Gandhara Civilization Exploration

The commencement of journey starts with the speculative voyage towards the First foot print of Ghandhara civilization, Taxilla is 34.3km away from capital.The first site under exploration will be Taxila museum which showcases stone sculptures dated back to 1 and 4Century AD, Stucco and Terracota Sculptures of 5th Century AD, Gold and Silver Jewellery of 3rd BC to 1 AD any many more. After visualising the Artefacts the next stop will be Bhir Mound. It was the first planned city of Ghandhara Civilization, a thorough exploration and study will be conducted there.The next destination will be the City of Sirkap, from 7th BC.It is attributed to the Greek architecture. Lunch will be served in open air in a soothing garden with local dishe Beef Nihari in the presence of folk music. Soon after, lunch Kanpur dam and caves would be next spot which are dated back to 1000 CE. Bhomala Stupas and Rajika stupas would also be explored and then return to Islamabad for dinner and night stay.

In the early morning ,the mission will set towards Peshawar ,the capital of KPK province of Pakistan and at a distance of 183.2km from Islamabad. Breakfast will be done with chappal kabab , naan and chai. The exploration will be started from Peshawar museum. It has the largest collection of Ghandhara civilization in the world. It holds, Buddhist stone sculptures, Stucco panels , architectural elements, terracotta figurines and many more. The second stop would be Qissa khwani Bazzar, the most busiest and oldest place. It exhibits shops of local art and heritage, cuisine, musical instruments and all other items related to monotonous life. Goori gathi bazar proposes its own charm ,here luch with fresh, lamb karahi and Kabuli polao would be attended. Next destiny will be Bab e Khyber ,from where invaders found their path of attack. Seethi muhallah will be explored, after evening tea.It contains seven mansions of unique central Asian style. The charm of Rubab music will provide rejoice to soul.

It is at a distance of 64.6km from Peshawar. Takht bahi hosts UNESCO’S declared World Heritage site, Chatpat Buddhist Monastery dated back from 1 to 4 AD. The first destine will be Dir Chakdara Museum, it contains jewellery items, weapons ,household goods and musical instruments which purely depicts local culture. The next spot will be Buddhist Archaeological Complex known as Andan Dheraj.It has the most exhibiting relics of Ghandhara civilization which are marvellously well preserved.It is the manifestation of pristine Buddhist architecture.The evacuations include Monastery along with Stupa court and Assembly hall.The adventure ends with tradinal dinner of Dum Pukht and Aushak.It will be followed by a cultural music and dance.

This enchanted valley is at a distance of 113 km from Takht bahi. It possesses both , the historical significance as being cradle of Buddhism and natural beauty.Post breakfast, the first destiny will be Swat Museum.It displays plethora of artefacts of Ghandhara civilization , ranging from daily useable items to stupas.The second target will be Ghandhara statues and Friezes which reflect the memory of Buddha.It will be followed by Gulkada 1 and Gulkada 2 , the Saidu stupa , Arab Khan Cheena which demonstrates 8 rock carvings and amalgamation of 6 stupas. It will provide an opportunity for in-depth observation and record of Ghandhara civilization. The day will be end with local dinner in Marghazar Palace hotel followed by a brief cultural show.

The enraptured valley of Malam Jabba is at a distance of 48.9km from Swat. On the way , the exploration will be done on the rock carvings at Fizagat which display the art of Ghandhara and buddhist scriptures. An observation of Jehanabad Buddha, which is acknowledged as second largest Carving statute in the world, will be conducted. After a light brunch, there will be a walking trek journey to Obagate which ends at ancient rock carvings in Kharushti language script .Lunch , will be done in Mallam jabba , the natural beauty will be explored by walking on uphill. The serene nature, Alpine trees, sweet songs of birds , rystic sound of water and cold breeze would take mind and soul to a higher world. Dinner will be taken in Swat.

The first spot will be the Grand Mahmud Ghazni Mosque constructed in 1048 CE in Odigram Mountains , the invasion of Ghazni declared the end of Ghandhara civilization. The next will be Shingardar Stupa, which was erected by King Uttrasena associated with a folk storey of turning his white elephant into stone. Third would be Amluk Dara Stupa and then Nemogram Stupa and associated Monastery.The day will come to an end with a grand open air dinner followed by cultural music and dance.

The splendid valley of Buner is at 93.7km from swat. The distance will be covered through Karakar pass which is passing through the Elum Mountain which is considered to be the home of Jagaianu Sar.It was mediation place and seat of Rana Chandara. Further encounter will be with Amluk Dara Stupa followed by Najaram Archaeological site. In Buner the ,exploration of Rani gate which is expands upto 4km and reflects the buddhist ruins dated back to 2 CE. Trout fish will be served in lunch. After, shopping in local bazar ,the mission will be headed towards Swat and down towards Islamabad.