Historical Tours Pakistan

The Corps Of Guides Tour

Tour Introduction & Background

We are pleased to offer for the first time guided history tours in Pakistan. The region has a rich military history and THE CORPS OF GUIDES tour explores the expeditions of the corps in the Northwest Frontier of British India during the 19 century (1846-1898).

The Corps of Guides was the most famous regiment of the British Raj and was raised in Peshawar as part of the PIFFERs (Punjab Irregular Force), by Lt. Lumsden in 1846. Under his dynamic leadership and of other famous names associated with the corps including Hodson (of Hodson Horse who died at the siege of Lucknow), the Guides developed a reputation for bravery and efficiency that was the envy of all the other units. Although many other cavalry and infantry regiments frequently saw action on the Northwest Frontier, none was engaged more than the Guides. The Ballad of East and West by Kipling is based on the Guides as well as M.M. Kaye’s novel The Far Pavilions which became a motion film.
The tour starts from Rawalpindi which was the HQs of the British Northern Command and takes you to the historic city of Peshawar where the Guides was raised. After a day’s excursion trip into the famous Khyber Pass stopping at the Fort of Ali Masjid where the Guides operated during the Second Afghan War of 1878-80, you will visit Mardan which was the home to the Corps of Guides for over 100 years. The tour will take you through the mountains where that the Guides participated in famous expeditions – Ambela 1863, Relief of Chitral and the opening of the Malakand Pass 1895 and the Pathan Revolt of 1896-97 – while giving time to visit the archeological sites of the Gandhara Civilization in the beautiful valley of Swat. Your Tour Guide is well versed in English and dedicated staff will be available at the museums you will be visiting to conduct you.

Highlights

  • Briefing at the Army Institute of Military History.
  • Heritage Tour of Peshawar City and Pathan cuisine.
  • Full day in the Khyber Pass. Lunch with the Khyber Rifles.
  • Explore the sites of the Guides at their home in Mardan.
  • Trace the actions of the Guides at Malakand and Swat.
  • The archeology of
  • The battlefield of Ambela.
  • Hospitality of the PIFFERS at Abbottabad.
  • Savor the tranquility of the hill stations of the Raj.

What's Included

  • Nine nights in 4-Star Hotels / Boutique Hotels including 3 nights in The Barracks, a heritage hotel in Peshawar.
  • All meals including delicious BBQs and local cuisine.
    • Air-conditioned motor coach or 4×4 vehicles depending on roads.
    • Cultural experiences and great shopping.
    • Trip Kit with tour ball cap, bag tags and name badge.
    • Tour information booklet and travel advice.
    • Admission fees to sites & museums.
    • Services of dedicated Tour Manager.

Photo Gallery

Your Holiday Essentials

20–29 April 2026. 9 days. Night destinations – 4. Historical sites – 12.

Max/Min Day Temp:

30°C(86°F) /0°C (32°F).

Max Elevation: 970 m (3,000 feet) ASL

Activity Level: Mild. Strenuous is optional.

Mode of Travel:  Luxury Coach.

Tour Price: 1960 USD  /-. Single Occupancy.

Recommended Reading List

  • The Story of the Guides. Younghusband, Col. G.J. (1908). London: MacMillan & Co.
  • The History of the Guides 1846-1922. Vol I. (1938). Aldershot: Gale and Polden.
  • The Indian Cavalry: History of the Indian Armored Corps till 1940. Sandhu, Maj Gen GS. (1981). New Delhi: Vision Books.
  • Campaigns on the North-West Frontier. Nevill, Hugh L. (2015 Revised edition). Riverside: Naval & Military Press.
  • Frontier and Overseas Expeditions from India. Vol I: Tribes North of the Kabul River (1907), Calcutta: Government of India Press.

Map

Photo Gallery

Proceed Booking