STP-HTL-HER
The Heritage Triangle
Lahore, Islamabad & Taxila, seven days through 2,500 years
Region
Punjab · Islamabad
Duration
7 days · 6 nights
Style
Family Or Friends
Group
Private · 2 to 8 guests
Overview
A proper introduction to the cultural Pakistan most travellers never see well. Three full days inside Lahore with the city's best-known food and architecture historians, a day at the UNESCO-listed Taxila valley (the heart of Gandharan Buddhist civilisation, 6th c. BC to 5th c. AD), and the lesser-known Rohtas Fort and Katas Raj Hindu temples en route. Built as a stand-alone or as the southern arm of a longer journey north.
Highlights
- Lahore Fort and Badshahi Mosque at first light, before the crowds
- Wazir Khan Mosque with a tilework conservator
- Walled City food walk with a Lahori food historian (Gawalmandi or Androon Shehr)
- Taxila: Dharmarajika Stupa, Sirkap city and the museum (UNESCO)
- Rohtas Fort (UNESCO) and Katas Raj temples on the GT Road
- Sufi qawwali evening at the shrine of Baba Shah Jamal or Data Darbar
Itinerary
Day by day
Day 1
Arrival · Lahore
Met at Allama Iqbal International. Check in to Nishat Hotel or a restored haveli. Sunset rooftop view over Badshahi Mosque, welcome dinner at Cooco's Den.
Day 2
Walled City Lahore
Lahore Fort at dawn (gates open 7am for our guests), Sheesh Mahal and the Picture Wall. Wazir Khan Mosque and Hammam. Walking food tour through Androon Shehr with a Lahori food historian.
Day 3
Mughal Lahore
Shalimar Gardens at opening, the tomb of Jahangir and Asaf Khan at Shahdara. Afternoon at the Lahore Museum with a senior curator. Evening qawwali at the shrine of Baba Shah Jamal.
Day 4
Modern Lahore · drive to Islamabad
Morning at the Lahore Biennale art spaces and Anarkali bazaar. Afternoon transfer on the Lahore-Islamabad Motorway (~4 hrs). Check in at Serena Islamabad.
Day 5
Taxila day
Full-day excursion to the Taxila valley with a Gandharan specialist: Dharmarajika Stupa and Monastery, Jaulian, Sirkap city and the Taxila Museum. Lunch at the museum cafe.
Day 6
Rohtas Fort & Katas Raj
Day-trip down the historic Grand Trunk Road to Sher Shah Suri's vast 16th-century Rohtas Fort (UNESCO) and the ancient Katas Raj Hindu temple complex (lake said to be formed from Shiva's tears). Return to Islamabad for the night.
Day 7
Islamabad highlights · departure
Faisal Mosque, Lok Virsa Heritage Museum, Pakistan Monument viewpoint. Lunch at Monal in the Margalla Hills. Evening departure.
Inclusions & exclusions
Included
- +6 nights accommodation: 4 Lahore (Nishat / Pearl Continental / Avari), 2 Islamabad (Serena / Roomy Signature)
- +Private a/c sedan or SUV with English-speaking driver throughout
- +Lahore-based cultural historian for 3 days · Islamabad/Taxila guide for 2 days
- +All breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners (mix of fine-dining and authentic local)
- +All monument entries (Lahore Fort, Badshahi, Wazir Khan, Shalimar, Taxila, Rohtas, Katas Raj)
- +Lahore-Islamabad transfer on the Motorway
- +All airport transfers
Not included
- −International flights
- −Visa and insurance
- −Personal shopping
- −Tips
Enquire
Begin a conversation about this trip.
We reply personally within 24 hours with a tailored proposal.
