- 9 nights of three and four-star hotel accommodation
- 10 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 9 dinners
- Private vehicles, normally a jeep/saloon car, Land cruisers
- Private guided transfers to and from the airport
- Professional English Speaking Culture Guide. (Government requirement)
- Driver/guide’s expenses
- All land transport involved in the itinerary
- All road passes, parking fees etc.
Pakistan
Location
HOTEL 3-4*
Accommodation
Summer
Best Season
Full Board
Boarding
Gandhara Pakistan Tour 2025
The Gandhara Tour in Pakistan offers a captivating journey through the ancient region of Gandhara, known for its historical, cultural, and artistic significance. This tour takes you deep into the heart of this fascinating region, allowing you to explore archaeological sites, admire ancient Buddhist art, and immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Gandhara. The Gandhara Tour in Pakistan offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich legacy of Gandhara through its archaeological sites, ancient art, and cultural landmarks. From the ancient city of Taxila to the lush landscapes of Swat Valley and the artistic treasures of Lahore, this tour promises an immersive experience that will allow you to truly appreciate the profound influence of Gandhara on the region’s history and culture.
GANDHARA TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Explore the cultural city of Lahore
- Visit UNESCO-Heritage sites
- Experience the Flag Ceremony at Wagha Bordermost
- Visit Taxila, the important archaeological site in Asia
- Discover the ancient culture of the Gandhara Region
- Mesolithic cave and the archaeological remains of four early settlement sites, Buddhist monasteries,
GANDARA HEITAGE TOUR OVERVIEW
Gandhara is an ancient Indo-Aryan civilization located in Northwest Pakistan and northeast Afghanistan. Its cultural influence extends from the east of the Potohar Plateau in Punjab to the west into the Kabul Valley in Afghanistan and northwards up to the Karakoram range. Gandhara will give us glimpses of its civilization, including sculptures, monasteries, and stupas. The centre of the Gandhara region is the Peshawar and Swat valleys.
For many years Trango Adventures has been organising a Gandhara Heritage tour for people around the world. Trango Adventures operates a 7-10 days Gandhara tour to the birthplaces of Gandhara civilisation which is best in terms of information and enjoyment. The duration may be longer or shorter depending on your available time and travel requirements. All our Pakistan holidays can be tailored to suit your travel aspirations. This is one of the itineraries that give you an idea of what we can offer.
Our Gandhara Pakistan tour starts when you arrive at the Lahore airport, where the tour guide will take you to the hotel and give you details about the trip. Depending on your arrival time, we may do some sightseeing in the afternoon. In Lahore, we will visit Badshahi Mosque, Lahore Fort, and Lahore Museum in the evening. After a night in Lahore, we will see some Gandhara heritage tour sightseeing, including Shalamar Garden and Rohtas Fort.
After spending two nights in Lahore, we head towards Islamabad and explore the Khewra salt mines on our way to Islamabad. The following day, the Gandhara tour will lead us to Taxila near Islamabad. Taxila is a vast serial site that includes a Mesolithic cave and the archaeological remains of four early settlement sites and Buddhist monasteries. Situated strategically on the Silk Road that linked China to the West, Taxila reached its apogee between the 1st and 5th centuries. It is now one of the most important archaeological sites in Asia. In Taxila, we will visit, Khanpur cave, which has produced stratified microlithic tools of the Mesolithic period, and several Buddhist monasteries and stupas of various periods. After spending a full day in Taxila, we will head back to Islamabad for a night stay.
The Gandhara tour will take us to Peshawar the following day, where we will visit the Peshawar Museum and Mohabat Khan mosque, and the panoramic vistas of the Gandhara civilization will fascinate us. Swat Valley will be our next destination, where we will enjoy its scenic beauty and visit Mingora Bazaar and Swat Museum. Now we move back to Islamabad airport while visiting White Palace. Night stay in Islamabad then we transfer you to Islamabad International Airport for your flight back home.
We strongly believe that the vibrant and charming inhabitants, strong traditions and colourful valley will never fail to capture your heart. You will love nothing more than discovering Pakistan’s unique architecture, testing your taste buds with our spicy food and exploring the dramatic landscape, which begins in the cultural city of Lahore and finishes in the lush green Islamabad. A journey on a “Gandhara Pakistan Tour” through the ancient region of Gandhara will be an experience to remember.
Watch our Pakistan tours and other videos on Trango Adventure’s YouTube channel.
Read our TripAdvisor reviews for our Tours in Pakistan.
Gandhara Tour Brief Itinerary
D-1
Arival Day in Lahore
D-2
Lahore Sightseeing
D-3
Lahore Sightseeing
D-4
Travel from Lahore to Islamabad
D-5
Taxila- Islamabad Sightseeing
D-6
Travel from Islamabad to Peshawar
D-7
Travel from Peshawar to Swat
D-8
Travel from Swat to Islamabad
D-9
Fly back Home-Departure day
Additional information
| Grade | EASY |
|---|---|
| Age | Family friendly |
| Type | Guided Tour |
| Transport | Private Vehicle & Personal Driver |
Map & Itinerary of Gandhara Pakistan Tour
Introduction
For many years Trango Adventure 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 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.
Culture 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.
Gandhara Tour Detailed Itinerary
D-1
Arrival Day in Lahore
Welcome to Lahore International Airport. The team of Trango Adventures will greet you at Lahore airport and transfer you to the group hotel for a rest. We will meet again in the afternoon to have a sightseeing of nearby famous landmarks.
Overnight: Hotel (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner).
D-2
Lahore Sightseeing
After breakfast, we will explore the historical places, including Badshahi mosque, Wazir Khan Mosque, Lahore Fort, and Lahore Museum. Lahore Museum is home to a vast collection of Gandhara art, such as fasting Buddha, showing the region’s cultural richness.
We then visit the UNESCO-listed Lahore Fort, a world heritage site with historical significance. Next, we move towards the famous Badshahi mosque to see the grand masterpiece of Mughal architecture. We continue our excursion to the walled city of Lahore, where we can explore the bustling roadways and markets. We also stop at Masjid Wazir Khan, and in the end, we visit the tomb of Emperor Jahangir. We will return to the hotel and spend the last night in Lahore.
Overnight: Hotel (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner).
D-3
Lahore Sightseeing
Before leaving Lahore, we made our way to visit some remarkable historical sites. We drive towards Shalamar Gardens and the Wagha border flag ceremony. If we have time, we can explore Rohtas Fort, a glorious structure that stands as a testament to the architectural grandeur of the region.
This UNESCO World Heritage site showcases the military skills of Sher Shah Suri, who constructed the fort in the 16th century. While continuing our journey, we reached Mankiala Stupa, an old Buddhist monument with a rich past. It is believed to be dated back to the 2nd century BC. These sites offer us a glimpse into diverse cultural and architectural marvels of different areas. These sightseeing add another layer of depth to our trip towards Islamabad.
Overnight: Hotel (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner).
D-4
Travel from Lahore to Islamabad
The following day, after breakfast, we head towards Islamabad, 380km from Lahore. It is around 4 hours drive, and en route to Islamabad, we can explore the Khewra Salt mine. It is also known as the Mayo salt mine, the world’s second-largest salt mine. It is a well-renowned salt mine for its production of pink Khewra salt, often called Himalayan salt. It is one of the major tourist attractions, drawing in many visitors annually. The mine is in the salt range of the Potohar plateau, which rises from the Indus Plain of the Punjab. Its main tunnel at ground level was constructed during British rule by H. Warth, a mining engineer.
Overnight: Hill View Hotel or similar (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner).
D-5
Taxila- Islamabad Sightseeing
Early in the morning, we drive to Taxila or Takshashila, a city in the Pothohar area of the Punjab. It is in the Taxila Tehsil of Rawalpindi district and lies approximately 25km of the Islamabad-Rawalpindi metropolitan area. Old Taxila was the capital city of ancient Gandhara, situated on the eastern shore of the Indus River. Taxila was conquered by Alexander the Great, who got control of the city without a battle. Afterwards, we head towards Taxila, where we witness the remnants of its grand past. We also see the noteworthy stupa court of Dharmarajika and the well-preserved ruins of the Julian Buddhist sanctuary. The Sirkap and the Museum’s archaeological zones give us a deeper understanding of the city’s implications. Indeed, the Gandharan civilization usually immerses all the visitors with its artistic legacy. We can also explore the Faisal Mosque, Shakar Parian, Damenkoh, Pakistan monument, and Lok Versa in the afternoon. We will spend tonight in Islamabad.
Overnight: Hill View Hotel or similar (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner).
D-6
Travel from Islamabad to Peshawar
As we journey towards Peshawar, we eagerly anticipate delving into the city’s vibrant ambience and rich cultural heritage. Our initial destination is the renowned Peshawar Museum, where we find ourselves captivated by its remarkable array of artefacts; continuing our excursion, we lose ourselves in the lively markets such as Qissa Khwani bazaar, immersing ourselves in the bustling energy and exploring the diverse offerings of the shops lining the streets. The spectacular Mohabat Khan Mosque’s intricate design and tranquil setting enchants us. A stroll through the iconic Sethi Streets is famous for its architectural charm. We can also see Balhisar Fort from the outside. This immersive experience allows us to deeply connect with the city’s culture, heritage, and vibrant atmosphere, leaving lasting impressions of its distinct charm. Overnight stay in Peshawar.
Overnight: Hotel (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner).
D-7
Travel from Peshawar to Swat
As we set off for the scenic Swat Valley, we stopped to explore the historic site of Takht Bhai. This ancient Buddhist monastery complex offers mesmerizing vistas of the surrounding landscape. We are entranced by the well-maintained stupas, monastic chambers, and intricate sculptures, providing insight into the area’s rich Buddhist legacy. Continuing our journey, we visit the Shangardara Stupa, another notable archaeological site. We can also visit the Swat Museum and Mingora Bazaar in the evening. Surrounded by the natural beauty of Swat Valley, this part of our excursion allows us to delve into the captivating history and serenity of these ancient sites. Overnight stay in Swat Valley.
Overnight: Hotel (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner).
D-8
Travel from Swat to Islamabad
Before leaving Swat, we can explore Butkara, a Buddhist site famous for its stupa and intricate carvings. We can also make our way to the white palace, a beautiful hilltop retreat with splendid vistas of the surrounding valley. On our journey back to Islamabad, we took a detour to Hund, an ancient city once the capital of the Shahi dynasty. Here, we explore the remnants of this historical hub, including the ruins of palaces, temples, and fortifications. Additionally, we visit the rock carving of Ashoka, the Mauryan Emperor who left his indelible mark on this region. Our excursion to Hund and the rock carving of Ashoka enriches our journey with another layer of historical significance before we return to Islamabad.
Overnight: Hill View Hotel or similar (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner).
D-9
Fly back Home-Departure day
We will transfer you to Islamabad airport for the return flight to your home country. End of “Gandhara Pakistan Tour”.
Gandhara Pakistan Tour Cost and Dates for 2025
Private Groups – Chose Your Dates
All-inclusive tour Package – Domestic Flight Included
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. The Gandhara Pakistan Tour prices are for the itinerary starting from Lahore. Lahore has a good flight connection, International flights arrive early in the morning, and the return flight will depart from Islamabad International Airport on the last day of the itinerary.
Private groups choose their travel dates and contact us for private tour prices.
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 “Gandhara Pakistan 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.
Gandhara Pakistan Tour 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 Gandhara Pakistan 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 Gandhara heritage 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 40°C at Karachi, Multan and Lahore, and 25°C in the Gilgit Baltistan region. Weather is generally good throughout the summer season, with clear skies and little rain or snow. However, weather in mountainous 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. 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 GBP 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. Visa applications can be made in person OR 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 “Gandhara Pakistan Tour”.
You May Also Like
KALASH FESTIVAL
Meet the Pagans in Kalash valley, the
SKARDU TOUR
Explore Islamabad, Naran & Kaghan Valley, Karakoram
JEEP SAFARI PAKISTAN
Discover the hidden gems of Pakistan in
Tour Reviews
There are no reviews yet.
Leave a Review