Hospitality Beyond Borders
Ancient Pakistan Tour
Tour snapshot
15 Days / 14 Nights
Cultural Tours
Winter
Tours
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Overview
The Ancient Pakistan Tour offers a profound voyage into the heart of one of the world’s oldest civilizations, where millennia of cultural, architectural, and archaeological heritage come alive. This immersive experience unveils the enduring legacy of the many civilizations that once flourished across this land — from the ancient Indus Valley to the grandeur of the Mughal Empire. Spanning two enriching weeks, the journey begins in Karachi, the vibrant metropolis by the Arabian Sea, and winds...
Show MoreHighlights
- Discover the major cities of Pakistan, including Karachi, Bahawalpur, Multan, Lahore, and Rawalpindi/Islamabad.
- Visit Pakistan’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Makli Necropolis, Mohenjo Daro, Lahore Fort and Shalimar Gardens, Rohtas Fort, and Taxila.
- Experience the grandeur of the Nawabs in Bahawalpur.
- Delve into the rich Islamic heritage of Multan.
- Witness the blend of Mughal, Sikh, and British influences in Lahore.
- Explore the vibrant capital city of Islamabad and its key attractions.
- Shop at the top malls in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad.
- Savor the diverse flavors of Pakistani cuisine across different cities.
- Engage with people from various cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
What's Included
- Hotel accommodations on a twin-sharing basis throughout the trip.
- All ground transportation during the tour, including airport transfers.
- All meals as outlined in the itinerary—breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Light refreshments such as coffee, green tea, cookies, and nuts.
- Bottled water provided throughout the journey.
- Entry tickets and admission fees for all sites and attractions mentioned in the itinerary.
- Services of a professional English-speaking tour guide, with support staff if required.
- Porterage at hotels and airports.
- All applicable tolls, local taxes, and parking charges.
- Basic first aid kit available for emergency use.
- Visa assistance, including the provision of a Letter of Invitation (LoI) for the Pakistan Tourist Visa.
Exclude
- Domestic and international airfare, airport taxes, and visa application fees.
- Personal travel insurance (mandatory for international participants).
- Visa processing costs and related documentation.
- Meals, snacks, and beverages not mentioned in the itinerary, including soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.
- Personal clothing, gear, and equipment (e.g., jackets, footwear, backpacks).
- Additional hotel nights beyond those specified in the itinerary.
- Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, and souvenirs.
- Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, porters, and support staff.
- Costs arising from delays, cancellations, or unforeseen events beyond human control.
- Any extra services or items not clearly listed under the “Services Included” section.
Itinerary
Arrive in Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city and commercial hub. Meet and greet at the airport followed by a transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, begin exploring Karachi’s key attractions—visit Quaid-e-Azam’s Mausoleum, the National Museum, and the bustling streets of Saddar. Overnight stay in Karachi.
Depart for Hyderabad, with enriching stops en route. Visit the haunting Chaukhandi Tombs, an early Islamic necropolis known for its intricately carved sandstone graves. Continue to Banbhore, the site believed to be ancient Debal where Muhammad bin Qasim arrived in the 8th century. Explore the UNESCO-listed Makli Necropolis and Shah Jahan Mosque in Thatta, marvels of Mughal architecture. Arrive in Hyderabad and check in for overnight stay.
Spend the day exploring Hyderabad, the former Talpur capital. Visit Pakka Qila, Faiz Mahal, and Sindh Museum, which offers insight into Sindhi heritage and Sufi culture. Walk through local bazaars famous for glass bangles and ajrak textiles. Overnight stay in Hyderabad.
Drive north to Sukkur, stopping at Kot Diji Fort, a pre-Harappan archaeological site and later Talpur stronghold perched atop a hill. Arrive in Sukkur and transfer to your hotel for overnight stay.
Depart for Bahawalpur. En route, stop at Bhong Mosque, known for its ornate craftsmanship and intricate calligraphy. Visit Dera Nawab Sahib, home to the royal palaces of the Nawabs of Bahawalpur. Check in at your hotel for overnight stay.
Proceed for a day excursion to Mohenjodaro, one of the most important cities of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization (2500 BCE). Walk through its grid-like streets, granary, and Great Bath. Return via Rohri, stopping to visit the historic tombs and riverbanks of the Indus. Overnight stay in Sukkur.
Take a full-day excursion into the Cholistan Desert. Visit the imposing Derawar Fort, a massive 9th-century structure with 40 bastions. Continue to Uch Sharif, home to stunning Sufi shrines and once a center of Islamic learning. Return to Bahawalpur for overnight stay.
In the morning, visit the Bahawalpur Museum and the striking Nur Mahal, a palatial reminder of the Nawabs' opulence. Then drive to Multan, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in South Asia. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel for overnight stay.
Spend the day exploring Multan’s spiritual and architectural legacy. Visit the famed shrines of Shah Rukn-e-Alam, Bahauddin Zakariya, and Shah Shams Tabrez. Tour the Multan Fort, traditional bazaars, and local blue pottery workshops. Overnight stay in Multan.
Depart for Lahore, making two important stops en route. Visit Harappa, an ancient urban settlement of the Indus Valley Civilization. Later, stop at Pakpattan, the resting place of Sufi saint Baba Fariduddin Ganjshakar. Arrive in Lahore and check in for overnight stay.
Explore Lahore’s magnificent Mughal heritage. Visit the Lahore Fort, Badshahi Mosque, and the beautifully laid out Shalimar Gardens. Continue to the Lahore Museum and Tollinton Market, offering a glimpse into colonial-era Lahore. Overnight stay in Lahore.
In the morning, visit Hiran Minar, a Mughal-era royal hunting retreat in Sheikhupura. Return to Lahore for an afternoon excursion to the Wagah Border to witness the energetic and symbolic flag-lowering ceremony. Overnight stay in Lahore.
Drive to Islamabad, the capital city, via the historic Grand Trunk Road. En route, visit the formidable Rohtas Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to Mankiyala Stupa, an ancient Buddhist relic mound, and the medieval Rawat Fort. Arrive and check in for overnight stay in Islamabad.
Take a day trip to Taxila, a major center of Buddhist learning and art under the Gandhara civilization. Visit the Taxila Museum and ruins of Julian, Sirkap, and Dharmarajika. Return to Islamabad for evening shopping at Centaurus Mall or local bazaars. Overnight stay in Islamabad.
After breakfast, transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your departure flight. Farewell with rich memories of Pakistan’s heritage and hospitality.