Hospitality Beyond Borders
Civilization of Indus (Extended Version)
Tour snapshot
20 Days / 19 Nights
Cultural Tours
Winter
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Overview
Pakistan, a land bearing the ancient imprints of the world’s oldest civilizations, invites you on a captivating journey through time. From the prehistoric wonders of Mehargarh to the iconic cities of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, and from the cultural embrace of Gandhara and Buddhism to the opulence of the Islamic and Mughal eras, each period has left an indelible mark on this region. Notably, the enigma of the Indus Valley Civilization persists, with its language still veiled in mystery. This to...
Show MoreHighlights
- Discover the major cities of Pakistan, including Karachi, Sukkur, Bahawalpur, Multan, Lahore, Rawalpindi/Islamabad, Besham, Gilgit, Hunza, Swat.
- 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.
- Drive along the Karakorum Highway all the way to Pak-China Border and explore key attractions.
- Explore the Buddhist heritage in Swat, Gilgit and along the Karakorum Highway.
- 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
Highlights: Quaid-e-Azam’s Mausoleum, National Museum, Empress Market Upon arrival in Karachi, Pakistan’s bustling coastal metropolis, meet and greet at the airport followed by a transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, begin your discovery with a guided visit to key landmarks: pay homage at the mausoleum of Pakistan’s founder, explore centuries of history at the National Museum, and experience colonial-era vibrance at Empress Market.
Highlights: Chaukhandi Tombs, Banbhore Ruins, Makli Hills Depart for Hyderabad with enriching stops en route. Visit the intricate sandstone tombs at Chaukhandi, explore the ancient seaport of Banbhore tied to early Islamic history, and marvel at Makli Hills, one of the largest necropolises in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Arrive in Hyderabad and check into your hotel for the night.
Highlights: Pacco Qillo, Sindh Museum, Shah Latif Bhittai's Shrine Enjoy a full day uncovering Hyderabad's rich Sindhi heritage. Visit the Pacco Qillo (strong fort), immerse in local traditions at the Sindh Museum, and pay respects at the Shrine of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, a beloved Sufi poet whose verses still resonate in the region.
Highlights: Kot Diji Fort Drive to Sukkur, stopping en route at the majestic Kot Diji Fort, perched on a hill overlooking the Indus plains. This 18th-century stronghold predates the colonial era and provides insights into Sindh’s feudal past. Continue to Sukkur for your overnight stay.
Highlights: Mohenjo-Daro, Lansdowne Bridge, Tombs of Rohri Step into the cradle of civilization with a visit to Mohenjo-Daro, one of the most significant Indus Valley archaeological sites. Later, explore Sukkur’s riverside charm and the tombs at Rohri, steeped in Sindhi Sufi traditions. Return to your hotel in Sukkur.
Highlights: Bhong Mosque, Noor Mahal Drive to Bahawalpur, stopping to admire the exquisite Bhong Mosque, a masterpiece of mosaic and calligraphy. Continue to Dera Nawab, where the palaces of the former princely state still stand in grandeur. Overnight stay in Bahawalpur.
Highlights: Derawar Fort, Uch Sharif Embark on a day excursion into the Cholistan Desert to witness the formidable Derawar Fort, its imposing bastions rising from the sands. Later, visit Uch Sharif, known for its blue-tiled Sufi shrines and distinctive Central Asian architecture. Return to Bahawalpur.
Highlights: Shah Rukn-e-Alam, Bahauddin Zakariya, Multan Bazaar Drive to Multan, renowned for its spiritual legacy and Sufi shrines. Visit the ornate tombs of Shah Rukn-e-Alam and Bahauddin Zakariya, then stroll through the vibrant bazaar filled with handicrafts, camel skin lamps, and traditional sweets.
Highlights: Harappa Ruins, Lahore Fort, Badshahi Mosque Depart for Lahore, stopping at Harappa, an important Indus Valley site where early urban life once thrived. In the afternoon, explore Lahore’s regal past with visits to Lahore Fort and the magnificent Badshahi Mosque, both testaments to Mughal glory.
Highlights: Shalimar Gardens, Lahore Museum, Wahga Border Spend the morning exploring Lahore's Mughal gardens and museums. In the evening, head to the Wahga Border to witness the stirring flag-lowering ceremony a display of patriotism and pageantry shared between Pakistan and India. Overnight in Lahore.
Highlights: Rohtas Fort Drive to the capital, stopping to explore the massive Rohtas Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by Sher Shah Suri. Its vast defensive walls and gates are an outstanding example of early Islamic military architecture.
Highlights: Taxila Museum, Buddhist Sites Begin your journey north with a visit to Taxila, once a center of learning in the Gandhara civilization. Explore its archaeological remains and museum showcasing Buddhist relics. Proceed through the scenic hills to Besham, gateway to the Karakoram Highway.
Highlights: Karakoram Highway, Indus Valley Views Travel along the legendary Karakoram Highway, often dubbed the 8th wonder of the world. Pass dramatic gorges and glacial rivers as you ascend into the heart of Gilgit-Baltistan. Overnight in Gilgit.
Highlights: Rakaposhi Viewpoint, Karimabad Continue along the Karakoram to reach Hunza, a serene valley nestled among the world's highest peaks. Stop at the Rakaposhi Viewpoint and check into your hotel in Karimabad, the cultural center of Hunza.
Highlights: Baltit Fort, Altit Fort, Duikar Viewpoint, Local Market A full day of sightseeing in Hunza. Tour the restored Baltit and Altit Forts, reflecting Tibetan and Central Asian influences. Head to Duikar Viewpoint for breathtaking sunset views over the Hunza Valley. Explore local crafts at the bazaar.
Highlights: Khunjerab National Park or Passu Cones, Attabad Lake Weather permitting, drive to Khunjerab Pass (4,693m) on the Pakistan-China border for unparalleled alpine vistas. Alternatively, explore Upper Hunza—visit the iconic Passu Cones, and boat on the turquoise waters of Attabad Lake. Return to Gilgit for overnight stay.
Retrace your route along the Karakoram Highway, soaking in the landscape one last time as you journey south to Besham. Overnight at hotel.
Highlights: Mingora, Fizagat Park Cross Shangla Pass into the lush Swat Valley, often called the "Switzerland of the East." Explore Mingora and Fizagat Park, surrounded by green hills and gushing rivers. Check into your hotel in Swat.
Highlights: Takht-i-Bahi (optional), Faisal Mosque Drive to Islamabad, passing through Malakand Pass. Upon arrival, visit Faisal Mosque, Pakistan's iconic modern structure. Optional stop at Takht-i-Bahi, another UNESCO site and ancient Buddhist monastery, time permitting.
Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your onward flight home, marking the end of your extraordinary journey through the cultural and historical heart of Pakistan.