Magic of Gandhara and Kalash Valley

Welcome to Islamabad! Our representative will meet you and transfer you, along with your luggage, to the hotel.



Today you will visit the Faisal Mosque and the Lok Visra Museum.



Faisal Mosque: Faisal Mosque, located in Islamabad, Pakistan, is a significant religious landmark and a symbol of the city. It is one of the largest mosques globally, accommodating many worshippers. Designed by Turkish architect Vedat Dalokay, the mosque showcases a unique blend of modern and traditional architecture. Its striking white marble structure and tall minarets make it visually stunning. Inside, the prayer hall features exquisite calligraphy and elegant chandeliers, creating a peaceful atmosphere for worship. With its picturesque setting amidst the Margalla Hills, Faisal Mosque attracts visitors from around the world, offering them a chance to admire its beauty and cultural significance.



Lok Visra Museum: The Lok Virsa Museum also known as the Folk Heritage Museum run by the National Institute of Folk & Traditional Heritage represents art works towards preserving the living folk and traditional culture and crafts of Pakistan. It is located near Shakarparian Hills and has a large display of embroidered costumes, jewelry, woodwork, metalwork, block printing, ivory and bone work. Traditional architecture facades exhibiting such skills as fresco, mirror work and marble inlay; tile, mosaic and stucco tracery are also displayed.



 
Overnight in Islamabad

Today after breakfast, you will visit UNESCO World Heritage Site Taxila and Raja Bazaar. Taxila, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located about 35 km from Islamabad, is known for its rich cultural history and archaeological significance. The site was once home to the Gandhara civilization, which flourished here between the 6th century BCE and the 5th century CE. Taxila was also a major centre for Buddhist learning, attracting scholars from all over the world. The Taxila UNESCO World Heritage site is spread across thirty different archaeological sites in the region, including the ancient city of Taxila itself, as well as the nearby sites of Dharmarajika, Mohra Moradu, and Sirkap. Together, these sites provide a fascinating glimpse into the history and culture of the ancient Gandhara civilization. The site is home to numerous Buddhist monasteries and stupas, as well as Hindu and Jain temples, dating back to the Mauryan and Gupta empires. The ruins of ancient universities and libraries, including the famous Taxila University, are also a major draw for visitors interested in the history of education in the region. In addition to its historical significance, Taxila is also an important site for the study of ancient languages and scripts. The city was home to a number of different cultures and faiths, and as a result, scholars have discovered inscriptions in a variety of languages, including Kharosthi, Greek, and Brahmi.



Taxila Museum: Taxila Museum, located in the ancient city of Taxila in Pakistan, is a treasure trove of historical artifacts and archaeological wonders. It showcases the rich cultural and historical heritage of the region, dating back to the Gandhara civilization. The museum houses a remarkable collection of sculptures, pottery, coins, jewelry, and other relics excavated from the Taxila archaeological sites. Visitors can marvel at the intricately carved Buddhist statues, admire the exquisite craftsmanship of Gandhara art, and gain insights into the ancient civilizations that thrived in this region.



Raja Bazaar: Raja Bazar is a bustling marketplace located in the heart of Rawalpindi, Pakistan. It is one of the oldest and busiest bazaars in the city and is known for its wide variety of shops and vendors selling everything you can imagine, from clothing and accessories to electronics and household items. The bazaar is a popular destination for both locals and tourists and offers a unique shopping experience that is unlike any other. Its narrow, winding streets are filled with colourful stalls and shops, and the lively atmosphere is enhanced by the constant hustle and bustle of shoppers and vendors. In addition to its shopping options, Raja Bazar is also home to several street food vendors, who offer a variety of delicious snacks and meals. Shoppers can choose from an array of mouth-watering dishes such as paaye, nihari, bun kebab, and samosas.




Overnight in Islamabad

After breakfast at the hotel, we will drive from Islamabad to Kalash Valley. It is a long drive covering most part of the day with a few breaks which also include lunch at a local restaurant. The drive is beautiful with several high peaks along the way.




Overnight in Chitral

Todays itinerary includes visiting the Kalash Valley in detail. After breakfast at the hotel, we will visit the valley. The Kalash Valley is a unique and enchanting region nestled within the mountains of Pakistan's Chitral District. Home to the indigenous and culturally rich Kalash people, this captivating haven is steeped in history, folklore, and charm. The Kalash people are known for their unique customs, vibrant festivals, and distinct belief system. The Kalasha follows an ancient form of polytheism, worshipping various deities, spirits, and natural elements. They celebrate three major festivals annually – Chilim Josh, Uchal, and Choimus, which showcase their rich culture through lively dance, music, and ritual. Inhabiting the lush Rumbur, Bumburet, and Birir valleys, the Kalash people live in harmony with their natural surroundings, employing traditional methods to cultivate crops and rear livestock. Their livelihoods depend upon handicrafts, agriculture, and animal husbandry. Interestingly, the Kalash people bear unique features, with many boasting fair skin, blue eyes, and light-coloured hair, which sets them apart from the surrounding ethnic groups. This element of their appearance has sparked various theories about their ancestry, including claims of descent from Alexander the Great's ancient army. The Kalash Valley presents a fascinating glimpse into a largely unspoiled world and the extraordinary lives of its indigenous people, who have preserved their vibrant and ancient culture amidst the breathtaking landscape of northern Pakistan.




Overnight in Chitral

After breakfast, experience the culture of Chitral at this beautiful lodge, situated on a hilltop. The location is complemented by wood carvings and local art. The hotel is known for its excellent local cuisine and hospitality.



Chitral Fort: Chitral Fort, situated on the banks of the Chitral River and commands a strategic location overlooking the river.  It was initially built in 1774 during the reign of Mohtaram Shah Katur II and then restored in 1911 by Sir Shuja ul-Mulk of the Katur dynasty who ruled the princely state of Chitral for 41 years until his death in 1936. The Katur dynasty ruled Chitral from 1571 until it was merged into Pakistan's Northwest Frontier Province in 1969. The fort gained further prominence during the Great Game, a political and military rivalry between the British Empire and the Russian Empire in Central Asia during the 19th century. The fort was a key location in the region, and both the British and Russian armies vied for control of Chitral and its surrounding areas. The fort's strategic location made it an ideal location for the British to establish a presence in the region, and they eventually gained control of Chitral and the surrounding areas. Today, the fort stands as a testament to the region's rich history and serves as a popular tourist destination.



GoI National Park: Gol National Park is a stunning nature reserve located in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. It is one of the country's largest national parks, covering an area of over 1,700 square kilometres. The park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including several endangered species such as the Himalayan snow leopard, Asiatic black bear, and markhor. The landscape is a mix of rugged mountains, deep valleys, and scenic waterfalls. Visitors to Gol National Park can enjoy hiking, bird and animal watching, as well as taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.



Garam Chasma UNESCO Bioshpere: Garam Chashma, is a unique and captivating UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The site sustains the populations of a wide range of near-threatened or vulnerable species, including the Kashmir Markhor and Siberian Ibex, two wild species of goat, the Ladakh Urial, a wild species of sheep, and the Snow Leopard. The site comprises highly diversified ecosystems, including sub-alpine meadows and conifer forests, moist temperate forests and subtropical pine forests. As a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Garam Chashma is recognized for its significant contribution to the conservation of biodiversity, as well as for promoting sustainable development and research. The reserve serves as a living laboratory where scientists and conservationists can study the interactions between humans and the environment and develop models for sustainable resource management.



Over night in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Today after breakfast, you will travel from Chitral to Swat Valley and check-in at the Rock City Hotel. Rock City Hotel Swat is a luxurious hotel located in the scenic Swat valley in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. The hotel offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and lush greenery, providing guests with a serene and peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The hotel boasts modern and well-appointed rooms and suites that are equipped with all the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay. The hotel also features a variety of dining options, including a restaurant and a coffee shop, serving delicious local and international cuisine.




Overnight in Swat Valley

After breakfast at the hotel, you will visit the Swat Museum.



Swat Museum: Visit the Swat Museum with its excellent collection of Gandhara statuettes and friezes depicting the lives of the Buddha along with seals, small reliquaries, and other treasures, mostly from Butkara and Udegram archeological sites. There are also pre-Buddhist artefacts, and an ethnographic gallery with traditional carved Swati furniture, jewelry and embroideries.



Walk to Fort Raja-Gera: The Fort of Raja-Gera, an ancient stronghold steeped in rich history, stands proudly amidst the rugged landscape as a testament to the architectural prowess of its creators. It is believed that the Fort was built during the reign of Mauryan Empire, which existed from 322 BCE to 185 BCE. Boasting a series of unyielding walls and imposing watchtowers, the Fort of Raja-Gera was strategically positioned atop a hill, providing its inhabitants with a commanding view of the surrounding terrain. The fort's formidable defences were further enhanced by its intricate network of secret passages and underground tunnels, which confounded any would-be attackers. Today, the Fort of Raja-Gera remains a symbol of the region's rich cultural heritage and serves as an enduring reminder of the resilience of its people. As visitors tread along its ancient pathways, they are transported back in time, captivated by the fort's remarkable story and its indelible mark on the annals of history.



 



Takht-i-Bahi Buddhist Monastery: Takht Bhai Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site stands as a profound symbol of the Gandhara civilization's zenith. Founded between the 1st century BCE and 1st century CE, it epitomizes the fusion of Greek and Indian artistic influences in the region. This Buddhist monastic complex served as a hub of religious and academic pursuit, reflecting the era's rich cultural and religious exchange along the Silk Road. Visitors can explore the well-preserved stupas, monastic cells, and meditation halls, each telling stories of the daily lives of Buddhist monks centuries ago. Its strategic hilltop location, intricate stupa, and monastic cells offer insights into ancient Buddhist practices and the cross-cultural interactions of the time, marking Takht Bhai as a critical repository of South Asian history and heritage.




Overnight in Islamabad

In the morning after breakfast, you will be transferred to the Islamabad International Airport to board your flight back home.