Lahore is loud. It’s fast. It rarely shuts up. And as much as I love the food and the chaos, sometimes, I just want to leave.
After spending most of my life here, I’ve picked up a few easy escapes—places you can reach in a couple of hours, spend the day, and come back without needing a hotel booking or a backup plan. Some of these are historical, some natural, and a few just weird enough to be interesting.
If you’re looking to get out without really getting out, here are my favourite day trips from Lahore.
1. Hiran Minar, Sheikhupura
Distance from Lahore: ~45 km
Hiran Minar is one of those oddly charming places that make you pause—partly because it’s quiet, and partly because there’s a 30-meter tower built for a dead pet antelope. Emperor Jahangir really said, “Yeah, build him a monument,” and they did.
The main minaret sits beside a large man-made water tank, perfect for a walk, some idle birdwatching, or just staring at ducks until your brain resets. You can even rent a boat, if you’re into that. The nearby octagonal pavilion is great for a sit-down break with a view.
Go early in the morning or just before sunset to avoid the school field trips and family picnics. And if you’re already in day-tripping mode, this is also one of several historical places in Pakistan worth checking off your list.
2. Khewra Salt Mine
Distance from Lahore: ~195 km
I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve ended up at Khewra—usually en route to Islamabad. But no matter how often I go, walking into the salt tunnel still feels surreal. The cool air hits you instantly, and then you see it: a mosque made entirely out of pink salt bricks, lit up like someone’s 90s lava lamp fantasy.
This is one of the oldest and largest salt mines in the world, and the guided tours are worth doing at least once. You’ll pass through crystal formations, underground brine pools, and weird, otherworldly corners that look like they belong in a sci-fi movie.
It gets cold inside – bring a jacket. And if you’re already headed up towards the capital, you might want to bookmark these things to do in Islamabad to stretch the trip a little further.
3. Katas Raj Temples
Distance from Lahore: ~180 km
Katas Raj Temples is one of those spots that surprises you with how ancient it feels. This complex of Hindu temples, dating back to the 6th century, is nestled in the Potohar Plateau near Chakwal. It’s not just the architecture that’s impressive—it’s the stories and legends tied to this place. People say that the pond at Katas Raj was formed from the teardrops of Lord Shiva, which is why it’s so sacred to Hindus. The temples themselves are stunning, with intricate carvings and stonework that make you wonder how they built all this so long ago.
If you’re into photography, this is a dream spot. The old stone temples with the lush hills in the background make for some fantastic shots. Head there early in the day to avoid the crowds and really take in the peaceful vibe.
4. Rohtas Fort, Jhelum City
Distance from Lahore: ~180 km
Rohtas Fort is probably my second favourite fort in Pakistan, right after the forts in Hunza ones. Rohtas Fort feels like it was built to intimidate – and it still kind of does. The sheer scale of it is hard to grasp until you’re standing beneath one of its twelve massive gates, wondering how many invaders just turned around and went home.
Built by Sher Shah Suri in the 16th century, the fort is a blend of Afghan and Persian architecture. It’s more rugged than romantic, but that’s part of the appeal. The Sohail Gate is especially striking, and if you make it up to the ramparts, the view across the countryside is worth the mild sweat.
Bring good shoes, a bottle of water, and a willingness to wander. You’ll need a few hours to do it justice.
5. Harappa
Distance from Lahore: ~130 km
Harappa is the kind of place that makes you reconsider everything you learned about “ancient civilizations” in school. Located in Sahiwal, the ruins date back to around 2600 BCE and were once part of the Indus Valley Civilization—aka, people who had grid systems and sewage while most of the world was still figuring out farming.
It’s not flashy, but it doesn’t need to be. The remnants of streets, granaries, and drainage systems speak for themselves. The on-site museum helps fill in the gaps, with pottery, tools, and seals that bring the place to life—at least a little.
It’s a long-ish drive, but if you’re into archaeology, this one’s worth it. Just… keep your expectations realistic. There are no pyramids here. But there is quiet, space to think, and a weird sense of being watched by history.
6. Kartarpur
Distance from Lahore: ~130 km
Kartarpur is home to the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, one of the most significant religious sites for Sikhs. It’s where Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, spent the last 18 years of his life. The gurdwara itself is an architectural standout, with white domes and detailed carvings that immediately draw your attention. The Kartarpur Corridor, which allows visa-free border crossing for Indian pilgrims, is an important symbol of peace and unity between Pakistan and India.
If you’re planning a visit, make sure to dress respectfully and cover your head. It’s a place of great historical and spiritual importance, and it’s a humbling experience, regardless of your background.
7. Changa Manga Forest
Distance from Lahore: ~70 km
Changa Manga isn’t exactly untouched wilderness, but it does the job if you need trees and open space on short notice. Planted by the British to harvest timber for the railways, it’s one of the largest man-made forests in the world. That history might make you side-eye it a little, but the forest has become its own thing over time.
There’s a mini train that loops through the woods, boat rides on a small lake, and enough walking trails to fill an afternoon. It’s popular with families, so expect company on weekends. But if you go on a weekday or early morning, you might get a stretch of forest to yourself.
Spring and autumn are best – the air is cleaner, and everything looks a bit less sunburnt.
8. Haveli Barood Khana, Sheikhupura
Distance from Lahore: ~50 km
This one’s for the architecture nerds. Tucked away in Sheikhupura, Haveli Barood Khana is a Mughal-era mansion that once stored ammunition (hence the name). Now it’s just… hauntingly beautiful. Faded frescoes, carved woodwork, wide courtyards – it feels like walking through a forgotten film set.
It’s not heavily restored, which means parts of it are crumbling, but that’s part of the appeal. There’s still enough detail left to imagine what it must’ve looked like in its prime.
Go during the day for the natural light – especially if you’re into photography. And while you’re in Sheikhupura, don’t skip the food. Some of the best roadside desi spots are in this area, no joke.
9. Head Balloki
Distance from Lahore: ~60 km
Head Balloki isn’t trying to impress you. It’s just… calm. Located at the confluence of the Ravi River and the Balloki Headworks, it’s where you go to sit quietly, maybe spot a few birds, and forget you live in a city of 11 million people.
The barrage dates back to the British era and still plays a role in managing the river’s flow. But most people come for the river breeze, the stillness, and the sense of being somewhere that doesn’t demand anything from you.
Ideal for early mornings or late afternoons. Bring snacks. Maybe chai. Definitely no expectations.
Where to Next? Planning More Pakistan Adventures
Lahore has its own rhythm—intense, loud, and weirdly magnetic. But getting out of it now and then isn’t just nice, it’s necessary. These day trips offer a breather without the hassle of an overnight bag or a long haul.
If you’re planning a longer adventure, you’ll want to check out this complete guide to traveling in Pakistan. It’s got everything from safety tips to itinerary suggestions based on how much chaos you’re willing to tolerate.
And if you’re wondering what it’s like to explore this country solo – especially as a woman – I’ve written honestly about that too. Here’s my take on how safe Pakistan really is for women. Spoiler: it’s complicated, but possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the easiest day trip from Lahore?
Hiran Minar is probably the most convenient. It’s under an hour away, has interesting history, and doesn’t require much planning.
Can I visit more than one of these spots in a day?
Technically, yes. But I wouldn’t recommend it unless you’re into speed tourism. Most of these places deserve a few hours at least.
Are any of these suitable for solo travelers?
Definitely. Kartarpur, Khewra, and Changa Manga are all doable solo – though you’ll want to time your visit to avoid big crowds.
Do I need to hire a guide?
Not really. Most places have enough signage or info boards. Khewra is the only one where the guide adds something extra, since it’s part of the tour package anyway.
