• Taxila Museum - Situated in Taxila, Punjab, Pakistan, the Taxila Museum houses an extensive collection of Gandharan art from the 1st to the 7th centuries CE. Most artifacts were unearthed from the ancient ruins of Taxila. The museum is surrounded by numerous historical sites, including ancient stupas and other ruins. Construction of the museum began in 1918, with the foundation stone laid by Lord Chelmsford, the Viceroy of India. It was completed in 1928 and inaugurated by Sir Muhammad Habibullah. The museum showcases around 4,000 items, including stone, stucco, terracotta, silver, gold, iron, and semi-precious stones, primarily from 600 B.C to 500 AD. The collection represents Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain religions, with artifacts from three ancient cities, over two dozen Buddhist stupas and monasteries, and Greek temples in the region.

• Dharmarajika Stupa And Monastery - The Dharmarajika Stupa, a prominent Buddhist stupa in Taxila, Pakistan, was constructed over the Buddha’s relics by Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE. It, along with the large monastic complex that developed around it, is part of the Ruins of Taxila, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980. The stupa was believed to have been restored in the 2nd century CE during the Kushan era to house Buddha’s relics, possibly sourced from earlier monuments. Buddhist texts mention the use of frankincense during religious ceremonies at Dharmarajika, and the complex was adorned with colorful glass tiles. Indo-Greek coins found at the site date back to the 2nd century BCE. The site was devastated by the White Huns in the 5th century CE and subsequently abandoned. The White Huns not only destroyed Taxilan sites but also nearby cities.

• Sirkap Palace - The city of Sirkap was established by the Greco-Bactrian king Demetrius after his invasion of modern-day Pakistan around 180 BC. Demetrius founded an Indo-Greek kingdom that lasted until around 10 BC. Sirkap is also believed to have been rebuilt by King Menander I. Excavations of the ancient city were conducted under Sir John Marshall’s supervision by Hergrew from 1912 to 1930. Further excavations were carried out by Mortimer Wheeler and his team in 1944 and 1945. Most discoveries at Sirkap pertain to the Indo-Scythian and Indo-Parthian periods (1st-2nd century CE). Excavations to the Greek levels have been limited, with much likely still hidden underground. In Sirkap, only about one-eighth of the excavations reached the Indo-Greek and early Indo-Scythian levels, and this was in an area far from the ancient city’s center, where few discoveries were expected.

• Jaulian Buddhist Monastery - Jaulian is a ruined Buddhist monastery from the 2nd century CE, located in Taxila, Pakistan. Along with the nearby Mohra Muradu monastery, Jaulian is part of the Ruins of Taxila, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980. The monastic complex at Jaulian includes a main sacred area with a central stupa and twenty-seven smaller votive stupas, as well as a monastery with two courtyards, monk cells, and numerous chapels. Jaulian was one of the world’s oldest universities, attracting students from the subcontinent, Central and Southeast Asia, and China. The monuments in Jaulian are highly decorated and well-preserved. Some of the finest stucco sculptures have been moved to the Taxila Museum for display, including fragments of a Buddhist manuscript in Sanskrit, Brahmi characters from the 5th century, and copper coins.

• Entry Fee to Museum and all sites
• Pick and drop to hotels in Islamabad
• English speaking guide
• All fees and taxes
• In-vehicle air conditioning

• Gratuaties
• All Food and Drinks

This Guided Day Trip offers an introduction to one of the world’s oldest civilizations, the Gandhara Civilization, an ancient Buddhist community that thrived 2,500 years ago. It was home to some of the earliest universities and learning centers globally. Due to its strategic location, numerous empires vied for its control over the centuries.

In 1980, Taxila was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and in 2006, it was named the top tourist destination in Pakistan by The Guardian newspaper.

Participants will have the opportunity to explore the Taxila Museum, Taxila Ruins, Jaulian Buddhist Monastery, Dharmarajika Stupa and Monastery, among other attractions. An English-speaking guide will accompany the tour, with hotel pick-up and drop-off services available from Islamabad.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.