Gandhara region is one of the ancient Buddhist region. This place holds the historical Buddhist Monasteries dating back to 2nd century BCE. Gandhara has all the history concerning the extent of Buddhism. This region is ideal for historical Buddhist study tour.
The Kingdom of Gandhara has fully documented history. Wave after wave of Invaders from Persia, Afghanistan and central Asia have entered through the passes of the north western frontiers.
Buddhism evolved in the period of Mauryan Empire in the Gandhara region. Taxila and Peshawar were the greatest universities of the ancient world and brilliant centers of learning.
Tracking history itself, we interpret the ruins of the excavated city of Taxila, one of the most important Buddhist sites in Indo-Pak subcontinent dating back from 6th century BC to 7th century Ad.
Then we travel onwards to the frontier town of Peshawar, which was founded 2000 years ago at the mouth of the ancient Khyber pass, explore its ancient bazaars, visit the impressive archeological Museums, old walled cities and Buddhist Monasteries.
Moving north to the beautiful Swat valley, an important seat of Buddhism and a cross road of invaders and Buddhist pilgrims who travelled through the Ancient Silk Road to China and Central Asia.
Alexander the Great Invaded the Gandhara region in 327 BCE. He marched through the Hindu-Kush mountains covering a vast area of Gandhara.
In 321 BCE Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan Empire promoted Buddhism and Buddhist missionaries under his royal patronage had traveled all over the Gandhara region to preach the noble Teaching of the Lord Buddha.
Buddhism Flourished under the Kushans King Kanishka, 128 to 151 Ad. Thousand of Monasteries and stupas were built in Peshawar, Swat and Taxila. Gandhara became the Holy land and center of pilgrimage.
The Gandhara school of Art was developed, combining the traditions of east and west. Gandhara art forms are so dynamic that they have survived for over a millennium
Arrival Lahore Airport, transfer to hotel. Visit Lahore Museum, Badshahi Mosque, Lahore fort and Shalimar Garden. Meals & overnight at hotel.
Drive after breakfast to Wahga border between India and Pakistan. Lunch at Wahga PTDC Motel and return to Lahore. Dinner at typical village Restaurant for Punjabi and Mughal cuisine. Overnight at hotel.
Depart Lahore by air for Peshawar. After check in at hotel and lunch visit Peshawar Museum, which holds today one of the richest stores of Gandhara Buddhist art. Muhabat khan Mosque and story tellers Bazaar. Dinner at Traditional pathan restaurant. Overnight at hotel.
Drive to the legendry Khyber pass (57km) the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan. This historical pass has been the gateway for invaders, traders And religious missionaries for centuries. Drive back to Peshawar. After lunch Visit traditional shopping market in Peshawar city. Meals and Overnight at Hotel.
Drive to Swat(180km) over Malakand pass(1800m) enroute visit Takht Bhai
Buddhist Monastery and Shigardara Stupa. After lunch visit Swat museum and Butkara sites. Meals and over night at hotel.
Drive to Chilas (270km) over Shangla pass. Lunch at Besham and drive Continues to Chilas. Meals and over night at hotel.
Drive to Raikot bridge for Fairy Meadow enroute visit Rock Carving at Thalepan and transfer by 4 wheel jeeps to Tato. Another 3 hours walk to Fairy Meadow. Dinner and overnight at Raikot Sarai.(6 hours).
Full day excursion to Nanga Parbat base camp visit Alferd Drexal Monument And explore the area. Lunch at beyal camp and back to Raikot Sarai for meals And over night.
Trek back to Tato village and transfer by jeeps to Chilas. Dinner & over Night at hotel.
Drive to Besham (280km) enroute visit Shatial rock carving and drive Continue to Besham. Meals and over night at hotel.
Drive to Islamabad(265km). Enroute visit Taxila Museum, holds rich Collections of Gandhara Buddhist art and treasure. Visit Julian Monastery, Sirkap and Dharmarajika stupa. Lunch at Taxila and drive to Islamabad. The modern capital of Pakistan. Dinner and over night at hotel.
Transfer to airport.
The ancient Buddhist Rock Carvings of 2nd to 4th century A.D. at Shatial and Chilas before arriving in Gilgit, an important historic town of the Silk Route. Another breathtaking sight is the famous Ganesh rock and Sacred rock.
Autumn in Gilgit Baltistan Valleys brings with it a vibrant colour palette as the hills and slopes are covered in leaves and snow; making the region more picturesque than in any other season.
Chilam Joshi Festival is one the most vital Kalash festivals in Pakistan. Kalash Festival is also known as Kalash spring festival.
Nanga Parbat Adventure tourism company is founded in 1999 and registered with Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of Pakistan.
