Southern Pakistan: Karachi to Lahore

Saturday 20th March – Karachi

• Arrive at Karachi – the largest city in Pakistan and self-transfer to our centrally located meeting point. Jinnah International Airport is well connected to the Middle East, Bangkok and Istanbul.
• Meet our driver at the airport and be transferred to our hotel. Check-in is from 2:00pm.
• Pre-tour meeting starts at 5:00pm in the lobby of our hotel. Meet your YPT guide and the other group members.
• Head out for dinner and overnight in Karachi

Sunday 21st March – Karachi

Morning

• Breakfast at hotel and your journey begins by first exploring the Karachi’s iconic landmarks such as the Merewether Clock Tower, a striking colonial-era monument built in 1892, the Native Jetty Bridge which is a massive and historically significant bridge connecting the city to the Karachi Fish Harbor, and as well as exploring the Karachi Fish Market – one of the largest and busiest in the region.
• Visit the Flagstaff House, also known as the Quaid-e-Azam House Museum – the former residence of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan.
• Head to the National Museum of Pakistan, originally established as the Frere Hall during the British Raj. Your guide will point out the Priest-Kingwhich is considered one of the most important artefacts found in the Indus Valley Civilisation.
• Visit Mohatta Palace – built in 1927 by Hindu businessman Shivratan Mohatta as a summer residence. After Pakistan’s independence, it was used by Fatima Jinnah, the sister of Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

Afternoon

• We’ll have lunch at a local restaurant. Here in Karachi, the cuisine here are renowned for its cultural fusion – your guide will explain why.
• Next we’ll visit the beautiful Masjid-e Tooba, the largest single-some mosque in the world. The sheer volume and size of the mosque is breath-taking, you can appreciate how many worshippers come to pray – it’s also reminded to dress appropriately and ask your guide before taking photos out of respect.
• You then take in the story and creation of Pakistan – we’ll visit the Tomb of Muhammad Ali Jinnah (also known as the Mazar-e-Quaid or National Mausoleum). Jinnah was a key player to rid the British out of India; however suspicion, internal party division and religion influenced Jinnah to create a separate Muslim state on the Indian subcontinent.
• Next on your journey, you’ll visit a popular beach frequented by the locals. You’ll get the opportunity to interact with the welcoming locals and capture some memorable pictures.
• After a busy first day, we’ll have dinner in Karachi followed by some freshly made Lassi at a popular local spot.
• Overnight in Karachi.

Monday 22nd March – Karachi – Makli – Hyderabad

Morning

• Breakfast at the hotel before we visit the Tomb of Chaukundi and the ancient ruins of Bhanbore. Historically the region was a Hindu kingdom followed by Buddhism then ultimately Islam; there are layers of history within the ruins that were influenced by the various rulers’ religion.
• On our journey we will visit Makli Necropolis approximately 10 kilometres from City of Thatta. The Necropolis was granted UNESCO world heritage site in 1981. Legends go that there’s over 1 million people are buried in the hills here – Makli Necropolis is recorded being one of the largest funerary sites in the world.
• Next we’ll drive you to The Shah Jahan Mosque also known as the Jamia Masjid of Thatta, built during the reign of Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan who bestowed it to the city as a token of gratitude, the Masjid is heavily influenced by Central Asian Architecture – The Mughal Emperor changed the course of the Indian subcontinent from architecture, culture and cuisines.

Afternoon

• Lunch at a local restaurant where we can also relax.
• We’ll drive on to Hyderabad which literally translates to “Lion City” and take on the scenery along the journey; we’ll have time make stops and take photos.
• Once we reach Hyderabad, we must visit Bombay bakery which is extremely popular with the locals. Founded in 1911 and passed down through the generations, we defiantly recommend trying their famous coffee cake!
• Dinner and overnight in Hyderabad.

Tuesday 23rd March – Hyderabad – Sehwan Sharif

Morning

• Early morning, we’ll have breakfast in the hotel before we head out to visit the various Sufi shrines of Bhit Shah. We’ll spend some time admiring the practices of Sufism and experience some Sufi-dancing.
• We’ll drive to Ranikot Fort commonly referred to as The Great Wall of Sindh due to its vast walls. The circumference of the Fort is approximately 32 kilometres (20 mi) making it one of the largest Fort in the world, with its remote location and sheer size it’s quite overwhelming to experience. What makes it interesting is no-one quite knows what it was built to defend, and its origins are still unclear. In more recent years it was a famous place for bandits to hide, but today it’s peaceful and quiet again for you to explore.

Afternoon

• Lunch along the journey, our local guides know the best spots.
• On arrival to Sehwan Sharif, the most important site for Sufis in Pakistan although the origin of the cities name is contested due to the ancient and complex history.
• In the evening we have something special lined up for you, we’ll visit Sehwan Sharif one of the most holy shrines in Pakistan, the Shrine of Lal Shah Baz Qalandar. At this shrine after sunset, we will hopefully have another chance to see Dhamaal – Sufi Dancing with music.
• Dinner in Sehwan Sharif followed by a walk in the centre where you can try local deserts.
• Overnight in Sehwan Sharif.

Wednesday 24th March – Sehwan Sharif – Mohenjo Daro –  Sukkur

Morning

• Breakfast at the hotel before we take an early drive to Mohenjo Daro an UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s first major cities – this was the largest settlement during the ancient Indus Valley Civilisation. We’ll have time to explore the ancient city – Mohenjo Daro which translates to “Mound of the Dead Men”.

Afternoon

• We’ll stop for lunch before we continue on our road trip towards Sukkar
• Stopping at the Kot Diji Fort – built in the late 18th century by Mir Sohrab Khan Talpur, the fort sits atop a limestone hill offering strategic views of the surrounding region. Constructed with burnt bricks and featuring high walls, watchtowers, and bastions, it served as a stronghold for the Talpur dynasty.
• Arrive and dinner in Sukkur followed by a few chilled drinks.
• Overnight in Sukkur.

Thursday 25th March – Sukkur – Bahawalpur

Morning

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Start the morning off by visiting Satiyen Jo Asthan, also known as the Sufi Graveyard – a mysterious and sacred site steeped in legend and spiritual significance.
• We’ll embark on a scenic boat trip along the Indus River, one of the longest and most historically significant rivers in Asia. As we glide through its tranquil waters, you’ll get a sense of the vital role the Indus has played in shaping the civilizations and cultures that have flourished along its banks for thousands of years. If we’re lucky, we may even catch a glimpse of the rare and endangered Indus River blind dolphin – a unique freshwater species found only in this river system.
• Access the Sadhu Bela Temple – a Hindu temple complex located on an island. First established in 1823 by Baba Bankhandi Maharaj, a Hindu saint, it is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus.
• If time permits, we’ll make a quick stop at the Bhong Mosque – an architectural masterpiece known for its intricate design, vibrant colours, and lavish decoration

Afternoon

• We’ll have lunch nearby and mark a brief stop at Uch Sharif which was founded by Alexander the Great during his campaign in the Indus valley. The site later became the base for the Delhi Sultanate during the Islamic conquest of Indian subcontinent. Today it’s an important pilgrimage site with numerous shines and tombs.
• Once we’re ready, we’ll head towards Bahawalpur, the former princely state was by the Abbasi family of Nawabs. Despite the Nawabs losing their kingdom in 1955 they have left an ever-lasting impact on the state with its rich architectural influence.
• On arrival we’ll check into our hotel and head out straight for dinner.
• Overnight stay in Bahawalpur.

Friday 26th March – Bahawalpur – Derawar Fort – Bahawalpur

Morning

• Leisurely morning start with breakfast at the hotel before we discover Bahawalpur hidden gems.
• We’ll begin the day by exploring the impressive and remote Derawar Fort. This incredible fort is 30m high and has a circumference of 1.5km which is visible from many miles away in the Cholistan Desert. The fort was built in the 9th century by a Hindu Rajput ruler and exchanged hands over the centuries from the Emirate of Multan, the Delhi Sultanate to the Mughals.

Afternoon

• After an insightful morning, we’ll have lunch and continue our visit onwards to Abbasi Jamia Shahi Mosque – located within Derawar Fort. Built in 1849 by Nawab Bahawal Khan, the mosque features stunning white marble architecture inspired by the Mughal style. It includes grand domes, intricate tile work, and calligraphy, reflecting the artistic heritage of the Abbasi dynasty.
• Explore the Royal Graveyard of the Abbasi Dynasty. The final resting place of the Nawabs of Bahawalpur. Featuring intricately designed white marble tombs adorned with Islamic calligraphy and geometric patterns, the graveyard reflects Mughal and Persian architectural influences.
• Upon our return to Bahawalpur, we’ll visit the majestic Noor Mahal – an opulent Italian-style palace built in 1872 during the rule of the Nawabs of Bahawalpur. Inspired by European architecture, the palace features grand halls, elegant balconies, and a striking façade that reflects the royal tastes of the time.
• Return to our hotel to freshen up before having dinner and overnighting in Bahawalpur

Saturday 27th March – Bahwalpur – Multan – Lahore

• Early morning start with breakfast at the hotel before we heard towards Multan – the ‘city of saints’ and the drive is pretty interesting along the way. Multan has a deep and fascinating history as it’s the oldest continuously inhabited cities in all of Asia.
• On arrival we’ll experience the daily life in Multan, and learn more about its links to Darius and Alexander the Great.
• We’ll do a tour through Multan and see some famous innumerable Sufi shrines along the way such as the Shrine of Bahauddin Zakriya & Shah Rukn e Alam. Depending on local conditions we’ll head towards the bazar (market) and see daily life amongst the locals, it’s also a perfect opportunity to take some interesting photos and pick up gifts.

Afternoon

• We’ll have lunch then start our journey to Lahore – the cultural capital of Pakistan, to break up our road trip we’ll have refreshments and photo opportunities along the way.
• Once we arrive in Lahore you can settle in – Lahore is considered the most liberal, progressive, and cosmopolitan cities in Pakistan. The history genuinely reflects the architecture from Mughal, Sikhs Empire to the British Raj.
• Dinner in Lahore and head out into town, the cities famous for its cuisines particularly the chicken karahi.
• Overnight in Lahore.

Sunday 28th March – Lahore

Morning

• Breakfast at the hotel and head to a traditional Kushti match – a form of mud wrestling that has been practiced in the Indian subcontinent for centuries. Held in a circular clay or mud pit known as an akhara, this intense and highly disciplined sport is about more than just physical strength; it’s deeply rooted in ritual, tradition, and a strict code of conduct.
• No trips to Lahore go without visiting the impressive Fort – Lahore Fort is the citadel of the city and has been inhabited for centuries. The fort has exchanged many occupiers over the years including the Mughals, Sikh Empire and the East India Company. The architecture of the fort is impressive which features both Islamic and Hindu features.
• We’ll then head to Badshahi Mosque, this is the most iconic landmark of Lahore and considered the peak of Mughal architecture – the impressive size of the Mosque can accommodate 10,000 worshipers in the hall with another 100,000 worshipers in the courtyard.
• We’ll walk through the old town, what’s unique about Lahore you can find street doctors, dentists, pharmacist and various other medical occupations.

Afternoon

• Lunch in Lahore, there’s plenty of places to choose from.
• Since the independence of Pakistan and India in 1947 from the British Raj, hostilities still remain between the two nuclear armed nations neighbours. You can experience the tense and dramatic tension at the Wagah Border ceremony where both nations lower their flags and close the border for the night. Saying it’s very patriotic is an understatement!
• Dinner at a popular local spot, we recommend trying nihari, a delicious meat stew. There are plenty of vegetarian options to choose from as well.
• After dinner, we’ll take an evening walk of Lahore to capture the late-night activities. The city really comes to life at night, we’ll grab some desert from a local street vendor.
• Overnight in stay Lahore.

Monday 29th March – Lahore – Peshawar

Morning

• Early morning start with breakfast at our hotel.
• Once we’re ready and checked out of the hotel, we’ll start our long journey to Peshawar, famous for its large population of Pashtuns.
• Along the journey we’ll pass small villages and town, less frequented by foreigners, we’ll have the opportunity to stop there to grab a cup of chai, relax and enjoy the scenery.

Afternoon

• We’ll have some lunch at a local restaurant.
• We’ll continue to Peshawar enjoying the scenery along the way. We’ll make rest stops and for photo opportunities.
• On arrival to Peshawar, we’ll check into our hotel before heading out for an evening walk. You’ll notice the language is different here with the local residents speaking Pashto.
• Dinner at a local a restaurant, we recommend trying chapli kabab, minced meat mixed with spices formed into a patty and deep fried. A signature dish of the region, for vegetarians we recommend dal chawal.
• Overnight stay in Peshawar.

Tuesday 30th March – Peshawar – Islamabad

Morning

• Early morning start, we’ll have breakfast before we explore the vibrant city of Peshawar.
• Peshawar is one of the oldest cities in South Asia, during Hindu rule, the Sanskrit name, Poshapura meaning “City of Flowers” was used. Today you’ll get to discover the vibrant city visiting various sites and learn about if significant during various empires.

Afternoon

• We’ll explore the bazaars of Peshawar to purchase some gifts before having lunch at a local restaurant.
• Once we’re ready we’ll start our road trip back to Islamabad, making stops along the way.
• On arrival to Islamabad, we’ll check into our hotel and have some time to freshen up before heading out.
• As it’s our final night, we’ll head out to a popular restaurant for dinner and share our highlights of the tour.
• Overnight stay in Islamabad.

Wednesday 31st March – Islamabad – Kabul, Afghanistan (optional)

Morning

• Breakfast at the Hotel.
• End of the tour depart at your own convenience with airport drop off. YPT can arrange additional nights in Lahore for a fee, we are more than happy to provide advice for ongoing flights.
• For those wanting to extend their adventure on our Grand Afghanistan Tour we recommend to book and board Kam Air flight RQ928 departing Islamabad at 5:30pm arriving into Kabul at 6:10pm. Flight not included in tour cost.
• On arrival meet our Afghanistan guide at the airport and be transferred to our guest house for your own convenience and safety.
• Dinner and overnight in Kabul