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Ancient Pakistan Explorer – 12 Days Across Indus & Gandhara Civilizations

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Duration

12 Days 11 Nights

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

Unlimited

Languages

___

Journey into the cradle of civilization and the crossroads of ancient empires

Uncover the mysteries of one of the world’s oldest and most advanced civilizations on this 12-day cultural odyssey through Pakistan. This immersive tour invites you to walk through 5,000 years of human history—tracing the footsteps of the Indus Valley people, Buddhist pilgrims, Persian emperors, and Greek invaders across a landscape teeming with archaeological treasures and timeless beauty.

Begin your journey in Karachi, the bustling gateway to Sindh, where modern life brushes shoulders with remnants of the past. From here, head north to explore the ruins of Mohenjo-Daro, the jewel of the Indus Valley Civilization. Wander through its remarkably preserved streets, drainage systems, and the iconic Great Bath—an awe-inspiring testament to urban planning thousands of years ahead of its time.

Travel to Makli Necropolis and Thatta, UNESCO World Heritage Sites that echo with centuries of Sufi, Islamic, and regional cultural layers. As you continue northward into Punjab, the ancient city of Harappa awaits—another Indus city that sheds light on the enigmatic society that thrived here around 2600 BCE.

Next, the tour shifts into the Buddhist heritage of the Gandhara Civilization. Explore Taxila, once a renowned center of learning and spirituality. Visit the ruins of Buddhist monasteries, stupas, and the impressive Dharmarajika stupa, and marvel at the exquisite Gandharan sculptures that fused Greek and South Asian styles.

Your route also includes the vibrant cities of Lahore, Peshawar, and Swat, which offer rich cultural experiences and access to key archaeological sites like Takht-i-Bahi, a UNESCO World Heritage Buddhist monastic complex perched dramatically on a hill, and Butkara Stupa in the Swat Valley.

Led by expert guides and historians, the tour combines museum visits, cultural immersion, and first-hand exploration of ancient ruins. Comfortable accommodations, private transport, and authentic local cuisine round out this unforgettable journey into the heart of human history.

This tour is perfect for scholars, students, curious travelers, and seekers of ancient wisdom offering a rare window into the soul of South Asia’s earliest civilizations.

Highlights

  • Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Taxila, Mohenjo-Daro & Makli Necropolis
  • Discover ancient civilizations of the Indus Valley and Buddhist Gandhara empire
  • Visit iconic Sufi shrines, mosques, and forts in Lahore, Multan, Uch Sharif & Thatta
  • Experience the vibrant culture, architecture, and crafts of Punjab & Sindh
  • End your journey in cosmopolitan Karachi with colonial history and seaside charm

Day 1: Arrival in Islamabad

Arrive at Islamabad International Airport where our representative will receive you. Transfer to your hotel and rest. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner and cultural briefing. Overnight stay in Islamabad.

Day 2: Islamabad to Taxila – Buddhist Heritage (Drive Time: 1.5 hours)

We visit the ruins of Taxila, a UNESCO site and cradle of the ancient Gandhara civilization. Explore Jaulian Monastery, Sirkap ruins, and the Taxila Museum. Return to Islamabad in the evening. Overnight stay in Islamabad.

Day 3: Islamabad to Peshawar – Frontier Culture (Drive Time: 3–4 hours)

Drive to Peshawar and explore its colonial streets and rich heritage. Highlights include Bala Hisar Fort, Mahabat Khan Mosque, and the Peshawar Museum. Wander through Qissa Khwani Bazaar. Overnight stay in Peshawar.

Day 4: Peshawar to Lahore via Motorway (Drive Time: 6–7 hours)

Depart for Lahore via the motorway. Upon arrival, visit the Shalimar Gardens and check in to your hotel. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight stay in Lahore.

Day 5: Explore the Walled City of Lahore

Full-day exploration of Mughal Lahore. Visit the majestic Badshahi Mosque, Lahore Fort, and the tombs of Jahangir and Nur Jahan. Walk through the vibrant streets of the Walled City. Attend the flag-lowering ceremony at Wagah Border (optional). Overnight stay in Lahore.

Day 6: Lahore to Multan – City of Saints (Drive Time: 5–6 hours)

Drive south to Multan. Visit Sufi shrines including Shah Rukn-e-Alam, Bahauddin Zakariya, and the colorful Ghanta Ghar market. Overnight stay in Multan.

Day 7: Multan to Bahawalpur – Desert Culture & Forts (Drive Time: 3–4 hours)

Continue to Bahawalpur. Visit the stunning Noor Mahal and Derawar Fort in Cholistan Desert. Explore the 15th-century tombs of Uch Sharif. Overnight stay in Bahawalpur.

Day 8: Bahawalpur to Sukkur (Drive Time: 6–7 hours)

Drive further south into Sindh province. Reach Sukkur and visit the iconic Sukkur Barrage and shrines along the Indus River. Overnight stay in Sukkur.

Day 9: Day Trip to Mohenjo-Daro (Drive Time: 2–3 hours round trip)

Take a full-day excursion to Mohenjo-Daro, one of the oldest cities of the Indus Valley Civilization. Explore the Great Bath, granaries, and ancient streets. Return to Sukkur by evening. Overnight stay in Sukkur.

Day 10: Sukkur to Karachi via Flight

Catch a domestic flight to Karachi. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and relax. Depending on timing, take an evening city orientation drive. Overnight stay in Karachi.

Day 11: Explore Karachi – Colonial & Coastal Heritage

Visit the Quaid-e-Azam Mausoleum, Frere Hall, Mohatta Palace, and Clifton Beach. End the day at the UNESCO-listed Makli Necropolis and Shah Jahan Mosque in Thatta (optional based on time). Overnight stay in Karachi.

Day 12: Departure from Karachi

After breakfast, transfer to Jinnah International Airport for your onward journey. End of tour.

  • All accommodation (Standard or Luxury options available)
  • Daily Meals
  • Private air-conditioned land transportation
  • Domestic flight: Sukkur to Karachi
  • All entry tickets and monument fees
  • Local English-speaking cultural guide
  • Airport transfers
  • International flights and visa fees
  • Travel insurance (mandatory)
  • Snacks and beverages
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • Optional recreational or camera fees

Tour's Location

1. What are the top archaeological sites included in this Pakistan heritage tour?

This tour covers Pakistan’s most famous archaeological wonders, including Mohenjo-Daro, Harappa, Taxila, Takht-i-Bahi, and Mehrgarh. These UNESCO-listed and ancient sites are central to understanding the Indus Valley Civilization and the Gandhara Buddhist heritage in South Asia.

2. Is this tour suitable for cultural travelers, researchers, and international tourists?

Yes, this tour is designed for cultural travelers, history enthusiasts, archaeologists, and international tourists looking to explore the ancient civilizations of Pakistan. It includes expert guides, curated visits, and authentic local experiences throughout Sindh, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

3. What is the best season to explore heritage sites in Pakistan?

The ideal time to join this archaeological tour of Pakistan is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant and dry. These months offer comfortable conditions to explore open-air ruins and historical landmarks across Southern and Northern Pakistan.

4. Are guided tours included at all historical and museum sites?

Yes, this is a fully guided heritage tour. All sites are explored with licensed English-speaking guides with expertise in archaeology and ancient history. Visits to Taxila Museum, Lahore Museum, and National Museum Karachi are also included with expert-led commentary.

5. What kind of travel arrangements and accommodations are provided?

This 12-day Pakistan cultural tour includes private air-conditioned transport, quality hotel stays in major cities, domestic travel support (road or air), and all entrance fees to monuments and museums. It’s a worry-free cultural package perfect for both individuals and academic groups.

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from $1,199.00

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Passage Pakistan

Member Since 2025

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hello@passagetopakistan.pk

Website

www.passagetopakistan.pk

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