Full-Day Research Exploration

• Taxila Museum – Gandharan sculptures, relic caskets, stupas
• Dharmarajika Stupa – one of the earliest Buddhist stupas
• Sirkap – Indo-Greek archaeological city
• Jaulian Monastery – meditation cells, classrooms
• Academic session withTIAC / archaeologists
• Overnight in Islamabad

• Drive to Mardan
• Takht-i-Bahi Monastic Complex – hilltop monastery, stupas
• Jamal Garhi – early Buddhist architectural site
• Shahbaz Garhi – Ashokan edicts in Kharosthi script
• Evening research discussion
• Overnight in Mardan / Peshawar

• Peshawar Museum – world’s largest Gandharan collection
• Study manuscripts, stucco panels, Bodhisattva statues
• Visit University of Peshawar – meet professors & Ph.D. scholars
• Overnight in Peshawar

• Drive to Swat Valley
• Butkara Stupa – earliest Buddhist stupa in Swat
• Swat Museum – Udyana Buddhism exhibits
• Optional lecture withItalian Archaeological Mission (ISMEO)
• Overnight in Swat

• Jahanabad Buddha – iconic rock-carved Buddha
• Amluk-Dara Stupa – spectacular Gandharan stupa
• Saidu Sharif Monastery ruins
• Evening documentation & notes session
• Overnight in Swat

• Drive on the historicKarakoram Highway
• Visit ancient Buddhist rock carvings: Shatial, Thor, Chilas
• Study session:"Petroglyphs of Upper Indus Valley"
• Overnight in Chilas

• Visit Kargah Buddha – cliff-side carved Buddha
• Explore Henzal Stupa & ancient settlement
• Gilgit Archives – discussion onGilgit Buddhist Manuscripts
• Overnight in Gilgit

• Scenic drive to Hunza Valley
• Visit Sacred Rocks of Hunza (Haldeikish) – stupas & inscriptions
• Explore Tibetan & Central Asian cultural influences
• Evening lecture:"Buddhism in the Northern Silk Route Valleys"
• Overnight in Hunza (Karimabad)

• Visit Ganish Village – UNESCO award-winning heritage site
• Explore Altit & Baltit Forts – cultural transitions from Buddhist eras
• Optional photography/documentation session
• Overnight in Hunza

• Early morning departure from Islamabad toward Skardu via Karakoram Highway or Babusar Pass (seasonal).
• Journey through dramatic mountain landscapes of theHimalayas, Karakoram, and Hindukush ranges.
• Educational commentary on Baltistan’s ancient links withTibetan Buddhism and the upper Indus cultural corridor.
• Short scenic stops for photography and geological observation.
• Arrival inSkardu by evening.
• Hotel check-in, rest, and briefing about upcoming Buddhist heritage visits.

Overnight stay: Skardu

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Visit toManthal Buddha Rock – a major Buddhist archaeological site featuring a large rock carving of the Buddha dating back to the 7th–8th century CE, reflecting strong Tibetan Buddhist artistic traditions.
  • Study session on iconography, inscriptions, and stylistic influence of Tibetan Buddhism.
• VisitShigar Fort (17th century) – cultural documentation of Balti heritage influenced by Tibetan and Central Asian traditions.
• Walk throughShigar Valley to learn about ancient trade routes and cross-cultural exchange.
• VisitShangrila Lake (Lower Kachura) – scenic location with historical significance along ancient Buddhist travel routes.
• Explore nearbyrock carvings and petroglyphs, representing Buddhist stupas, inscriptions, and symbols.
• Reflection & group discussion on Buddhist heritage in Baltistan.

Overnight stay: Skardu

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Transfer toSkardu Airport.
• Flight to Islamabad (subject to weather conditions).

• Free time for research compilation
• Farewell dinner
• Overnight in Islamabad

• Airport transfer
• End of Services