A 6-day pilgrimage through the ancient Gandhara Kingdom — Taxila, Takht-i-Bahi, Peshawar Museum, and the cradle of Buddhist heritage in Pakistan.
In the recent history of conflict and natural disasters, Pakistan seems to have been deprived of its great potential for tourism. Though Pakistan is not a Buddhist country, its rich heritage makes it an important pilgrimage site for the followers of Buddhism everywhere. Of the Buddhist heritage alone, there are hundreds of sites scattered across Pakistan.
Among them are the Dharmarajika Stupa in Takht-i-Bahi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Votive Stupa, Shingardar Stupa, the Amluk Dara Stupa situated in Taxila (previously Takshashila), and an iconic Buddha statue in Swat. Over the last three years, Bamala in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has emerged as a major Buddhist heritage site after the remains of a 1700-year-old sleeping Buddha statue were discovered there.
Long before Lumbini in Nepal was put on the UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1997 as the place where Lord Buddha was born, the Dharmarajika Stupa situated in Taxila, Punjab, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980.
The ancient Kingdom of Gandhara, situated near Taxila and extending to parts of present-day Afghanistan, was critical in spreading Buddhism. Ashoka the Great mobilized his envoys to spread the message of Buddha, built stupas and carved Buddha statues in this area back in 300/400 BC. Greek and Buddhist followers in the Gandhara Kingdom developed and followed the Mahayana strand of Buddhism.
Marananta, a Buddhist monk from Gandhara in modern day Pakistan, is said to have spread Buddhism up to the Korean Peninsula, all the way through Northwest Pakistan and China in the fourth century. The Gandhara Kingdom lasted until the 11th century before splitting into parts — some now in Pakistan and others in today's Afghanistan.
Explore the cradle of Gandhara civilization — home to some of the world's most significant Buddhist heritage.
One of the best-preserved Buddhist monasteries in the world, dating back to the 1st century.
UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980. One of the oldest Buddhist stupas in the world.
Home to one of the largest collections of Gandhara art and Buddhist objects in the world.
Ancient Buddhist monastery with stunning views of the Taxila Valley.
Monastery complex featuring the "Healing Buddha" and ritual washing pools.
One of the largest collections of Buddhist objects in the world — Gandhara art at its finest.
A 6-day pilgrimage through the heart of Gandhara — from Islamabad to the ancient Buddhist sites of Taxila and Peshawar.
Arrival at Islamabad International • Airport Transfer • Overnight stay in Islamabad
Breakfast • Departure for Taxila • Visit of Taxila Museum • Jaulian Monastery • Return to Hotel
Breakfast • Departure for Taxila • Visit of Ancient city of Sirkap • Dharmarajika Stupa • Mohra Muradu • Return to Hotel
Breakfast • Departure for Peshawar • Exploring Peshawar Museum • Qissa Khawani Bazaar • Takht-i-Bahi ancient ruins • Return to Islamabad
Breakfast • Free day in Islamabad • Sightseeing/Shopping • Return to Hotel
Breakfast • Hotel check-out • Airport Transfers • Fly out
Choose the option that best fits your travel style.
Account Title: Pakistan Explorer
A/c #: 001005077804
Branch Code: 0131
IBAN: PK75ALFH0131001005077804
Bank: Bank Alfalah F-10 Markaz, Islamabad
Pakistan Explorer is a registered Travel company bearing National Taxation Number (NTN: 7187922-0) and is registered with Ministry of Tourism, providing complete assistance to tourists and climbing expeditions from across the world.
Join Pakistan Explorer on a 6-day pilgrimage through the ancient Gandhara Kingdom — a journey through the cradle of Buddhist civilization.
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