Overview
Pakistan was a key place for spreading Buddhism along the Silk Route because it was well-placed between South Asia, Central Asia, and China. Areas like Gandhara, Taxila, Swat, and Gilgit-Baltistan were located along important trade paths that merchants, monks, and travelers used. Buddhist monasteries, stupas, and schools were built in these places to give traders a place to stay, learn, and receive spiritual support. The Gandhara civilization is well-known for its special Buddhist art that combined styles from India, Greece, and Central Asia. From these places, Buddhist teachings, texts, and art spread along the Silk Road to China and other areas of East Asia. So, Pakistan was very important in helping Buddhism grow as a religion and culture along the Silk Route.
Tour Itinerary
Departure from home town to Pakistan. Upon arrival in Islamabad Airport, transfer you to the hotel check in and overnight stay in hotel.
Morning, we will drive to the ancient Buddhist sites known as the Taxila Valley: we will visit the Taxila Museum, Dharmarajika Stupa, Jualian Mosastery, and Sirkap. After that we will have our lunch and then later continue our journey to Peshawar. Overnight stay in Peshawar.
Approx Drive: 3 – 4 hrs
In the Morning we will visit Peshawar Museum which was built in the memory of Queen Victoria in 1907, has the collection of Buddhist artifacts, Mughal and Persian Islamic Art, and the British rule collection. We will continue and move towards Mohabbat Khan Mosque, which was built in 1630 and was named after the Mughal Governor of Peshawar, Nawab Mahabat Khan. Near Mohabbat Khan Mosque, Qissa Khwani Bazaar (Story-tellers market) in Ancient time it used to be a story tellers Bazaar where people would drink Qehwa (green tea) and tell stories. We will get back for overnight stay at hotel.
Approx Drive: 4 – 5 hrs
Morning, after breakfast we have the whole day for exploring swat with its Buddhist treasures. First we will visit the Swat Museum and its collection of schist artifacts. After that we will visit one of the most re-developed stupa in the history of Gandhara; Butakara I stupa. Later we will drive up hill for the Jahanabad Buddha: a huge carving of Buddha on the boulder (we have to hike 30 mins). Overnight in Hotel.
Approx drive: 2 hrs
After Breakfast, we will drive towards the Upper Indus region and to the gateway of the Northern Pakistan. It will be a long drive, however, the concept of silk route and its connected cites. We will stop at different stops along the way. Overnight in Hotel.
Approx Drive: 8 hrs
Morning, we will visit the famous rock carvings of Upper Indus Buddhist Corridor. These rock carving are more than 50,000 bearing the inscriptions and petroglyphs of the Buddhist nature in the light of silk route. These carving have Buddhist Stupas and Pagodas, Bodhisattva carvings, and 5000 plus inscriptions. After that we will proceed towards the Kargha Buddha of the 7th century AD, carved on the mountain. Later transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Hotel.
Approx Drive: 3 – 4 hrs
After breakfast, drive from Gilgit to Hunza Valley along the Karakoram Highway anciently known as
Silk Route. We will stop at the Rakaposhi viewpoint. Arrive in Karimabad, we will visit the Altit fort and in the evening we will enjoy the sunset views from Duiker viewpoint. Overnight stay in hotel.
Approx Drive: 3 – 4 hrs
Morning, we will explore the upper Hunza Valley, first we will drive to Hopper Valley and visit the Hopper Glacier with the scenic route. Later we will drive to Attabad Lake a turquoise lake with a fascinating story. After Lunch, we will drive to Passu Valley and have a walk around the locality of Passu village. Overnight in Hotel.
Approx Drive: 2 hrs
After Breakfast, full-day excursion to Khunjerab Pass the ancient corridor of China and Pakistan. The highest paved international border crossing. Enjoy the stunning mountain scenery. Return to Hunza for overnight stay. Overnight stay in hotel.
Approx Drive: 3 -4 hrs
Morning, we will drive from Hunza to Skardu, enroute we will make multiple stops, and continue our journey with scenic routes. Upon arrival to Skardu we will visit the Manthal Buddha; a Buddhist carving with multiple mudras. Overnight stay in hotel.
Approx Drive: 5 – 6 hrs
Morning, we will transfer to the airport and have a panoramic flight to Islamabad, Flying over the mighty Nanga Parbat. We will land in Islamabad in one hour. Upon arrival we will visit Pakistan Monument and Daman I Koh. Overnight in Hotel.
Approx flight: 1 hr | Approx drive: 2 hrs
After Breakfast, we will go to Mankiyala Stupa own of the stupa with reference to a Bodhisattva on the story of the Buddha and the Loin cubs. After that we will come back to Islamabad have our lunch, and in the evening enjoy the farewell dinner. Later transfer you to the airport for international flight.
Approx Drive: 4 hrs.
