Buddhist Pilgrimage Detail/Package

Buddhism in Pakistan took root some 2,300 years ago under the Mauryan king Ashoka. Buddhism has played a major role in the history of Pakistan — the land of which over time has been part of predominantly Buddhist empires such as the Indo-Greek Kingdom, the Kushan Empire, the Maurya Empire of Ashoka, the Pala Empire.

Tour Overview

Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour

Takht-i-Bahi

Takht means “throne” and bahi, “water” or “spring” in Persian/Urdu. The monastic complex was called Takht-i-Bahi because it was built atop a hill and also adjacent to a stream. Located 80 kilometers from Peshawar and 16 kilometers Northwest of the city of Mardan, Takht-I-Bahi was unearthed in early 20th century and in 1980 it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage list as the largest Buddhist remains in Gandhara, along with the Sahr-i-Bahlol urban remains that date back to the same period, located about a kilometer south

Taxila

The modern town of Taxila is 35 km from Islamabad. Most of the archaeological sites of Taxila (600 BC to 500 AD) are located around Taxila Museum. For over one thousand years, Taxila remained famous as a centre of learning Gandhara art of sculpture, architecture, education and Buddhism in the days of Buddhist glory. There are over 50 archaeological sites scattered in a radius of 30 km around Taxila. Some of the most important sites are: Dhamarajika Stupa and Monastery (300 BC – 200 AD), Bhir Mound (600-200 BC), Sirkap (200 BC – 600 AD), Jandial Temple (c.250 BC) and Jaulian Monastery (200 – 600 AD). A museum comprising various sections with rich archaeological finds of Taxila, arranged in chronological order and properly labeled, has been established close to the site.

Mingora

Mingora, 3 km away from Saidu Sharif, has yielded magnificent pieces of Buddhist sculpture and the ruins of a great stupa. Shingardar Stupa is one of the famous located near Bariko Other stupas like Amaan Kot and Jehan-a-Abad are too a great asset.

Swat

The Lush-green valley of Swat District—with its rushing torrents, icy-cold lakes, fruit-laden orchards and flower-decked slopes—is ideal for holiday-makers intent on relaxation. It also has a rich historical past: “Udayana” (the “Garden”) of the ancient Hindu epics; “the land of enthralling beauty”, where Alexander of Macedonia fought and won some of his major battles before crossing over to the plains of Pakistan, and “the valley of the hanging chains” described by the famous Chinese pilgrim-chroniclers, Faxian and Xuanzang in the fifth and seventh centuries. Swat was once a cradle for major strands of Buddhism, where 1,400 monasteries flourished: Little Vehicle, Great Vehicle and the Esoteric sects. It was the home of the famous Gandhara School of Sculpture which was an expression of Graeco-Roman form in the local Buddhist tradition. Amlukdara stupa However, the ruins of great Buddhist stupas, monasteries and statues are found all over Swat.

Tour Plans

Day – 1 ARRIVAL DAY IN ISLAMABAD-PAKISTAN:

Welcome at Islamabad airport, and transfer to hotel. After refreshment proceed for city tour of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, which includes famous Faisal Mosque, Shakar Parian, Pakistan monument, Damen Koh, Lok Versa, Museum, Rawalpindi old bazaar, Raja Bazaar.

Day – 2 VISIT – TAXILA & ISLAMABAD:

On Day 2 we will travel from Islamabad to Taxila 35KM away from the Capital city. There we will visit Taxila museum, Jaulian, Mohra, Moradu and Sirkap. In 2nd half of the day the city of Capital city will start from Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument, Lok Versa, Pakistan Museum, Margala Hills,

Day – 3 VISIT -PESHAWAR:

On day 3 will drive from Islamabad to Peshawar 170 KM, after lunch we will do the city tour which includes, Kissa Khani Bazar, Peshawar museum, and Masjid Mohabat Khan.

Day – 4 VISIT -SWAT:

On day 4 we will drive from Peshawar to Swat, there are Buddha Sites at Takat Bahi and Oddiyana

Day – 5 VISIT – SWAT:

On day 5 we will be visiting Swat, Swat museum, Gandhara sculptures, White Palace

Day – 6 TRAVEL TO ISLAMABAD:

Travel back from Swat to Islamabad through Abotabad

Day – 7 DEPARTURE DAY-FLY BACK HOME:

Today is the last day of our “Buddhist pilgrimage tour Pakistan”. After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home.

Tour Highlights

  1. Explore the Islamabad city
  2. Experience the Spectacular scenery of Islamabad, Peshawar & Swat
  3. Visit Buddhist sites, in Taxila, Swat and Takhat Bahi.
  4. The Sleeping Buddha is the world’s oldest sleeping Buddha and dates back to the 3rd century. Five hundred other Buddhism related objects were excavated in the same area further reinforcing the Buddhist legacy of Pakistan.
  5. Discover the green Capital city, Islamabad, Pakistan
WHAT’S INCLUDED
  1. Professional Culture Guide (Government requirement)
  2. Airport transfers for international flights.
  3. All land transport involved in the itinerary
  4. Accommodation as described
  5. All meals
  6. All permit fees, road tax etc
WHATS’S NOT INCLUDED
  1. Travel insurance
  2. Pakistan Visa Fee
  3. Tips for local guides and support staff
  4. Miscellaneous expenses11
  5. Souvenirs etc

PLEASE NOTE: an airport departure tax of Rs1500 is sometimes payable

Tour Details

Package Standard
Price$ 1,400 per person
Discountfor Groups min 10 PAX
Hotel3 Star
Days7
Nights6
InsuranceNot Included
Medical First Aid Medical available
Five Star Packages AvailabilityYes
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