Civilizations of Indus

CIVILIZATIONS OF INDUS ITINERARY SPECIALLY PREPARE FOR 15 NIGHTS/ 16 DAYS

Day1 Karachi Arrival in Karachi by Thai airways and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the Hotel.

Day2 Karachi Breakfast at the hotel. Morning proceed for sightseeing tour of Karachi Mohata Palace, and Clifton beach.. In the afternoon there is city tour, which will include: The colorful Bohri Bazaar;The traditional Dhobi Ghaat. The National Museum, whose Gandhara art collection is one of the finest in the world,

Day 03 Karachi to Hyderabad A fairly early departure with luggage, by coach. About 27 km north of Karachi, are the Chaukundi Tombs. The tombs are along the brow of a small ridge, reached by a short dirt track. The site dates from the 13th.century and has many unique ornate tombs of great height. We then visit Banbhore, ancient Dibal, which has the ruins of the first mosque built in Pakistan by the Arabs in the 8th century as well as a museum of the excavations. Then on to Thatta, where we have lunch, the old capital of Sind from the 14 th to the 18th centuries.Thatta is an ancient town whose history dates back to Alexander the Great, who used the town to rest his weary troops. Founded in the 15th century, it was used by the Moghuls as the capital of Sind. It is rumored that at this time upto 400 institutions of learning flourished. Some outstanding Moghul ruins, such as the Shahi Masjid, form the core of the religious and historical monuments preserved. Continue to Hyderabad, where we stay for two nights at the simple Indus Hotel.

Day4 Hyderabad – Sukker Early morning departure with luggage for a long day exploring some of the lesser known sights of Sind.We first return to the west bank of the Indus, where we visit the fort at Ranikot, a vast mud fortification which is claimed to be the largest fort in the world. From here we go on to the site of Sehwan. This has a very famous 14th century shrine dedicated to a 13th century holy man, but the religious associations probably go back much further, and the shrine is surrounded by a vast ancient site.Continue drive to Sukker. Upon arrival transfer to Hotel.Stay overnight at the Hotel. Note: The visit to Ranikot Fort is dependent upon permission.

Day 5 Mohenjodaro Excursion.

Early morning departure for Mohenjodaro. There will be most of the day to explore this vast site. Mohenjodaro was probably the greatest city of the Indus Valley civilizations, flourishing between 3300 and 1700 BC. It covers an immense area – one of the greatest urban conurbations of the ancient world. Among the remains we shall be seeing are: The great baths The granary The later Buddhist stupa Many houses and public buildings of the lower town Moenjodaro - The "Mound of the Dead,” is situated 563 Kms from Karachi on the Super Highway via Dadu. It is one of the world's oldest civilizations, dating as far back as 2000 B.C., This archaeological wonder was discovered in 1922, and subsequent excavations show it to be divided into two parts. The Archaeological Museum in Moenjodaro is definitely worth a visit. There were adobe and kiln-brick buildings, an elaborate covered drainage system with soak-pits, a spacious pillared hall, a college of priests, a large and imposing building (Probably a palace) and a citadel mound which incorporates in its margin a system of solid kiln brick towers. Efforts are being made to save the ruins from crumbling, due to a rising water table.In the afternoon we drive via Shikarpur to Sukkur on the right bank of the Indus, where we stay two nights at the Hotel

Day 6 Sukkur to Bahawalpur A long day by road to Bahawalpur, crossing from Sind into Punjab. there an interesting 18th century mosque at Ghotki, not long after Sukkur, but it is not certain whether it is possible to visit. Shortly before Bahawalpur, at Dera Nawab Sahib, is the palace of the former ruler of Bahawalpur, which it is hoped to visit. Stay for 2 nights at the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation Motel in Bahawalpur.

Day 7 Bahawalpur and Cholistan Bahawalpur is the only one of the former Rajasthan princely states to go to Pakistan after independence, and the Nawab’s former palace was visited yesterday. It is also the jumping off place for the Cholistan Desert, and we make an excursion into the desert. We visit the vast Derawar Fortress, one of the most impressive in Pakistan. Cholistan is also the site of the dried up Haqra River, which used to run parallel to the Indus. As such it is the scene of recent discoveries of some major ancient Indus Valley sites – one even larger than Mohenjodaro – but since they are still unexcavated there is little to see. Continue drive to Multan for overnight.

Day 8 Multan Breakfast at the hotel. AM sightseeing of Multan with its splendid buildings and bazaars of: The main one is the magnificent tile d14th century Mausoleum of Rukn Alam, an octagonal brick building covered by a dome and decorated in superb blue and white tiles. Other tombs we visit include those of:Sheikh Baha Ul Haq Yusuf Gardezi Zakariyya Shah Shams Sabzwari Multan is also famous for its handicrafts, particularly weaving, embroidery and ceramics, and in the afternoon we visit some of the colorful bazaars.Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 9 Multan to Lahore Full day drive to Lahore via Harappa on the banks of the Ravi River. Harappa, 225kms from Lahore, on the bank of the Ravi River, is an important archaeological site. The houses found there showed that the original residents had a high standard of living,as each one had a well, and sanitation. They were built with adobe bricks. Harappa had four Buddhist stupas and twelve monasteries. It also had over twenty Hindu temples. The city was destroyed during an 8th century Arab invasion. It was the accidental discovery of Harappa in the 1920s during railway construction that first revealed the hitherto unsuspected Indus Valley or Harappan civilizations, and Harappa – along with Moenjodaro – has remained the type site of this civilization ever since. Parts of its great citadel and granary, as well as numerous houses of baked brick, have been excavated by the archaeologists, and there are ongoing American excavations on the site. It is hoped that we also have time to make diversion to visit the 13th century tomb complex in Pakpatan.In Lahore we stay at the Hotel for 3 nights. Day 10 Lahore Of the three great Mughal imperial capitals – the other two were Delhi and Agra – Lahore is perhaps the greatest, as it still retains the flavor of one of the great cities of the Islamic world. Over the next two days we have ample opportunity to visit the splendors of the 17th century imperial city, including: The staggering Badshahi Mosque, the largest and surely one of the most magnificent in the world. The magnificently decorated palaces in the great fort. There shall also be an opportunity to visit some of Lahore’s lesser known monuments, such as: The exquisitely tiled Wazir Khan Mosque Lahore Museum, the largest in Pakistan (Still with Kim’s gun standing outside it as described in Kipoi9ng’s classic). Last but not least are the magnificent Indo Victorian monuments of the British period, as well as Lahore’s colorful bazaars.Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11 Lahore to Rawalpindi via Rohtas By road to Rawalpindi, crossing three of the five rivers of the Punjab. On the way we will be stopping at gigantic fort at Rohtas, one of the largest forts of the subcontinent built by Sher Shah Suri in the 16th century. Rohtas Fort was built in the 1540s by Sher Shah Suri, and is considered to be one of the most imposing historical monuments in Pakistan. The fort is about 5 km in perimeter, with massive battlements and walls. For 1 km along the river, the walls are doubled. The plan of the fort is adapted to suit the terrain, and is defended by a number of deep ravines as well as the river.Rohtas was named after another Rohtas Fort in Bihar (India) which Sher Shah had captured earlier using the old ruse of dressing his men as women and smuggling them into the fort in palanquins. Construction work on the new Rohtas began in the 1540s and was finished ten years after Sher Shah`s death -- a stupendous achievement in so short a time. Sadly, despite its size and strategic location, Rohtas proved to be a white elephant; it never served the purpose for which it was intended. The later Moghal Emperors rarely visited Rohtas, and it lost its importance as a frontier garrison when Akbar built his great fort at Attock on the Indus in the 1850s. Just before reaching Rawalpindi is the ancient Buddhist stupa Manikyala.Overnight at the Hotel for 2 nights.

Day 12 Islamabad Taxila . Breakfast at the hotel. Morning proceed for sightseeing tour of Taxila. Some two or three hours will be spent exploring the vast ruins of the city of Taxila,. The remains comprise three cities:Bhirmound Sirkap Sirsukh. As well as numerous monastic complexes together covering many square miles. Of these, Bhir Mound is the oldest, probably founded by the Achaemenid Persians in about 500 BC, though recent British excavations at nearby Hathial have discovered remains considerably earlier. The city of Sirkap was laid out by Greek colonists from Bacteria in the 2nd century BC and Sirsukh was founded by the Kushans of the 2nd century AD. Other remains include: The possible Zoroastrian fire temple at Jandial Many spectacular stupamonastery complexes at:Dharmarajika Mohra MoradoJaulian The whole area is a vast outdoor museum of Indo Greek and Gandharan art and architecture. Late afternoon return to Islamabad for overnight. Visit the Shakar-parian and Daman-e-Koh. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 13 Islamabad - Peshawar. After breakfast drive to Peshawar Upon arrival proceed to visit Peshawar Museum and Qissa Khawani Bazzar. Peshawar is the center of the North West Frontier Province, strategically positioned at the entrance of the Khyber Pass. Known as the ancient and historical city of Central Asia, Peshawar is a city of many secrets. Her story is the story of many cultures, people, traditions, and customs. It has seen myriad epochs of invaders, conquerors and emperors. The inhabitants of this city - the legendary Pathans - have thus evolved into a daring and fearless race. The bazaar is known as the Qissa Khawani (Story Tellers) bazaar: Years ago, caravans used to travel from Russia and China into Persia, and Peshawar used to be the Gateway. All kinds of people used to meet and exchange stories and brag about their exploits - hence the name. Until the mid - fifties, Peshawar was enclosed within walls having sixteen gates. On the Eastern approach to the city lays the mighty Bala Hisar fort, built by Babar, the first of the Moghuls. On the Eastern approach, lies the Somber Jamrud fort, which is still used as part of the second defense perimeter. In the heart of the city lies the Mahabat Khan mosque, built in 1680 by Mahabat Khan, the then Governor of the province. The architect attempted to copy the mighty Badshahi Mosque of Lahore, and constructed six small minarets in between two huge minarets towering 110 feet into the air.Overnight at the hotel.

Day 14 Peshawar – Takht-e-Bhai – Islamabad . After breakfast proceed to visit Takht-e-Bhai. Takht-e-Bhai is 14 kms north of Mardan and has the best example of Gandharan architecture in Pakistan. It was founded around 40 A.D. and flourished until the sixth century. The monastery was built on many levels, cut into the cliff face ,Continue to Islamabad en route lunch at local restaurant.Upon arrival at Islamabad transfer to hotel.Overnight at the hotel.

Day 15 Islamabad Muree: Breakfast at the hotel. Morning drive to Muree Bhurbun. At an elevation of 2300 metres, Murree lies 68 kms from Islamabad. The Murree hills are an offshoot of the Himalayan range of mountains. It was selected in 1850 as the summer headquarters for the Punjab Government. The pine forests, breathtaking valleys and clear streams all combine together to provide one with an enchanting panorama.Lunch at local restaurant Afternoon visit Mall Road.Overnight at the hotel.

Day 16.Muree – Ayubia - Islamabad Breakfast at the hotel. Morning visit Ayubia and Nathiagali.After lunch drive back to Islamabad. Ayubia is a cluster of four hill villages, named for Field Marshal Ayub Khan. The hill station of Nathia Gali at 2700 meters makes a refreshing break from the heat of the cities. One can take a chair lift or walk amongst cool pine forest.Nathia Gali town also serves as the administrative centre of Nathia Gali Union Council. It is located in Abbottabad District, North West Frontier Province. At 2500m (8200ft), it is a popular tourist resort in the summer months. It is forested with pine, walnut and also oak and maple trees. The church in Nathi Gali is a remnant from the period of British Government, it is totally made of wood. It is situated at the edge of the mountain from which there is a beautiful sight. Kashmir can be seen right behind this church, and is a wonderful scene. Nathi Gali has a mini bazzar. The nearest place to Nathi Gali is Kala Bagh. Mukeshpuri and Miranjani are two nearby high peaks Upon arrival in Islamabad dinner at local restaurant. After dinner transfer to airport for flight to Bangkok.

END OF OUR SERVICES.

We have based the cost on below hotels. City Requested Hotel Karachi Movinpick Hotel 5* / Pearl Continental Hotel 5* Hyderabad Indus Hotel 3*+ Best hotel in town Sukker Inter Pak Inn Sukker 3* the best hotel in town Bahawalpure Hotel One 3* the best hotel in town Multan Ramada Hotel 4* the best hotel in town Lahore Pearl Continental Hotel 5* Islamabad Pearl Continental hotel 5* Peshawar Pearl Continental Hotel 5* Muree Bhurbun Pearl Continental hotel 5*

Group size 15+1 20+1 25+1 SNG SUP

Price p.p. 3185 $ 3140$ 3095 $ 895 $ In USD

Including Services

 Hotel accommodation.15 Nights plus 1 FOC on single room  F/B Meals plan (full board based on your itinerary including one mineral water for every meals).  All transfers & sightseeing in air-conditioned transport.  Portages at hotels.  English speaking Guide.  A bottle of mineral water per person per day.  Dry fruits during long distance journeys.

Excluding services-

 All items of personal nature or those, which are not mentioned in inclusion head.  Domestic and International airfare and taxes.  Any tipping to Guide drivers and hotels  Any drinks with Meals.  visa

HOTEL ACCOMMODATION We always try our best to accommodate our clients according to their requirements but in case we are unable to get accommodation in listed hotels then we shall be pleased to accommodate groups in similar class of accommodation. In case similar accommodation is not available in town / city for any group or the whole series then the group(s) shall be accommodated in best available accommodation.

TRANSPORT Daewoo Bus / Hino Bus we shall provide transport as below. 15 ~ 25 pax 45 seater Bus