MYSTRIES OF THE INDUS CIVILIZATION
17 NIGHTS / 18 DAYS

Day 01: Islamabad
Arrive in Islamabad to be met by our representative & transferred to the hotel. Afternoon proceed for city sightseeing of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. We will begin at the old city of Rawalpindi, at the Raja (King) Bazaar. A stop in the silver and gold bazaars will allow us to catch traditional craftsmen at work. We will then continue on the main street linking the Twin cities – Murree Road – before arriving at the gleaming new capital. We pass shining new buildings and thousands of park areas – a full 50 percent of the 350 square mile site is set aside for parks. We will then stop at the Shakar Parian, ” Sweet Hills” to catch a bird’s eye view of Islamabad. Our next stop will be Shah Faisal Mosque which is the landmark of Islamabad.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 02: Islamabad – Peshawar
After breakfast drive to Peshawar.
Upon arrival transfer to the hotel.
Afternoon proceed for city sightseeing of Peshawar.
We begin by visiting the rich museum of Peshawar , which houses treasures of the Gandhara period. Proceed to old Peshawar through the Kabuli Gate – one of the sixteen – to the Qissa Khawani bazaar, ” the street of story tellers”, and witness unusual and unforgettable sights . We will also visit the coppersmith’s bazaar, which flourished from the 1st century B.C. to the 5th century A.D. Continue to Mahabat Khan’s mosque, built in 1670 by the Governor of Peshawar under Moghal Emperor Shah Jahan. Our tour will pass by Balar Hisar Fort, built by Babar in 1526
– 30, and rebuilt by Hari Singh Nalva, under the guidance of French engineers in 1830.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 03: Peshawar
After breakfast proceed for half day excursion to Khyber Pass.
[PLS NOTE THAT KHYBER PASS EXCURSION IS SUBJECT TO
GOVERNMENT ‘ S PERMISSION AND WE NEED FULL PASSPORT DETAILS
ATLEAST 21 DAYS BEFORE ARRIVAL TO APPLY FOR PERMIT]
This famous pass has been a silent witness to the countless number of invaders , pleasure seekers , adventures and soothsayers that have filtered through its narrow gateway over the centuries. The historic Khyber Pass begins at a distance 15 miles west of Peshawar at the Babi – Khyber watchtower, which acts as a gateway to the Pass. You then begin a winding journey through a tribal area, passing the Jamrud Fort , and for 36 miles are another `invader`, witnessing the stark and severe beauty of this passage hewn through great rocks. The pass ends at the Torkham Border, passing the smugglers`bazaar, Landikotal, which at a height of 3518 feet straddles the top of this historical passageway. At Torkham the Durand line separates Pakistan from Afghanistan. After tour return to the hotel. Afternoon at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 04: Peshawar – Chitral
After breakfast transfer to airport for your flight to Chitral
(If weather permits otherwise drive by road to Chitral in one day).
Upon arrival transfer to the hotel. Afternoon walking tour of Chitral. The best way to see the petite city of Chitral is on foot. We will begin at the Shahi Mosque, built by the Mehtras, which overlooks the Mastuj river. The Trichmir peak solemnly overlooks your every move. Next we visit the fort, a grim imposing building that tells the tale of the days of the Siege of Chitral in 1895, the guns of Cols Kelly and Roberts, General Low and Captain Ross.Yet Trichmir silently looks on, the Mastuj still flows by but those days are long forgotten . We will then visit the bazaar and hunt for those semiprecious stones. Don’t forget to buy one of the Chitral hats.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 05: Chitral
After breakfast proceed for full day excursion to Kalash Valleys.
Bamboret is the largest of three valleys about 2 hours jeep drive from Chitral. There used to exist two distinctive type of Kafirs (Infidels), the red and the Kalash (Black) until the end of the last century. The Red Kafirs were conquered by Amir of Afghanistan and converted to Muslims. The Kalash were however not harmed and to this day maintain their pagan rites.
Rambur: A picturesque valley only 10 miles from Bamboret. Our guide will show you the hamlets of Balanguru and Kalashgram. A short but trying walk up to the steep ridge is rewarded with a ancient Kalash temple decorated with wooden horses and human figures. The gay and jocand Kafirs are given to the lively dances and music, they worship and seek help from their gods only when they are in trouble.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 06: Chitral
After breakfast proceed for full day excursion to Garam Chasma.
Gharam Chashma ( Hot Springs): Gharam Chashma is so called because of the number of hot sulpheric springs in the area. There are especially constructed baths for those who wish to partake and attempt the springs` legendary healing powers. Close to the springs is a village that is located by a ruby mine. Donkeys laded with these semi-precious stones are a common sight, and if lucky, you may be able to pick out a real bargain.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 07: Chitral – Lowari Pass – Swat
After breakfast drive to Swat via Lawari Pass 3,500 meters which remains closed for most of the year due to snow. The 47 hairpin bends on the jeep road are the highlight of this drive.
Upon arrival transfer to the hotel.The Greeks fought for its beauty , the Buddhist inhabited it because of its eternal beauty and peace, the Moghals envied its lush green valleys and fast flowing rivers and today it is coveted by the Pathans , the Kohistanis and the Gujars . Over two
thousand years ago, this prosperous valley of Swat – originally known as Udyan – was the home of well – settled people, living within magnificently planned towns. In 327 B.C., Alexander the Great fought his way to Udigram and Barikot and settled a good part of his army here. Later, the Buddhists came, they preached, converted, fought and stayed for worship. Graphic remains of the Buddhist culture date back to the 2nd century. In the 11 th century Mahmud of Ghazni invaded Swat after having advanced through Dir, and defeated Gira, the local ruler, near Udigram. After him followed the Moghals, under Babar and his grandson Akbar, yet they were unable to conquer the
valley. There is evidence that by then the Yusufzai Pathans – fierce, proud and resolute warriors – defended their soil against all invaders , including the British. Winston Spencer Churchill, in his account of the Malakand campaign, narrates a colorful tale. Swat, a land that shines with fruit -laden orchards, flower- filled slopes, meandering rivers, tumbling streams and is surrounded by the mighty ranges of the Hindu Kush and the Karakoram. The valley is 3250 feet above sea level and Saidu Sharif and Mingora are the towns that form the twin capital of this area. Kalam, 64 miles from Saidu Sharif, is the last town accessible by road. It is at a height of 6800 feet, and is
surrounded on all sides by the snow – covered peaks of the Hindu Kush, dense forests of pine , fir deodar and wild flowers, dotted with orchards of walnut and borders the Ushoo stream.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 08: Swat
After breakfast proceed for half day excursion to Miandam.
Miandam is at 6000 ft. and 35 miles from Saidu Sharif. This is the most beautiful side valley in Swat. We drive through well- watered terraced fields to the top of the valley and Miandam village, one of the coolest and most comfortable places to stay in Swat in summer. From the hotels there are several long walks up the streams to the mountains behind.After the tour return to the hotel.
After a short rest proceed for city sightseeing of Swat. You will visit Butkara Monastery, Swat Museum and Mingora Bazaar.Butkara – the remains of one of the most important Buddhist shrines in the valley.This site consists of a main stupa around which jostle 215 votive stupas in apparently glorious disarray. The main stupa was believed to contain some ashes of Lord Buddha
and to have been built by the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka. It is difficult to imagine it as it must have been once, all painted and gilded and topped by stone umbrellas. You can still see the statue of lions crouching on their haunches. They probably fell off the tops of the tall columns which once stood near the stupa.After visiting the Butkara Monastery you will visit Swat Museum. Then you will visit Mingora Bazaar, which is the commercial center well – worth visiting, for there you will find emeralds for which Swat is famous.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 09: Swat – Shangla Pass – Chilas
After breakfast drive through Shangla Pass into the Indus valleys to Chilas. Enroute ,visit the rock inscription at Shatial. These inscriptions stand witness for thousands of pilgrims to Gandhara from China, Tibet, Nepal and Centran Asia. The journey during the day is an experience of great diversities. Immediately turning off from Swat valley towards east, we start climbing the Shangla Pass (altitude 2042 Mtrs).The top presents the most beautiful views of the surrounding mountains whose slopes are ladden with alpine forests. Far with the distance, the Swat Valley with
the river is also visible. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel. CHILAS: Chilas was on the ancient caravan trail over the Babusar Pass into India and on the Indus trail of Besham, and many rock engravings were left by travelers in this area. Chilas is standing under the shadow of world famous Nanga Parbat. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 10: Chilas – Gilgit
After breakfast drive to Gilgit
GILGIT: For the adventure- loving tourist, be he a hiker, angler, art lover, mountaineer or polo enthusiast, or be he merely interested in exotic people and their lifestyles, there are a few places in the world that can be compared to Gilgit. Gilgit is an old tribal town that acted as a rest stop for weary travelers on the Silk Route – the famous road from China to the Arabian sea. It has flourished over the centuries, lying practically unmolested by the teeming herds of conquerors. Gilgit is located in the heart of the Karakoram range, surrounded by lofty peaks, the most majestic being Rakaposhi. Gilgit is both accessible by road and by air; the road, newly constructed along the path of the ancient Silk Route, is an unforgettable journey through winding valleys and tumbling waterfalls. By air, the PIA flight follows the Kunhar river as it winds through the Kaghan valley, and beyond that it follows a narrow cleft in the mountains before alighting at Gilgit.
Arrive and transfer to the hotel
PM. City sightseeing tour of Kargah.
Driving to Kargha is an experience in itself, as our jeep bumps and lurches in a wild arid landscape that is dotted with massive chunks of rock. We are at our destination when abruptly around a bend we find ourselves facing a huge carving of Buddha on a rock . It is not exactly known when the carving appeared, but its workmanship reveals a talented master. We will then resuming our wild ride back to Gilgit. We will then drive through the bazaar in order to familiarize ourselves with the
customs of the Gilgitis, a stop at the co- operative store , where Chinese goods are bought on the barter system will allow us to glance at Chinese treasures. We will then take a hair – raising drive across Asia’s longest suspension bridge – 600 feet long and wide enough only for one jeep at a time.Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11: Gilgit – Karimabad
After breakfast at the hotel drive to Hunza.
We will drive on the newly reconstructed Karakoram Highway, widened and metaled with the help of our Chinese brothers. Passing under the shadow of Rakaposhi, our two hour journey leads us to Karimabad, the capital of the former state of Hunza. We are confronted with the blossoms of many heavily- laden fruit trees, wild flowers, tall pines and – of course – the friendly and hospitable people. It is now upto us to unlock the treasures of this mountain haven, and sort the fact from the fiction.Arrive and transfer to the hotel.
PM. Visit Baltit Fort.
BALTIT: Baltit fort was the old palace of the Mirs of Hunza and was inhabited until 1960. It is about 400 years old. Baltit is a curious rambling old place, four stories high, sturdily built of stones, sun – dried mud and timber. Baltit is built on a cliff edge;behind it is a ravine and then the Ultar glacier glinting in the sunshine. The architecture here, as at Altit Fort, reflects a Tibetan influence . The local people say that a Princess of Baltistan married a reigning Mir and brought with her Balti masons, carpenters and craftsmen to build Baltit and Altit as part of her dowry. In
the ‘museum room’ are coats of mail, weapons and the warning drums that sounded the alarm in an attack. The view from the top of the fort is well worth the climb.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 12: Karimabad
Breakfast at the hotel. AM. Free at leisure.
PM. proceed for Nagar excursion.
A short jeep ride will take us to Nagar, the valley across from Karimabad. Enjoy a walk around the town, talking to the locals and trying to learn the secret of their longevity. Indeed, perhaps it is the stark beauty that surrounds them that allows them to live life to the fullest. Revel in the beauty of the village fruit orchards, and enjoy the many mountain flowers that dot the landscape before returning to Karimabad.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 12: Karimabad
Breakfast at the hotel. AM. Free at leisure.
PM. proceed for Nagar excursion.
A short jeep ride will take us to Nagar, the valley across from Karimabad. Enjoy a walk around the town, talking to the locals and trying to learn the secret of their longevity. Indeed, perhaps it is the stark beauty that surrounds them that allows them to live life to the fullest. Revel in the beauty of the village fruit orchards, and enjoy the many mountain flowers that dot the landscape before returning to Karimabad.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 14: Gilgit – Besham
After breakfast drive to Besham
Upon arrival transfer to the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 15: Besham – Taxila – Islamabad
After breakfast drive to Islamabad en route visiting Taxila. Where you will visit Taxila Museum, Julian Monastery and Sirkap (city developed by Bactrian Greeks) Taxila, situated 35 miles from Rawalpindi, was once the seat of Oriental culture. It was first mentioned as a satrapy of the Archemenian empire in 6th century B.C. It was invaded by Alexander the Great and passed along to other rulers until finally reaching the hands of Ashoka the Great, who moulded the city into a center of learning. The creative Gandhara period followed shortly thereafter and Taxila remained the center of learning, philosophy and art. It came to a disastrous and pathetic end when
sacked by the White Huns. Today, Taxila is an archaeologist’s paradise: there is a well- maintained museum here and eight sites scattered around a very short radius.
Amongst the best preserved are Sirkap, Jaulian ( the University).
Upon arrival in Islamabad transfer to the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 16: Islamabad – Lahore
After breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight to Lahore.
Upon arrival transfer to the hotel.
Afternoon proceed for city sightseeing of Lahore includes Wazir Khan Mosque, Delhi Gate, Shalimar Gardens and Liberty market.
We drive through Lahore’s crowded streets to the Shalimar Gardens, designed by Ali Mardan of Persia and set out in the Persian style with marble pavilions, a marble waterfall and more than 400 fountains in an area of 42 acres. Emperor Shah Jahan ordered the construction of this ” Garden of Heaven” in 1642. Next we proceed to the Anarkali Bazaar, named after a pretty dancer named Anarkali who was put to death by Emperor Akbar for having an affair with Prince Salim,who later became Emperor Jehangir. We will also visit Wazir Khan’s Mosque, constructed under the stewardship of the Governor in 1643, and Jahangir’s tomb, Delhi gate and Liberty Market.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 17: Lahore
After breakfast proceed for fullday cirty sightseeing of Lahore.
Our tour includes visit to Lahore Fort , a marvel of Moghal architecture begun in the 11th century and completed finally by the end of the 16th century. Amongst the Emperors who contributed to its splendor are Emperors Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan. We will visit the beautiful palace of Mirrors, Shah Jahan’s Quadrangle and the Pearl Mosque. Overlooking the Fort is the Badshahi mosque – the world’s largest – and it is our next stop . It was constructed during the reign of Emperor Aurangzeb.Pakistan’s famous poet-philosopher, Dr. Mohammad Iqbal, lies buried outside the mosque. We will also visit the Jahingir’s tomb and Anarkali Bazaar.
We will drive to the National Museum which contains one of the finest collections of Buddhist Art from the Gandhara period.Here one is able to view the original Fasting Buddha statue. In front of the museum is the Zam – Zama, the gun immortalized by Rudyard Kipling and the campus of the Punjab University. We will also visit the Town Hall, a yellow building with bulbous silver domes.
Farewell dinner after all the fun and excitement. Its time to say good bye to each other
with a wish to meeting again at some other Walji’s tour program in future. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 18: Lahore
After breakfast transfer to the airport for your home bound flight.

Cost depending on group size for example if you are 3 to 5 people the cost will be US$ 1550 per person

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