Buddhist Archaeological Study Tour

• Culture

The rich historical and cultural past of Pakistan will take you through some of the most interesting historical cities of the world, enabling you to see and understand the diversity of their rich cultural and archeological heritage.

Tracking history itself, we scrutinize 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 we travel through the Ancient Silk Road to China and Central Asia. In 4th and 6th century Ad famous Chinese historians and Buddhist pilgrims Huan Tsang and Fa-Hian had visited Buddhist holy Shrines of Swat and Taxila and found these cities in ruins as the white Huns had cause absolute havoc and destroyed most parts of these cities.

Alexander the Great Invaded the Gandhara region in 327 BC. He then marched forward to Taxila, crossed the salt range in south of Islamabad, defeated the King Porus across the Jehlum River, followed the Indus river and finally headed west wards marching across the Makran Desert in Baluchistan. In 321 BC Chandar Gupta founded the Mouryan empire. Emperor Ashoka 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 millinuim.

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 6th century BC in the Gandhara region. Taxila and Peshawar were the greatest universities of the ancient world and brilliant centers of learning.