Saturday 5th April – Karachi

• Arrive at Karachi – the largest city in Pakistan and self-transfer to our centrally located meeting point. Jinnah International Airport is well connected to the Middle East, Bangkok and Istanbul.
• Meet our driver at the airport and be transferred to our hotel. Check-in is from 2:00pm.
• Pre-tour meeting starts at 6:00pm in the lobby of our hotel. Meet your YPT guide and the other group members.
• Head out for dinner and overnight in Karachi

Sunday 6th April – Karachi

Morning

• Your journey begins with the story and creation of Pakistan – we’ll visit the Tomb of Muhammad Ali Jinnah (also known as the Mazar-e-Quaid or National Mausoleum). Jinnah was a key player to rid the British out of India; however suspicion, internal party division and religion influenced Jinnah to create a separate Muslim state on the Indian subcontinent.
• Next we’ll visit the beautiful Masjid-e Tooba, the largest single-some mosque in the world. The sheer volume and size of the mosque is breath-taking, you can appreciate how many worshippers come to pray – it’s also reminded to dress appropriately and ask your guide before taking photos out of respect.

Afternoon

• We’ll have lunch at a local restaurant. Here in Karachi, the cuisine here are renowned for its cultural fusion – your local guide will explain why.
• Once we’re ready we’ll head to the National Museum of Pakistan, originally established as the Frere Hall during the British Raj. Your guide will point out the Priest-Kingwhich is considered one of the most important artefacts found in the Indus Valley Civilisation.
• Next on your journey, you’ll visit a popular beach frequented by the locals. You’ll get the opportunity to interact with the welcoming locals and capture some memorable pictures.
• After a busy first day, we’ll have dinner in Karachi followed by some freshly made Lassi at a popular local spot.
• Overnight in Karachi.

Monday 7th April – Karachi – Makli – Hyderabad

Morning

• Breakfast at the hotel before we visit the Tomb of Chaukundi and the ancient ruins of Bhanbore. Historically the region was a Hindu kingdom followed by Buddhism then ultimately Islam; there are layers of history within the ruins that were influenced by the various rulers’ religion.
• On our journey we will visit Makli Necropolis approximately 10 kilometres from City of Thatta. The Necropolis was granted UNESCO world heritage site in 1981. Legends go that there’s over 1 million people are buried in the hills here – Makli Necropolis is recorded being one of the largest funerary sites in the world.
• Next we’ll drive you to The Shah Jahan Mosque also known as the Jamia Masjid of Thatta, built during the reign of Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan who bestowed it to the city as a token of gratitude, the Masjid is heavily influenced by Central Asian Architecture – The Mughal Emperor changed the course of the Indian subcontinent from architecture, culture and cuisines.

Afternoon

• Lunch at a local restaurant where we can also relax.
• In the evening we’ll head to Keenjhar Lake also known as Malik Lake, located in the Thatta District this is one of the largest fresh water lakes in Pakistan and an important source of drinking water. The beautiful lake is also a wildlife sanctuary home to some beautiful migrating birds including flamingos, cormorants, egrets, ibises, pheasant-tailed jacana and many more!
• We’ll drive on to Hyderabad which literally translates to “Lion City” and take on the scenery along the journey; we’ll have time make stops and take photos.
• Once we reach Hyderabad, we must visit Bombay bakery which is extremely popular with the locals. Founded in 1911 and passed down through the generations, we defiantly recommend trying their famous coffee cake!
• Your evening tour will include the various auspicious sites scared to Sufis, hopefully we’ll see some Sufi-dancing as well – there’s something enchanting experiencing this.
• Dinner in Hyderabad followed by ice cream in the down.
• Overnight in Hyderabad.

Tuesday 8th April – Hyderabad – Sehwan Sharif

Morning

• Early morning, we’ll have breakfast in the hotel before we head out to visit the various Sufi shrines of Bhit Shah. We’ll spend some time admiring the practices of Sufism and experience some Sufi-dancing.
• Breakfast at the hotel, once we’re ready we’ll drive to Ranikot Fort commonly referred to as The Great Wall of Sindh due to its vast walls. The circumference of the Fort is approximately 32 kilometres (20 mi) making it one of the largest Fort in the world, with its remote location and sheer size it’s quite overwhelming to experience. What makes it interesting is no-one quite knows what it was built to defend, and its origins are still unclear. In more recent years it was a famous place for bandits to hide, but today it’s peaceful and quiet again for you to explore.

Afternoon

• Lunch along the journey, our local guides know the best spots.
• On arrival to Sehwan Sharif, the most important site for Sufis in Pakistan although the origin of the cities name is contested due to the ancient and complex history.
• In the evening we have something special lined up for you, we’ll visit Sehwan Sharif one of the most holy shrines in Pakistan, the Shrine of Lal Shah Baz Qalandar. At this shrine after sunset, we will hopefully have another chance to see Dhamaal – Sufi Dancing with music.
• Dinner in Sehwan Sharif followed by a walk in the centre where you can try local deserts.
• Overnight in Sehwan Sharif.

Wednesday 9th April – Sehwan Sharif – Mohenjo Daro – Larkana – Sukkur

Morning

• Breakfast at the hotel before we take an early drive to Mohenjo Daro an UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s first major cities – this was the largest settlement during the ancient Indus Valley Civilisation. We’ll have time to explore the ancient city – Mohenjo Daro which translates to “Mound of the Dead Men”.

Afternoon

• We’ll pass by Larkana city, famous for the large concentration of Holy Alams and often referred to as the “City of Holy Alams” by Shia Muslims. We’ll take a rest stop and stop for lunch before we continue on our road trip.
• Later in the evening we’ll visit the Bhutto-Mausoleum in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh. The Bhutto family are still considered as one of the most important and influential families in Pakistan – the Bhutto-Mausoleum still attract large gatherings on the anniversary of Benazir Bhutto’s death.
• Dinner in Sukkur followed by a few chilled drinks.
• Overnight in Sukkur.

Thursday 10th April – Sukkur – Bahawalpur

Morning

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• We will start the day with visiting the shrines of the Seven Sisters locally known as Sateen Jo Aastan – this is located on the left bank of the Indus River in Sukkur. The site was chosen for its scenic location for the seven female friends – who remained unmarried and practiced purdah (wearing a veil prevent males from seeing them) however folklore has its origins from the Hindu ritual of “sati”.
• We’ll make a short stop at Uch Sharif which was founded by Alexander the Great during his campaign in the Indus valley. The site later became the base for the Delhi Sultanate during the Islamic conquest of Indian subcontinent. Today it’s an important pilgrimage site with numerous shines and tombs.

Afternoon

• Along the journey we’ll stop for lunch at a local restaurant taking in the scenery.
• Our journey continues to the Cholistan Desert (Rohi) where for centuries and even today is still inhabited by nomadic tribes who are famous for producing local crafts.
• You’ll have the opportunity to take pictures with tribal members and purchase unique gifts which supports their way of life in the ever-changing world.
• Once we’re ready, we’ll head towards Bahawalpur, the former princely state was by the Abbasi family of Nawabs. Despite the Nawabs losing their kingdom in 1955 they have left an ever-lasting impact on the state with its rich architectural influence.
• On arrival we’ll check into our hotel and head out straight for dinner.
• Overnight stay in Bahawalpur.

Friday 11th April – Bahawalpur – Derawar Fort – Multan

Morning

• Leisurely morning start with breakfast at the hotel before we discover Bahawalpur hidden gems.
• We’ll begin the morning by passing Bahawalpur palace before heading to Museum, which has focuses on the cultural heritage of the region. A particular interest includes galleries displaying Cholistan culture and heritage and the exhibition during the British Raj.

Afternoon

• After an insightful morning, we’ll have lunch before leaving the beautiful Bahawalpur and continuing our journey across Southern Pakistan.
• We will visit the impressive and remote Derawar Fort. This incredible fort is 30m high and has a circumference of 1.5km which is visible from many miles away in the Cholistan Desert. The fort was built in the 9th century by a Hindu Rajput ruler and exchanged hands over the centuries from the Emirate of Multan, the Delhi Sultanate to the Mughals.
• In the evening we’ll head towards Multan – the ‘city of saints’ the drive is pretty interesting along the way. Multan has a deep and fascinating history as it’s the oldest continuously inhabited cities in all of Asia.
• Dinner in Multan followed by some local deserts on town.
• Overnight in Multan.

Saturday 12th April – Multan – Lahore

• Early morning start with breakfast at the hotel before we experience the daily life in Multan, famous for its ancient history. Mulan is famously known in Asia as the oldest and continuously inhabited cities with links to Darius and Alexander the Great.
• We’ll do a tour through Multan and see some famous innumerable Sufi shrines along the way. We’ll head towards the bazar (market) and see daily life amongst the locals, it’s also a perfect opportunity to take some interesting photos and pick up gifts.

Afternoon

• We’ll have lunch then start our journey to Lahore – the cultural capital of Pakistan, to break up our road trip we will stop at Sahiwal. Here we’ll find the ancient Harappa civilization more commonly known as the Indus valley civilization which use to frequently trade with Mesopotamia.
• Once we arrive in Lahore you can settle in – Lahore is considered the most liberal, progressive, and cosmopolitan cities in Pakistan. The history genuinely reflects the architecture from Mughal, Sikhs Empire to the British Raj.
• Dinner in Lahore and head out into town, the cities famous for its cuisines particularly the chicken karahi.
• Overnight in Lahore.

Sunday 13th April – Lahore

Morning

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• No trips to Lahore go without visiting the impressive Fort – Lahore Fort is the citadel of the city and has been inhabited for centuries. The fort has exchanged many occupiers over the years including the Mughals, Sikh Empire and the East India Company. The architecture of the fort is impressive which features both Islamic and Hindu features.
• We’ll then head to Badshahi Mosque, this is the most iconic landmark of Lahore and considered the peak of Mughal architecture – the impressive size of the Mosque can accommodate 10,000 worshipers in the hall with another 100,000 worshipers in the courtyard.
• We’ll walk through the old town, what’s unique about Lahore you can find street doctors, dentists, pharmacist and various other medical occupations.

Afternoon

• Lunch in Lahore, there’s plenty of places to choose from.
• Since the independence of Pakistan and India in 1947 from the British Raj, hostilities still remain between the two nuclear armed nations neighbours. You can experience the tense and dramatic tension at the Wagah Border ceremony where both nations lower their flags and close the border for the night – It’s very patriotic, is an understatement!
• Dinner at a popular local spot, we recommend trying nihari, a delicious meat stew. There are plenty of vegetarian options to choose from as well.
• After dinner, we’ll take an evening walk of Lahore to capture the late-night activities. The city really comes to life at night, we’ll grab some desert from a local street vendor.
• Overnight in stay Lahore.

Monday 14th April – Lahore – Peshawar

Morning

• Early morning start with breakfast at our hotel.
• Once we’re ready and checked out of the hotel, we’ll start our journey to Peshawar, famous for its large population of Pashtuns.
• Along the journey we’ll pass small villages and town, less frequented by foreigners, we’ll have the opportunity to stop there to grab a cup of chai, relax and enjoy the scenery.
• We’ll make a stop at Khewra Salt Mine, which produces Khewra salt. The pink salt is more famously known as Himalayan salt. The mines have a historical element being discovered by Alexander the Great, used for trade by the Mughals and expanded by the mines expanded by the British Raj.

Afternoon

• After a busy morning, we’ll have some lunch at a local restaurant.
• We’ll continue to Peshawar enjoying the scenery along the way. We’ll make rest stops and for photo opportunities.
• On arrival to Peshawar, we’ll check into our hotel before heading out for an evening walk. You’ll notice the language is different here with the local residents speaking Pashto.
• Dinner at a local a restaurant, we recommend trying chapli kabab, minced meat mixed with spices formed into a patty and deep fried. A signature dish of the region, for vegetarians we recommend dal chawal.
• Overnight stay in Peshawar.

Tuesday 15th April – Peshawar – Islamabad

Morning

• Early morning start, we’ll have breakfast before we explore the vibrant city of Peshawar.
• For those continuing their tour with us to Afghanistan, we’ll arrange to collect your Afghan visa from the Afghanistan consulate in Peshawar this morning.
• Peshawar is one of the oldest cities in South Asia, during Hindu rule, the Sanskrit name, Poshapura meaning “City of Flowers” was used. Today you’ll get to discover the vibrant city visiting various sites and learn about if significant during various empires.

Afternoon

• We’ll explore the bazaars of Peshawar to purchase some gifts before having lunch at a local restaurant.
• Once we’re ready we’ll start our road trip back to Islamabad, making stops along the way.
• On arrival to Islamabad, we’ll check into our hotel and have some time to freshen up before heading out.
• As it’s our final night, we’ll head out to a popular restaurant for dinner and share our highlights of the tour.
• Overnight stay in Islamabad.

Wednesday 16th April – Islamabad – Kabul, Afghanistan (optional)

Morning

• Breakfast at the Hotel.
• End of the tour depart at your own convenience with airport drop off. YPT can arrange additional nights in Lahore for a fee, we are more than happy to provide advice for ongoing flights.
• For those wanting to extend their adventure on our Grand Afghanistan Tour we recommend to book and board Kam Air flight RQ928 departing Islamabad at 5:30pm arriving into Kabul at 6:00pm.
• On arrival meet our Afghanistan guide at the airport and be transferred to our guest house for your own convenience and safety.
• Dinner and overnight in Kabul

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