish architect Vedat Dalokay. The mosque was financed by Arabic king Faisal, and it bears his name in his honor. Islamabad, a young and modern city, was chosen as the capital later as Karachi, the initial capital, was difficult to defend. Following the visits, you'll be transferred back to the hotel and enjoy dinner there. Overnight in Islamabad.
Day 02: Islamabad – Taxila – Rawalpindi
After having breakfast, drive to Taxila, an important city from the Buddhism period and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the ruins and then visit the Taxila Museum, where you can see a collection of historical artifacts that tell the story of the region's past. Later, head to Rawalpindi for lunch. After lunch, you'll have free time to explore the bazaars of Rawalpindi. Visit the old Raja Bazaar, the truck decoration point, and Saddar Bazaar in the cantonment area. This day offers a mix of historical exploration and cultural immersion in the local markets. Overnight in Rawalpindi.
Day 03: Rawalpindi – Rohtas Fort – Lahore
Check-out from the hotel after breakfast. Your first destination is the Rohtas Fort, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built by Sher Shah Suri to defend the city against the Mughals, the fort remains intact and showcases early Islamic architecture. After the visit, have lunch at Dina. Then, continue your drive to Lahore and be transferred to your hotel. This day is filled with a journey through history as you explore the well-preserved fort and make your way to the vibrant city of Lahore. Overnight in Lahore.
Day 04: Lahore
After breakfast, embark on a full-day tour of Lahore, the cultural capital of Pakistan. Start with a visit to the old Lahore city, which was walled during the Mughal Empire reign. The Lahore Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site along with the Shalimar Gardens, is your first stop. Explore the fort and its surrounding places. After that, visit the Badshai Mosque, the second biggest mosque in Pakistan and the fifth biggest in the world, where you can recognize Islamic, Persian, Central Asian, and Hindu architectural features. Later, go to Iqbal Park and see the Minar-e-Pakistan, erected to commemorate the date of 23 March 1940 when the idea of an independent Pakistan was officially declared for the first time after a meeting in the park. Have lunch after the visits. Then, visit the Wezir Khan Mosque, constructed by Shah Jahan’s Prime Minister İlumiddin Ensari. After that, continue with a visit to the Lahore Museum, where you'll have the opportunity to see Buddhist sculptures of Gandhara art, manuscripts, miniatures, and rugs from the Islam period. End the day with a walk in the Anarkali bazaar, which has been active for 200 years. Overnight in Lahore.
Day 05: Lahore
Following breakfast, start another full day tour of Mughal monuments. Visit the tombs of Jehangir & Noor Jehan. After lunch, take a walk along the Mall Road to witness the colonial buildings. Then, drive to the Shalimar garden, built by emperor Shah Jehan, and to the Wagah border (Pakistan & India) to witness the flag lowering ceremony. This day combines a glimpse into Mughal history with the experience of colonial architecture and the unique border ceremony. Overnight in Lahore.
Day 06: Lahore – Harappa – Multan
After breakfast, depart from the hotel and head towards Harappa, which is on your way. Learn about the social life, economic system, and writings of Harappa. After visiting Harappa, drive to Multan for accommodation and have dinner at the hotel. This day offers a chance to explore the ancient civilization of Harappa and then move on to the city of Multan. Overnight in Multan.
Day 07: Multan – Bahawalpur
After breakfast, begin your tour of Multan. Multan is strategically located on trade routes and is an important industrial city with a history dating back 2000 years. The city is famous for its shrines, and you'll visit the most famous ones: the shrines of Bahaddin Zakariya, Shems Tebriz, and Shah Rukhn-e-Alam. After visiting the shrines, you'll have free time in Hussein Agahi Bazaar. Then, continue your drive to Bahawalpur and stay overnight at the hotel. This day is about exploring the religious and cultural heritage of Multan and traveling to Bahawalpur. Overnight in Bahawalpur.
Day 08: Bahawalpur – Derawar Fort – Uch Sharif – Bahawalpur
After breakfast, your first destination is the Derawar Fort and the tombs around it in the Cholistan Desert. Around noon, leave the desert and drive to Uch Sharif to visit the shrines and tombs. Return to Bahawalpur, and if time permits, visit the local bazaar in Bahawalpur. This day takes you on a journey through the desert to explore historical forts and religious sites. Overnight in Bahawalpur.
Day 09: Bahawalpur – Lahore
After breakfast, drive to Lahore for accommodation. This day is a travel day as you make your way back to Lahore. Overnight in Lahore.
Day 10: Lahore – Khewra Salt Mine – Islamabad
After breakfast, drive to Islamabad via the Motorway. En route, visit the world’s second largest salt mines at Khewra. After having lunch, continue your drive to Islamabad for the overnight stay. This day combines a visit to a unique natural and industrial site with the journey back to Islamabad. Overnight in Islamabad.
Day 11: Islamabad
Transfer to Islamabad International Airport. From the peace and serenity of Southern Pakistan to the hustle and bustle of “modern” trends, say Khuda Hafiz, the typical farewell, as you depart after a tour that felt like a journey to Shangri-La. This marks the end of your tour.
