Sacred Stones & Stories: Gandhara Civilization Tour
About this tour
Here I will describe and touch the little history of Gandhara civilization. Pakistan, the crucible of many cultures and from the Stone Age sites to the British era has historical remains scattered all over the country. However, the most popular are the Indus valleys and gandhara civilization.
We will start Islamabad Taxila . Gandhara, the ancient Peshawar valley and the cradle of Buddhist civilization, which gave birth to the famous Gandharan art, It remained one of the provinces of the Achaemenian empire according to a Darius period inscription of 6the century BC, its first capital from 6the century BC to 1st century AD was invaded in Mauryan, indo-Greeks, Scythian, Parthians and kushans, who established their capital at Peshawar in 1st century AD.
In 7th century AD, the shahi dynasty established its capital at hund, which remaine their Centre till the invasions of Gaznavids in 998 AD, hence ending the rule of Gandhara.
The sites and antiquities of Takht-i-bahi, Bukhara, saidu stupa, andan dheri, chat pat, dam kot khanpur, and the monasteries in Taxila valley provided richest collection of the Gandharan art to the Peshawar, Mardan,Taxila, swat, Dir museums through the excavations by British, Italian and Pakistani scholars.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad, Pakistan to Islamabad, Pakistan
In the mornin Iam Sherbaz guide pick you from Islamabad Airport and drive you Pakistan Monuments -Lok virsa /culture museum, Lake View Park-saidpur Village-Faisal Mosque, Damen-Kho picnic point-and some major shopping malls and markets in Islamabad. Lunch and dinner in Islamabad. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 2: Islamabad, Pakistan to Peshawar, Pakistan
we drive to Taxila Museum and surrounding archaeological sites, Visit Darmarajic stupa -Murmoradu site-sirikup and Julian. Lunch will be arrange here. Drive to Peshawar .Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 3: Peshawar, Pakistan to TOUR DA PEKHAWAR, Peshawar, Pakistan
We take you to Peshawar Museum -Mohabat Khan Mosque,-sethi Mehla /street, Kisa khawani Bazzar-Ganta Ghar-Mughal -Caravanserai Gor Khatri and Peshawar Museum. After a complete we drive back to Hotel
Day 4: Baab e Khyber, Jamrud, Pakistan to Torkham Border Crossing, Torkham, Pakistan
We drive you Khyber Pass with pack lunch and it is the most important attraction of Peshawar. A visit to Peshawar is in-complete without the visit to Khyber Pass. After security process we will have Guards from here and will drive to the Khyber Pass. We will stop for pictures at designated points Including Jamrud Fort, Ali Masjid fort highest point of the Khyber Pass and Khyber Pass view point near Torkhum where you can see Afghanistan from a distance. Drive back to Peshawar for overnight stay.
Day 5: Swat Takht Bhai Kabab Centre, Peshawar, Pakistan to Swat Valley, Bani Gala, Pakistan
We depart for Takht I Bai. It is located north east of Mardan. Takht Bai is one of the well preserved beautiful Buddhists monastic complex just 1 km drive from Mardan city... The main stupa and two courtyards created on different terrace are augmented votive stupas and shrines cell. It is 2nd to 3rd century AD.Drive to Swat valley.. En route visit Shingardar -Baritkot-Minogora colorful Bazzar Stupa. Stay at Hotel.
Day 6: Swat Motor way tunnel 1, Malakand, Pakistan to Lahore-Islamabad Motorway, Lahore, Pakistan
We drive to Lahore via Motorway driving distanced.7. En route we visit Katas /Hindu Shive Temple and Salt mine which is second highest mine the world. After a brief tour we will keep drive to Lahore. Upon arrival to Lahore transfer to Hotel.
Day 7: Lahore City, Pakistan to Lahore, Pakistan
We drive to Lahore Mughal dynasty sites. Our first visit to iconic Bade I Shahi Mosque which was built in 17th century commission by Emperor Aurangzeb. Visit to adjacent Lahore Fort Minar e Pakistan and Wazir Khan. Lunch at Lahore Food Street. After lunch visit Noor Jehan and Janhangir Tomb. Evening drive back to Hotel. Dinner is on roof Top of food streets with best glittering view of stunning Bad e Shahi Mosque and Lahore city. Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 8: Wahga Integrated Check Post, Lahore, Pakistan to Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore, Pakistan
We take you to Lahore major shopping Malls and markets. We first visit Lahore famous bazzar Ankarli baazar, here enjoy the local typical foods .Liberty Market, Gulberg. After lunch we drive you to the most historical border Wagha to attend flag down ceremony of both counties soldiers. It is a hostile show daily practice at the border at afternoon time. Dinner is at Village Restaurant MM Alam road. After dinner transfer to Airport with a lot of nice memories from beautiful Pakistan
What's included
Transport private Car throughout journey Car Fuel / Gas Hotel meals Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner Fresh fruits and Nestle water unlimited Trekking supplies and foods Professional Driver and tourist guide Visa invitation letter All Parking fee All trekking gears
Travel Insurance beverages domestic ticket
Languages spoken
What to know
Travel & Logistics Starting Point: Islamabad, with road journeys to Taxila, Peshawar, and Swat. Transport: Comfortable private vehicle with local driver. Accommodation: Hotels/guesthouses in Islamabad, Peshawar, and Swat. Guide: The entire journey will be led by Mr. Sherbaz, an experienced mountains guide and storyteller, ensuring both logistical support and cultural depth throughout the tour. Weather & Best Season Best Season: October to April (pleasant weather for sightseeing). Summer: Can be hot in Peshawar and Taxila. Winter: Cool and comfortable, though Swat Valley may be chilly. Essentials to Pack Light, breathable clothing for plains; warm layers for Swat Valley evenings. Comfortable walking shoes for archaeological sites. Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for daytime exploration. Personal medicines and a small first‑aid kit. Culture & Local Experience Respect local customs and dress modestly at religious or heritage sites. Photography is allowed at most sites, but ask permission when photographing people. Mr. Sherbaz will provide historical context and cultural insights, making the ruins come alive with stories. Mobile coverage is available in most areas, though weaker in Swat Valley. Roads are safe and scenic, but expect some winding mountain routes. Local hospitality is warm; English is spoken at museums and by guides. This way, Mr. Sherbaz’s name is explicitly mentioned in both the Logistics and Culture & Local Experience sections, emphasizing his role as the mountains guide and cultural interpreter.
Route & locations
Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad, Pakistan to Islamabad, Pakistan