Taxila Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour
The Taxila Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour is a short 4-day journey from Islamabad to the ancient monasteries and stupas of Taxila, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the great centres of Buddhist learning in Gandhara.
- Duration4 Days
- PaceEasy
- RegionsTaxila & Haripur
- Best SeasonOctober – April
- GroupPrivate, 2+
A Great Centre of Buddhist Learning
For centuries Taxila was one of the most important cities of Gandhara and a famous centre of Buddhist learning, visited by Chinese pilgrims such as Faxian and Xuanzang. Today its stupas and monasteries form a UNESCO World Heritage Site just 35 km from Islamabad.
On the Taxila Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour we visit the great Dharmarajika stupa, the hilltop monasteries of Jaulian and Mohra Moradu with their stucco Buddhas, the Bhamala stupa near Haripur, and the Taxila Museum. There is time at each site for prayer and meditation, guided by an expert in Gandharan Buddhism.
Trip Highlights
- The Dharmarajika stupa, one of the oldest in Gandhara
- Jaulian monastery and its stucco Buddha figures
- The quiet monastery of Mohra Moradu
- The Bhamala stupa and monastery near Haripur
- The Gandhara collection of the Taxila Museum
- Time for prayer and meditation at every site
Itinerary
Day 1Arrive in Islamabad
Our team meets you at the airport and transfers you to your hotel. Evening introduction to the Buddhist history of Gandhara.
Overnight: HotelDay 2Taxila: Dharmarajika and the museum
Morning prayers at the Dharmarajika stupa, then the Taxila Museum and the ancient city of Sirkap.
Overnight: HotelDay 3Jaulian, Mohra Moradu and Bhamala
Visit the hilltop monasteries of Jaulian and Mohra Moradu, then drive to the Bhamala stupa near Haripur.
Overnight: HotelDay 4Depart
Morning at Faisal Mosque or Lok Virsa if time allows, then transfer to the airport.
Overnight: —Itineraries can change with weather, flights, road conditions and festival dates. Your guide will always put safety first.
What's Included
Included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Hotel in Islamabad
- Daily breakfast and the meals listed in the itinerary
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced driver
- English-speaking cultural guide throughout
- Entry fees to all monuments and museums in the itinerary
- Letter of invitation (LOI) for your Pakistan visa
Not Included
- International flights to and from Pakistan
- Pakistan visa fee
- Travel insurance
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Personal expenses such as shopping, laundry and phone calls
- Anything not listed under "Included"
Moments from the Trail
Why Choose the Taxila Pilgrimage Tour?
The Taxila Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour is ideal for pilgrims and travellers with only a few days. Taxila is close to Islamabad, the sites are peaceful and well kept, and you can visit the most important stupas and monasteries without long drives.
It can be added to any trip to Pakistan, or extended into our 10-day Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour of Pakistan with Peshawar, Takht-i-Bahi and Swat. For a history-focused trip, see our Gandhara Heritage Tour.
Before you travel, read our Pakistan visa guide and our advice on travel insurance, or browse all our Buddhist pilgrimage tours in Pakistan.
Plan the rest of your trip
Good to Know
Pace & Comfort
This is an easy tour with comfortable hotels and plenty of time at each site for prayer, meditation and photography. Some sites involve short uphill walks.
Prayer & Ceremonies
Groups are welcome to chant, meditate and make offerings at the stupas and monasteries. Tell us in advance if you travel with a monk or teacher, and we will plan quiet time at each site.
Permits & Safety
Taxila is a well-visited area close to Islamabad. Foreigners may register at checkpoints, which our team arranges.
When to Go
October to April is the best time for the Taxila Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour, when the weather is cool and pleasant. Read our guide to the best time to visit Pakistan.
Reserve Your Place on the Tour
Message us with your preferred dates and group size, and our team will send you full details and a quote for your Taxila pilgrimage.
