Lost Temples, and Epic Forts: 17 Incredible Historical Places of Pakistan

Pakistan may have been born in 1947 with the Partition of India, but its story goes back thousands of years. Wedged between Iran, Afghanistan, and India, Pakistan has always been at the crossroads of civilizations. Thanks to the ancient Silk Road and the Khyber Pass, this land saw travelers, traders, and conquerors come and go, each leaving behind bits of their culture.

From the Indus Valley civilization to the Mughal Empire and British rule, everyone who passed through left their mark. Now, Pakistan is home to countless historical sites, from ancient ruins to grand Mughal forts, waiting to be explored by those who want to dig deeper into its layered past.

This blog post will delve into some of the important historical places of Pakistan you should visit, divided by each province. 

Historical Places of Punjab

Lahore Fort

Lahore Fort, or Shahi Qila, has been a cornerstone of my life growing up in Lahore. Every school field trip would eventually land us here, and it’s the go-to spot for when friends and family visit from abroad. This UNESCO World Heritage site, built during the Mughal era, feels like a living piece of history. With its grand Alamgiri Gate and the stunning Sheesh Mahal—where light reflects off the intricate mirror work—it’s a place that truly transports you back in time.

Beyond its architectural beauty, the fort offers a deep dive into Mughal history. Whether you’re standing in the Naulakha Pavilion or walking through the Jahangir Quadrangle, the mix of Persian, Islamic, and indigenous influences in the design is mesmerizing. Don’t forget to look up at the Picture Wall—it’s one of my favorite spots, and the mosaics are breathtaking.

• Tickets/Admission Fees: $2 for locals, $5 for foreigners.
• How to Get There: Located in the walled city in Lahore, it’s a short drive from city center. Entrance to the fort is on the western side.
• Tours: Walled City of Lahore Authority does really nice guided night tours. 

Badshahi Mosque

Badshahi Mosque, built by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1671, is more than just a stunning piece of architecture—it’s a living part of Lahore’s daily life. This red sandstone and white marble strucuture, with its grand domes and towering minarets, has long been a symbol of the city’s skyline. In the past few years, it became the go-to spot for those picture-perfect wedding ceremonies (though I hear they’ve toned it down now). Still, it’s a space where both locals and tourists can find peace, reflection, and a bit of history.

Aside from its spiritual significance, the mosque is a masterpiece of Mughal craftsmanship. The intricate calligraphy and paintings inside are awe-inspiring, and it can hold up to 100,000 worshippers in its vast courtyard, making it one of the largest mosques in the world. And trust me, the view of the mosque at sunset is one of the most “insta-worthy” moments you’ll experience in Lahore.

• Tickets/Admission Fees: Free entry, donations welcomed.
• How to Get There: Located near Lahore Fort, easily walkable from there.
• Tours: Informal guides available, offering insights into the mosque’s history and architecture.
• Note: It’s a religious site, so be sure to be wearing trousers, full sleeves and covered chests. No shoes may be worn inside.

Sheikhupura Fort (Qilla Sheikhupura) and Hiran Minar

Sheikhupura Fort is one of those hidden gems you won’t find packed with tourists. Built during the Mughal Empire in the early 17th century, it served as both a military outpost and a royal retreat for Emperor Jahangir. I only visited it as an adult, after realizing how easily we take for granted the incredible history right in our backyard.

Then, just a short drive away, you’ve got Hiran Minar. Believe it or not, this entire complex is dedicated to Emperor Jahangir’s pet antelope. Yes, you read that right. Not a saint, not a ruler, but a deer. The towering minaret and sprawling pool were built to honor Jahangir’s deep love of nature. It’s a strange and wonderful piece of Mughal history that makes you stop and think: Who else would build a tomb for a pet?

• Tickets/Admission Fees: Free for locals, small fee for foreigners.
• How to Get There: 5 kilometers from Lahore, accessible by road.
• Tours: Local guides available to give historical insights.

Rohtas Fort

Rohtas Fort (Qila Rohtas), built in the 16th century by Sher Shah Suri, is one of the most awe-inspiring forts I’ve ever visited. It was designed to block the Mughal emperor Humayun’s return to India. Walking along its massive 4-kilometer walls gives you a real sense of its former strength. Yet, it’s a bit heartbreaking to see how little effort is put into preserving such an important piece of history. The fort’s resilient structure, though, still stands tall, telling its own story.

Rohtas Fort blends Afghan and Persian architectural styles, and its scale is truly impressive. As you wander through, it’s hard not to feel transported back to a time when this fort housed up to 30,000 men. Despite never facing a battle, the fort remains a symbol of military might and architectural brilliance. It’s a must-visit for anyone wanting to delve into Pakistan’s rich, often turbulent, history.

• Tickets/Admission Fees: $2 for locals, $5 for foreigners.
• How to Get There: Located 16km from Jhelum. About 2 hours from capital city of Islamabad or 4 hours from Lahore.
• Tours: Guided tours available, with local guides well-versed in the fort’s military history.

Harappa

Harappa offers a glimpse into one of the oldest civilizations in the world—the Indus Valley Civilization. Though I hadn’t visited until recently, I’ve always been fascinated by how advanced these ancient people were. It’s hard to believe that over 4,000 years ago, they had developed organized cities, sophisticated drainage systems, and were trading with Mesopotamia.

The site itself, sprawling across 370 acres, tells the story of a thriving ancient city that housed around 23,500 people at its peak. The nearby Harappa Museum is worth a visit too, with its collection of seals, pottery, and other artifacts. It’s one of those places that make you pause and think about how advanced the Harappan civilization was, even thousands of years ago. .

• Tickets/Admission Fees: $2 for locals, $4 for foreigners.
• How to Get There: Located near Sahiwal, a few hours’ drive from Lahore or Multan.
• Tours: Archaeological tours are available.

Tomb of Jahangir

The Tomb of Jahangir, is a hidden gem that often gets overshadowed by the more popular Mughal sites within the city. Despite being just a short drive from central Lahore, it’s not swarming with tourists, which makes it a perfect spot to explore Mughal architecture without the crowds. The tomb, commissioned by his son Shah Jahan and completed in 1637, is a masterpiece of red sandstone adorned with intricate marble inlays.

The four towering minarets and the beautifully crafted entrance gate stand as a reminder of the opulence of that era. Inside, Jahangir’s white marble sarcophagus is a striking contrast to the vibrant floral frescoes that adorn the walls. If you’re looking to delve deeper into Lahore’s history and enjoy some tranquility, this lesser-known site is well worth the visit.

• Tickets/Admission Fees: $1 for locals, $5 for foreigners.
• How to Get There: Located in Shahdara, a short drive from central Lahore.
• Tours: Local guides offer historical tours of the tomb.

Noor Mahal

Noor Mahal is a stunning reminder of the grandeur that once surrounded the Nawabs of Bahawalpur. Built in 1872 by Nawab Sadiq Muhammad Khan IV during the British Raj, the palace exudes opulence, with its 32 rooms, six verandas, and five domes. The palace, which covers an impressive 44,600 square feet, was initially intended as a residence for the Nawab’s wife, though she reportedly never stayed there due to the proximity of a graveyard.

Today, Noor Mahal stands as a protected monument, offering visitors a glimpse into the past with its collection of the Nawab’s personal belongings, including old swords, currency, and even a piano. Walking through its halls, you can’t help being taken aback by the lavish lifestyle of the Nawabs in Bahawalpur during the late 19th Century.

• Tickets/Admission Fees: $1 for locals, $4 for foreigners.
• How to Get There: Located in Bahawalpur
• Tours: Guided tours available.

Multan Fort

Multan Fort is one of those places I’ve been meaning to visit for a while but just haven’t gotten around to yet. Built over 400 years ago during the time of Mughal Emperor Akbar, the fort blends different architectural styles, with intricate tile work that somehow manages to feel both grand and understated. It’s a reminder of a time when this city was a significant stronghold.

Though I haven’t walked its grounds yet, the fort’s central location makes it easy to reach, and it’s one of those spots where you can really sense the layers of history that have built up over the centuries. Locals often talk about the Qasim Bagh garden and the Damdama water tank, both within the fort’s walls, as places where the past and present meet in a unique way.

• Tickets/Admission Fees: Free entry.
• How to Get There: Centrally located in Multan.
• Tours: Local guides offer insights into the fort’s history.

Historical Places of Sindh

Mohenjo-Daro

Mohenjo-Daro was one of the largest cities of the Indus Valley Civilization, dating back to around 2600 BCE. The city’s grid layout and sophisticated drainage system are mind-blowing for their time, showing just how forward-thinking the people of South Asia were.

What’s fascinating about Mohenjo-Daro is not just its age, but the level of urban planning and social organization that existed thousands of years ago. Archaeologists have uncovered everything from elaborate public baths to residential areas, all telling a story of a society that was far more complex than we often give ancient civilizations credit for. If you’re a history enthusiast or just curious about how far back human ingenuity goes, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-visit.

• Tickets/Admission Fees: $3 for locals, $6 for foreigners.
• How to Get There: The site is not particularly easy to get to as it is in rural Sindh – 30 kilometers from the nearest city, Larkana.
• Tours: Archaeological tours are highly recommended.

Ranikot Fort

Ranikot Fort, often called the “Great Wall of Sindh,” is one of those places that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled upon a hidden kingdom. Spanning over 26 kilometers, this is believed to be the largest fort in the world, yet surprisingly few people seem to know about it.

The origins of Ranikot are still somewhat mysterious, but it’s thought to have been constructed during the 17th century and later restored by the Talpur dynasty. The fort’s sheer scale is mind-boggling, with massive walls that snake across the rugged landscape, leaving you to wonder who built such a monumental structure—and why.

• Tickets/Admission Fees: No formal fee; tipping locals is encouraged.
• How to Get There: Getting to Ranikot isn’t the easiest. It sits about 90 kilometers from Hyderabad, near Jamshoro, and is accessible by car on a rough road.
• Tours: Informal local tours available.

Makli Necropolis

Makli Necropolis isn’t just a cemetery; it’s a vast historical site that spans centuries of Sindh’s history. Spread over 10 kilometers, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the largest funerary complexes in the world, home to over a million tombs. Each tomb tells a story, from royalty to revered Sufi saints, making it a unique chronicle of the region’s past.

What’s particularly fascinating about Makli is how it evolved over 400 years, reflecting the changing styles and influences of different dynasties, especially during the Mughal Era. If you’re in Karachi or Hyderabad, a visit to Makli is well worth the drive. It’s a place where history and architecture merge to create a hauntingly beautiful experience.

• Tickets/Admission Fees: $1 for locals, $3 for foreigners.
• How to Get There: Located near Thatta, easy drive from Karachi.
• Tours: Historical tours recommended.

Kot Diji

Kot Diji Fort, perched on a hill in Sindh, offers a fascinating glimpse into a time before the Mughal Empire. Built between 1785 and 1795 by Mir Sohrab Khan Talpur, the fort itself is relatively young compared to what lies beneath it—remnants of a prehistoric civilization dating back to around 3300 BCE. It’s not just another fort; it’s a place where you can literally stand on layers of history, from the Talpur dynasty to a civilization that predates even the Indus Valley.

Getting to Kot Diji is a bit of an adventure, as it’s not a major tourist hub, so you’re likely to have the place almost to yourself. The fort is about 24 kilometers south of Khairpur, and while it may not have the grand scale of other Pakistani forts, its unique history makes it well worth the visit. If you’re someone who enjoys exploring offbeat historical sites, Kot Diji offers a quiet but profound connection to the region’s past.

• Tickets/Admission Fees: Small entry fee.
• How to Get There: Located near Khairpur, accessible by road from Karachi.
• Tours: Informal tours available from local guides.

Nagarparkar Jain Temples

Tucked away in the remote Thar Desert near the Indian border, the Nagarparkar Jain Temples are a stunning reminder of the religious diversity that once flourished in this region. Dating back to the 12th to 15th centuries, these temples are a hidden gem, reflecting the rich history of Jainism in South Asia. The temples are intricate and beautifully preserved, making you feel like you’ve stumbled upon a secret that few people know about.

The temples aren’t just relics of a bygone era—they are architectural masterpieces that have stood the test of time. Alongside the temples, you’ll find the Bhodesar Mosque, built in 1505 CE, which shares architectural similarities with the Jain temples. The temples’ remote location means they’ve remained in relatively good condition, but getting there requires some effort.

• Tickets/Admission Fees: Free entry.
• How to Get There: Long drive from Karachi, best with private transport.
• Tours: No official tours, but local villagers may guide you.

Historical Places of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Takht-i-Bahi

Takht-i-Bahi, perched on a hill near Mardan, is a stunning example of Pakistan’s ancient Buddhist heritage. This monastic complex, founded in the 1st century CE, is incredibly well-preserved, considering it was abandoned in the 7th century. Walking through its ruins, you can see the remnants of stupas, monastic chambers, and even a Tantric meditation complex, all of which give you a glimpse into a time when Buddhism flourished in the region. It’s no wonder this site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site—it’s one of those places where history seems to come alive.

Reaching Takht-i-Bahi is relatively straightforward, making it an easy day trip from Mardan or Peshawar. The site’s location atop a hill not only provided protection for its ancient inhabitants but also offers visitors breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. If you’re even remotely interested in ancient history, this is a place that will leave a lasting impression.

• Tickets/Admission Fees: $1 for locals, $3 for foreigners.
• How to Get There: Drive from Mardan or Peshawar.
• Tours: Historical tours available.

Historical Places of Balochistan

Derawar Fort

Derawar Fort, standing tall in the vast Cholistan Desert, is like a hidden gem in the middle of nowhere. Built in the 9th century by Rai Jajja Bhatti and later taken over by the Nawabs of Bahawalpur in the 18th century, this fort has seen its fair share of history. With its towering walls and 40 bastions, the fort is a striking example of Islamic architecture, designed to protect and dominate the trade routes that once passed through the region. It’s not the easiest place to reach—you’ll need a 4×4 to navigate the desert—but that’s part of the adventure.

The fort’s remote location has helped it stay relatively well-preserved, and standing there, you can almost feel the resilience of the desert and the people who built it. It’s a place that tells the story of Pakistan’s frontier regions, where survival was about more than just battling the elements—it was about thriving in them. If you’re looking to explore a piece of history that’s off the beaten path, Derawar Fort is well worth the journey.

• Tickets/Admission Fees: No formal fees.
• How to Get There: Located in Cholistan Desert; reachable by 4×4 from Bahawalpur
• Tours: Guided tours available.

Historical Places of Gilgit-Baltistan

Baltit Fort

Baltit Fort in Hunza is one of those landmarks you’ll find yourself looking at again and again while exploring the valley. The fort, which dates back to the 8th century, sits high above the village of Karimabad, offering sweeping views of the stunning Hunza Valley below. Its architecture, influenced by Tibetan styles, makes it stand out among the many forts in Pakistan. The fort was the home of the Mirs of Hunza until 1945, and even though it’s no longer inhabited, it still feels like it’s watching over the valley.

The fort has been beautifully restored and now serves as a museum where you can learn about the history and culture of the region. Every time I’ve visited Hunza, the fort’s silhouette against the backdrop of the snow-capped mountains never fails to leave me in awe. It’s one of those places where history and breathtaking scenery come together in the best possible way.

• Tickets/Admission Fees: $2 for locals, $4 for foreigners.
• How to Get There: Located in Karimabad, Hunza – requires a short hike.
• Tours: Local guided tours available.