Discover Sindh and the Ancient Civilisation of the Indus Valley, Pakistan

Aug 30, 2024

H
Back to Study Trips

Discover Sindh and the Ancient Civilisation of the Indus Valley, Pakistan

Sindh, the third-largest province of Pakistan by land area and the second-largest by population after Punjab, is a region rich in history and culture. Its capital, Karachi, lies on the southwestern coast, bordered by Balochistan, Punjab, India, and the Arabian Sea. The province derives its name from the Indus River (Sindhu in Pakistan), which has shaped its landscape and history as part of the Indus River delta.

The Indus Valley Civilisation, one of the world’s earliest and most advanced, flourished in Sindh around 2,500 BC. This ancient society developed sophisticated urban centres like Mohenjo-Daro in Sindh and Harappa in Punjab, renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship and city planning.

Sindh’s recorded history dates back to Alexander the Great’s invasion in 326 BC. Over the centuries, the region was ruled by Persians and later conquered by the Arabs in 712 AD, which introduced Islam to the area. The Arab rule laid the foundation for Sindh’s Islamic culture, with significant developments in the Sindhi language, education, agriculture, and trade.

In the 10th century, local dynasties like the Samma and Soomra took control, followed by the Kalhoras in the 17th century, who expanded their rule across Sindh. The Talpur clan, a Baloch tribe, overthrew the Kalhoras in 1782 and ruled until the British annexed Sindh to the Bombay Presidency in 1843. Under British rule, the Hindu minority gained economic and political dominance over the Muslim majority. However, after a long struggle, Sindh gained separation from Bombay in 1936 and became part of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in 1947.

The Siam Society, led by Mrs Bilaibhan Sampatisiri, President of The Siam Society warmly invites you to explore Sindh’s historical and cultural treasures. This carefully planned trip will take us to the heart of the ancient Indus Valley Civilisation, with visits to the renowned sites of Mohenjo-Daro in Sindh and Harappa in Punjab, to explore the magnificent historical sites in Sindh and learn about the rich history that has shaped this remarkable region.

When

Saturday 18 to Monday, 27 January 2025

Leader

with Mrs Bilaibhan Sampatisiri

President of The Siam Society

Booking

See information below

Or contact Khun Thun

studytrips@thesiamsociety.org

 

The tentative programme will be as follows:

Day 1: Saturday, 18 January 2025: Bangkok – Karachi
16:00 Meet at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, Check in at the Thai Airways check-in counter
18:50 Depart Bangkok for Karachi by Thai Airways flight TG 341
22:25 Arrive at Jinnah International Airport, and transfer to the hotel
Overnight at Movenpick Hotel, Karachi
Day 2: Sunday, 19 January 2025: Karachi
– Breakfast at the hotel
Morning: Visit the National Museum of Pakistan to explore the rare artefacts in the Indus Valley Gallery, including steatite seals, pottery, and replicas of iconic pieces like the bust of the chief priest. The Gandhara Art Gallery displays intricate Buddhist sculptures and statues from various archaeological sites, also traditional costumes, jewellery, and crafts.
– Visit Quaid-e-Azam’s Mausoleum, the white marble structure which is the resting place of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan.
– Visit Empress Market, one of Karachi’s most vibrant and historic bazaars that offers colonial architecture and commercial life.
Noon: Lunch at a local restaurant
Afternoon: Visit Frere Hall, a grand colonial-era building set in lush gardens, built during the British Raj, now serves as a cultural centre and library.
– Visit Mohatta Palace Museum built in the early 20th century by Shivratan Chandraratan Mohatta, a wealthy Hindu Marwari businessman. The palace is a fine example of Indo-Saracenic architecture, blending Mughal and Rajput styles with its pink sandstone and yellow stone exterior, ornate windows, and detailed carvings. Originally intended as a summer residence, the palace is now a cultural and historical museum.
Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant
Overnight at Movenpick Hotel, Karachi
Day 3: Monday, 20 January 2025: Karachi – Thatta – Hyderabad (175 km)
– Breakfast at the hotel
Morning: Check out of the hotel and depart to Hyderabad – En route we will visit 3 important archaeological sites.
– First stop will be Chaukhandi Tombs cover an area of two square miles and are the tombs of warriors from the Saloch families who settled here during the 17th and 18th centuries. Although exact dates are difficult to pinpoint due to the lack of inscriptions, these tombs are notable for their distinctive architectural features. The tombs are built on raised platforms and have a pyramid-like form, with carved sandstone slabs featuring intricate reliefs of human and figurative designs.
– Visit Banbhore an archaeological site located near the coast of Sindh. It is a significant historical port city on the Indus River and a maritime centre from the 1st century BC to the 7th century AD. The site includes remnants of a well-planned city, with structures such as a large dockyard, warehouses, and residential areas. It is believed that Banbhore was an important trading hub during the Scytho-Parthian period and possibly the destination of Alexander the Great’s naval expedition. The ruins provide valuable insights into the region’s ancient trade networks and urban planning.
– Then visit Thatta, another ancient port city on the Indus River mentioned during Alexander the Great’s campaign. Four centuries ago, it was a major centre of learning, arts, and commerce, serving as the capital for the Sammas (1335 – 1520 AD), Arghuns (1520 – 1555 AD), and Tarkhans (1554 – 1591 AD). The city thrived under Mughal rule until its decline. Despite this, Thatta’s architectural legacy from these periods endures. It gained national prominence due to the imposing monuments. We will visit Makli Necropolis. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the world’s largest ancient cemeteries, enclosed by a wall and featuring tombs from the 15th to 17th centuries. Then visit Shah Jahan Mosque. Built in 1647 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, it is a striking example of Mughal architecture.
Noon: Lunch at a local restaurant
Afternoon:

 

 Continue to Hyderabad, a city with a rich historical and cultural heritage. Founded in 1768 by Mian Ghulam Shah Kalhoro, Hyderabad was once the capital of Sindh before Karachi took over that role. The city is situated on the east bank of the Indus River and is known for its historic architecture, bustling bazaars, and a deep connection to Sindhi culture.
Evening: Dinner and overnight at Indus Hotel, Hyderabad
Day 4: Tuesday, 21 January 2025: Hyderabad – Sehwan – Sukkur
– Breakfast at the hotel
Morning: Check out of the hotel and take a brief drive through Hyderabad to see some of its notable sites and the Fort area.
– Continue to visit the town of Hala, famous for its traditional Sindhi handicrafts, especially the exquisite blue pottery. Hala is a hub of artisans who craft beautiful ceramics, often decorated with intricate blue designs. Explore local stores and perhaps purchase some of these unique items.
– Continue to Bhit Shah, a key location on the Sufi trail in Sindh. Sufism began to spread in Sindh during the early Islamic period, around the 8th to 10th centuries, when Sufi mystics and saints started arriving in the region. These early Sufis played a key role in spreading Islam in Sindh, focusing on teachings of love, devotion, and spiritual practice that resonated with the local population. Over the centuries, Sindh became known as a centre of Sufi tradition, with many revered saints establishing their spiritual centres there. Notable Sufi saints like Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, and Sachal Sarmast spread messages of unity and peace through their poetry and teachings. Their shrines are important spiritual and social centres where people gather to seek blessings and celebrate their teachings. Sufism has significantly shaped Sindhi music, poetry, and a culture of acceptance.
– Visit the Shrine of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai. His poetry, which celebrates love, humanity, and mysticism, is an integral part of Sindhi culture. In 1792 AD he was buried in an exclusive tomb with the best of local tile work.
Noon: Lunch at a local restaurant
Afternoon: After that proceed to Sehwan, crossing the mighty Indus River. The Indus is not just a geographical landmark but also a lifeline for the people of Sindh, with a history that spans millennia. Sehwan is a city famous for its association with the Sufi patron saint, Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, who lived in the 13th century AD. His life and teachings have left a profound impact on the culture and spiritual practices of the region. He lived shortly after the Mongol invasions, a time of great upheaval, yet his legacy has endured, offering solace and spiritual guidance to countless devotees.
– Visit the Mausoleum of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, a site that draws thousands of pilgrims and visitors every year. The mausoleum is a magnificent structure, adorned with intricate tile work, and its golden dome is a beacon of spiritual significance.
– Later proceed to Sukkur, a city known for its strategic location on the banks of the Indus River and its historical significance.
Evening: Dinner and overnight at RT Grace Taj Hotel, Sukkur
Day 5: Wednesday, 22 January 2025: Sukkur
– Breakfast at the hotel
Morning: Proceed to visit Mohenjo-daro, a UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site of the Indus Valley Civilisation, which dates back to around 2500 BCE. Mohenjo-daro, meaning “Mound of the Dead,” is one of the most iconic remnants of ancient civilisation in the region.

Explore the key features of the ancient city such as the main stupa, a large Buddhist monument dating from the 2nd to 5th centuries AD, the Great Bath: one of the most famous structures at Mohenjo-daro, the Granary: this massive structure is thought to have been a storage facility for grain, showcasing the advanced planning and economic organisation of the city and the Town Planning: Mohenjo-daro is renowned for its sophisticated urban planning, including a grid layout of streets, a complex drainage system, and well-built houses made from uniformly sized burnt bricks. The city’s planning reflects a high level of engineering and governance. Visit Mohenjo-daro Museum, which houses a collection of artefacts excavated from the site such as intricately carved seals used for trade, many depicting animals and scripts from the Indus Valley. Other artefacts include small terracotta toys, various types of pottery, ranging from simple utilitarian pieces to more decorative items, and jewellery made from materials like beads, gold, silver, and semi-precious stones.
Noon: Lunch at a local restaurant
Afternoon: Visit Kot Diji Fort, a historical fort located near the town of Khairpur. The fort, which dates back to the early 19th century, was built by the Talpur dynasty. It is strategically perched on a hill and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. The fort’s impressive walls, bastions, and gateways reflect the military architecture of the time.
Evening: Dinner and overnight at RT Grace Taj Hotel, Sukkur
Day 6: Thursday, 23 January 2024: Sukkur – Bahawalpur
– Breakfast at the hotel
Morning: Check out of the hotel and depart to Bahawalpur located in the southern part of Punjab.  Bahawalpur was once the capital of the princely state of Bahawalpur, which was founded in 1748 by Nawab Bahawal Khan. The road takes through a diverse landscape of Sindh and Punjab provinces in Pakistan.
En route: Visit Derawar Fort, located in the Cholistan Desert, one of the most impressive and iconic forts in Pakistan. Originally built in the 9th century by the Rajput ruler Rai Jajja Bhatti. It was later taken over by the Nawabs of Bahawalpur, who renovated and expanded it to its current form in the 18th century. The grandeur of the fort and its location in the vast desert landscape make it a fascinating place to visit. Explore the fort and visit Abbasi Jamia Shahi Masjid (also known as the Shahi Mosque) which is situated within the Derawar Fort complex. Built during the reign of Nawab Sadiq Muhammad Khan IV in the 19th century, this mosque is a fine example of Islamic architecture in the region.
Noon: Lunch at a local restaurant
Afternoon: Continue to Bahawalpur
Evening: Dinner and overnight at Hotel One, Bahawalpur
Day 7: Friday, 24 January 2024: Bahawalpur – Multan
– Breakfast at the hotel
Morning: Check out of the hotel and depart to Multan
En route: Visit Uch Sharif. Historically known as Alexandria on the Indus, it is a significant town in southern Punjab. In the 2nd century BC, classical writers mentioned it as a strategic point where five rivers converge. It was here that Alexander the Great faced a local uprising and captured a fortress. However, due to his soldiers’ mutiny, refusing to march further, he decided to return home. Though the ancient structures are gone, Uch is still famous for its later-period monuments, especially the UNESCO World Heritage site the Tomb of Bibi Jawindi, an Iranian princess and daughter of a local ruler, which is partially destroyed by the river but remains a must-see. Its deep blue tile work and Persian architectural influence make it one of the region’s standout monuments.
Noon: Lunch at a local restaurant
Afternoon: Continue to Multan, renowned for its many Sufi shrines and mausoleums. The city is a spiritual hub, attracting pilgrims from all over the world who come to pay their respects at the tombs of revered Sufi saints like Shah Rukn-e-Alam and Bahauddin Zakariya.
– Arrive at Multan and visit the Mausoleum of Shah Rukne Alam, which dates from 14th AD – this colossal building is of great interest in architecture and design in basic Central Asian and Persian characters.
Evening: Dinner and overnight at Rumanza by Pearl Continental, Multan
Day 8: Saturday, 25 January 2025: Multan – Harappa – Lahore
– Breakfast at the hotel
Morning: Check out of the hotel and proceed to visit the Harappa Archaeological Site, one of the oldest settlements of the Indus Valley Civilisation, dating back to 2500 BC. This Bronze Age site is of great significance due to its connections with other nearby civilisations of that period. Highlights include a well-planned city layout with a protective wall built on a raised platform and visit the Harappa Archaeological Museum, which houses various artefacts unearthed from the site.
– Visit the historic Harappa Railway Station, notable for its construction during the early British rule using bricks unknowingly sourced from the ancient Harappa site, making it a structure built with 2500-year-old bricks.
Noon: Lunch at a local restaurant
Afternoon: Continue to Lahore
Evening: Dinner and overnight at Pearl Continental Hotel, Lahore
Day 9: Sunday, 26 January 2025: Lahore
Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning:

 

 

 

 Visit the historic Lahore Fort and Badshahi or Royal Mosque. Lahore Fort, built in the 11th century A.D., is the only place where one can see different phases of Mughal architecture, as a long line of rulers made additions. Inside the Fort, visit many of the rooms, including the Shish Mahal, and the Palace of Mirrors. Overlooking the Fort is the Badshahi or Royal Mosque, constructed during Emperor Aurangzeb’s rule from 1658 to 1707, which stands as one of the few significant architectural monuments from his era. It held the title of the world’s largest mosque from 1673 until 1986 when the Faisal Mosque in Islamabad was built. Despite being constructed during a period of Mughal decline, the mosque’s beauty, elegance, and grandeur make it a standout monument in Lahore.
Noon: Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Visit the Lahore Museum, which houses a rich and varied collection of historical objects. This is the oldest museum in Pakistan and has many galleries displaying artefacts from the Gandhara, Buddhist, Jain, Mughal and Colonial periods. The famous statue of the fasting Siddhartha (Buddha) is also on display here.
– Visit two architectural masterpieces of Shah Jahan’s era. The Wazir Khan Mosque, built in 1634 by Shaikh Ilm-ud-din Ansari, Viceroy of Punjab under Shah Jahan, stands out for its unique architectural design with minarets at each corner— the first in Lahore. Ansari, originally from Chiniot, studied medicine and became the personal physician to Prince Kuram, later Shah Jehan, who awarded him the title Wazir Khan in 1620. This place is regarded as one of the most intricately adorned Mughal mosques.
– Dinner at a local restaurant
– Then transfer to Allama Iqbal International Airport.
23:45 Depart Lahore for Bangkok by Thai Airways flight TG346
Day 10: Monday, 27 January 2025:  Bangkok
06:10 Arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport

The Siam Society reserves the right to change the programme as necessary.

 

Important notes:

– The Siam Society may utilise photos taken from study trips, lectures, performances, and other activities as part of its public relations and marketing campaign. These photos, which may sometimes contain image(s) of activity participants, can also be featured on The Society’s website and other online social media channels.

– As part of our effort to address the issue of global warming, The Siam Society strongly supports the reduction of plastic waste. We kindly recommend bringing your own water flask during the trip, if possible.

Booking:

Contribution of THB 122,000 (THB 126,000 for non-member). Single room surcharge of THB 17,500. A deposit of THB 50,000 and a photocopy of the identification page on your passport must accompany the booking. Your reservation will be confirmed as soon as the deposit has been made. There is a 4% surcharge for credit/debit card payments to cover bank charges. Payment in full will be required 60 days before the start of the trip (i.e. by Saturday, 18 November 2024). Please pay by cash or cheque payable to “The Siam Society”. Transfer can also be made to The Siam Society travel account at TMBThanachart Bank (ttb), saving account no. 053-2-18000-7, swift code: TMBKTHBK or by scanning the QR code below. Once payment has been made, please e-mail the deposit or transfer the docket to us.

Inclusions:

  • The contribution includes accommodation (twin sharing basis), meals as mentioned in the programme, transfer and sightseeing coaches, entrance fees, gratuities, and other costs incurred to make this trip possible.
  • Basic travel insurance which will only cover participants travelling from and back to Thailand.

Exclusions:

  • International flight tickets are not included in the price (Bangkok – Karachi and Lahore – Bangkok),but for those who would like us to book their tickets, it can be arranged at the time of booking. The approximate airfare will be THB 24,000 for economy class and THB 82,000 for business class.
  • Visa fees (if any), personal expenses, personal food and beverage consumptions, etc.

Please note that the flight itinerary between Bangkok – Karachi and Lahore – Bangkok as mentioned in the programme only serves as a suggestion. Trip participants can travel with their preferred airline of choice throughout the above sequence of the itinerary.

Tourist Visa Policy

Thai passport holders and foreign nationals will be required a visa to enter Pakistan. However, visitors can apply for an eVisa via an online application, which is the most convenient option and can be completed from your home. The cost of the eVisa would cost around USD 8 up to USD 60 depending on your nationality. Please note that for foreign nationals living and applying for the eVisa in Thailand, your application will be sent to the Pakistan Embassy in Thailand. This means you should provide the Lease Agreement or a Certificate of Residence letter from the consulate of your country in Thailand and a Thailand visa (long-term or retirement visa). Otherwise, you will have to apply from the country that issued your passport.

For more information, please follow the link below: https://visa.nadra.gov.pk/tourist-visa/

Cancellation charges:

60 days before the start of the trip: Deposit forfeited
59 – 30 days before the start of the trip: 50% of the tour cost
Less than 30 days or cancellation without notice: No refund

*The cancellation charges will also depend on the date we pay the deposit to our travel agent. If we have to pay the deposit to the travel agent before the 60-day period prior to the start of the trip, our officer will send an email to inform every participant before we make the payment as only a partial amount of the deposit can be refunded after that point.

Covid-19 policy

Due to a lower number of worldwide infections, many countries have relaxed their travel restrictions and quarantine requirements regarding Covid-19.

Nevertheless, when travelling as a group, The Siam Society would like to remind you of the following measures that we have put in place:

– We suggest performing a self-administered ATK test before the commencement of the trip. Participants can also carry ATK test kits, along with their preferred set of medicines (for consumption if infected with Covid-19) with them.

– In the event that trip participants are tested positive during the trip, the group will continue to follow the planned itinerary. To ensure the health and safety of all trip participants, those who tested positive shall adhere to appropriate self-isolation measures as directed by the trip leader.

– Those tested positive with severe symptoms shall be treated in accordance with the health measures stipulated by the local government. Medical costs shall be at the expense of the trip participant(s).

For further information and bookings, please contact Khun Thun at 02-661-6470-3 ext 205, or studytrips@thesiamsociety.org. The Society’s office is open from 09:00 to 17:00, Tuesday to Saturday.

More upcoming study trips