Tour Overview
Pakistan is home to one of the world's first and most sophisticated urban societies: the Indus Valley Civilization (2600–1900 BCE). Flourishing along the fertile banks of the Indus River, its ancient cities featured grid-planned brick architecture, subterranean drainage systems, public baths, and remarkable artistry.
In the words of legendary British archaeologist Sir Mortimer Wheeler, “Pakistan enjoys a high international position in the history of human achievement by virtue of possessing the greatest vestiges of one of the first three mature civilizations of the world.” This comprehensive 15-day itinerary connects the grand Mughal palaces of Lahore, the Sufi mausoleums of Multan and Uch Sharif, the massive 40-bastion Derawar Fort in the Cholistan Desert, the world-famous bronze-age ruins of Mohenjo-daro, and the ancient coastal ports of Karachi and Gwadar.
Tour Highlights
- Guided exploration of UNESCO World Heritage Mohenjo-daro (Mound of the Dead)
- Visit Harappa archaeological site and museum in Sahiwal
- 4x4 desert excursion to the colossal 9th-century Derawar Fort in Cholistan
- Explore the 14th-century glazed blue-tile Sufi shrines of Uch Sharif and Multan
- Discover Thatta’s Makli Necropolis (one of the world's largest funerary sites)
- Scenic flight or Arabian Sea coastal drive from Karachi to Gwadar and Jiwani
Detailed 15-Day Itinerary
Arrival in Lahore & Welcome Reception
Arrive at Allama Iqbal International Airport Lahore. Reception by Hunza Adventure Tours team and transfer to hotel. Evening orientation and authentic Punjabi welcome dinner in Lahore Food Street.
Lahore Mughal Heritage & Harappa Exploration
Visit Lahore Museum (home to the iconic Fasting Buddha and Indus Valley seals), Lahore Fort, Badshahi Mosque, and the historic Walled City gates.
Lahore to Multan via Harappa Bronze Age Site
Morning drive towards Multan, stopping at Harappa to inspect the ancient citadel, granaries, cemetery, and site museum. Continue to Multan, the "City of Saints."
Multan Sufi Shrines & Drive to Bahawalpur
Tour the magnificent shrines of Shah Rukn-e-Alam and Bahauddin Zakariya with intricate blue Kashigari tiles. Afternoon drive to the royal princely state of Bahawalpur.
Cholistan Desert & Colossal Derawar Fort
Full day 4x4 desert safari into the Cholistan Desert to Derawar Fort, boasting 40 towering bastions rising 30 meters above the sand dunes. Visit the royal tombs of the Nawabs of Bahawalpur.
Bahawalpur – Uch Sharif – Mithan Kot
Visit Uch Sharif, founded by Alexander the Great, to admire the stunning tomb of Bibi Jawindi and Jalaluddin Surkh-Posh Bukhari. Continue to Mithan Kot on the Indus River bank.
Mithan Kot to Sukkur (Sindh Province)
Drive south along the Indus River basin into Sindh. Arrive in Sukkur, view the historic Lansdowne Bridge and Sukkur Barrage on the Indus River.
Full Day Exploration of UNESCO Mohenjo-daro
Comprehensive guided tour of Mohenjo-daro (2500 BCE). Inspect the Great Bath, Buddhist Stupa, College of Priests, Granary, Pillared Hall, residential quarters, and Mohenjo-daro Museum.
Sukkur – Manchar Lake – Sehwan – Hyderabad
Drive to Sehwan Sharif to witness the ecstatic Sufi Dhamaal at Lal Shahbaz Qalandar shrine. Stop at Manchar Lake to see the indigenous boat-dwelling community before reaching Hyderabad.
Hyderabad – Keenjhar Lake – Thatta – Karachi
Explore Makli Necropolis (over 500,000 carved stone tombs), Shah Jahan Mosque Thatta (famous for 93 acoustic domes), and Keenjhar Lake. Arrive in metropolitan Karachi.
Karachi Metropolitan Sightseeing & National Museum
Visit the National Museum of Pakistan (original Priest-King and Dancing Girl relics), Mohatta Palace, Mazar-e-Quaid, and sunset at Clifton Beach.
Karachi to Gwadar Deep Sea Port
Scenic coastal highway drive or flight to Gwadar across Makran Coastal Highway, passing the iconic Princess of Hope rock formation in Hingol National Park.
Gwadar – Jiwani Sunset Point – Gwadar
Excursion to Jiwani on the Iran-Pakistan border, famous for Queen Victoria's historic sunset hut and pristine mangrove wetlands. Evening seafood barbecue.
Gwadar to Karachi Flight & Farewell Dinner
Flight back to Karachi. Afternoon leisure for handicraft and textile shopping at Zainab Market. Farewell gala dinner overlooking the Arabian Sea.
Karachi International Airport Departure
Transfer to Jinnah International Airport Karachi for your homeward flight with cherished memories of ancient civilizations.
Package Inclusions & Exclusions
What's Included
- Official Government Visa LOI Support (DTS # ID-1994)
- 14 Nights accommodation in 3/4-star & heritage hotels
- Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Air-conditioned private transport (Toyota Prado / HiAce / Coaster)
- Certified English-speaking archaeological guide throughout
- All museum, fort, and archaeological monument entry permits
- 4x4 desert vehicle for Cholistan & Derawar Fort
- Airport transfers in Lahore and Karachi
What's Excluded
- International flights to/from Pakistan
- Domestic flight (Gwadar – Karachi) unless selected
- Personal travel & medical insurance
- Alcoholic beverages, laundry & phone calls
- Tips for tour guide and drivers
Terms, Booking & Official Bank Details
Hunza Adventure Tours operates under strict commercial tour operating standards licensed by the Government of Pakistan (DTS # ID-1994). Review our official bank wire details and booking deposit requirements below:
Official Bank Wire Details
Booking & Advance Deposit
A non-refundable deposit of $300 per person is required to confirm your booking and issue official Visa Invitation Letters.
Balance Payment
The remaining tour balance can be wired 30 days prior to arrival or settled upon arrival in Islamabad/Lahore in cash (USD/EUR/GBP).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best season to explore the Indus Civilization sites?
The optimal travel window is between October and April when southern Punjab and Sindh enjoy mild, pleasant winter temperatures (18°C to 26°C), avoiding the intense summer heat.
Is a tourist visa easy to obtain for archaeological tours in Pakistan?
Yes! Citizens of 190+ countries can apply online via the Pakistan NADRA eVisa portal. Hunza Adventure Tours provides your official DTS-licensed Letter of Invitation (LOI) and tour itinerary within 24–48 hours of booking.
Are the archaeological sites safe and accessible for senior travelers?
Absolutely. Mohenjo-daro, Harappa, Thatta, and Uch Sharif feature flat walking paths and comfortable road access in private air-conditioned vehicles. Our guides adjust the pace to your comfort level.
