18 Great Historical Monuments in Pakistan You Should Visit.

Written by Muhammad Arshad Sohail

Dated: sep24, 2022

It's no secret that Pakistan is a history lover's dream. So many empires and religions have ruled here, and although the country is technically only 73 years old, its land has been inhabited for millennia.

Trust me: Living or backpacking in Pakistan and not admiring the architectural and artistic beauty of those who came before us is NOT the right move!

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

And still - this is just a small snapshot of the seemingly endless amount of historical sites that Pakistan has to offer.

1. Begum Shahi Mosque

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

The relatively small mosque sits opposite the famous Lahore Fort and is one of the oldest historical sites in Lahore and is actually the city's oldest surviving Mughal-era structure!

Begum Shahi's architectural design inspired the Wazir Khan Mosque, which was built decades later. The mosque itself is impressive - complete with elaborate more than 400-year-old frescoes and unique geometric ornaments - but its namesake even more so

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

However, her real rise to fame accelerated under her son, as she became a prolific merchant in the kingdom and was gifted with numerous high-level responsibilities.

And what's even better - since this mosque is a bit of an offbeat attraction in Lahori, you'll probably be the only tourist there!

2. Mohenjodaro

You won't have a complete list of historical sites in Pakistan without including Mohenjo-Daro - one of the greatest cities of the Indus Valley Civilization. The ancient city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built around 2500 BC and remained undocumented for more than 3700 years until archaeologists discovered it in the early 1920s.

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

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Mohenjo-Daro can be found near the city of Larkana in Pakistan's Sindh province, which is easily accessible by auto rickshaw.

Although unknown to most, it is truly one of the most incredible archaeological sites in the world and should be on every Pakistan itinerary.

3. Rohtas Fort

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

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

Spread over an area of ​​70 hectares, Rohtas Fort is considered to be one of the largest and most imposing forts in South Asia. It is located about 2 hours from Islamabad and 4 hours from Lahore.

4. Taxila

So many historical sites in Pakistan are ancient civilizations – and the lost city of Taxila is one of them! The origins of the city date back to 1000 BC, although some ruins at the site are believed to be as old as 3360 BC Wow!

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

Interestingly, the University of Ancient Taxila is considered to be one of the oldest in the world, although this is still disputed among scholars. In 1980, the entire city was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

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

There is also a museum near the ruins that charges admission.

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

5. Wazir Khan Mosque

Lahore is full of incredible pieces of history and could easily have its own bucket list. But for this one, I must not forget the beautiful Wazir Khan Mosque. The mosque takes its architectural fronts from that of the Begum Shahi, and although the similarities are obvious, the Wazir Khan is notably larger and more colorful.

The mosque was commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan and completed in 1641. Incredibly intricate buono frescoes and elaborate tiles cover almost every square inch of it – you could spend hours admiring it all!

The Wazir Khan Mosque is located a few hundred meters after entering the Delhi Gate in the walled city of Lahore.

6. Katasraj Temples

Hindu Temples in Pakistan - Say What?! Yes, you read that right – the Katasraj Temples are located near the village of Dulmial in Punjab and are said to date back to the 7th century AD or earlier. Temples surround a lake that is even said to have magical powers!

They are also mentioned in the famous Hindu epic Mahabharata and it is well known that the founder of the Sikh faith - Guru Nanak - visited this place often in recent centuries.

Sadly, the temples fell into a state of disarray after partition and remain in a less than stellar condition even today. However, when it comes to historic buildings in Pakistan, the Katasraj temples speak to the subcontinent's complicated history in a way that few other structures can.

This site is located in Katas which is about two hours from Islamabad and three hours from Lahore city.

7. Lahore Fort

Perhaps one of Pakistan's most famous landmarks, Lahore Fort is a piece of history that most have heard of. The famous fortress was completely rebuilt in the 17th century, although it is believed to have been inhabited in some way for millennia.

Some of the most elaborate and famous highlights of the massive structure were installed under Emperor Jahangir – including the epic Picture Wall, which is decorated with a colorful array of mosaics, tiles and frescoes. Sheesh Mahal-AKA "Palace of Mirrors" was commissioned later under Shah Jahan. The immaculate marble room is inlaid with intricate high-quality mirrors and is a must-see when touring the grounds.

Spread over 20 hectares, Lahore Fort is located at the northern end of the famous walled city of Lahore.

8. Kot Diji Sind

As you might have guessed – forts are easily available in Pakistan! But each has its own unique history and beauty, thus bringing us to the city of Kot Diji.

Kot Diji Fort is located on a hill in Kot Diji, Sindh, and although it's not that old - what's below it certainly is! The fort was built between 1785 and 1795 by Mir Sohrab Khan Talpur, but actually sits over the remains of a prehistoric civilization of the same name.

The remains are thought to date back as far as 3300 BC, placing them before the Indus/Harappan Valley Civilization.

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

9. Takht-i-Bhai

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

Takht-i-Bhai was established in the 1st century AD and was abandoned in the 7th century. If you are interested in the ancient Buddhist history of Pakistan - this is the place to go. The ruins contain a cluster of stupas, monastic chambers and even a tantric monk's chamber.

The place is located on top of a hill and can be easily reached as a day trip from Mardan, Peshawar or Islamabad.

10. Hiran Minář

Hiran Minar is one of the most popular historical places in Pakistan in terms of visits. And even though it's a grave, this one is a little different from the others!

Most tombs in Punjab and across Pakistan hold the remains of saints or royal kings, but Hiran Minar is not dedicated to the Mughal emperor Jahangir, but to his pet antelope.

Yes, you read that right – Emperor Jahangir was known for his love of nature and Hiran Minar is an example of that. It is also set in a bit of wilderness, which gave the Mughals a bit of a natural escape from the busy city of Lahore.

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

And considering it's only one hour from Lahore in Sheikhupura, Hiran Minar is an easy day out.

11. Ranikot Fort

Ranikot Fort, another of the many historical sites in Sindh, is actually considered to be the largest fort in the world. In fact, Ranikot is also known as the Great Wall of Sindh!

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

Ranikot Fort is located about 90 km from Hyderabad city, although the fort is actually closest to the Sindh city of Sann.

12. Nagarparkar Jain Temples

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

Jainism is the ancient religion of the subcontinent and these temples are as unique as historical sites in Pakistan can get – as Nagarparkar was the former epicenter of Jainism for several centuries.

The temples represent the pinnacle of Jain architectural expression, and the entire region around them – including the nearby pink granite Karoonjhar Mountains – was once considered one of the "most famous" in the country.

It is home to 14 temples, including the Gori Temple, which boasts the world's oldest extant Jain frescoes.

However, temples are not all there is to enjoy here. Also nearby is the Bhodesar Mosque (above), a mosque that was built in 1505 AD and has a central dome that is very similar to its Jain counterparts.

The mosque and temples have remained in relatively good condition due to the low (but growing) number of tourists. Unfortunately, foreigners have reported difficulty in visiting the temples due to their very close proximity to the Indian border.

If you want to reach Nagarparkar by public transport, keep in mind that you will only be able to do so from Mithi town, about 150 km away.

13. Harappa

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

Although the settlement once occupied 150 hectares during the time period between 2600 BC and 1900 BC, it was badly damaged during the British rule of Pakistan and is now much smaller.

The current archaeological site is located about 24 km from the Punjabi town of Sahiwal, and since it is less visited than some other historical sites in Pakistan, it is a great choice for those looking for an alternative travel experience.

14. Makli Necropolis

Here is a famous landmark of Pakistan for you: Makli Necropolis, one of the largest burial sites in the world!

The site, which houses more than 500,000 tombs, is spread over an area of ​​10 km near the Sindh city of Thatta. Built over 400 years, the tombs belong to kings, Sufi saints and admired scholars.

Makli began when a Sufi saint, Shaikh Jamali, established a sort of Sufi gathering place and was eventually buried there. Later in the 14th century, the Trachan ruler Jam Tamachi wished to be buried there because he worshiped Shaikh Jamali, and so the tradition began.

The site rose in importance during the reign of the Samma dynasty and like many historical sites in Pakistan, the most architecturally significant tombs were created during the glorious Mughal era.

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

15. Tomb of Jahangir

On the outskirts of Lahore you will find one of the most beautiful monuments of Pakistan - the magnificent tomb of the Mughal emperor Jahangir. The construction of the tomb took 10 years and was finally completed in 1637.

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The walls of the tomb are decorated with inlaid marble, amazing floral frescoes and it is surrounded by lush gardens. Although the site has been damaged by floods over the years, it is in good condition today despite being almost 400 years old.

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

16. Fortress Baltit

Although many of Pakistan's famous sights are located in either Punjab or Sindh, that doesn't mean there aren't any in the mountains!

Located in Karimabad in the beautiful Hunza Valley, Baltit Fort was established in the 8th century and was inhabited by the Mirs of Hunza until 1945. The fort, which takes its shape from Tibetan architecture, sits on a hill and lays claim to a magnificent view of the valley below.

17. Shalimar Garden

Shalimar garden is another historical land mark of Pakistan. Shalimar Gardens is a garden complex built by the Mughals. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Mughals gave ownership of the complex to the Arian Mian family for their services. General Ayub Khan nationalized it in 1962.

18. Noor Mahal, Bahawalpur

This one hundred and fifty year old palace in Bahawalpur was built by Nawab Subah Sadiq Muhammad Khan IV for his wife. His wife only spent a night in the palace due to its proximity to the Basti Maluk Shah graveyard.

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