01: SPRING BLOSSOMS IN BALUCHISTAN( 9 DAYS )MID MARCH TO APRIL

Whereas Baluchistan is the largest province of Pakistan covering 44 percent of the land surface it has a population of only 4.5 million, making it the least populated province of the country. Almost half of this population lives around Quetta, the provincial capital of Baluchistan. The areas north east of Quetta are known for their fruit orchards where apples, almonds, apricots, pears, peaches, cherries, plums and pomegranates grow in abundance. Most of these orchards are irrigated by the centuries old (traditional) “Karez” methods: a system formed  by under ground water channels. The Sulaiman mountains, which separate Baluchistan from the rest of Pakistan, are known for the Juniper forests of Ziarat and for the amazing rock formations which are dramatically contoured and twisted, caused by the earth’s violent geological movements millions of years ago. Rich in minerals, these mountains and hills reflect many shades of purple, red, black, green and gray making the land look like a veritable moonscape. The best time to visit these areas is during spring, when all the orchards are in blossom and the valleys are filled with the scents of blossoming trees.

Our very special “BALUCHISTAN BLOSSOMS JEEP SAFARI” trip covers this fascinating area in spring, visiting Fort Munro, Ziarat, Quetta, the historical Bolan Pass, the pre-Moenjodaro period excavation sites of Mehargarh which date back 6000 B.C., the shrine of Pir Ghaib with its waterfalls and turquoise green water pools surrounded by palm trees,. You will also visit Zangi Nawar, a salt water lake sitting amidst the high sand dunes of the Nushki desert  besides many interesting little villages and nomad camps of the “Kochi” tribes which migrate every spring to the summer pastures with their camels and herds of sheep and goats.

02: SALT RANGE AND THE SANDS OF CHOLISTAN WITH LAHORE  (10 DAYS)
NOVEMBER TO MARCH

This jeep safari is an excellent combination of culture and adventure enabling you to explore some of the most interesting areas of Punjab upto the Cholistan desert.

Beginning the journey from Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, four wheel through the geologically fascinating landscape of the Salt Range with its spectacularly shaped colored-rocks and bright yellow mustard fields. This range also has the Largest Salt Mine in the world at Khewra where mining has been done since 600 A.D. Explore the ancient Hindu Temples of Ketas and Malot (8^th – 10^th cent A.D) and enjoy the drive to Lahore through lovely landscape of the Potohar plateau.

In Lahore, the cultural capital of Pakistan, visit some of the finest examples of Mughal architecture – 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, the lovely Wazir Khan Mosque with its superb frescoes and inlay pottery decorations. Explore the Old Walled City which once used to have 12 gates and a 9 meter high defensive wall, before proceeding to Bahawalpur visiting en-route, Harappa, the famous excavated city of the 5000 years old Indus Civilization and its interesting museum.

Explore the Bazaars and Museum of Bahawalpur before entering the sands of Cholistan desert where you spend THREE nights camping under the stars among sand dunes. Visit nomadic settlements and small desert villages to get to know the simple but interesting life style of Cholistani people, explore the impressive Derawar Fort and enjoy a Camel Ride before driving out of the desert for Uch.

Uch 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 ending this most rewarding trip.

02(A): INDUS VALLEY EXTENSION (9 DAYS)
NOVEMBER TO MARCH

This extension to the above jeep safari will take you into one of the most fascinating and historic areas of south Pakistan, all the way to the shores of the Arabian Sea. Drive across the agriculturally rich areas of Punjab through orchards and fields to enter the Province of Sind and reach Sukker another historic city that lies along the banks of the mighty Indus River. 

Explore its colour-full bazaars, visit Masum Tower (17^th Cent) and take a boat ride on the Indus to Sadhu Bella island for a visit to the Hindu Temple Complex, built 150 years ago. The beautiful temples here are decorated with intricately carved statues of Hindu deities and various scenes from Hindu mythology. 

Take a short drive to Kot Diji through a beautiful landscape of extensive date palm plantations and colour-full villages to explore the impressive Kot Diji Fort built in 1803 and the excavation site of one of the oldest settlements in the World, dating back 3500 – 2500 BC.

Wander through the corridors of history as you explore the most important archaeological site in South Asia at Moenjodaro where, over 5000 years ago, the Indus Valley Civilization was born. Visit the Museum which houses important artifacts found at this ancient site and marvel at the scale of this old city which had a well organized urban community with their own script, a unified system of weights and measures and a high level of artistic activity.

Experience the intense atmosphere of piety, hope and devotion as you visit the famous shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalander at Sehwan, a 13th century Sufi Saint and poet who arrived here from Afghanistan. He has a large following and thousands of pilgrims visit his tomb to pay homage. Wander through its color-full covered bazaars, explore the remains of Kafir Fort from the time of Alexander before embarking on a boat ride to Manchar Lake for visiting the Boat Villages of the Mohana Fishermen.

Observe the interesting and unique life style of these friendly folk as you float through their boat villages.

Drive to Hyderabad and visit the 18th century Forts of Kalhora and Shah Makkai, the Tombs of Kalhoras and Talpurs and explore the interesting bazaars. Proceed to Hala, a famous handicraft center and observe the artisans at work creating masterpieces in pottery, sussi cloth, ceramic tiles, block printing and woodwork.

Passing through the semi desert landscape on your way to the port city of Karachi, visit the beautiful 17 Th century Shah Jehan Mosque at Thatta before exploring one of the worlds biggest necropolis at Makli Hill which contains over one million tombs, mostly from 14 Th to 18 th century. Arrive at Karachi and explore its bazaars and beaches before the end of this diversely rewarding trip.

02:BALUCHISTAN EXTENSION (6 DAYS)
NOVEMBER TO MARCH

This exciting extension will take you to one of the most interesting part of Pakistan that is seldom visited by outsiders. Drive through the fascinating landscape of North Baluchistan offering unforgettable vitas; explore the ruins of the old fort at Fort Munro to reach Quetta, the capital city of Baluchistan province. Travel through the famous Bolan Pass to visit the ancient excavated site of Mehargarh (7000 – 3000 B.C), the desert town of Sibi to explore its bazaars and visit the interesting museum housing the ancient relics excavated from Mehargarh.

Trek through the hills of Chiltan Park and marvel at the impressive vistas, the diversity of the flora and the grand scale of the Quetta valley. Four wheel to Nushki desert to explore its sand and the many small villages dotting the landscape before ending this exciting adventure trip in Quetta.

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