Kashmir is rightly said to be Nature's ‘Grand Finale’ of beauty. The foothill plains of Jammu, the lakes and blue valleys of Kashmir rising to alpine passes, the high altitude plains and starkly beautiful mountains of Ladakh, which lies beyond those passes, all spiced with unique cultural blend, making it distinct from the rest of the country, not only from the different cultural forms and heritage, but from geographical, demographical, ethical entities, forming a distinct spectrum of diversity.
Your Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Karachi
Khush Amdeed! We are welcomed at Karachi airport and transferred to our hotel. Overnight: Sheraton Hotel, Karachi (2 nights). Included: D.
Day 2: Karachi
We start our city tour of Karachi with a visit to the modern Defense Mosque of Masjid-i-Toba to see the world's largest concrete shell dome. We continue with the New Clifton Beach followed by a visit to the Quaid-e-Azam Mausoleum, where the Father of the Nation, Muhammad Ali Jinnah lies buried.
Built entirely of white marble, the Mausoleum has an impressive dome housing a huge crystal chandelier of Chinese origin. Our next stop is the National Museum with its fascinating display of ancient relics of the Indus Valley Civilization and an excellent collection of Gandhara art. We end our day-tour with a visit to a handicraft gallery. Included: B, D.
Day 3: Karachi / Hyderabad (drive)
Today we depart for the historical city of Hyderabad via the ancient town of Thatta. Situated 100 km east of Karachi, Thatta has an interesting history dating back to the time of the Macedonian Alexander the Great, who used the port to rest his weary troops, but the ‘present Thatta’ was founded in the 15th Century. Under the Mughals it was a provincial capital and during this period there were as many as 400 institutions of learning in the city.
Some outstanding architecture left from the Mughal period can be identified in the religious and historical monuments, like Makli Hill - a large necropolis of mausoleums, made up of stone tombs with geometric and floral carvings, which retain their indigenous beauty of the colored brick enamel and glazed tile used in their construction, and the great Mosque of Emperor Shah Jehan - built in the mid 17th Century A.D., which has 99 domes with incredible acoustic quality.
After a short stop at Bhanbore site we continue with our drive to Hyderabad. Overnight: Indus Hotel, Hyderabad (2 nights). Included: B, D.
Day 4: Hyderabad
After breakfast we will start with our full day excursion to Bhit Shah & Hala. Bhit Shah is famous for the shrine of Shah Abdul Latif, one of the most famous Sufi poets of the Indian sub-continent during 18th Century. Situated about 50 km from Hyderabad, the shrine of Shah Abdul Latif is a hub for devotional activities including the singing, folk music and dancing by his devotees from all the corners of Sindh.
Special events here are on every Thursday evenings and during his annual death festival, when Bhit Shah becomes the capital of Sindh. Close to Bhit Shah is Hala, the most famous handicraft center of Sindh as well as in whole Pakistan. The new City of Hala is located now close to the Indus River banks, as the old city, which was once on the banks, was destroyed during a disastrous flood.
Up to our days, the potters in Hala produce the best of the famous blue lined white ceramics, beside the other specialties, which include pottery vases, birds & tiles, lacquer work chairs, beds and cots and wood carvings. Later we will also visit the Mausoleum of a famous Muslim Saint, Makhdoom Nooh. The façade of his mausoleum is covered by some of Hala’s best blue and white tile work in floral and geometric designs. Included: B, D.
Day 5: Hyderabad / Sehwan / Larkana (drive)
We have an interesting day ahead, as we drive to Larkana via Sehwan. We will first stop in Sehwan and visit the shrine of the great Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, a famous Muslim Sufi Saint from the 10th Century. The main attraction of this shrine is Dhamal (sufi’s dance), with folk music and in colorful dress.
This dhamal is at its full swing during the annual urs (death ceremony), when devotees from all around Pakistan gather here. After visiting Sehwan, we will drive to Larkana and check-in to our hotel. Overnight: Green Park Hotel, Larkana (1 night). Included: B, D.
Day 6: Larkana / Moenjodaro / Sukkur (drive)
We leave Larkana in the morning and drive to Sukkur. En route we stop and visit Moenjodaro, the main archaeological site of the Indus Civilization, which flourished here some 5000 years ago. This is third oldest civilization in the world, being preceded only by those of Egypt and Mesopotamia. Moenjodaro excelled in practically every conceivable facet of town planning.
From the articles discovered here it is believed that the Iron Age had not yet dawned on the Indus Valley civilization. The vessels discovered are of lead, silver, copper or bronze, whereas the weapons are made only of bronze. The museum displays interesting relics found during excavation, such as engraved seals, utensils, ornaments, weapons, sculpture, and pottery.
Once the tour is finished in Moenjodaro, we will resume our journey to Sukkur and on arrival we are transferred to the hotel. Overnight: Interpak Inn, Sukkur (2 nights). Included: B, D.
Day 7: Sukkur
This morning we will take an excursion to Kot Diji, a magnificent Fort built in the early 19th Century by Talpurs, the former rulers of Sindh from 1789 to 1843. It is a well-preserved Fort, perched on the ridge of a steep narrow hill and it is an interesting place to be seen. At Kot Diji we will also visit a pre-historic site located at the foot of the hills.
Archaeologists believe that Kot Dijians were the forerunners of the Indus Civilization and even the Indus Civilization borrowed or developed some of the basic cultural elements of the Kot Dijians around 2800 B.C. However, no one is sure about the origin and disappearance of the Kot Diji Civilization. Afternoon, we will have a sightseeing tour of Sukkur, which has become a famous town in the 10th Century, when Aror, the former capital of Upper Sindh, was destroyed in an earthquake.
At Sukkur, we will visit the Minaret of Masum Shah (16th Century), Faiz Mahal - an octagonal brick building with a glazed brick dome. From here we will descend to the banks of the Indus River to observe the Mohana boat people, who either live on their boats or in temporary mud huts on the banks of Indus. If time permitting, we will also include visits to other local forts, tombs, shrines and mosques in the city. Included: B, D.
Day 8: Sukkur / Bahawalpur (drive)
Today we drive to Bahawalpur via the National Highway, which runs through irrigated farmlands and the rich cultural countryside of Lower Punjab. On the way we will stop at Uch Sharif, where there are hundreds of Muslim shrines including the tomb of Bibi Jawindi, a place of pilgrimage for many Sahiwala.
Our tour of this town will include the Shrine and Mausoleum of Jalaludin Surkh Bukhara, Shrine of Jalaludin Bukhari and – of course – the Mausoleum of Bibi Jawindi. We’ll then drive to Bahawalapur. Overnight: PTDC Motel, Bahawalpur (1 night). Included: B, D.
Day 9: Bahawalpur / Multan (drive)
After a short visit through Bahawalpur City, we’ll go to the ruins of Derawar Fort, one of the most impressive monuments of our Heritage. The Fort, in its present shape, it was finalized by the Abbassi family in 1733, but it was there from previous centuries. Its 30 m high walls are in a square shape and have 40 bastions, 10 on each side.
A huge defensive tower at the main East entrance was added in 1965. From here we continue with our drive to Multan, an important historical city also known as the city of Saints. In the afternoon we’ll have a city tour of Multan that commences with a visit to the Old Fort, which is an eloquent example of the proud history of this city.
Among the attractions inside the fort are the elaborately decorated shrines of Sheikh Bahad-ud-din Zakriya, Shah Shams Tabriz and Shah Rukn-e-Alam. Damdama, the highest point in the fort, provides a bird’s-eye panoramic view of the city, which has survived various destructions from invaders, since Alexander the Great in the 4th Century B.C. We will also visit here the Eidgah Mosque and the Hussain Agahi Bazaar. Overnight: Holiday Inn, Multan (1 night). Included: B, D.
Day 10: Multan / Harappa / Lahore (drive)
Today is our drive to Lahore via Harappa. Harappa is the site of an ancient and important settlement of the prehistoric Indus Valley Civilization (3rd to 2nd Millennium B.C.) and stands witness to the 5000 years old cultural continuity of civilization in Pakistan.
Harrappa was the cradle of one of the earliest civilizations known to man and conjures up images of fifty centuries ago, a period about which very little is known. An interesting and well-maintained museum at the Harrappa site houses various artifacts found in the area. At the end of our visit to Harappa, we drive to Lahore. Overnight: Avari Hotel, Lahore (2 nights). Included: B, D.
Day 11: Lahore
Today is our journey into the cultural center of the Sub Continent. In just one corner of Lahore we’ll find remarkable examples of Mogul, Sikh, Colonial and Contemporary architecture. The historic Lahore Fort, built in the 11th Century A.D., is the only place where one can observe different phases of Mogul architecture, as a long line of rulers have made additions to it.
Inside the Fort we’ll visit several rooms, including Shish Mahal and the Palace of Mirrors. Overlooking the Fort is Badshahi - the Royal Mosque – and right beside is the tomb of philosopher and poet Iqbal, who infused the idea of Pakistan among the Moslems of British India. Another interesting complex of nearby buildings are the Samadh of Maharaja Ranajit Singh and Guru Arjun Dev, both housing solid gold tombs dating back to the Sikh era.
The tour here concludes with a visit to Shalimar Gardens, which were laid out during the reign of Shah Jehan in the early 1640's and are a tribute to the aesthetic and artistic sense of the Moguls. In the afternoon we continue with the Lahore Museum, which houses a rich and varied collection of historical objects.
This is the oldest museum in Pakistan and has many galleries displaying artifacts from the Gandhara, Buddhist, Jain, Mogul and Colonial periods. The famous statue of the fasting Siddhartha (Buddha) is also on display here. Next we will visit the Emperor Jehangir's Mausoleum that was built in the 1630's and it is another great example of the Mogul architecture.
Nearby is the tomb of Empress Nur Jehan, wife of Emperor Jehangir. In Old Lahore, the walled city of narrow, dimly lit alleys, leading from Sarafa Bazaar (Jewelers Bazaar) to Kashmiri Bazaar, we'll find bargains in the local handicrafts, including brass inlay work. Here we’ll also visit the Golden Mosque and Wazir Khan's Mosque, which reflects the nobility of Persian design with floral designs, superb calligraphy and lofty minarets. Included: B, D.
Day 12: Lahore / Amritsar
After an unparalleled insight into an ancient culture and civilization, we’re transferred to Wagah Border check-post, on the Pakistani side of the border, where we’ll say farewell to our Pakistani hosts as we’ll have to walk to the Indian side. Here we meet with our Indian guide who will drive us to Amritsar.
Rest of the day is free to relax and in the evening we will actually go back to the border to witness the unique event of the Border Closing Ceremony at Wagah Border. Overnight: The Ritz Plaza, Amritsar (2 nights). Included: B.
Day 13: Amritsar
Today we will explore Amritsar. Amritsar means 'Lake of Nectar', and it’s the Holy City of the Sikhs. Amritsar is well known for its Golden Temple, the sacred shrine of the Sikhs. It is the holy city of the Sikhs, intimately linked with the colorful history of this martial race. Life is deeply influenced by the Golden Temple and the Durgiana temple.
Golden temple is the spiritual nerve center of the Sikh faith. The site has been sacred to the Sikhs since the time of the 4th guru, Ram Das (1574-81) In 1757 the Afghan Ahmad Shah Durrani, defeated the Sikh armies and destroyed the temple. After his departure the Sikhs under their greatest secular leader, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, restored the temple and tank.
In 1830 Maharaja Ranjit Singh donated 100 kg of gold, which was applied to the copper sheets on the roof and much of the exterior of the building. You also visit Jallianwala Bagh, within its high walls, General Dyer - on 13th April 1919 fired on unarmed Indians - the most contemporary historical event of the freedom struggle of the Indians from the British rule. Rest of the day is free to relax. Included: B.
Day 14: Amritsar / Jammu (drive)
The road journey to Jammu is an interesting experience in serenity. We go uphill to the winter capital of Kashmir. The state officially named as Jammu and Kashmir has two distinct areas: Jammu, which has a Hindu majority, while Kashmir it is inhabited mainly by Muslims.
Upon arrival at Jammu, we take a leisurely tour of this city, one time summer capital of Kashmir and a city that has played a major role in the history of post partition India. Overnight: K.C. Residency (1 night). Included: B, D.
Day 15: Jammu / Srinagar (drive)
Today we depart for Srinagar. The 295 km journey is through Udhampur, Kud, Batote, Patnitop, Ramban and Qazi Gund. We pass through the Banihal Tunnel that links the Valley of Kashmir to the outside world.
Upon arrival in Srinagar we drive to Dal Lake and take on a typical Kashmiri Shikara to our gaily-decorated sandalwood houseboat. Evening we are treated to a Kashmiri dinner in the luxury of our deluxe houseboat. Overnight: Houseboat (3 nights). Included: B, D.
Day 16: Srinagar
Our Srinagar experience starts with a tour of the city starting with the Mughal Gardens. The three famous Mughal Gardens lay along the Dal Lake. Next stop is to visit the old city of Srinagar, known as the "Venice of the East. Srinagar is the summer capital of the state of Jammu and Kashmir and is the pride of the beautiful valley of Kashmir.
Srinagar is famous for its lakes, gardens and the charming rows of houseboats floating on them are called heaven on earth. It is also known for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts, Kashmiri clothes and dry fruits. When The Mughal emperor Jahangir visited the valley of Kashmir he was so enthralled by the beauty of this valley that he suddenly exclaimed ‘If there is a heaven on earth, it's here’.
And if visitors are coming here for the first time then they just can't deny what the emperor said. We also visit the Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in Kashmir, the 700 year-old Shar Hamdan Mosque, Hari Parbat, and much more. Evening is free to take an optional sail on the shikara - a favorite past time of the Kashmiris’. Included: B, D.
Day 17: Srinagar
Our day starts with a visit to the enchanting Gulmarg. Gulmarg derives its root from "the meadow of flowers" and is indeed a picturesque location. Known for its unparalleled beauty, Gulmarg's virgin forests are a welcoming sight to all tourists.
The lush green slopes, their silence broken by the occasional tinkling of cowbells, have been the location for several films. The rich verdure with the snow-capped tips provide an ideal ambiance for skiing and winter sports. Included: B, D.
Day 18: Srinagar / Leh (flight)
After breakfast we fly to Leh. Arrive Leh and transfer to the hotel. Leh, the capital of Ladakh is situated at a height of 3505 meters, towards the eastern parts of Jammu and Kashmir. The region is watered by the Zanskar River, which flows into the Indus River just below.
Spilling out of a side valley that tapers north towards eroded snow-capped peaks, the Ladakhi capital sprawls from the foot of a ruined Tibetan style palace - a maze of mud-brick and concrete flanked on one side by cream-colored desert, and on the other by a swathe of lush irrigated farmland. Leh is a beautiful destination with so many attractions and is the center of Tibetan Buddhist Culture for ages.
Its colorful gompas have attracted the devout Buddhists from all over the globe. It is not only a mountain town, but is also known for its festivities and performances by local magicians, monks, Tibetan refugees, and women spinning prayer wheels. Overnight: Hotel Lahrimo (Kangla Chhen), Leh (2 nights). Included: B, L, D.
Day 19: Leh
After breakfast we’ll have a full-day sightseeing tour, starting with Stok Palace and Museum, Shankar Monastery and Leh Palace. The captivating Leh Palace that rises from the edge of a hill overlooking the town and stretches out towards the indigo sky. A miniature version of the Potala Palace in Lhasa, the Leh Palace is one of the major attractions in Ladakh.
The Palace was built in the 17th century and had nine-storey, but it is now dilapidated and deserted. It was the home of the royal family until they were exiled to Stok in 1830. Above the Palace, at the top of the Namgyal hill, is the Victory Tower, built to commemorate Ladakh's victory over the Balti Kashmir armies in the early 16th century.
This Palace, built for King Singge Namgyal, now houses the Ladakhi branch of the Indian Government's Archaeological Conservation Organization. We’ll also go sightseeing to Hemis, Thiksey & Shey Monasteries. Included: B, D.
Day 20: Leh / Alchi (drive)
After breakfast will have a sightseeing of Lamayuru Monastery and Alchi Gompa. Spectacularly set, founded in the 10th century, Lamayuru Monastery is about 125 km west of Leh. As the legend goes, Lamayuru was a lake blessed by a Lama after which the water of the lake receded up to the mountains leaving place for the monastery to be built.
Now mostly in ruins, only the main hall exists today and houses numerous tankhas. The Yundrung Kabgyad festival is held during summer. Lamayuru has fascinating caves carved out of the mountainside. For sheer spectacle value no other gompa can match Lamayuru. On the banks of the Indus is the Alchi Gompa, dating thousand years back.
One of its walls features thousands of miniature sized pictures of the Buddha. Three large sized images made of clay and painted brightly are its focal attraction. No longer an active religious center, it is now looked-after by the monks from the nearby Likir monastery. Overnight: Alchi Resort (1 night). Included: B, D.
Day 21: Alchi / Leh (drive)
After breakfast drive back to Leh, en route visit to Basgo Fort and Spituk Gompa. Spituk Gompa is on the hilltop near Indus River, around 18 km from Leh. The Gompa was founded in 11th century by Od-De. The Gompa it was named Spituk (exemplary) by Rinchen Zangpo.
He came here and said that exemplary religious community should rise. Initially it belonged to the Kadampa School then during the lifetime of king Gragspa Bumide made it Gayluk Pa order. Overnight: Hotel Lahrimo (Kangla Chhen), Leh (1 night). Included: B, D.
Day 22: Leh / Delhi / Homebound (flights)
After breakfast drive to the airport in time to connect our flight back to Delhi. Upon arrival we are transferred in time to the International airport to connect with our flight home, or to our next destination. Included: B.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
USD: 3,715.00 / CAD: 4,455.00 - per person in double occupancy.
Single supplement USD: 780.00 / CAD: 920.00
Price includes:
- Hotel accommodation as mentioned (or similar category)
- Meals as indicated (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
- All sightseeing and transfers by AC cars & jeeps
- All Domestic Flight sectors (except taxes)
- Road taxes, parking fees, driver’s overnight wages
- Services of local English speaking guides
- Entrance fees to museums and sites included in the itinerary
Price does not include:
- International airfares
- Insurance & visa fee
- Personal expenses / Beverages / Tips / Bills
- Services not mentioned above
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Pakistan
India
Archeology/History
Cultural Journey
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