MEGA TOUR OF INDUS VALLEY CIVILIZATION

Pakistan is a country of incredible natural beauty, rich culture, and ancient history, and this 26-day tour itinerary takes you on a journey through some of the country’s most fascinating destinations. From the bustling streets of Karachi to the serene mountains of the Swat Valley, you’ll experience the diversity of Pakistan’s landscapes and people.

Starting in Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city and commercial hub, you’ll explore its vibrant markets, historic monuments, and cultural institutions. Visit the Mohatta Palace Museum, a stunning example of Indo-Islamic architecture, and the Mausoleum of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan. You’ll also wander through the lively Saddar Bazaar and Zainab Market, where you can find everything from textiles to spices.

From Karachi, you’ll travel to Hyderabad, stopping en route at Thatta to visit the Grand Mosque of Shah Jahan and the Historical Monuments at Makli, one of the world’s largest necropolises. In Larkana, you’ll visit the shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, a Sufi saint, and explore the ancient archaeological site of Mohenjo-Daro, one of the earliest known cities in the world.

Continuing on your journey, you’ll explore the Cholistan desert and Derawar Fort in Bahawalpur, and visit Multan, known as the “City of Saints” for its many tombs and shrines. In Lahore, the cultural heart of Pakistan, you’ll explore its magnificent Mughal architecture, including the Wazir Khan Mosque, Badshahi Mosque, and Lahore Fort. You’ll also visit the Lahore Museum, Pakistan’s largest museum, and attend the flag-lowering ceremony at the Wagah border, a daily ritual that marks the closing of the border between India and Pakistan.

Next, you’ll travel to Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital city, where you’ll visit the Heritage Museum, the Supreme Court, the Prime Minister’s House, the Parliament Building, and the Presidential Palace. You’ll also explore the ancient archaeological site of Taxila and the bustling bazaars of Rawalpindi.

In Peshawar, the capital of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, you’ll visit the Balla Hisar Fort, Namak Mandi, Khyber Bazar, Qissa Khawani Bazar, Chowk Yadgar, and Mohbat Khan Mosque. Continuing on to the Swat Valley, you’ll visit the ancient Buddhist Monastery at Takht-i-Bahi, the historic village of Shahbaz Garhi, and the Mingora Bazar, famous for its crafts and shawls.

This itinerary takes you on a tour of the Swat Valley and Northern Pakistan, visiting a number of historical and cultural sites as well as beautiful natural landscapes. The tour begins in Peshawar and takes you to the Swat Valley via Mardan, where you will visit the ancient Takht-i-Bahi Buddhist Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will also see the historic village of Shahbaz Garhi and the 3rd-century Stones of Ashoka, ancient rock inscriptions written in Kharosthi script.

Afterward, you will continue over the Malakand Pass to the Swat Valley, where you will spend the next two days. You will visit the Swat Museum, Saidu Stupa, Budhkara, and the Mingora Bazaar, famous for its crafts and shawls. You will also take a walk to the Jehanabad Buddha and visit the Summer Capital of Wali of Swat Malam Jabba, known for its lush green pine forest and unspoiled nature.

On day 18, you will drive from Malam Jabba to Gilgit via Besham, a town on the Silk Route that connects Pakistan with China. In Gilgit, you will visit Chinar Bagh, Karga Budha, George Hayward Grave, and the Gilgit Bazaar, which trades in all kinds of goods including Pakistani and Chinese goods. You will then continue to Hunza, where you will spend the next two days.

In Hunza, you will visit the ancient Baltit Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage tentative list site, and the local handicraft center by Karakoram Area Development Organization (KADO). You will also visit Karimabad Bazaar for some free time and enjoy a BBQ dinner at Serena Garden (weather permitting).

On day 21, you will head for an excursion to Khunjerab Pass, boarding with China, before returning to the hotel overnight. On day 22, you will drive back to Gilgit and spend the rest of the day at leisure. This itinerary offers a mix of cultural and historical sites, scenic drives, and beautiful natural landscapes.

Throughout your journey, you’ll stay in comfortable accommodations, enjoy delicious local cuisine, and meet friendly locals who will share their stories and traditions with you. With its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality, Pakistan is a destination that will leave a lasting impression on you.