The Great Game Tour

Day 01:

Arrival – Islamabad Sightseeing
Arrive at Islamabad Airport, where you’ll be greeted and transferred to the hotel. Begin exploring Pakistan’s modern capital with visits to iconic landmarks: Faisal Mosque, one of the largest in the world, Pakistan Monument, symbolizing unity, and Daman-e-Koh, offering panoramic views of the city. Conclude the day at Saidpur Village, where centuries-old culture blends with a charming ambiance. Enjoy your first night in Islamabad. Overnight Islamabad.

Day 02:

Islamabad – Taxila – Islamabad
Take a day trip to the ancient city of Taxila, once a vital Buddhist center on the Silk Road. Explore Jaulian Monastery, with its intricately carved stupas, and the Dharmarajika Stupa, an important relic site. At Taxila Museum, discover sculptures and artifacts reflecting Gandhara’s remarkable art and cultural fusion. Walk through ancient ruins that tell stories of scholarship and trade before returning to Islamabad for rest. Overnight Islamabad.

Day 03:

Islamabad – Takht Bhai – Peshawar
Travel towards Peshawar, stopping en route at Takht Bhai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Mardan. This Buddhist monastery, set on a hilltop, offers stunning stone courtyards, meditation cells, and sweeping valley views. It provides a real sense of Gandhara’s spiritual depth. After exploring, continue the scenic journey westward, where mountains and fields unfold before reaching the ancient frontier city of Peshawar. Check into your hotel. Overnight Peshawar.

Day 04:

Peshawar Sightseeing
Discover Peshawar’s rich culture and layered history. Begin at the Peshawar Museum, showcasing Gandhara sculptures, Islamic manuscripts, and Mughal relics. Wander Qissa Khwani Bazaar, once a hub for storytellers and traders, still alive with bustling energy. Visit Mohabbat Khan Mosque, a Mughal-era masterpiece, and explore Gor Khatri, an archaeological site layered with centuries of history. Stroll through the Old City’s narrow alleys before returning to your hotel. Overnight Peshawar.

Day 05:

Peshawar – Lowari Pass – Ayun Valley
Journey north into the mountains, traveling along a scenic road toward Ayun Valley. Cross the Lowari Pass, a high-altitude crossing where snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and winding rivers reveal Pakistan’s rugged beauty. Stop for photo opportunities along the way, capturing the natural grandeur of the region. Arrive at Ayun Valley, a tranquil base surrounded by orchards and rivers, where fresh mountain air refreshes the soul. Overnight Ayun Valley.

Day 06:

Day Excursion to Kalash Valley
Take an excursion into the remote Kalash Valley, home to the unique Kalash people. Visit the Kalash Museum, where colorful displays introduce ancient traditions and customs. Walk through local villages to meet friendly residents dressed in distinctive embroidered attire. Enjoy traditional songs, dances, and cuisine that celebrate their vibrant culture. The valley’s alpine setting and hospitality make this an unforgettable cultural encounter. Return for the evening. Overnight Ayun Valley.

Day 07:

Day Excursion to Chitral
Spend the day in historic Chitral. Begin at Chitral Fort, once home to local rulers and now a site of heritage and pride. Admire the intricate design of the Shahi Mosque, a striking landmark set against mountain backdrops. Wander through Chitral’s lively bazaars, where local handicrafts, woolen shawls, and cultural artifacts are displayed. The combination of history, architecture, and bustling streets makes for a memorable visit. Overnight Ayun Valley.

Day 08:

Ayun Valley – Swat Valley
Travel through winding roads and lush green landscapes to reach the Swat Valley. Known as the “Switzerland of the East,” Swat captivates with its sparkling rivers, orchards, and snow-covered mountains. Along the journey, scenic valleys and villages offer breathtaking views. Arrive in Swat’s serene environment, where rich history blends with natural splendor, creating an ideal retreat for nature lovers and cultural explorers alike. Overnight Swat Valley.

Day 09:

Swat Valley Sightseeing
Begin exploring Swat with a visit to Saidu Sharif and Mingora, the cultural centers of the valley. Tour the White Palace, a regal residence with panoramic views. At the Swat Museum, discover artifacts from Gandhara’s Buddhist past and Swat’s tribal heritage. Visit Butkara Stupa, an ancient Buddhist site of great significance. End the day in lively local markets, browsing unique handicrafts and souvenirs. Overnight Swat Valley.

Day 10:

Swat Valley – Islamabad
Travel back toward Islamabad, with a scenic stop at the Shingardara Stupa, a remarkable Buddhist relic amidst tranquil hills. The drive offers striking mountain views, fertile valleys, and glimpses of rural life, making the return journey enriching. Upon arrival in Islamabad, enjoy a relaxing evening in the capital city, reflecting on the natural and cultural wonders experienced in the northern valleys. Prepare for tomorrow’s adventures. Overnight Islamabad.

Day 11:

Islamabad – Khewra Salt Mine – Lahore
Head toward Lahore, stopping at Khewra Salt Mine, one of the world’s oldest and largest salt reserves. Explore its glittering tunnels, carved halls, and even mosques made of salt. Next, visit the Katas Raj Temples, a historic Hindu complex linked with mythology and devotion. Continue through Punjab’s fertile plains, where golden fields and traditional villages add charm to the journey. Arrive in Lahore by evening. Overnight Lahore.

Day 12:

Lahore Sightseeing
Spend the day immersed in Lahore’s Mughal grandeur and lively culture. Explore Lahore Fort, featuring Sheesh Mahal and grand courtyards, followed by the monumental Badshahi Mosque, a masterpiece of Mughal architecture. Stroll through the Old City’s winding bazaars, filled with colors, aromas, and sounds. End the day in the tranquil Shalimar Gardens, where Mughal terraces, flowing fountains, and blooms create timeless beauty. Overnight Lahore.

Day 13:

Lahore – Multan Sightseeing
Journey to Multan, the fabled “City of Saints.” Visit Multan Fort, its ancient walls offering sweeping views of the city. Pay respects at the shrines of Shah Rukn-e-Alam and Bahauddin Zakariya, centers of Sufi devotion and spiritual heritage. Wander through lively bazaars filled with ceramics, camel-skin lamps, and crafts. Experience the warmth of Multan’s hospitality and traditions that blend spirituality with culture. Overnight Multan.

Day 14:

Multan – Uch Sharif – Bahawalpur
Travel to Uch Sharif, an ancient town of shrines and history. Admire its centuries-old tombs, adorned with intricate blue tiles, echoing spiritual devotion and architectural brilliance. Continue to Bahawalpur, once a princely state, where you’ll explore the grand Noor Mahal, blending European and Islamic styles. Its graceful halls and lush gardens reflect Nawabi elegance, offering a glimpse into regal life. Settle in for rest. Overnight Bahawalpur.

Day 15:

Day Excursion to Derawar Fort
Spend the day exploring Cholistan Desert’s treasures. Marvel at Derawar Fort, a massive fortress with towering bastions dominating golden sands. Visit the Royal Tombs of Bahawalpur’s Nawabs, impressive in their design and grandeur. Stop at the Shahi Mosque and the ornate Sadiq Garh Palace, blending heritage with beauty. Experience the desert’s vastness, rich history, and architectural legacies before returning to Bahawalpur. Overnight Bahawalpur.

Day 16:

Bahawalpur – Sukkur
Begin with a short city tour of Bahawalpur’s historic core, including the intricate Al Sadiq Mosque. Then, drive across rural landscapes and fertile plains toward Sukkur. Enjoy views of agricultural life, rivers, and small towns along the route. On arrival, discover Sukkur’s riverside charm, with its significance tied to the mighty Indus. Settle into your hotel to relax after a fulfilling journey. Overnight Sukkur.

Day 17:

Sukkur – Mohenjo-Daro – Larkana
Start with a visit to the Seven Sister Tombs, a historical burial site showcasing Sindh’s traditions. Explore Kot Diji Fort, with strong bastions overlooking the plains. The highlight is Mohenjo-Daro, a UNESCO World Heritage Site from the Indus Valley Civilization. Walk ancient streets, marvel at the Great Bath, and witness advanced urban planning from over 4,000 years ago. Continue to Larkana for the evening. Overnight Larkana.

Day 18:

Larkana – Sehwan Sharif – Hyderabad
Today’s journey focuses on Sindh’s spiritual heritage. Visit Sehwan Sharif, home to the shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, where mysticism and music draw pilgrims. Experience rhythmic dhamaal and devotional traditions. Stop at Bhit Shah, the shrine of poet Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, a symbol of peace and love. Arrive in Hyderabad, known for its bustling bazaars and craft heritage. Check into your hotel. Overnight Hyderabad.

Day 19:

Hyderabad – Thatta – Karachi
Begin at Keenjhar Lake, a peaceful haven for boating and birdwatching. In Thatta, explore the Shah Jahan Mosque, with 93 domes and flawless acoustics. Visit Makli Necropolis, one of the largest graveyards in the world, filled with ornate tombs and mausoleums. On the return, stop at the intricately carved Chaukhandi Tombs. Continue to Karachi, Pakistan’s bustling port city, for your final nights. Overnight Karachi.

Day 20:

Karachi Sightseeing – Departure
Spend your last day exploring Karachi’s cultural gems. Visit Mazar-e-Quaid, resting place of Pakistan’s founder, before touring the elegant Mohatta Palace and colonial Frere Hall. Stroll through Empress Market for shopping and local flavors. End the tour with a relaxing walk along Clifton Beach, soaking in sea breezes. In the evening, transfer to Jinnah International Airport for your departure, carrying memories of Pakistan’s heritage.