Pakistan, a land of unsurpassed and diverse beauty, has been the cradle of ancient civilizations as it developed at roughly the same time when the Mesopotamian and Egyptian empires were at their peak. Pakistan is a scenic wonderland as we see the lofty snow-covered mountain with lush green valleys fed by world’s longest glaciers, the forested green hills in the foothills offers a different view before entering to the fertile plains. The tour covers the whole stretch of the country with splendid scenery and visiting all four provinces of Pakistan and a part of the Northern Areas. The history of the region dates back to the stone-age. The Indus Valley civilization developed around 3000 BC. In about 1700 BC, Aryans stormed towards this region from Central Asia and Buddhism evolved in the 6th century BC. At the same time, the easternmost parts of the sub-continent became part of the Gandhara Kingdom. Alexander conquered the region in 327 BC and this short-lived empire was overpowered by the Mauryan Empire. 711 AD was the time of the advent of Islam from Arabia and subsequently, several invaders conquered the region for short periods. In the16th century AD., Babar conquered India and established a long-lasting Mughal Empire in this region. The British arrived in the sub-continent at the beginning of the 17th century AD, and in 1947 Pakistan gained independence and emerged on the map of the world as a sovereign state. A story of 5000 years has been described in this tour, where we follow the routes of famous rulers of the world; visit their forts and castles, excavated sites of buried cities and collected antiques in museums. Since this tour includes a visit to north as well as south, and considering the great climatic difference between both regions, the best season would be September to November, and February to April. This great adventurous tour is possible while enjoying the journey, by temperature controlled modern transport and comfortable accommodation throughout. The especially designed tour reflects the expertise of Panoramic Pakistan.
Tour Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Pakistan
Welcome in Pakistan at Islamabad and transfer to hotel. In the afternoon we will make a city sightseeing tour to Rawalpindi and Islamabad, which offers a great contrast of culture, archaeology and planning. Rawalpindi is an old city with narrow lanes and bustling bazaars while Islamabad is more modern, and the only planned city of Pakistan serving as the capital of the state. Raja Bazaar, Murree Road, Lok Virsa Museum and Shah Faisal Mosque are the main places of tourist interest included in the tour.
Day 02: Islamabad – Murree – Nathia Gali
We visit the famous summer and winter hill resorts of Punjab and NWFP. At the time of British Raj these hill stations were selected as areas to develop, in order to beat the scorching heat of plains and to serve as summer office places.
Day 03: Nathiagali – Abbottabad – Besham
Drive out from the lower Himalayas to start driving on KKH to Besham, which is a stopover only, developing rapidly into a busy commercial town. From here, Swat Valley is accessible through Shangla Pass.
Day 04: Besham – Gilgit
Following the upstream course of River Indus, we will make photo stops at the Shatial and Chilas rocks, which have ancient markings on them. Nanga Parbat viewpoint offers a breathtaking panorama while our next stop will be the unique point where three mountain ranges, Karakoram, Himalayas and Hindu Kush meet, and then the last viewpoint is the confluence of the Indus and Gilgit Rivers before arriving at Gilgit.
Day 05: Gilgit – Karimabad (Hunza Valley)
Gilgit has been the most important garrison town since ages. Now it is the largest and most important commercial center of the region, settled on the banks of Gilgit River. After making a brief tour of the town, we depart for Hunza driving on KKH and make a spectacular stop at Rakaposhi viewpoint. Crossing several villages of Nagar and Hunza states, we arrive at Karimabad, the capital town of Hunza Valley.
Day 06: Karimabad – Sightseeing
Ultar, Hunza Dome, Bublimating, Spantik and Diran are famous peaks surrounds us at Karimabad, while Rakaposhi at 7788m dominates the whole panorama. At Karimabad, we visit Baltit Fort Museum and Altit Fort. Rest of the day is free for walking around villages and famous terraced fields of Hunza.
Day 07: Karimabad – Chilas
Return journey on KKH to Chilas, the place at the foot of Nanga Parbat, where hundreds of rocks are found with inscriptions, writings and drawings of old times.
Day 08: Chilas – Saidu Sharif
Leaving the course of Indus at Besham, we will cross the picturesque Shangla Pass at 2134m to arrive at Saidu Sharif, the capital of Swat Valley.
Day 09: Saidu Sharif – Excursion Kalam
Full day excursion to Kalam, the main attraction of Swat in the upper valley, en route crossing the villages of Madyan and Bahrain, along River Swat. In the evening return to hotel for overnight stay in Saidu Sharif.
Day 10: Saidu Sharif – Peshawar
Swat Museum and Butkara site are the prime attractions of the town and after visiting these places, we will depart for Peshawar, visiting Takhat-e-Bahi site en route.
Day 11: Peshawar – Khyber Pass
Peshawar has witnessed the rule and climax of several civilizations as Khyber Pass was the easiest approach route from north towards the sub-continent, making it the lone choice for the armies of Alexander, Ghaznavids, Ghauris, and Mughals. A trip to Afghanistan Border is beyond imagination where you still breathe in a world of tribes with their own law and order.In the town, Peshawar Museum, Masjid Mahabat Khan, Qissa Khawani bazaar and a drive by Bala Hisar Fort is our main activity.
Day 12: Peshawar – Taxila – Lahore
Following the G.T. Road, built by Sher Shah Suri, we arrive at Taxila, the famous capital of Buddhists. At Taxila, we will visit Jaulian Monastery and Archaeological Museum. Later following the new route of Motorway, we drive to Lahore, the heart of Pakistan.
Day 13: Lahore – Sightseeing
Lahore, the former capital of Mughals, is the present cultural center of Pakistan. The city offers a lot to see and we start with a visit to Museum, which is the best in Pakistan. Later we will visit the elegant building of Mughal Emperor Jahangir’s tomb, which will be followed by a visit to Noor Jehan’s mausoleum.
Day 14: Lahore – Sightseeing
Today we will visit the enormous Lahore Fort, Badshahi Masjid and later on famous Shalamar Gardens. Evening is free to explore Anarakali, a traditional Pakistani bazaar with local handicrafts and souvenirs. For dinner, we will visit the Food Street, a unique place known for local and traditional cuisine.
Day 15: Lahore – Harappa – Multan
Driving on National Highway, we will visit Harappa, dating back to 2800 BC and which equals the age of Egypt and Mesopotamia. The place was also known through the period of Buddhists and Hindus. Later we drive straight to Multan and in the evening visit the old bazaars of Multan.
Day 16: Multan – Bahawalpur
After visiting mystic shrines of sufi saints of Multan, we drive to Bahawalpur and on arrival visit the small museum with local collection of artifacts.
Day 17: Bahawalpur – Excursion Derawar Fort
Today we will make an excursion to Derawar Fort, an impressive building in the heart of Cholistan Desert. At Derawar, we will visit the unique Derawar Mosque made by white marble in contrast to the desert all around. In the evening we will return to hotel at Bahawalpur.
Day 18: Bahawalpur – Uch Sharif – Sukkur
We will depart from Bahawalpur and make a visit to Uch Sharif, with its famous buildings of tombs especially of Bibi Jiwandi. Later proceed to Sukkur crossing boundary of Punjab and Sind provinces.
Day 19: Sukkar – Kot Diji – Larkana
In the morning, we will visit Kot Diji, a ruined fort and after making a brief city tour, drive to Larkana, an important town of Sind Province.
Day 20: Larkana – Excursion Mohenjo-Daro
Mohenjo-Daro is the most important excavated site of Indus Valley Civilization. Its ruins date back to 3000 BC. After deciphering its languages, more facts will reveal however it is still an archaeological heaven.
Day 21: Larkana – Amri – Ranni Kot – Hyderabad
Amri is an excavated site of Indus civilization, while Ranni Kot boasts as the world’s largest fort, encompassing an area of 40 square kilometers. After visiting the sites, we drive to Hyderabad.
Day 22: Hyderabad – Thatta – Karachi
We drive to Karachi making a brief stop at Keenjhar Lake. Later we enter in Thatta to visit famous Shah Jahan Mosque and to visit Makli, the largest necropolis in the World. Later on, we resume our drive to visit elegantly stone carved graves at Chaukandi and finally arrive at Karachi in the evening.
Day 23: Karachi – City Sightseeing
Karachi is a newly developed city of Pakistan, hence the largest. Its beaches and bazaars are worth visiting. Rest of the day is free for individual’s activities.
Day 24: Departure
Our staff will provide transfer and assistance at departure and say bon voyage for your onwards journey.
End of the Tour.
We are also pleased to offer following tours on advance reservation:
- Alexander Trail Tours
- Marco Polo Trail Tours
- The Great Game Tours
- Men & Mountain Tours
- Sand & Snow Tours
- Marcoplo Jeep Safari
- Adventure Tours Pakistan
- Skiing Tours
