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Day 01: ISLAMABAD / LAHORE
A short flight takes you to Lahore. Transfer to the hotel.
A city tour of Lahore.
In just one corner of Lahore is a heterogeneous example of Mogul, Sikh, Colonial and Contemporary architecture. The historic Lahore Fort, built in the 11th century A.D., is the only place where one can see different phases of Mogul architecture, as a long line of rulers made additions. Inside the Fort you visit many of the rooms, including Shish Mahal, the Palace of Mirrors. Overlooking the Fort is the Badshahi or Royal Mosque, beside the tomb of the philosopher and poet Iqbal, who infused the idea of Pakistan among the Moslems of British India. Another interesting complex of nearby buildings are the Samadh of Maharaja Ranajit Singh and Guru Arjun Dev, both solid gold tombs dating back to the Sikh era. The tour concludes with a visit to Shalimar Gardens, which were laid out during the reign of Shah Jehan in the early 1640's and are a tribute to the aesthetic and artistic sense of the Moguls.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 02: LAHORE
Continue the city tour of Lahore.
Lahore Museum houses a rich and varied collection of historical objects. This is the oldest museum in Pakistan and has many galleries displaying artifacts from the Gandhara, Buddhist, Jain, Mogul and Colonial periods. The famous statue of the fasting Siddhartha (Buddha) is also on display here. Next, you will visit Emperor Jehangir's mausoleum that was built in the 1630's and is another example of the talented Mogul architecture. Nearby is the tomb of Empress Nur Jehan, wife of Emperor Jehangir. In Old Lahore, the walled city of narrow, dimly lit alleys leading from Sarafa Bazaar (Jewelers Bazaar) to Kashmiri Bazaar, you'll find bargains in the local handicrafts, including brass inlay work. You will also visit the Golden Mosque and Wazir Khan's Mosque, which reflect the nobility of Persian design with floral designs, superb calligraphy and lofty minarets. Overnight at the hotel.
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