The mighty Indus River was also known as the Lion River by the Indo-Aryans who believed the river flowed from SINH-KA-BAB: “the mouth of the lion”. It gave birth to the famous Indus Civilization which flourished along its banks from 2500 B.C to 1500 B.C. It is 3200 kilometers long and the third longest river in Asia. River Indus is Pakistan’s lifeline. The River and its tributaries (Chenab, Ravi, Sutlej and Jhelum) provide water for the largest irrigation system in the world with about 64000 kilometers of canals.

The Indus rises in Tibet and passing through Ladakh in northern India it enters Pakistan from Baltistan and initially flows northwestwards. The river separates the Himalayan and the Karakoram mountain ranges, plunging through some of the world’s deepest gorges. It finally turns South towards the plains of Punjab and Sind and continues longitudinally into the Arabian Sea. Trans-Pakistan operates Boat-Safaris on the Indus River and it’s tributaries during the winter months. These Journeys provide fascinating glimpses of rural life in the villages & settlements along the riverbanks.

The trips are undertaken on local 60 foot-long wooden boats on the Indus and Chenab rivers in the Province of Punjab. Generally this trip is for THREE days but we can offer longer or shorter Boat-Safaris on request. Days are spent visiting with the riparian locals at their villages and nomad-settlements and in observing the large numbers of aquatic birds: which are in great numbers as this area falls in their winter migratory routes. On the Indus River one can also observe the famous “Blind Dolphin” during the safari. At night, we camp along the banks. After partaking dinner, enjoy local music and dances performed by the boatmen around the campfire. Every Safari is accompanied by a kitchen boat which prepares excellent food for the group and stores all the equipment and luggage. Nights are spent in spacious 2-person tents on the riverbanks.

The best time for Boat Safaris is from MID NOVEMBER to MID MARCH. You can either follow one of the given model itineraries or contact us for prices and further options.

01.  RIVER INDUS BOAT ADVENTURE WITH THE SANDS OF CHOLISTAN (11 DAYS)
NOVEMBER TO FEBRUARY

This exciting trip is an excellent combination of soft adventure and culture enabling you to experience the diversity of Pakistan’s contrasting landscapes, cultures and people. 

Upon arrival at Lahore, the cultural capital of Pakistan, explore some of the finest examples of Mughal architecture in this historic city. Visit the 17^th century Badshahi Mosque, the Lahore fort built in the 16^th and 17^th century, Emperor Jehangir and Noor Jahan’s tomb, the exquisite Shalimar Gardens built by Shah Jahan of the Taj Mahal fame and the impressive Lahore Museum. Explore the old Walled City that once used to have 12 gates and a 9-meter high defensive wall and visit the lovely Wazir Khan Mosque with its superb frescoes and inlay pottery decorations before proceeding to Bahawalpur. En-route visit Harappa, the famous excavated city of the 5000 years old Indus Civilization and its interesting museum. 

Explore the Bazaars and Museum of Bahawalpur and traverse the sands of Cholistan desert to marvel at the impressive Derawar Fort built in the 9^th century by prince Deva and the Royal grave yard with its beautifully decorated tombs. Enjoy a Camel Ride around Derawar village and visit a Cholistani house to get to know the simple but interesting life style of Cholistani people.  

Drive to the ancient city of Uch that contains some of the most beautiful tombs with blue glazed tile - work reflecting a distinct influence of Central Asian architecture. During the 13^th century, it was the center of Islamic learning and many famous scholars and saints lie buried in this small town. Visit the spectacular tomb of Bibi Jawindi with its beautiful glazed tile decorations, the tomb of Jalal-uddin Surkh and explore the colorful covered bazaars before proceeding to the ancient town of Multan. 

Multan has a very ancient history and every invader who entered the Indian subcontinent from Alexander through to the Mauryans, Huns, Kushans, Arabs, Ghaznavids, Mughals and even the British struggled for its control.  Walk through its color-full bazaars, visit the beautiful shrines of Bahauddin Zikria (13th cent) and Shah Rukhn-e-alam (14^th Cent), before proceeding to Taunsa Barrage at the banks of the mighty river Indus from where your exciting Boat Safari begins. 

For the next two and a half days float down the river Indus on local wooden boats through an enchanting rural landscape visiting various nomad settlements and villages en-route. Observe the famous fresh water “Blind Dolphins” of the Indus and marvel at the large number of aquatic birds that visit these areas in winter months. Enjoy the unforgettable sunsets and each night dine around a campfire enjoying the local tunes and dances of the boatmen before going to sleep in your spacious tents along the banks of this historic river which gave birth to the Indus Civilization, 5000 years ago.

The boat trip ends at Ghazi Ghat from where you transfer to Multan by van. Next morning fly to Lahore where this exciting journey ends as you fly back home with pleasant memories.

02.  CHENAB RIVER BOAT ADVENTURE WITH ANCIENT CITIES OF PUNJAB – (10 DAYS)
NOVEMBER TO FEBRUARY

An ideal trip for those adventure lovers interested in the historical cities of the Pakistan as well as the cultures and customs of its remote villages.  

 Upon arrival at Lahore, the cultural capital of Pakistan, explore some of the finest examples of Mughal architecture in Pakistan. Visit the 17^th century Badshahi Mosque, the Lahore fort built in the 16^th and 17^th century, Emperor Jehangir and Noor Jahan’s tomb, the exquisite Shalimar Gardens built by Shah Jahan of the Taj Mahal fame and the famous Lahore Museum. Explore the old Walled City that once used to have 12 gates and a 9-meter high defensive wall and visit the lovely Wazir Khan Mosque with its superb frescoes and inlay pottery decorations before proceeding to Multan. En-route visit Harappa, the famous excavated city of the 5000 years old Indus Civilization and its interesting museum.

P.O. Box 2103, Islamabad. 61/A, Pirzada House, Najam Shaheed Road, Westridge I,
Rawalpindi - Pakistan.     
Tel 92-51-5481166 Fax: 92-51-2274838  E-mail: info@transpakistan.com.pk