Cultural Tours – Travel Routes Pakistan

Islamabad Taxila Tours

Islamabad

If you are in Islamabad havethree spare days then nothing can be better to plan a three-day tour of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Taxila all in one. This tour will give you all the vibes from to explore cultural city of Rawalpindi & Modern city of Islamabad.

Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, is strategically located near the foothills of Margalla. This developed region is distinguished by its stunning natural beauty, exceptional architecture, and rich cultural heritage. Taxila is one of the ancient Buddhist Monastery in the world, it has several Archaeological sites & Museum, it’s also included in the UNESCO Heritage site list.

Rawalpindi

The Rawalpindi City Guided Tour offers an exceptional opportunity to explore the vibrant culture, rich history, and bustling markets of one of Pakistan’s most iconic cities. As you embark on this Tour, you’ll be immersed in the unique blend of old and new that defines this dynamic city. From the historic streets of Raja Bazaar to the colonial-era architecture of Saddar, this Rawalpindi City Guided Tour provides a comprehensive look at the city’s cultural heritage and modern-day vibrancy.

Taxila

Taxila functioned as an ancient city and a crucial center of Gandhara, esteemed for its role as a major Buddhist hub and a prestigious academy for learning. Strategically situated at the crossroads of Central and South Asia, it prospered from the 5th century BC to the 6th century AD under various empires, including the Achaemenids, Mauryans, Greeks, and Kushans.

The city ultimately dwindled, but its extensive ruins, which showcase a rich blend of Gandharan, Greek, and other cultural influences, were rediscovered by Alexander Cunningham in the mid-19th century and are now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Taxila was a significant educational center, drawing students from worldwide centuries before its destruction in the 5th century CE. As a spiritual and cultural center for Buddhism, it accommodated numerous monasteries and stupas. The region is celebrated for the Gandhara school of sculpture, which produced some of the most exceptional art of the Indian subcontinent.

Taxila is a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1980 showcasing the remnants of several early settlements, Buddhist monasteries, and even a later Muslim mosque and madrassa. Its history includes periods under various empires, from the Indo-Greek kingdom to the Kushan Empire, reflecting a rich cultural exchange.

Destination	No of Days	Price Per Pax	Group Size	Price Per Pax	Group Size
Islamabad	01	€ 100	01-04	€ 70	05-10
Rawalpindi	o1	€ 110	01-04	€ 80	05-10
Taxila	01	€ 130	01-04	€ 100	05-10
Islamabad/Rawaalpindi/Taxila	03	€ 350	01-04	€ 300
Row 5

Day 1: Explore Islamabad

A typical Islamabad itinerary includes iconic landmarks like the Faisal Mosque, the Pakistan Monument, and scenic spots such as Daman-e Koh and Rawal Lake. You can explore cultural heritage at the Lok Virsa Museum and the historic Saidpur Village, enjoy the natural beauty of Margalla Hills National Park, or visit modern attractions like the Centaurus Mall.

Morning 9:30 AM

Landmarks & Views

Faisal Mosque : Start your day at this unique and magnificent architectural landmark.This mosque was built in 1980 with the donations of Saudi King Late Shah Faisal Pakistan, Islamabad, Faisal Mosque is famous for its iconic, tent-like architecture, blending modern design with traditional Islamic elements. It’s a significant landmark in Islamabad, , and features a massive prayer hall that accommodates tens of thousands of worshippers.

Pakistan Monument: Visit the iconic landmark that symbolizes the nation and its rich history.This monument has got a cultural & Historical museum, cultural items from all the four provinces & the pre-partition events are displayed.

Daman-e-Koh: Visit this elevated viewpoint in the Margalla Hills to take in the stunning panoramic views of Islamabad. From the top, one can appreciate the fascinating view of Islamabad, while also spotting a group of monkeys in the trees.

Saidpur Village: Discover this historic village, a former Mughal-era garden resort. Saidpur village is a historic, 500-year-old village in the Margalla Hills of Islamabad, Pakistan, known for its pottery and as a destination for cultural and historical attractions, including Hindu temples and mosques. The village was founded by Sultan Said Khan and is located near the Daman-e-Koh overlook. Lunch Break

Lok Virsa Museum: Dive into the diverse cultural heritage of Pakistan at this treasure trove near Shakarparian Hills. The Lok Virsa Museum, is Pakistan’s largest museum, located in Islamabad and opened in 1982,with a mission to preserve and promote the country’s rich cultural heritage through its extensive exhibits of living traditions, crafts, and history, stalls from all the provinces are located there & different artisans are working on these stalls to display their handicrafts.

Rawal Lake: Relax by the man-made Rawal Lake, where you can take a boat ride or enjoy a leisurely walk.

Shopping at Local Markets : Aabpara Market, F-6 & F-7 super markets are famous for shopping majority of the items can be found here, prices varies from medium to high.Abpara market is famous having the cheapest and most affordable prices.Among the new Shopping mall centurus is best Mall for all varieties of best brands,this is the most suitable place for shopping good quality items, it has also good Restaurants for any meals.

Wrap up the day

Day 02

Explore Rawalpindi City

Morning 10:00 AM

Banny Chowk : The tour will begin as we walk through the busy goat market, Banni Chowk in Rawalpindi has historical roots as a significant area, particularly its flower market, with florists establishing shops there to serve the surrounding communities.This square is also famous for its catlle vendors, one can see a lot of goats, the locals coke to this market to buy goats to sacrifice for any wedding, funeral.

Raja Bazaar: Begin your day by immersing yourself in the traditional atmosphere of Raja Bazaar, a historic commercial and residential area in Rawalpindi known for its major shopping hub and commercial center dating back to the British colonial era. It serves as a primary commercial area where one can find a wide range of items including affordable jewelry, garments, shoes, and more. Several streets in thearea boast colonial-era buildings and temples.

Bhabra Bazar : As we scroll through Raja Bazar one enters Bhabra Bazar, the word ‘Bhabra’ derives from Sanskrit, indicating a merchant community belonging to Jain religion.Bhabras were traders and goldsmiths working in today’s Sarafa Bazaar and Moti Bazaar. The affluence is replicated in their havelis and temples. The jharokhas (an overhanging enclosed balcony), carved balconies and decorated façades are its remnants.Partition wreaked havoc to millions. This is a great place to witness local craftsmanship and find unique souvenirs.

Sarafa Bazar : At a walking distance we will further enter the famous Sarafa Bazar, means the bazars of Goldsmiths. One can see many Goldsmiths, Silversmiths & Antique shops. This market will remind us of the old colonial street with a lot of architectural Haveelies Lunch Break

Babu Mohallah Sadder : After visiting Sarafa bazar we will move towards, Rawalpindi Sadder, our first spot to visit will be Babu Mohallah, this street is famous for colonial structure buildings, historically during British era, clerks & Typists were having offices in this Mohallah. Still soke of the oldest buildings are

Decorated Trucks : The globally acclaimed Pakistani truck art will be showcased as we visit truck yards to appreciate the artistic skills of truck artists. Some of the trucks are intricately decorated.

Sadder Shopping : Rawalpindi Sadder has got good numbers of shopping malls for garments & shoes

Wrap-up the day return back to hotel

Day 03

Explore the Ancient city of Taxila

This is the way we will move on

Morning : We will start our journey towards Taxila city which is only 45 minutes away from Islamabad by old Grand Trunk road.

Taxila Museum & Bhir Mound

Taxila Museum : Embark on your day at the Taxila Museum, which showcases a considerable collection of Gandharan art, encompassing sculptures, artifacts, and relics from the ancient city.

Bhir Mound: Inspect the Bhir Mound, the oldest settlement in Taxila, to behold its ancient city planning and early residential structures.

Sir Kup Ancient city site : Explore the ruins of Sir Kapp, another ancient city that served as a significant hub for Buddhist learning and culture during the ancient Gandhara period. Lunch Break

Julian Ancient University : Reveal the ruins of the Jaulian Buddhist Monastery, a thriving center of learning on a hill overlooking the valley, distinguished for its impressive architecture and statues, including a Healing Buddha statue.

Dharmarajika Stupa : Behold the Dharmarajika Stupa, one of the most impressive ruins around Taxila and a major center during the Maurya Empire.

Mohra Moradu : Another prominent monastic complex with an impressive stupa. Kunala Stupa one can examine this significant Buddhist monument known for its architecture.

Marbel Craftsmen Shops : As we will move together end of our tour, our last stop will be at the Marbel & Stone craftsman shops. This is one of the early skill the people of Taxila possess. You can buy all kind of souvenirs made from Marbel for your friends.

Head back to Islamabad and enjoy a dinner at a local restaurant.

This Tour can be booked anytime of the year once the booking is confirmed, we are ready to take even a single Tourist. Booking can be made through Website, Email or WhatsApp.

What is included