The Heritage of the Silk Road
We encourage you to come see the Petroglyphs along the Indus River, as they will be lost when the dams are eventually completed.
At present, the construction of two dams on the Indus River along the Karakoram Highway - the Dasu Dam and the Diamer Basha Dam - is progressing at a rapid pace. The villages, orchards, and Karakoram Highway that have existed until now will be submerged, and the scenery will change completely. Among some of that which will be lost are the ancient Petroglyphs that have been carved into the banks of the Indus River. This rock art is a precious Silk Road legacy that travelers and Buddhists along the Silk Road used to make records of their beliefs and lives. We hope you’ll get a chance to witness these authentic pieces of art before they are lost forever.
Bhamala Gandhara Buddhist site
Bhamala Gandhara Buddhist site
Petroglyphs of Sibi Jataka and Stupa, Shatial 
Stupas and Bodhisattvas in Chilas 
Petroglyphs on the banks of the Indus 
Stupa and Devotee 
Petroglyphs depicting the first sermon, Thalpan 
Sandisk, Thalpan 
Figures dressed in Central Asian style and prey or sacrifice Altar rock, Thalpan 
Petroglyphs depicting a stupa and Sibi Jataka From Islamabad, take the mortar way to Thakot. From Thakot, head north along the Indus River on the Karakoram Highway to Chilas. On the way, visit the Petroglyphs of Shatial, where you can see magnificent stupas on which Sibi Jataka—a Buddhist story—is inscribed.
A full-day visit to the Petroglyphs around Thalpan. You’ll be able to see the Petroglyphs of Alter Rock —which depict the people of Central Asia—Sibi Jataka, the “First Sermon,” and countless other stupa images spread along the banks of the Indus River.
A full-day visit to the Petroglyphs around Chilas. Visit Chilas I, Chilas II, Chilas IV, Hodur, and more. We will see Bodhisattvas depicted in the Kashmiri style, the “Hungry Tigress Jataka,” and other motifs from the early Buddhist period—as well as carvings of giant-like figures.
Travel from Chilas to Mansehra.
From Mansehra, we’ll visit the Buddhist site of Bhamala, which has been excavated in recent years and was opened to the public from 2023. The excavated 14m reclining Buddha is believed to be the oldest existing reclining Buddha. Afterwards, we will continue to Islamabad.
Best time to visit
November to February
Itinerary
Visits to the Petroglyphs in Skardu and Hunza areas can also be arranged. It is also possible to combine this tour with one of the Gandhara sites of the Taxila and Swat areas. Please contact us for more information
Tour Price
Please contact us. We will provide you with a quote based on your requirements, such as number of days, itinerary, number of people, accommodations, etc.
Other
＊Petroglyphs on the banks of the Indus River require permits to visit in some places. Please note that dam construction has already begun to affect them.
＊Please contact us if you wish to conduct a specialized survey of the Petroglyphs.
＊There are only a limited number of guides who are available to show you around the Petroglyphs. Please contact us well in advance when planning your visit.
+92(51)-4718958
217-A Street 23 Sector F-11/2 Islamabad
