A list of the most stunning historical places in Pakistan that are absolutely worth a visit! Click through for some history about each spot plus a map to help plan your trip!

Empty remnants of truly ancient civilizations. 300+ year old fortresses somehow almost entirely intact. Expertly carved tombs adorned with a rainbow of colors and an assemblage of geometry.

Mughal Era Mosques from kingdoms past that boast frescoes depicted by artists that hail from what might as well be another world.

And still- this is only but a  tiny snapshot of the seemingly endless amount of historical places Pakistan has to offer.

Here's a list of 16 seriously incredible historical places in Pakistan you HAVE to visit! Click through to learn a bit of history, see some photos, and check out a map of these ancient monuments in Pakistan! #Pakistantraveltips #Pakistantravel #bakpackingpakistan #pakistantravelguide #pakistanphotos
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It’s no secret that Pakistan is a history lover’s dream. So many empires and religions ruled here, and though the country is technically only 73 years old, its land has been inhabited for millennia.

Trust me: Living or backpacking in Pakistan and failing to admire the architectural and artistic beauty of those that came before us is NOT the move!

Even if you’ve never been one for history before, stepping into any of the relics the country has to offer is sure to change your mind. It certainly did for me!

So without further ado- here are 16 historical places in Pakistan you just HAVE to visit.

16 Historical Places in Pakistan

Epic Pakistani historical sites that will be sure to blow your mind and stun your camera. 

1. Begum Shahi Mosque

begum shahi mosque historical places in pakistan

Colloquially known as the “Mother of all Mosques,” the Begum Shahi Mosque was built between 1611 and 1614 under Emperor Jahangir in honor of his mother, Mariam Zamani.

The relatively small mosque sits across the way from the famous Lahore Fort, and is one of the oldest historical places in Lahore and is actually the city’s oldest surviving Mughal Era structure!

tile work begum shahi mosque red blue and yellow
Delicious ancient details captured beautifully with one of the best travel lenses for Sony a6000

The architectural design of Begum Shahi gave inspiration to the Wazir Khan Mosque that was built several decades later. The mosque itself is impressive- complete with elaborate 400+ year old frescoes and unique geometrical embellishments- but its namesake even more so

Mariam Zamani was far from average herself- the former Hindu princess was known for expanding the Mughal kingdom’s racial and religious tolerance when she married Emperor Akbar.

begum shahi mosque frescoes

Her true rise to fame accelerated under her son, however, when she became a prolific trader in the kingdom and was gifted numerous high-level responsibilities.

Better yet- as this mosque is a bit of an offbeat Lahori attraction, you’re likely to be the only tourist there!

Visiting Hours: 5 AM- 8 PM

Entrance Fee: Free

 

 

2. Mohenjo-Daro

mohenjo daro historical places in pakistan
© Canva commoner28th

You won’t have a complete list of historical places in Pakistan without including Mohenjo- Daro- one of the largest cities of the Indus Valley Civilization. The ancient city, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built around 2500 BCE and remained undocumented for over 3700 years until archeologists discovered it in the early 1920’s.

Mohenjo-Daro’s size (over 300 hectares) and inclusion of public buildings seem to represent a high level of social organization according to historians. Wild right? Though the ancient city is unknown by most people, it’s one of the most important landmarks in Asia.

You can find Mohenjo-Daro near the city of Larkana in Pakistan’s Sindh Province where it can then easily be reached by auto rickshaw.

Though unknown to most, this is truly one of the most incredible archeological sites in the world, and should be on every Pakistan itinerary.

Visiting Hours: 8:30 AM- 7 PM in summer, 9 AM- 7 PM in winter

Entrance Fee: 600 rupees foreigners, 20 rupees locals

 

3. Rohtas Fort

rohtas fort gate
© Canva Tariq Sulemani

This example of military architectural excellence sits about 15km away from the city of Jhelum is one of the best historical places to visit in Punjab for good reason!

Construction of the fort began in 1541 under the reign of Sher Shah Suri, an ethnic Pashtun who took control of the Mughal empire in 1538.

Rohtas Fort spreads out over an area of 70 hectares and is considered to be one of the largest and most formidable fortresses in South Asia. It’s located about 2 hours from Islamabad and 4 hours from Lahore.

Visiting Hours: 9 AM- 5 PM

Entrance Fee: Free

 

 

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4. Taxila

taxila historical places pakistan
©Canva HomoCosmicos

So many historical sites in Pakistan happen to be ancient civilizations- and the lost city of Taxila is one of them! The origin of the city dates back to 1000 BCE, though some ruins at the site are thought to be as old as 3360 BCE. Woah!

Due to its strategic location just off the Grand Trunk Road, it changed hands many a time throughout its history.

Interestingly, the University of Ancient Taxila is considered to be one of the oldest in the world, though this is still disputed amongst scholars. In 1980, the entire city was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Keep in mind that Taxila is not just one spot but rather more than a dozen ancient structures that include a cave, a monastery, stupas and more spread out over a pretty wide area.

There is also a museum near the ruins that charges an entry fee.

Due to its close proximity to Islamabad (32 km), Taxila has long been one of the most popular historical places in Pakistan and can be easily visited as a day trip from the capital.

Visiting Hours: Museum is open from 9AM-5PM, ruins are more flexible

Entrance Fee: Ruins are free, the museum costs 200 rupees for foreigners and 50 for Pakistanis

 

 

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5. Wazir Khan Mosque

wazir khan mosque lahore

Lahore is chock-full of incredible pieces of history and it can easily have its own list. But as for this one, the beautiful Wazir Khan Mosque is a must- mention. The mosque took its architectural queues from that from the Begum Shahi, and though the similarities are evident, the Wazir Khan is notably larger and more colorful.

wazir khan mosque

The mosque was commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan and stood completed by the year 1641. Incredibly intricate buon frescoes and elaborate tile work cover almost every square inch of it- you could really spend hours admiring it all!

The Wazir Khan Mosque can be found a few hundred meters after entering through the Delhi Gate in Lahore’s Walled City.

Visiting Hours: 5 AM- 8 PM

Entrance Fee: Free

 

6. Katasraj Temples

katasraj temples
© Muhammad Ashar Creative Commons

Hindu temples in Pakistan- say what?! Yup you read that right- the Katasraj Temples are located near the village of Dulmial in Punjab and are said to be from the 7th Century CE or earlier. The temples surround a lake that is even fabled to have magical powers!

The famous Hindu epic Mahabharata also gives them a mention, and it’s well known that the founder of the Sikh Faith- Guru Nanak- often visited the site in more recent centuries.

Sadly, the temples fell into a state of disarray post-Partition and still remain in less-than-stellar shape today. Nevertheless, as far as historical buildings in Pakistan go- the Katasraj Temples speak to the complicated history of the Subcontinent in a way few other structures can.

The temples are located in Katas, which is about 2 hours from Islamabad and 3 hours from Lahore.

Visiting Hours: 7 AM- 8 PM

Entrance Fee: Free

 

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7. Lahore Fort

green grass and old sandstone buildings lahore fort

Perhaps one of the most famous landmarks of Pakistan, the Lahore Fort is a piece of history most have heard of. The well-known fortress was entirely rebuilt in the 17th century, though it’s believed to have been inhabited in some way for millennia.

Some of the most elaborate and well-known highlights of the massive structure were installed under Emperor Jahangir- including the epic Picture Wall that’s adorned with a colorful array of mosaics, tile, and frescoes.

 

birds sitting along the picture wall of the lahore fort
The epic “Picture Wall” of the Lahore Fort

The Sheesh Mahal- AKA the “Palace of Mirrors” was commissioned later under Shah Jahan. The immaculate marble room is inlaid with complex high-quality mirror work and is a must-visit when checking out the grounds.

The Lahore Fort- which spreads over 20+ hectares- can be found at the northern end of Lahore’s famous Walled City.

Visiting Hours: 8:30 AM-5 PM

Entrance Fee: 30 rupees for locals, 500 for foreigners

 

8.Kot Diji

kot diji historical places in pakistan
© Canva commoner28th

As you might have caught on by now- forts are easy to come by in Pakistan! But each and everyone has their own unique history and beauty, so brings us to the town of Kot Diji.

The Kot Diji Fort can be found upon a hill in Kot Diji, Sindh, and though it ain’t that old- what’s underneath it sure is! The fort was built between 1785-1795 by Mir Sohrab Khan Talpur, but it actually lies above the remains of a pre-historic civilization by the same name.

It’s believed that the remains date back as far as 3300 BCE, placing it before the Indus Valley/ Harappan Civilization. Yes- it’s real old!

Unlike some of the other forts mentioned on this list, Kot Diji is a bit more offbeat and as such attracts fewer tourists! Both the fort and the remains can be found about 24 km south of the city of Khairpur.

Visiting Hours: Always open

Entrance Fee: Free

 

Read Next: The Best Restaurants in Lahore

 

9. Takht-i-Bhai

takht-i-bhai
© Canva HomoCosmicos

Yes there are notable historical places in KPK too! Takht-i-Bhai is an archeological site of a Buddhist Monastery that can be found in Mardan. The site is considered to be exceptionally preserved and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Takht-i-Bhai was founded in the 1st century CE and was abandoned by the 7th. If you’re interested in Pakistan’s ancient Buddhist history- this is the place to check out. The ruins contain a cluster of Stupas, monastic chambers, and even a Tantric monastic chamber.

The site sits at the top of a hill and can be easily accessed as a day trip from Mardan, Peshawar, or Islamabad.

Visiting Hours: 9AM-5PM

Entrance Fee: Free

Entrance Fee: Free

 

 

Read: Epic places to visit in Swat Valley

 

 

10. Hiran Minar

hiran minar
© Canva Matthew Richard

The Hiran Minar is one of the most popular historical places in Pakistan as far as visits are concerned. And though it is a tomb- this one is a bit different than others!

Most tombs in Punjab and across Pakistan house the remains of saints or royals but the Hiran Minar is dedicated not to Mughal Emperor Jahangir, but his pet antelope.

Yup you read that right- Emperor Jahangir was known for his love of nature and the Hiran Minar exemplifies that. It’s also set in a bit of a wilderness, which gave the Mughals a bit of a natural escape from the bustling city of Lahore.

The complex consists of a minaret built over the antelope along with a massive pool and accompanying pavilion.

And seeing that it’s only one hour from Lahore in Sheikhupura, the Hiran Minar is an easy day’s getaway.

Visiting Hours: 8AM-8PM

Entrance Fee: Free

 

11. Ranikot Fort

ranikot fort sindh
© Canva Tariq Sulemani

The Ranikot Fort, yet another one of the many historical places in Sindh, is actually thought to be the world’s largest fort. In fact, Ranikot is also known as the Great Wall of Sindh!

Unlike many other Pakistani forts, the exact origin and architects of The Great Wall of Sindh remain unknown. Historians do believe that the first construction occurred sometime in the 17th century, with some reconstruction occurring in 1812 by the Talpur dynasty that ruled Sindh during that time period.

The Ranikot Fort is located about 90 km from the city of Hyderabad, though the fort is actually closest to the Sindhi town of Sann.

Visiting Hours: Always open

Entrance Fee: Free

 

12. Nagarparkar Jain Temples

gori temple nagarparkar
© Creative Commons Parkash Sarangani

 

Very close to Pakistan’s dusty, desert border with India lies the Nagarparkar Jain Temples- a collection of abandoned temples from the 12th to 15th centuries.

Jainism is an ancient religion of the Subcontinent and these temples are as unique as historical places in Pakistan can get- as Nagarparkar was a former epicenter of Jainism for several centuries.

The temples represent a high point in the expression of Jain architecture, and the entire region around them- which also includes the nearby pink-granite Karoonjhar Mountains- was once considered to be one of the “most glorious” in the entire country.

14 temples can be found here, including the Gori Temple which boasts the oldest existing Jain frescoes in the world.

 

Bhodesar Mosque
© Creative Commons Saqib Qayyum

Temples aren’t all that can be reveled in here, though. The Bhodesar Mosque (above) can also be visited nearby, a mosque that was built in 1505 CE and features a central dome that’s very similar to its Jain counterparts.

The mosque and temples have remained in relatively good condition due to low (but increasing) numbers of tourists. Unfortunately, foreigners have reported having a difficult time visiting the temples due to their super close proximity to the Indian border.

To reach Nagarparkar via public transport, keep in mind that you’ll only be able to do so from the town of Mithi, some 150 km away.

Visiting Hours: Always open

Entrance Fee: Free

 

13. Harappa

harappa ruins
© Creative Commons Muhammad Bin Naveed

Harappa was yet another city of the Indus Valley Civilization and was believed to be home to over 23,000 people. It’s worth noting that the Indus Valley Civilization is used interchangeably with the term Harappan Civilization, though it did include more than just the city of its namesake.

Though the settlement at one time spanned 150 hectares during the time period between 2600 BC and 1900 BC, it was badly damaged under British Rule of Pakistan and is now much smaller.

The present-day archeological site is located about 24 km from the Punjabi city of Sahiwal, and as it’s infrequently visited compared to some of the other historical places in Pakistan, it’s a great choice to visit for those looking for an alternative travel experience. 

Visiting Hours: Always open

Entrance Fee: Free

 

14. Makli Necropolis

makli necropolis
© Canva danishkhan

Here’s a famous landmark of Pakistan for you: the Makli Necropolis, one of the largest funerary sites in the world!

The site- which houses over 500,000 tombs- is spread out over an area of 10km near the Sindhi city of Thatta. The tombs were built over a 400 year period and belong to royalty, Sufi saints, and admired scholars.

Makli began when Sufi saint Shaikh Jamali established a sort of Sufi gathering site and was eventually buried there. Later on in the 14th century, Trakhan ruler Jam Tamachi wished to be buried there as well seeing as he venerated Shaikh Jamali, and so began the tradition.

 

makli
©Canva Zeeshan Zulfiqar

The site rose in importance during the rule of the Samma dynasty, and like many historical places in Pakistan, the most architecturally significant tombs were crafted during the famed Mughal Era.

The necropolis was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981 and is located about 2 hours from both Hyderabad and Karachi.

Visiting Hours: Always open

Entrance Fee: Free

 

15. Tomb of Jahangir

full scale tomb with four minarets
Credit: Tahsin Shah/ Creative Commons

On the outskirts of Lahore, you can find one of the most beautiful landmarks of Pakistan- the exquisite tomb of Mughal Emperor Jahangir. The tomb took 10 years to build and was finally finished in 1637.

The walls of the tomb are decorated with inlaid marble, stunning floral frescoes, and is surrounded by lush gardens. Though the site has been damaged in floods throughout the years, it stands in good condition today despite being close to 400 years old.

The tomb sits about 30-40 minutes outside of Lahore and is best reached by Careem or Uber if you don’t have your own vehicle.

Visiting Hours: 9AM- 7PM

Entrance Fee: Free

 

Read Next: How to trek to Rakaposhi Base Camp

 

16. Baltit Fort

view of baltiti fort and snowy ultar peak from karimabad historical places in gilgit baltistan

Though many of the famous monuments in Pakistan are found in either Punjab or Sindh, that’s not to say none exist in the mountains!

The Baltit Fort, which is located in Karimabad in the beautiful Hunza Valley, was founded in 8th CE and was inhabited by the Mirs of Hunza until 1945.

The fort, which takes its shape from Tibetan architecture, sits a-top a hill and lies claim to a marvelous view of the valley below.

The Baltit Fort has long been a popular tourist destination in Hunza and is very easy to visit- even on foot- within Karimabad.

Visiting Hours: 9AM- 5:30PM

Entrance Fee: 500 rupees for foreigners

Map of Historical Places in Pakistan

From the most southern tips of Sindh to the awe-inspring Hunza Valley, Pakistan’s historical places can be found all over the country.

 

And there you have it y’all, 16 historical places in Pakistan that will blow your mind. Though this list does cover a good amount of the most famous landmarks in the country- Pakistan is a gold mine for mesmerizing historical wonders! Do you have one you’d like to add? Drop a comment below!

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8 Comments

  1. I totally agree with you in that when you stand in historical places, something changes you. It’s one thing to read about a historical site, it’s a completely different thing to actually stand where history was made. Thanks for the great post, Pakistan has an amazing history.

  2. All post and pictures are incredible but being indian is it safe to travel Pakistan on tourist visa as i would like to explore all them physical…. I wish that i could see all in real…. I miss you pakistan….

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