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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.
Form the
history of Pakistan 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.
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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. |
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ITINERARY : |
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DAY 01
DAY 02
DAY 03
DAY 04
DAY 05
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slamabad –Taxila.
Morning drive to Taxila, visit the archeological museum, the well
displayed of the Buddhist archeological heritage, Life of Buddha and
the Gandhara Art. After the museum visit the Dharmarajika Stupa built
by the Emperor Asoka, Bhirmound the first city built by the Achmenid
Empire, Sirkap second and Sirsukh the third city built by the bectrian
Greeks. Julian Monestry and Mohra Murado were the learning center of
the Philosophy, Art and medicine. After lunch at Taxila drive back to
Islamabad. Overnight at hotel.
Islamabad - Peshawar.
After the breakfast drive to Peshawar through the Grand Trunk Road,
Peshawar has been crossroad for Invaders, Traders and religious
missionaries for over the centuries. The old walled city and Balahisar
fort has witnessed many Invasions and glory because of its
Geographical and strategic position. on the way to Peshawar a short
stop at the Kund to have view of the confluence of Indus and Kabul
River, after then we drive continuously to Peshawar. Arrive Peshawar
and Transfer to Hotel. After lunch a brief visit to the Peshawar
Museum, the rich collections of Buddhist and tribal Artifacts, the old
Kissa Khawani Bazar and old walled city of Peshawar. Meals and
overnight at hotel.
Peshawar - Swat.
Morning drive to Saidu Sharif the capital of Swat valley, enroute
visit the Buddhist Monestry in Takht Bhai and Ashoka Rock carvings at
shabazghari near Mardan, continuosly drive through the Malakand pass
and visit the Chakdara Archeological Museum at Chakdara, after brief
visit of the Museum and Shighardara Stupa we continue drive to Swat
arrive Saidu sharif and transfer to the hotel for meals and overnight.
Swat.
After breakfast visit the archeological Museum at Saidu Sharif and
archeological sites of Butkara visit the udiana Archeological sites,
drive to Marghzar for lunch at the White palace the former summer
residential palace of the Ruler of Swat. Meals and overnight at hotel.
Swat -
Islamabad.
After breakfast drive to Islamabad, through the Malakand Pass. Enroute
visit the Churchill picket built by the British Army to Guard the
Tribal warriors of the Malakand agency and Malakand pass to have the
view of Malakand Fort and surroundings. Arrive Islamabad and transfer
to hotel for meals and overnight
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