Day 01: Islamabad

Meeting on arrival at Islamabad International Airport and later transfer to hotel.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 02: Islamabad/Taxila/Swat

Breakfast at hotel.

Morning drive to Taxila. The current day Taxila is known for its traditional stone carvings and Heavy Mechanical Industry of Pakistan, was once the seat of oriental culture. Situated only 32 kms. from Rawalpindi, Taxila is famous for the rare specimens of stucco from the Gandhara period excavated from Sirkup and various Buddhist Stupas and Monasteries. Taxila is first mentioned as a territory of the Great Achaemenian Empire of Persia in the 6th century B.C in inscriptions of Darius the Great at Behistum. It was invaded by Alexander the Great to assert his claim over the lost provinces of the Achaemenian Empire, and then ruled by Mauryas such as Asoka the Great, Bactrian Greeks, Scythians, Parthians and the Kushan Kings. It came to an inglorious end around 450 A.D when it was ransacked by hordes of White Huns. The museum here houses various objects and sculptures dating from the 4th century B.C to the 5th century A.D. The excavations are spread out over an area of 8 kms.

We shall visit Taxila Archaeological Museum, later proceed to Sirkup 2nd city ruins planned by the Bactrian Greeks in 1st B.C, later proceed to Julian Buddhist monastery ruins from 2nd to 5th A.D. Also we will visit Muhra Muradu Monastery and time permitting Jandial temple with its Greek architecture and layout.

Lunch at local restaurant in Taxila.

Later proceed to Swat enroute short stop at the crossing of Indus River with overlooking Akbar’s Fort built in 1581 to project his Indian empire from the Afghan Inroads. This is an important crossing point where many invaders tend to have crossed the mighty rivers.

After a short stop for photography, proceed to Swat via Malakand Pass and on arrival transfer to hotel.

Dinner & overnight at hotel.

Day 03: Swat

Breakfast at hotel.

Full day sightseeing tour of Swat. Our day starts with excursion to Jehanabad to view the rock carved image of Buddha on a high cliff. This image has a specialty where Buddha has been shown in meditation position. Then we will continue to Swat Museum that has a rich collection on Gandhara Art obtained from sites in the region followed by visits to Saidu Stupa & Monastery, sites of Butkara 1 and 3.

Lunch at hotel.

Afternoon we will visit ancient rock carvings at Gogdara followed by a stop at Galegai Buddha before ending the tour with a visit to Shingerdara.

Dinner & overnight at hotel.

Day 04: Swat/Peshawar

After breakfast drive to Peshawar with enroute visits to Takht-i-Bahi, Shahbaz Garhi and Jamal Garhi. The most important section of the Yousafzai plains encircles Mardan, the earth of which contains many Buddhist remains. Takht-i-Bahi is a well-preserved Buddhist Monastery of 5th century A.D. Here the chapels for votive stupas surround the main stupa. Other establishments include numerous monastic cells and ruins of votive stupas.

At Shahbaz Garhi are rock inscriptions of Asoka the Great dating back to 200 B.C. Jamal Garhi lies a little off the main road near Shahbaz Garhi and is supposed to be one of the early “Viharas” existing in the “Little Vehicle” or Hinayana period of Buddhism (100 B.C to 5th century A.D). It is situated on a high hill, which gives a panoramic view of the Yousufzai plains.

Lunch at local restaurant.

Once the sightseeing is over then we will drive to Peshawar and on arrival transfer to hotel.

Later proceed to the bazaars of Peshawar entering the storyteller’s street, the copper bazaar, the spice and cloth market, the shoes bazaar, a walk through the fruits and vegetable street and later the jewellery andÇ antiquities street. We shall also have a glimpse of Mohabat Khan’s Mosque dating 1630 A.D from an old caravan sarai.

Dinner & overnight at hotel.

Day 05: Peshawar/Lahore

Breakfast at hotel.

Morning detailed visit of Peshawar Museum, one of the Museums with an excellent collection of Gandharan Art. The Graeco-Roman or Indo-Roman sculpture has an extra ordinary appeal being an admixture of Roman and Indian art. See the Buddha with an Apollonian face, wearing a Roman toga. The life of Buddha has been carved on the stone reminds of the Christian legend in paintings and sculpture. The Museum has rich collection of sculpture in stone and stucco.

Lunch at hotel.

After lunch transfer to airport for flight to Lahore.

On arrival transfer to hotel.

Dinner & overnight at hotel.

Day 06: Lahore

Breakfast at hotel

Full day sightseeing tour of Lahore in just one corner of Lahore is a heterogeneous example of Mogul, Sikh, Colonial and Contemporary architecture. The historical Lahore Fort built in the 11th century A.D is the only place where one can see different phases of Mogul architecture as a long line of rulers made additions. Inside the Fort you visit many of the rooms, including Shish Mahal, the palace of mirrors. Overlooking the Fort is the Badshahi or Royal Mosque, beside the tomb of the philosopher and poet Iqbal, who infused the idea of Pakistan among the Muslims of British India.

Next, you will visit Emperor Jehangir’s mausoleum that was built in the 1630’s and is another example of the talented Mogul architecture. Nearby is the tomb of Empress Nur Jehan, wife of Emperor Jehangir.

Afternoon detailed visit of Lahore Museum, which houses a rich and varied collection of historical objects. This is the oldest museum in Pakistan and has many galleries displaying artifacts from the Gandhara, Buddhist, Jain, Mogul and Colonial periods. The famous Fasting Siddhartha Buddha is also on display here.

Later we will visit Shalimar Gardens that were laid out during the reign of Shah Jehan in the early 1640’s and are a tribute to the aesthetic and artistic sense of the Mogul.

Dinner & overnight at hotel.

Day 07: Lahore/Islamabad (via GT Road)

Breakfast at hotel.

Today we will drive to Islamabad via historical Grand Trunk (GT) Road, which leads through famous cities like Gujranwala, Gujrat, and Jhelum, the true representative of Punjabi culture.

Enroute we will visit Rohtas Fort (Lotus Fort), a UNESCO World Heritage site. Sher Shah Suri, the celebrated Afghan King who ruled over India, built the massive and impressive Rohtas Fort in 1540 A.D. The strength and width of the fort can be imagined from the fact that it could easily accommodate 12,000 men of Sher Shah’s army who were once stationed here to defend his domain again the Ghakkar tribes living in the vicinities of the salt range. This big edifice now encamps a village, which is an interesting site. But the most impressive buildings are of the Sikh Period; through in ruins they still reflect the grandeur, which the Sikhs enjoyed for a short period. Approach to Rohtas Fort marks a detour of the salt range, the abode of fierce tribes of Ghakkars and Janjuas.

Lunch at Local Restaurant.

Later we will continue to Islamabad with visit to Pir Mankiyala Stupa situated near Rawal Village.

Dinner at a local restaurant in Islamabad.

After Dinner transfer to airport for return flight. Assistance at the airport.

Services Included:

• Foreign language speaking guide.
• One tour leader free in single after 10 full paying passengers
• Twin sharing accommodation for 06 nights.
• Meals: Full Board.
• Air-conditioned transport for transfers & sight seeing.
• Entrance fee to sites and museums.
• Poterages at airports and hotels.

Services not Included:

• Airfares, airport taxes, expenses of personal nature like beverages, laundry, telephone calls, tips, insurance, etc.
• Anything not mentioned above.
• Any expense of personal nature.
• Late check-out at hotel.

Terms & Conditions

1. The “PIA Tour” package any passenger travelling on Pakistan International Airlines via / to Pakistan as described in this brochure, may purchase as the Package.
2. Our prices are based on special airline fares and hotel rates, which are negotiated many months in advance and will be subject to the availability at the time of booking.
3. 15 days prior to departure, no cancellation charges. Between 5 & 15 days, 25% cancellation charges. Between 1 & 4 days, 50% cancellation charges. Within 24 Hours or ‘no show’ 100% cancellation charges.
4. Passengers changing their dates of travel must contact Local Sales Agent of Pakistan International Airlines prior to departure and have their Package / Tickets re-issued with new dates of travel. The Passenger should pay for any cancellation charges (as stipulated herein) and / or other charges applicable to the changes at the time of re-issuance.
5. The duration of each Package purchased by a Passenger will be valid only for the period stipulated in the tariff. Any extensions beyond the time stipulated in the tariff will be subject to the Passenger paying all applicable charges, costs, fines, etc. in respect of such extension.
6. Accommodation will be provided as specified in the tour plan. In case of non-availability of hotel, alternative hotel of same category may be provided.
7. Pakistan International Airlines reserves the right to: (a) change the published Package Price(s) without notice due to currency fluctuation or other reasons; (b) make ad hoc changes to the package; and / or (c) terminate this Package. A variation / termination made will not apply to a Package already purchased.
8. The Passenger will be responsible for obtaining a valid passport, visas and other travel documents.
9. Pakistan International Airlines, any of its subsidiaries, affiliate companies, agents directors or employees shall not be liable or responsible for;
   1. Any act, omission, damage or delay whatsoever during the time the Passenger is not on board its aircraft and during the time before boarding or after disembarking.
   2. Loss or damage suffered as a result of a variation to or termination of this Package; and / or
   3. The death of or injury to any person or loss, delay or damage to any property, additional expenses or inconvenience caused directly or indirectly by any service provider or by “Force Majeure”, or other events beyond the Airline’s control including, but not limited to war, civil disturbance, pilferage, delays, severe weather, Acts of God, Acts of Government, accidents to or failure to machinery, equipment, vehicles or industrial disputes.
10. Any complaints arising out of this Package must be made in writing within 14 days from the date of return. No responsibility is accepted in respect of any complaints, which are made after 14 days of return.
11. Payments: Initial payment of 25% will be made at the time of booking. Balance 75% of the payment will be paid at the time of confirmation of the booking and tour.
12. Above prices are not valid during any special event.
13. All the above prices are in US Dollar net and non-commissionable.
14. All prices valid till 31st December, 2008.
15. Package and Prices are subject to change without prior notice.