Taxila is the modern form of Takshashila, the center of the Gandhara civilization from the first millennium BC to the first millennium AD. It was the seat of inspiration and learning that created an expansion of Buddhism throughout the region. The great Mauryan king, who had embraced Buddhism, established his capital as the center of spiritual enlightenment. It was from here that Buddhism spread to the eastern regions through the northern valleys of Karakoram, the Himalayas and the Hindu Kush. Buddhism is just one aspect of the legacy of Gandhara. One can find lively impression of the Romans, Greeks, Huns, and Iranians. While Alexander the Great came here from the west, the famous Chinese piligrim Xuan Zang came from the east. The vivid heritage of its golden period is preserved not only in the form of ancient artifacts and monuments, but it can also be observed in the daily life of its people. While visiting the historic cities of Taxila, Peshawar, Swat and many other places one can relive in the glorious period of Gandhara.
* Private tours can also be arranged and adapted for your needs and budget.
Day 1: Lahore
Arrival at Lahore, Half day city tour after lunch
Day 2: Lahore
Full day city tour of Lahore, in the evening visit Wagah Border
Day 3: Lahore – Khewra – Katas – Islamabad (actual driving 6 hours)
Drive to Islamabad via Khewra Salt Mines & Katas Temple
Day 4: Islamabad/Rawalpindi
Full day city tour of Islamabad & Rawalpindi
Day 5: Islamabad – Hassanabdal – Taxila – Peshawar (actual driving 3 hours)
Visit Gurduwara Panja Sahib & Taxila. In the afternoon drive to Peshawar
Day 6: Peshawar
Full day city tour of Peshawar
Day 7: Peshawar – Takh-e-Bhai -Swat
Drive to Swat en-route visit to Takht-e-Bhai
Day 8: Swat
Full day exploration of historical sites in Swat
Day 9: Swat – Islamabad
Drive back to Islamabad (6 hours)
Day 10: Homebound flight