Top 11 Day Trips from Karachi: Exploring Beyond The City
Are you looking for the best day trips from Karachi?
Karachi may be chaotic, but just beyond the city’s endless traffic and sprawling neighborhoods, there’s a whole world waiting to be explored. If you’re like me, sometimes you crave an escape from the city noise—a day to breathe fresh air, take in quiet landscapes, or discover history beyond Karachi’s urban sprawl.
I’ve lived in Pakistan my whole life, but it wasn’t until adulthood that I finally visited Karachi, thanks to some college friends from the metropolis city. And thanks to locals, I ventured beyond Karachi too. Here are nine of my favorite day trips from the city – a mix of history, adventure, and natural beauty, each only a short drive from Karachi.
1. Manora Island
Travel Time: 15-minute ferry ride from Kemari Port
I’ll start with a classic escape—Manora Island. Just a quick ferry ride from Karachi’s Kemari Port, Manora Island feels like stepping into a peaceful fishing village, a place that’s completely removed from Karachi’s fast pace. The island, dotted with colonial-era buildings and quiet beaches, offers a glimpse into Karachi’s rich and layered past.
You can wander through old British barracks and a lighthouse from the 19th century, which, for the history nerds among us, holds its own tales of the British Raj. Don’t miss the beautiful Manora Church, built in 1864, standing tall as a reminder of an era gone by. The beach is simple but perfect for a peaceful afternoon. You’ll likely see local families enjoying picnics, kids splashing in the waves, and fishermen hauling in their catches.
Note: Bring your own snacks, as facilities here are minimal, but the peaceful vibes make it worth it. If you’re up for a little adventure, consider renting a boat from Kemari and cruising the waters around the island—Karachi looks surreal from this vantage point, as if the city’s hustle is a distant memory.
2. Chaukhandi Tombs
Travel Time: 45 minutes by car
Chaukhandi Tombs, just 29 kilometers east of Karachi city center, are one of Pakistan’s historical gems and a hauntingly beautiful site. Imagine a field dotted with tombs that have intricate sandstone carvings, their designs so elaborate that it’s hard to believe they were crafted centuries ago. These tombs date back to the 15th century and belong to the Jokhio and Baluch tribes.
Each tomb here tells its own story. The engravings are mesmerizing, with geometric patterns, motifs, and even carvings of horses and warriors that reflect the skills of the craftsmen who built them.
When I first visited, I remember feeling a mix of awe and quiet reverence. There was no rush, just time to walk among the tombs and reflect. If you visit, go early in the morning to enjoy the cooler hours and the golden light, which makes the tombs look even more magical.
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3. Mubarak Village and Churna Island
Travel Time: 1 hour by car to Mubarak Village, plus boat ride to Churna Island
A day trip to Mubarak Village and Churna Island is an escape into Karachi’s untapped coastal beauty. Mubarak Village, the city’s second-largest fishing village, has a vibe that’s simple and raw. From here, you can hop on a boat and head to Churna Island, a popular spot for snorkeling, scuba diving and cliff diving.
Churna Island has surprisingly clear waters for a Karachi destination, with colorful fish and coral reefs that will make you feel like you’ve left the world behind. I first went snorkeling here with some friends, and it felt surreal to be just a few miles from Karachi but surrounded by the vivid blues and greens of the Arabian Sea. The waters around the island are relatively calm, making it safe for even first-timers.
Back at Mubarak Village, there’s not much in the way of restaurants or shops, so it’s best to pack some food and water. Spend some time with the local fishermen—they’re friendly and love sharing stories about life at sea. It’s a trip that combines adventure with a glimpse into Karachi’s coastal life.
4. Bhambore
Travel Time: 1.5 hours by car
Located about 65 kilometers from Karachi, this ancient archaeological site dates back to the 1st century BC and was once a thriving port city. It is believed to be the historical site where Muhammad bin Qasim also arrived in the 8th century. Today, Bhambore is best known for its ruins, which include an ancient mosque considered one of the oldest in South Asia.
Walking through Bhambore feels like stepping back in time. You’ll see remnants of stone walls, pottery shards scattered across the ground, and structures that hint at the city’s former grandeur. There’s also a small museum on-site with artifacts from the excavation, offering a glimpse into the region’s ancient trade connections and culture.
Legend has it that Bhambore is the city of the tragic love story of Sassi and Punnu, a tale you’ll often hear from locals with pride and nostalgia.
On my first visit, the quiet desolation of the ruins was humbling. Bhambore is one of those places that makes you pause and imagine life as it was centuries ago. Bring a hat and plenty of water, as there’s little shade here. And if you can, go with someone who knows the history of the place—it adds a whole new layer to the experience.
5. Thatta
Travel Time: 1.5 hours by car
Thatta, a city layered with centuries of history, is a must-visit for anyone interested in the rich heritage of Sindh. Known for its impressive Makli necropolis at Makli Hill, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Thatta’s cultural significance is hard to overstate. This sprawling cemetery is said to hold over half a million graves, many of them lavishly carved, showcasing Sindhi art and architecture from the 14th to the 18th century.
Strolling through Makli, you’ll feel the quiet power of the place—an ancient city of the dead, with tombs built like palaces for Sufi saints, poets, and rulers. The structures are decorated with intricate tilework and stone carvings, each one seeming to echo the stories of those who came before us.
Don’t miss Shah Jahan Mosque, also in Thatta, built by the Mughal emperor in the 17th century. The mosque’s architecture is breathtaking, with over 90 domes and a layout that allows sound to carry across the entire hall—a testament to Mughal engineering. My advice? Visit early in the day for cooler weather and fewer crowds. Thatta is a place to wander at your own pace, taking in the quiet beauty and history it holds
6. Keenjhar Lake (Kalri Lake)
Travel Time: 2 hours by car
Keenjhar Lake, often called Kalri Lake, is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Pakistan and a favorite escape for Karachiites. Its expansive, calm waters make it the perfect spot for a relaxing day by the shore, and its serene vibe is a refreshing break from city life. Keenjhar is also famous for its connection to the Sindhi folklore of Noori Jam Tamachi, immortalized in Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai’s poetry.
If you’re into water activities, you can rent a boat to explore the lake, and the lake’s edges are often dotted with families enjoying a day out. There’s also a small shrine dedicated to Noori, which you can visit by boat—a hauntingly beautiful experience, especially if you know the story of the princess who fell in love with a fisherman and now lies in the lake’s waters.
7. Hingol National Park
Travel Time: 3-4 hours by car
For those craving a true adventure, Hingol National Park is a place of raw, rugged beauty that makes you feel like you’ve left Pakistan’s urban world far behind. Located along the Makran Coastal Highway, Hingol is Pakistan’s largest national park, sprawling across mountains, deserts, and coastal areas. Its terrain is unlike anything you’ll find near Karachi, with landscapes that seem straight out of a nature documentary.
The park is home to unique rock formations, like the famed “Princess of Hope” and “Sphinx of Pakistan,” both naturally sculpted by wind erosion. Then, there’s the awe-inspiring Hingol River snaking its way through the park and ending at the Arabian Sea. Wildlife lovers may spot ibex, gazelles, and even the elusive Sindh leopard if they’re lucky.
Make sure to visit the Hinglaj Mata Temple, an ancient Hindu pilgrimage site tucked away in a canyon within the park. It’s an experience that speaks to the diverse cultural and religious layers of this land. Hingol is a long drive but worth every kilometer. Just make sure to go well-prepared with plenty of water, food, and a sturdy vehicle—this is the kind of place where the journey is just as memorable as the destination.
8. Kund Malir Beach
Travel Time: 2.5 hours by car
Kund Malir Beach is a part of the Hingol National Park, a paradise hiding in plain sight along the Makran Coastal Highway. With golden sands, clear waters, and rugged mountains framing the coastline, Kund Malir is a place where nature feels untouched and wild. It’s one of my favorite day trips from Karachi, offering a glimpse of Pakistan’s coastal beauty that many people never get to see.
There’s something incredibly peaceful about Kund Malir. The beach is pristine, with soft sand and gentle waves, and you won’t find the usual city crowds here. It’s just you, the sea, and the sound of waves. This beach is also known as a stargazing haven—if you stay past sunset, you’re likely to catch a spectacular night sky, with stars shining brighter than you’d ever see in Karachi.
Though facilities are minimal, there are a few huts and benches for picnicking, and local vendors sometimes sell snacks. Pack your essentials—food, water, and a hat—as this place is all about enjoying nature’s raw beauty without the distractions.
9. Ranikot Fort
Travel Time: 2.5 hours by car
Known as the “Great Wall of Sindh,” Ranikot Fort is one of those places that leaves you wondering how such a massive structure has stayed so unknown. Sprawling over 30 kilometers, this ancient fort’s walls stretch across the hills, earning it the title of one of the largest forts in the world. Walking along the fort’s ancient stone walls, you can almost feel the weight of history and mystery in the air.
Ranikot Fort is a mix of raw, rugged terrain and crumbling stone architecture, with the mountains around adding an almost mystical aura. You’ll find yourself imagining the fort’s past life—its strategic importance, the armies that once guarded it, and the stories hidden within its walls. My favorite part is the Sann Gate, a grand stone archway that feels like the entrance to a lost kingdom.
Though the drive is a bit bumpy, and the fort itself is largely undeveloped, that’s part of what makes it such an adventure.
10. Gorakh Hill Station
Travel Time: 8 hours by car
For those craving a real escape from Karachi’s heat, Gorakh Hill Station is Sindh’s hidden oasis. Nestled in the Kirthar Mountains at an altitude of over 1700 m, Gorakh offers cooler weather, panoramic views, and a sense of serenity you won’t find anywhere else in the region. It’s one of the few places in Sindh where you can enjoy a mountain escape without leaving the province.
The journey to Gorakh Hill is no small feat—it’s an 8-hour drive from Karachi, with a good part of the trip on rugged mountain roads. But reaching the top is worth every bump. At night, the stars come out in full force, giving you a celestial show that’s almost impossible to see in the city.
There are some basic huts and camping options if you want to spend the night, thought I wouldn’t recommend it for safety concerns. If you’re up for the adventure, Gorakh Hill is a place that lets you breathe, pause, and take in the beauty of Sindh from above.
11. Hyderabad
Travel Time: 2 hours by car
Hyderabad is a historic city with a charm all its own. Known for its ancient bazaars, iconic bangle-making industry, and a rich cultural heritage, Hyderabad is the perfect destination for anyone who loves to dive into the everyday life of Sindh. Walking through its bustling streets, you get a sense of the vibrant, colorful life of the people who call this city home.
One of Hyderabad’s must-visit spots is the historic Pakka Qila, a fort built in the 18th century by Mian Ghulam Shah Kalhoro. Though much of it is in ruins, you can still feel its old-world significance. The city is also home to several Sufi shrines, adding a spiritual depth to your visit. And if you’re interested in local crafts, don’t miss the bangle markets—they’re full of sparkling glass bangles that have become a symbol of Sindhi culture.
