Trips Pakistan

Gandhara Pilgrimage of Discovery

This is a road journey of discovery and visit to some of the most prominent Buddhist ruins in Pakistan from the Gandhara period as we travel along the Karakoram Highway which offers some of the most spectacular mountain views in the world.

While visiting the historic cities of Taxila, Peshawar, Swat and many other places, one can relive in the glorious period of Gandhara.

Historical Brief

Gandhara is the name of an ancient Indian Kingdom in northern Pakistan and eastern Afghanistan which lasted from the 6th century BC to the 11th century AD. Its main cities were Purushapura (modern Peshawar) and Takshashila (modern Taxila).

The Kushan period from 1st century to the 5th century AD is considered the Golden Period of Gandhara. On our visit to Peshawar Valley and Taxila, we can see hundreds of ruins of stupas and monasteries from this period. Some of the best pieces of sculpture of all time were also produced during this period as Gandharan & Budhhist art flourished and spread outward to other parts of Asia.

The great Kushan king Kanishka (128-151-AD) was a great patron of the Buddhist faith and Buddhism spread to Central Asia and the Far East over the Pamir where his empire met the Han Empire of China. Before Kanishka, Buddha was not represented in human form and under him, Mahayana Buddhism flourished and Buddha was represented in human form. Under him Gandhara became a holy land of Buddhism and a centre of spiritual enlightenment and attracted Chinese pilgrimage to visit Gandhara to see monuments associated with tales from The Jataka, a voluminous body of folklore and mythic literature primarily associated with the Theravada Buddhist tradition.

After Kanishka, Gandhara the empire started losing territories in the east and in the centuries after, Buddhism waned in the tide of rising Hinduism and then Islam. Finally when it was conquered in 1021 AD, the name Gandhara disappeared. It was only in the mid 19th century that Gandhara was re-discovered by the British.

Crossroads of Ancient Civilizations

Buddhism is just one aspect of Gandhara. One can find lively impressions of the Romans, Greeks, Huns, and Persians. Alexander the Great came here from the west, while the famous Chinese pilgrims Xuan Zang & Fa Hsien came from the east. For much of its history, Peshawar was one of the main trading centers on the ancient Silk Road and was a major crossroads for various cultures between the subcontinent and Central Asia.

The vivid heritage of its golden period is preserved not just in the form of ancient artifacts and monuments it can also be observed in the daily life of its people and we have the chance to see some of these old cultures in some of the remote villages visited.

Highlights

• Shigar Valley: remote gateway valley to the Baltoro glacier and the high mountains of the Karakoram, stretches from Skardu to Askole
• Skardu: gateway town to some of the highest and most beautiful mountains on earth, ie K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrums, Trango Towers etc.
• Gilgit: one of 2 hubs for mountaineering expeditions to the Karakorams; also an important city on the Silk Road through which Buddhism was spread from India to the rest of Asia
• Hunza: one of the most beautiful places in Pakistan and offers spectacular views of many mountain such as Rakaposhi (7788m)
• Swat Valley: The 'Switzerland' of Pakistan
• Takht-e-Bahi: most impressive Buddhist ruin site, an UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Khyber Pass: the most important mountain pass connecting Pakistan with Afghanistan and an important trade route between Central Asia and South Asia throughout history
• Taxila: UNESCO World Heritage Site, an important archaelogical site containing the ruins of the Gandhara city and the university of Takshashila, an important Verdic/Hindu and Buddhist centre of learning from the 5th century to 2th century

Included

• Accommodation in standard hotels on twin sharing basis
• Meal Plan: Breakfast only in hotels
• Full board during camping
• English speaking experienced guide
• Assistant Guide (for groups above 07 members)
• Air-conditioned mini van for group members
• Soft top non air-conditioned Willy jeep for kitchen & camping equipment
• All road taxes
• Entrance fee at sites and museums
• Camping fees
• Two men Standard North Face VE 25 or Ferrino tents during camp nights
• Mattresses, Mess tent, Toilet Tent
• Cook & Helper (for groups above 04 members)
• Kitchen tent and Kitchen utensils during camp nights
• Boats, camels etc. and all other applicable transport

Excluded

• 2-way international economy class return airfares between Singapore & Islamabad
• All airport taxes and fuel surcharges
• Pakistan travel visa, if applicable
• Tipping & gratuities to guide & driver
• Personal travel insurance, pre-trip medical immunizations, and all expenses of a personal nature