Punjab Explorer

Adventure

Group

Tour Overiew

Starting in Pakistan’s capital, we will travel from Islamabad to Lahore covering the top sights of the Punjab region. Punjab is a place of many contrasts with a fascinating history as this tour will reveal.

You will visit towns draped in ancient heritage as well as contemporary cities that make modern-day Pakistan tick. You breathe in some of the world’s freshest mountain air as we trek thorough never-ending hills. One day you’ll meander through salt mines and meditation caves, the next you’ll be charging a camel through desert dunes and meeting nomadic tribes. You’ll gain insight to the mystical practice of Sufism. You’ll even have the opportunity to try your hand at local handicrafts, guided by the experts themselves!

And last but certainly not least, you’ll have an unforgettable night sleeping under the stars in the remote stretches of Cholistan Desert.

We begin our Punjab Explorer tour with a hearty breakfast in Islamabad before hiking in the Margalla Hills. This will banish any stiffness from your flight to Islamabad whilst you savour views of the city touted as the greenest capital in the world. We will visit the iconic Faisal Mosque – the largest mosque in Pakistan and experience the 2,500-year-old Buddhist caves at Shah Allah Ditta village. Let’s wrap up the day with a group dinner in Islamabad.

We will immerse ourselves in the rural splendour of the western Himalayan foothills by visiting the Murree Hills and Dunga Gali. Dig out your walking boots as we follow the route of an old pipeline on a trek between Ayubia and Dunga Gali. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife including monkeys, lizards and birdlife on this 8km trek. The terrain is hilly, the forests are evergreen, the vistas are of pure beauty. Fingers crossed for clear skies so we can glimpse the snowy peaks of Mukeshpuri and Miranjani. We’ll recuperate back in Islamabad over sumptuous food.

If you ever wondered where the Himalayan rock salt in your pantry came from, you’ll find out when we visit the Khewra Salt Mines. A trusty colonial-era train will take us to the mines whilst your guide gives you you the lowdown on the second largest salt reserves in the world. These chambers and caves gleam, glisten and glow with salt crystals and are a pleasure to explore. A haven for photographers. We’ll also explore the extremely holy Hindu temple complex of Katas Raj which wraps itself around a scared lake, before arriving into Jhelum for the night.

We will visit the formidable Rohtas Fort which has remained remarkably intact since its construction in the mid 16th century. Its walls and 12 gates are still standing and you’ll have chance to learn about the history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll see the mighty Chenab River, a major waterway which connects Pakistan and India. We’ll spend our evening in Gujrat, a Punjab city with the Akbari Fort at its core.

Today we’ll explore a city that few tourists have even heard of, Chiniot. Our rickshaw driver will seamlessly waive us around the narrow streets, taking us to see historic, cheerfully painted buildings which give this city an irresistible charm. We’ll see the Shahi Masjid and the Sheesh Mahel shrine, with its beautiful exteriors made from mirrors. Tonight we stay in Faisalabad where you can wander around the eight famous markets that surround the clock tower, creating a Union Jack shape from above.

We have a long drive ahead of us today! After breakfast we leave for Multan, the City of Saints. Sufism is prevalent all throughout Pakistan and Multan is the hub of it all. The city is famous for its religious heritage and is home to a rich culture. We can only visit a few of the hundreds of shrines, but you will gain understanding of the traditions and the rituals of Sufism. Apart from shrines, there are some very interesting historic and modern marketplaces in Multan to explore. The city is also known for is its blue pottery, you have the option to have a go yourself in a pottery workshop!

We leave for Uch Sharif first thing, a small city with history that traces back over centuries. Here you will see the Sufi tomb of Bibi Jawindi. Half of this still breath-taking shrine was washed away by floods hundreds of years ago.We’ll set up camp for the night at the majestic, ancient 9th century Derawar Fort in the Cholistan desert for a night you’ll never forget. Making ourselves at home around a smouldering camp fire we’ll tuck into a BBQ as we share stories and stargaze. Local melodies and songs hum in the background. There’s a reason this evening is a favourite of the Geo Tours team – it really adds a touch of magic to your trip.

Encounter holy Islamic mosques, sacred Hindu temples and ancient Buddhist caves
Sleep wild in the Cholistan Desert beneath a quilt of stars
Ride a camel across the desert alongside nomadic tribes
Step back in time in the city of Uch Sharif
Delve into the mystic, bohemian practices of Sufism in Multan
Have a go at making your own blue pottery (optional)

Days

Nights

From

Prices available upon request.

Islamabad

Lahore

Places Explored:

Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Rohtas Fort, Chiniot, Faisalabad, Multan, Derawar fort, Bahawalpur

Modes of Transport:

Road

Private Bus

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Punjab Explorer

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Punjab Explorer

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