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Inter-Cultural Arts Exchange

Kalash to Khyber

Islamabad - Day 1
After clearing Customs & Immigration, you are met at the exit gate by our representative for the transfer to the hotel. Afternoon tour includes the Shakarparian Garden, which gives us a magnificent view of Islamabad before driving past various modern government buildings, graceful with a touch of Islamic design and architecture. Next visit is to one of the world's largest mosque, named after the lake King Faisal of Saudi Arabia, the mosque also houses an Islamic University specializing in Islamic Philosophy and Law.

Islamabad - Taxila - Swat - Day 2
Morning brief tour of the old garrison town of Rawalpindi and the new, planned capital of Islamabad. Visit the ancient village of Saidpur, and stop at the Institute of Folk Heritage, a small, neatly decorated ethnological museum displaying numerous costumes and artifacts from all over Pakistan. Afternoon depart for Taxila, once the seat of oriental culture. It is famous for the rare specimens of stucco from the Gandhara period excavated from Sirkap and various Buddhist Stupas & Monasteries. The museum houses various objects and sculptures dating from the 4th century B.C. to the 5th century A.D. The excations are spread out over and area of 8 km. Continue on to Swat Valley. Saidu Sharif is the capital city of the Swat Valley. It is named after the Moslem divinity, Saidu.

Swat - Day 3
Morning visit to the Swat Museum which has a rich collection of Gandhara Art obtained from sites in the region. Just 3 km from Saidu Sharif is Mingora, the commercial centre of Swat. Also visit the bazaar & the Islampur weaver's village, where we will get an insight into the traditional and rural life of the Swatis. This village has a very highly developed traditional weaving industry using traditional textile, designs and local materials. Most of the embroidery consist of small circular mirrors woven into the design making it a unique piece of cloth. Swat is also well known for the woolen shawls.

Afternoon visit Madyan. This picturesque city lies in an enchanting setting of steep wooded hills, popular for its scenic beauty which is reputed to be the best in the entire Swat Valley. Next stop is Bahrain, a market town in the upper valley. We'll have time here to wander down the main street, stopping in the various shops to admire the fine woven fabrics. This is an excellent place to purchase some of the fabrics or a traditional Swati vest and hat. The people of Bahrain are famous for their woodcarving, and looking around the town we can see some beautiful door handles, windows and tables.

Swat - Chitral - Day 4
This morning depart via the picturesque Lowari Pass to Chitral. Lying in the midst of the Hindukush Range, itís one of the world's most beautiful regions. Chitral offers enchanting scenery in the shadow of the majestic Trich Mir, at 7708 m, is the highest peak of the Hindukush Range. The people of Chitral, the "Kho", show traces of Persian and Turkish ancestry. They are known for their peaceful, uncomplicated character and unique culture.

Chitral - Day 5
Walking tour of Chitral includes a visit to Shahi Mosque, a beautiful white structure built by the former rulers, is one of the most interesting buildings in Chitral. In its courtyard are buried former rulers and members of their families. Nearby is the historic Fort of Chitral where a small contingent of the British Army was beseiged for almost thirty days. From the fort is an awe inspiring view of Trich Mir Mountain with the Chitral River flowing nearby. The winding street of the Chitral Bazaar has shops selling household objects, antiques and handicrafts obtained from the remote valleys.

Chitral - Day 6
Day free at leisure to enjoy

Chitral - Peshawar * - Day 7
Morning we are transferred to the airport for the flight to Peshawar. Set in a valley of colours and flowers, this legendary city has many secrets. Her story is one of many cultures, peoples, traditions and customs that even today the aura of oriental romance and mystery has been preserved. Afternoon enjoy a sightseeing tour of Peshawar. The Peshawar Museum houses a rich treasure of art, sculpture and historical relics dating from the Gandhara period (300 BC to 300 AD) to modern times. After a visit to the museum,we journey to Yadgar Square and visit Mahabat Khan Mosque, a beautiful towering structure with lofty minarets. We then be driven through old Peshawar to the popular Qissa Khawani Bazaar (street of story-tellers), the Peshawar Pottery Works, Bater Bazaar (street of partridge lovers) and Mochi Lara, famous for its exquisitely embroidered sandals. Peshawar is a colorful and cosmopolitan city and many different peoples gather here; afghans, Iranis, Uzbeks, Tajeks, Afridis and Shinwaris all add to the excitement.

Peshawar - Day 8
This morning a trip to the historic Khyber Pass. The Pass has been the silent witness to countless great events in the history of mankind. It has been conquered by the Greeks, ruled by the Buddhists, destroyed by the Huns, rebuilt by the Brahmins and still later invaded by the great Moghuls. It is reputed that the army of Alexander the Great of Macedonia crossed this pass in 327 B.C.

Peshawar - Day 9
Morning transfer to the airport for the depature flight.

*Flight Chitral/Pershawar is subject to weather and back load. Should the flight not operate, alternative road transfer will be provided

Note: Prices based on 2 people, dble occ; for single room add single supplement. All prices subject to change.

Package Includes:

• All land transport
• Accomodations, dble occ, first class category in major cities; best available elsewhere
• Local English speaking guide
• Airport transfers
• Entrance fees to museums and sites
  

Package Does Not Include

• Airport departure taxes
• Tips
• Insurance
• Visa Fees
• Any expenses of a personal nature such as phone, laundry, drinks