Pakistan · Archaeology

16-Day Gandhara and Indus Civilization Tour through Pakistan

16 Days Round trip from Karachi Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Makli Necropolis, Mohenjo-Daro, Rohtas Fort, and Takht-e-Bahi
  • 02 Discover Gandhara Civilization treasures at Taxila Museum, Dharmarajika Stupa, and Sirkap
  • 03 Witness architectural marvels such as Shah Jahan Mosque, Lahore Fort, and Shalimar Gardens
  • 04 Experience the timeless charm of Swat Valley and the historic cities of Lahore, Multan, Peshawar, and Hyderabad

Embark on a 16-day journey through the ancient wonders and vibrant cultural landscapes of Pakistan, from Karachi to Hyderabad, Multan, Bahawalpur, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, and Swat. Explore iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Makli Necropolis, Mohenjo-Daro, Rohtas Fort, Takht-e-Bahi, and the Gandhara Civilization treasures of Taxila Museum, Dharmarajika Stupa, and Sirkap. Along the way, witness architectural marvels such as Shah Jahan Mosque, Lahore Fort, and Shalimar Gardens while discovering the timeless charm of Swat Valley. This tour offers an enriching blend of archaeology, culture, history, and natural beauty.

Explore iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Makli Necropolis, Mohenjo-Daro, Rohtas Fort, Takht-e-Bahi, and the Gandhara Civilization treasures of Taxila Museum, Dharmarajika Stupa, and Sirkap.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 16 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included · Budget
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Yes
Cities Islamabad, Peshawar, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Multan, Bahawalpur, Taxila, Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Swāt
Languages English, Italian, Japanese, Korean

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Karachi

  • Upon arrival at Karachi airport, meet, assist, and transfer to the hotel.

Overnight in Karachi.

2
Day 02

Karachi City Tour

  • After breakfast, visit the Karachi National Museum and Mohatta Palace.
  • In the afternoon, visit Clifton Beach.

Overnight at the hotel.

3
Day 03

Karachi to Hyderabad via Chaukhandi, Makli, and Shah Jahan Mosque

  • Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, drive to Hyderabad, en route visiting Chaukhandi Tombs, Makli Hills, and Shah Jahani Mosque.
  • After lunch, continue the drive to Hyderabad.
  • Arrive and transfer to the hotel.
  • Dinner at the hotel.

Overnight in Hyderabad.

4
Day 04

Hyderabad to Mohenjo-Daro and Sukkur

  • Breakfast at the hotel.
  • Morning drive to Mohenjo-Daro to visit and explore the Mohenjo-Daro site and museum.
  • Lunch at a local restaurant.
  • Arrive and transfer to the hotel in Sukkur.
  • Dinner at a local restaurant in Sukkur.

Overnight in Sukkur.

5
Day 05

Sukkur to Bahawalpur via Uch Sharif

  • Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a morning drive to Bahawalpur.
  • Lunch at a local restaurant.
  • Visit Uch Sharif.
  • Arrive and transfer to the hotel.
  • Dinner at the hotel.

Overnight in Bahawalpur.

6
Day 06

Bahawalpur, Derawar Fort Excursion, and Multan

  • After breakfast, proceed for an excursion to Derawar Fort with a packed lunch.
  • Then, drive to Multan.
  • Dinner at the hotel.
  • Arrive and transfer to the hotel.

Overnight in Multan.

7
Day 07

Multan, Harappa, and Lahore

  • Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, visit the Sufi shrines of Shah Rukn-e-Alam and the Bahauddin Zakariya Tomb.
  • Then, drive to Lahore, en route visiting Harappa.
  • Lunch at a local restaurant in Sahiwal.
  • Arrive and transfer to the hotel.

Dinner and overnight in Lahore.

8
Day 08

Lahore Heritage Tour and Wagah Border Ceremony

  • After breakfast, proceed for a full-day sightseeing tour of Lahore, including the Royal Mosque and Lahore Fort.
  • After lunch, visit the Wagah Border to witness the flag-lowering ceremony between India and Pakistan.
  • Enjoy a traditional dinner at Village Restaurant Lahore, a very famous restaurant.

Overnight at the hotel.

9
Day 09

Lahore Museum, Anarkali Bazaar, and Shalimar Gardens

  • After breakfast, visit Lahore National Museum and Anarkali Bazaar.
  • After lunch, visit Shalimar Gardens, a UNESCO site.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

10
Day 10

Lahore to Islamabad via Rohtas Fort

  • After breakfast, drive to Islamabad, en route visiting Rohtas Fort.
  • Visit a shopping mall in Islamabad.
  • Dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight in Islamabad.

11
Day 11

Taxila and Islamabad City Tour

  • After breakfast, proceed to visit the Taxila sites of Dharmarajika and Sirkap, along with Taxila Museum.
  • En route, visit grand truck painting sites and art workshops.
  • Lunch at a local restaurant in Taxila.
  • In the afternoon, enjoy an Islamabad city tour, visiting Shakar Parian, Pakistan Monument, and Lok Virsa.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

12
Day 12

Islamabad to Peshawar

  • After breakfast, drive to Peshawar.
  • Upon arrival, visit Peshawar Museum, Qissa Khwani Bazaar, and explore Peshawar's old markets.
  • Lunch at a local restaurant.
  • Dinner at the hotel.

Overnight in Peshawar.

13
Day 13

Peshawar to Swat via Takht-e-Bahi

  • After breakfast, drive to Swat Valley, en route visiting Takht-e-Bahi.
  • Then, continue the drive to Swat.
  • Arrive and transfer to a restaurant for dinner.

Overnight in Swat.

14
Day 14

Swat Archaeological Excursion

  • After breakfast, proceed for a full-day sightseeing tour of Swat, including visits to Swat Museum, Butkara I, Butkara II, and Shangardar Stupa.
  • Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
15
Day 15

Swat to Islamabad

  • Breakfast at the hotel.
  • Drive to Islamabad, en route lunch at a local restaurant.
  • Enjoy free time in Islamabad.
  • Visit Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument, and Shakar Parian.
16
Day 16

Saidpur Village, Rawalpindi Markets, and Departure

  • Breakfast at the hotel, then drive to Saidpur Village.
  • Visit Rawalpindi old market and Islamabad market for shopping.
  • After dinner, transfer to the airport.

Note: If the flight is early in the morning, transfer to the airport will be arranged according to your flight timing.

Accommodation: No

Mohenjo-Daro ruins, Makli Necropolis, Swat Valley

Where this trip takes you

Mohenjo-Daro ruins, Makli Necropolis, Swat Valley

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Karachi 11 cities · 16 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • 1/2-star hotel accommodation (all rooms are based on twin sharing; if you need a single room, extra charges will apply).
  • Daily breakfast as per the itinerary.
  • Air-conditioned transport, including fuel and toll taxes.

What's Not Included

  • Entrance fees as per the itinerary.
  • Tips for the guide and driver.
  • Meals such as all lunches and all dinners.
  • Extras such as soft drinks, ice cream, alcoholic drinks, etc. during meals.
  • International airfare.
  • Anything not mentioned in the inclusions.
  • Extra services.
  • Guide services upon request.
  • One pax will be charged double.
  • Driver living and meal expenses.

What to bring

Travel Essentials:

  • Valid passport and visa: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months.
  • Travel insurance documents: For medical emergencies and travel disruptions.
  • Copies of important documents: Digital and printed copies of your passport, visa, and itinerary.
  • Credit/debit cards and cash: Local currency (Pakistani Rupees) for small purchases.

Clothing:

  • Comfortable, modest clothing: Loose-fitting clothes/pant shirt.
  • Lightweight layers: Daytime can be warm, while evenings may be cool.
  • Warm jacket/sweater: For cooler regions like Swat Valley and evenings.
  • Comfortable walking shoes: Essential for exploring archaeological sites and forts.
  • Sandals/flip-flops: For casual wear or at accommodations.
  • Scarf/shawl: Required for visiting mosques and cultural sites.

Personal Care Items:

  • Sunscreen and sunglasses: To protect from strong sun exposure.
  • Hat/cap: For shade during outdoor excursions.

Health and Safety:

  • Personal medications.

Know before you go

  • 1/2-star accommodation will be provided while traveling in Pakistan.
  • Transportation will be provided according to the number of persons.
  • For 01-02 pax: one Toyota Corolla car (4-seater).
  • For 03-08 pax: one van (13-seater).
  • One pax will be charged double the original quotation.
  • Single-room supplement: US$ 460 per person per room.
  • Driver expenses for meals and room will be paid daily by the tourist.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Karachi, Pakistan
Tour start
Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh, Pakistan
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 16 days finish where they began, in Karachi.

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Starting from

USD 980 /person
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Estimated room rates

Single Room $980.00 — $1,670.00
Double Sharing $980.00 — $1,670.00

When

Travellers

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