- 06 nights of three and four-star hotel accommodation
- 07 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 06 dinners
- Private vehicles, a jeep, Land cruisers/ minibuses
- Private guided transfers to and from Islamabad airport
- Professional English Speaking Culture Guide.
- Driver/guide’s expenses
- All land transport involved in the itinerary
- All road passes, entry fees, parking fees etc.
Pakistan
Location
HOTEL 3-4*
Accommodation
All year
Best Season
Full Board
Boarding
Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour Pakistan
Pakistan is a thriving centre of faith and a prominent hub for monastic learning, and it holds magnificent Buddhist remains. In our Buddhist Pilgrimage tour, you will explore these historical Buddhist sites, Buddhism’s rich history and teachings, and observe the cultural impact of this ancient theology in Pakistan.
Pilgrimage Tour Highlights
- Explore Islamabad, Taxila, Peshawar and Swat
- Visit Jaulian in Taxila, a Buddhist monastery dating from the 2nd century CE
- Taxila Museum
- Peshawar Museum, Kanishka Stupa, Sphola Stupa in Peshawar
- Experience Takht-i-Bahi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- See Oddiyana along with the Swat River and Seri Bahlol
- Visita the magnificent Mangoro, Pakistan
- Enjoy the delicious Pakistani cuisine.
Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour Overview
Buddhism, a belief set up by Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha), emerged a few centuries ago in India. Buddha was born in Lumbini in today’s Nepal and died at 80 in Kushinagara, India. Buddhism originated in the 5th century in the eastern Gangetic plain, and after Buddha’s death, it spread much of Asia, including central, southeast, and Eastern Asia, via the Silk Route. Buddhism began in Pakistan in the 3rd century BCE under the Mauryan king Ashoka. Mahayana Buddhism arose in the Gandhara region and attracted many pilgrims, learners, and followers to destinations such as Taxila and Swat. Greco-Buddhist art and sculptures were grown in the Gandhara region.
Trango Adventure is a licensed travel company, and we have been offering Buddhist Pilgrimage tours and other holidays in Pakistan for over 40 years. We can also customise this Pilgrimage tour to suit your tastes and interests so you can have a tailor-made tour. You can also follow our standard detailed seven-day Buddhist pilgrimage tour to uncover the remarkable remnants of Buddhist heritage sites in Pakistan. Pakistan has been a significant centre for archaeological Buddhist sites such as Takht-i-Bahi, Seri Bahlol, and Oddiyana in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; Dhamarajika Stupa, Monastery, Bhir Mound, and Sirkap in Taxila.
Your Buddhist Pilgrimage tour in Pakistan will start when you arrive at Islamabad International Airport. Our representatives will be waiting for you in the arrival hall. After the meet-and-greet, they will transfer you to the group hotel in Islamabad. Have a rest to recover from your long flight, and then we head out to explore Islamabad.
The following day, we will travel to Taxila to explore the historical Jaulian, Sirkap, and Bhir Mound. We will spend a day in Taxila and return to Islamabad in the evening for a night’s stay. The next day, we will continue our Buddhist pilgrimage tour towards Peshawar to visit Bala Hisar Fort, Peshawar Museum, and Khushan Stupa. We will spend the night in Peshawar.
After breakfast, travel further to explore Swat, where we will spend the whole day exploring the famous Takht-i-Bahi, Oddiyana, and Seri Bahlol. We will also travel towards Kalam and Mingora to see the Gandharan art. We spend the night in Swat and travel back to Islamabad next morning. In Islamabad, we have the option to stay in the hotel for a rest or go out for more historical sightseeing. The next morning, we transfer you to Islamabad International Airport for your home flight.
We strongly believe that the vibrant and charming inhabitants, strong traditions and colourful mountain valley will never fail to capture your heart. You will love nothing more than discovering Pakistan’s unique culture, and historical Bhudist sites, testing your taste buds with our spicy food and exploring the dramatic landscape, which begins in lush green Islamabad and ends in the historical Swat Valley. A “Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour” journey through historical places and deep valleys will be an experience to remember for a long time.
Watch our Tours in Pakistan on our YouTube channel.
Read our TripAdvisor reviews for our Tours in Pakistan.
Brief Tour Itinerary
D-1
Islamabad and Rawalpindi
D-2
Islamabad- Taxila and Rawalpindi
D-3
Drive from Islamabad to Peshawar
D-4
Drive from Peshawar to Swat
D-5
Visit Swat- Kalam & Mingora
D-6
Drive from Swat to Islamabad
D-7
Fly back home
Additional information
| Grade | EASY |
|---|---|
| Age | Family friendly |
| Type | Guided Tour |
| Transport | Private Vehicle & Personal Driver |
Map & Itinerary of Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour in Pakistan.
Introduction
For many years Trango Adventures has been transforming travel dreams into reality. We live and travel in Pakistan extensively to ensure we provide you selection of quality and unique experiences, tailored to suit your travel aspirations. We designed our itineraries based on Over 40 Years of experience and local knowledge, which is the best in terms of acclimatisation, safety and enjoyment.
We intend to keep the day-by-day itinerary detailed below, although there might be some flexibility due to local conditions, weather or other factors beyond our control. If this is the case then your Tour Guide will do everything possible to work out the changes to the itinerary to minimise your inconvenience.
Adventure travel and tours require an open and flexible attitude. You may experience extreme conditions, unpredictable weather and last-minute changes to the itinerary beyond our control. The ability to work in a team is an important aspect of all of our trips.
Detailed Tour Itinerary
D-1
Islamabad and Rawalpindi
Welcome to Islamabad, the green capital city of Pakistan. Our representative will be waiting for you in the arrival hall at the Islamabad International Airport with Trango Adventures signboards. After the meet and greet, they will transfer you to the group hotel in Islamabad.
Depending on your arrival time, we may do some sightseeing in the afternoon. The famous tourist attractions in Islamabad and Rawalpindi are the Faisal Mosque, Shakar Parian, Pakistan Monument, Damen Koh, Lok Versa, Museum, Rawalpindi Old Bazaar, and Raja Bazaar.
- ACCOMMODATION
- Hill View Hotel or similar
- MEALS
- Lunch, Dinner.
D-2
Islamabad- Taxila and Rawalpindi
In the morning, after breakfast, we travel to Taxila at a distance of 35km to visit the Taxila museum, Sirkap, Piplan, Jaulian, Moradu, Mohra, Dharmarajika Stupa Monastery and Bhir Mound.
Taxila Museum is located in Taxila, a tehsil in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. During Buddhist glory, Taxila was renowned as a centre for learning Gandharan art, including sculpture, architecture, education, and Buddhism. Taxila Museum is home to a significant assemblage of Gandharan art and sculptures dating from the 1st to the 7th centuries CE. Around 4000 objects are displayed in the museum, including stucco, terracotta, stone, silver, gold, iron, and semiprecious stones, usually representing the Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain religions. There are numerous historical sites around the museum, such as ancient Buddhist stupas, monasteries, and Greek temples. Most of the artefacts were excavated from the ruins of ancient Taxila.
Sirkap is located on the bank opposite the city of Taxila. The city was constructed by the Greco-Bactrian king Demetrius. Buddhist stupas with strong Hellenistic decorative pieces can be found throughout the Sirkap site. One round stupa is present in Sirkap, which was uprooted and thrown to the present location due to a substantial earthquake in the 1st century. An apsidal temple and a special Double-headed Eagle stupa are also found in Sirkap.
Piplan is a sacred place for both Hindus and Buddhists because many Hindus used to live in Piplan.
Jaulian is on a hill 100 meters above the nearby modern Jaulian village. The ruins at Jaulian consist of a main central stupa, 27 smaller peripheral stupas, and 59 small chapels depicting the scenes of Buddha’s life.
- ACCOMMODATION
- Hill View Hotel or Similar
- MEALS
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
D-3
Islamabad to Peshawar, 3 Hours
Today we will travel to the famous city of Pakistan, Peshawar. Peshawar is 170 km from Islamabad. We will check in at our group hotel, have some lunch and head out to explore this historical city. We will visit the Peshawar Museum, Kanishka Stupa, Sphola Stupa, Peshawar City, Kissa Khani Bazaar, and Mahabat Khan Mosque.
Peshawar Museum is situated in Peshawar, the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. It is renowned for displaying Buddhist artwork from the ancient Gandhara Greco-Buddhist, Kushan, Parthian, and Indo-Scythian regions. The museum has around 4000 items, such as statues, ancient books, sculptures, coins, art, manuscripts, weapons, dresses, pottery, and local and Persian handicrafts. It was constructed in 1907 as Victoria Hall in remembrance of Queen Victoria.
Kanishka Stupa was a monumental stupa built by the Kushan King Kanishka in Shah ji ki Dehri, Peshawar. It was one of the tallest buildings in the ancient world. It is located outside the Ganj Gate of the walled metropolis of Peshawar, known as Akhunabad.
Sphola Stupa is a Buddhist gravestone in the Khyber Pass, about 25km from Jamrud. It sits in a valley in Zarai village, midway between Ali Masjid and Landi Kotal. Instead of being treated as a conventional site, it has become a Frontier Constabulary checkpost.
- ACCOMMODATION
- Shelton Hotel or Similar
- MEALS
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
D-4
Peshawar to Swat
After breakfast in Peshawar, we will travel to Swat, where we will visit the well-preserved Buddhist monastery of Takht-i-Bahi, Oddiyana, and Seri Bahlol urban remains. We will stay tonight in Pakistan.
Takht-i-Bahi is an Indo-Parthian archaeological heritage site of a Buddhist monastery in the Mardan dialects of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It is known as the throne of the water spring. Takht-i-Bahi was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980. It is one of the most important and well-preserved relics of Buddhism.
Oddiyana means garden or orchard in Sanskrit language. It is encountered north of Peshawar along with the Swat River. It is a small region in early Medieval India that was significant in expanding and disseminating Vajrayana Buddhism. The area was also an important centre for the practice of Śaivite Hinduism. It was also known as the paradise of the Dakinis.
Seri Bahlol is also famous as Sahri Bahlol, an archaeological site near Takht-i-Bahi, Peshawar. It combines two Hindi words: Seri means Sir, and Bahlol is the name of the town’s religious and political leader. The village is placed on a hillock protected by a stone wall formed under the Kushans. The townlet is surrounded by fertile land where local people practice agriculture. In recent years, however, rapid resident growth has encroached upon this agricultural land, posing a risk to food security.
- ACCOMMODATION
- Serena Hotel Or similar
- MEALS
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
D-5
Visit Swat- Kalam & Mingora
After breakfast, we head out for a sightseeing tour of Swat. We visit the Swat Museum, which features a remarkable collection of Gandhara sculptures gathered from various Buddhist sites in the valley. The museum also displays coins, weapons, local embroidery, carved wood, and tribal textiles.
Night stay in Swat.
- ACCOMMODATION
- Serena Hotel or similar
- MEALS
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
D-6
Swat to Islamabad, 4 Hours
Today we will travel back to Islamabad. Along the way, we will stop for tea breaks and visit other Buddhist historical places.
- ACCOMMODATION
- Hill View Hotel or similar
- MEALS
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
D-7
Fly back Home
After breakfast, we will transfer you to Islamabad International Airport for your return flight. End of “Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour”
Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour Cost and Dates 2025
Private Groups – Chose Your Dates
The tour starts and finishes in Islamabad
Introduction
This is an all-inclusive Tour Package for (individuals) per person and is based on two people sharing a twin or double room. Single supplements are available upon request at a small additional cost. We have a great range of couple, family and group deals available, contact us before booking. Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour Pakistan prices are for the itinerary starting from Islamabad back to Islamabad. Islamabad has a good flight connection, International flights arrive in Islamabad in the morning, and the return flight will depart from Islamabad International Airport on the last day of the itinerary.
Please be aware that there are often only a limited number of seats available at the advertised price, particularly during peak season. We recommend booking as early as possible, especially during peak times. If we are unable to secure seats at the price shown, we will contact you with an alternative quote.
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE – NO SURCHARGE GUARANTEE
The price of the “Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour” can change depending on a variety of factors but unlike some other tour operators, Trango Adventure has undertaken to guarantee the price of your holiday will not change after you have booked. The price when you book is the price you will pay, whether you are booking for this year or the next. Book early to avoid any tour price increases, get the best flight prices and take advantage of our ‘No Surcharge Guarantee’. Trango Adventure is a Government-licensed and bonded tour operator that follows the strict Regulations set by the Tourism Department of Pakistan.
We accept Cash on Arrival, Bank Transfers, PayPal and all major Credit & debit Cards.
Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour Pakistan Information
WHAT’S INCLUDED
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
- Travel Insurance
- Pakistan Visa Fee
- Tips for local guides and support staff
- Miscellaneous expenses
- souvenirs etc
- International Flights.
MEAL PLAN
ACCOMMODATION
During the Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour, you will spend all nights in good international tourist standard hotels (3-4 star). Accommodation at each of these hotels is twin-sharing with en-suite facilities. If you are travelling by yourself you will be paired with another single client of the same sex. It is possible to hire a single room for an additional cost. Additional hotel nights in Islamabad are also available. For hotel prices and single supplement costs, please refer to the dates and prices page of the trip on our website. Hotels are subject to availability, and prices may vary.
HEALTH & VACCINATION
You should contact your doctor or travel clinic to check whether you specifically require any vaccinations or other preventive measures. You should be up to date with routine courses and boosters as recommended in the UK e.g. diphtheria-tetanus-polio and measles-mumps-rubella), along with hepatitis A and typhoid. Malarial prophylaxis is discretionary for this trip. Malaria exists in the area around Islamabad. However, incidences of urban transmission of malaria are extremely low. On holidays to more remote areas in Pakistan, you should also have a dentist check-up. A good online resource is Travel Health Pro. Dengue fever is a known risk in places near Islamabad (only). It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime-biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take precautions to avoid mosquito bites
INSURANCE
We highly recommend you have adequate travel insurance for your Pakistan Tour with Trango Adventure. We recognise the complexity and variety of choices in the insurance market and know that many of you either have your preferred insurer or have annual multi-trip cover in place already. If this is the case, please ensure that your insurer is aware of your Trango Adventure itinerary and can agree to cover the activities being undertaken.
Trango Adventure does not provide any advice on travel insurance, although it is highly recommended that you have valid travel insurance to cover the activities which you are likely to be undertaking on your holiday.
Travel Insurance Providing Companies
Expeditions or Treks
- HCC Medical Insurance Services LLC Tel: +1-800 605 2282
- Travelex Insurance Services Tel: +1-800 228 9792
- Snowcard Tel: +44 (0)1295 660836
- The B.M.C. Tel: +44 (0)161 445 6111 (please note the BMC cannot cover Mt Damavand)
- Dogtag Tel: 0800 036 4824 (UK residents only)
- World Nomads (up to 6000m)
- Insure for Less (Australians only)
- True Traveller Insurance Tel: 0333 999 3140 for treks including over 4500m
- Austrian Alpine Club (UK) Tel: +44 (0)1929 556870
Treks & Tours only
- Campbell Irvine Tel: +44 (0)207 938 1737
- J S Insurance Tel: +44 (0)844 848 1500
- Rothwell & Towler Tel: +44 (0)845 908 0161
GUIDE & SUPPORTING STAFF
CLIMATE
From mid-June to August, we can expect temperatures as high as 35°C in Islamabad, Peshawar and Taxila and Taxila region. Weather is generally good throughout the summer season, with clear skies and little rain. However, weather in these areas is difficult to predict, and short-lived storms can occur at any time.
BOOKS
- Trekking in Pakistan. Isobel Shaw.
- Karakoram Highway. King.
- Top Treks of the World. Steve Razzetti.
- In the Throne Room of the Mountain Gods. Galen Rowell.
- K2 Triumph and Tragedy. Jim Curran.
A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required. The information that we provide is for UK passport holders. Please check the relevant embassy or consulate for other nationalities. We will provide all the required visa documents, however, it is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Visa requirements and charges are subject to change without notice.
All nationalities require a visa to enter Pakistan. The visa fee is approximately USD 60 and you must apply for it before departure. To obtain a Visa for Pakistan, you will require a letter of introduction from an approved agency, which Trango Adventure will provide. The tourist visa processing time is approximately 5-7 working days. Visa applications can be made online at www.visa.nadra.gov.pk
As a general rule, you should always try to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum.
We will send you a detailed items list closer to your Holiday departure.
Email [email protected] if you need more information regarding the “Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour”.
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