Buddhist Archaeological Study Tours in Pakistan
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 archaeological 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.
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.
Dates & Cost
Holiday Information
TAXILA MUSEUM
DharmaRajika Stupa-Taxila
The modern town of Taxila is 35 km from Islamabad. Most of the archaeological sites of Taxila (600 BC to 500 AD) are located around Taxila Museum. For over one thousand years, Taxila remained famous as a centre of learning Gandhara art of sculpture, architecture, education and Buddhism in the days of Buddhist glory.There are over 50 archaeological sites scattered in a radius of 30 km around Taxila. Some of the most important sites are: Dhamarajika Stupa and Monastery (300 BC – 200 AD), Bhir Mound (600-200 BC), Sirkap (200 BC – 600 AD), Jandial Temple and Jaulian Monastery (200 – 600 AD)
SAWAT MUSEUM
The Lush-green valley of Swat District—with its rushing torrents, icy-cold lakes, fruit-laden orchards and flower-decked slopes—is ideal for holiday-makers intent on relaxation. It also has a rich historical past: “Udayana” (the “Garden”) of the ancient Hindu epics; “the land of enthralling beauty”, where Alexander of Macedonia fought and won some of his major battles before crossing over to the plains of Pakistan, and “the valley of the hanging chains” described by the famous Chinese pilgrim-chroniclers, Faxian and Xuanzang in the fifth and seventh centuries. Swat was once a cradle for major strands of Buddhism, where 1,400 monasteries flourished: Little Vehicle, Great Vehicle and the Esoteric sects. It was the home of the famous Gandhara School of Sculpture which was an expression of Graeco-Roman form in the local Buddhist tradition.However, the ruins of great Buddhist stupas, monasteries and statues are found all over Swa
TAKH BAHI
Takht-i-Bahi is a great source of information on Buddhism and the way of life people here used to follow. The village is built on the ruins of the ancient town, the foundation walls of which are still in a tolerably good formation. As a proof that it was in the past occupied by the Buddhists and Hindu races, coins of those periods are still found at the site. the monks constructed it for their convenience.
GANDHARA.
The majority of people in Gandhara, present day Southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, were Buddhist. Gandhara was largely Mahayana Buddhist, but also a stronghold of Vajrayana Buddhism. The Swat Valley, known in antiquity as Uddiyana, was a kingdom tributary to Gandhara. There are many archaeological sites from the Buddhist era in Swat.
Cost Included
► Government licensed professional guide/leader (pre-requisite for the Tour)
► Airport transfers on first and last day from/to Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad
► All domestic flights and transfers (according to itinerary)
► All road transport in Pakistan (according to itinerary above)
► All accommodation in Pakistan (hotels and camps) according to itinerary (Twin basis)
► All meals in Pakistan (breakfast, lunch and dinner) at hotels
► All tour requirements on ground (including, support staff, (excluding personal) etc
► Government Permits, documentation.
All prices is based on
What does Packages not Include?
► Travel insurance
► Visa to Pakistan (Letter of Invitation and other supporting documents will be offered by us for visa application)
► International flights (return tickets)
► Tips for guides, porters, staff etc
► Early Wind-up
► Miscellaneous (drinks, telephone calls, laundry etc at hotels)
► Souvenirs
► Things that is not mentioned above
Reservations
Reservations can be made via faxing or mailing together. The Tour expense is entirely based on the itinerary and the aggregate number of hotel and camp evenings specified therein. If the event has to be deferred because of awful climate, road washouts or postponed flights, affliction, Government constraints or some other possibility for which “The Asian Guides” can’t make provisions, the subsequent extra cost for such postpone is excluded.
Method of payment
Payment will be accepted online transfer or in cash, certified cheque is not allowed.
Cancellation and Refund
Cancellation must be informed either by telephone call or by email to “The Asian Guides”. Cancellation charges will be imposed as follows: 30 days before flight 25 % of the land cost, 29-15 days before flight 50 % of the land cost, 14-1 day before flight 90% of the land cost. No refund will be given for any unused part of the trip.
Change of Itinerary
Reasonable adjustments in the itinerary may be made just where regard advisable for the comfort and safety of the tourist.
Insurance
Tourist are encouraged to get insurance that covers cancellation, mishaps, loss or damage of baggage, health emergency, helicopter rescue and personal belongings. This insurance must be planned yourself directly with your specialists/insurance agency.
Baggage
Each person is entitled to bring 15kg of personal baggage maximum. Any excess stuff portage will be charged additionally.
Obligations
“The Asian Guides” will provide transportation, accommodation, meal and other important prerequisites for group expedition which are stated in the itinerary. In case if the group Private trips and tours or expeditions terms and policy will be different from the group expedition.
Extra
Extra nights accommodation or transportation is not included in the package, in case of early arrival or late departure, early return from Tour (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary, we are not responsible to entertain individuals unless it is a privately booked expedition.
Liability
“The Asian Guides”, its operators and team won’t be at accountable for any harm, death, harm, accident, delay, theft, either by the demonstrations of any organization or individual occupied with leading the visit.
Itinerary
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 540 m
Arrive in Islamabad airport and our staff meets and transfers to hotel. A short rest then 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 Bactrian 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.
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.
Morning drive to Saidu Sharif the capital of Swat valley, en route visit the Buddhist Monestry in Takht Bhai and Ashoka Rock carvings at shabazghari near Mardan, continuously 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.
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.
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.
Early morning transfer to airport and fly back to home
END OF OUR SERVICES
Frequently Asked Questions
We do provide accommodation and transportation for all above standard package. Also, we provide accommodation and transportation as per client demand.
Please don’t forget to provide emergency contact of your family when sign up for the program.
Tip is not included it’s up to you how much tip you’re willing to give staff.
Our representative will welcome you at the Islamabad international airport and transfer you to the hotel.
Pakistan is quite safe to travel solo for male and female.
This will not include in the price and package. Also, we do arrange special food such as gluten free food and other on demand.
We always carry first aid box.
You’re welcome to join group or also can travel alone/private.
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