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

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, is the unofficial field trip capital of Lahore. If you grew up here, you’ve been dragged through its massive gates at least a dozen times—whether on a school trip or when distant relatives from abroad needed entertaining. But here’s the thing—it never gets old.

This UNESCO World Heritage site is a crash course in Mughal grandeur. The Alamgiri Gate, built by Aurangzeb, is as imposing as ever. The Sheesh Mahal is the real showstopper, with its intricate mirror work reflecting light in every direction. And the Picture Wall? One of the best spots in the fort, yet somehow still underrated. The mosaics are stunning, and it’s worth taking your time to really look at them.

But Lahore Fort isn’t just about pretty architecture—it’s a record of the empires that ruled here. Walk through the Naulakha Pavilion, and you’ll see a blend of Persian, Islamic, and local influences that defined the Mughal aesthetic. It’s a masterpiece, designed with the kind of symmetry the Mughals obsessed over.

Badshahi Mosque

For a while, Badshahi Mosque felt more like a wedding venue than a historical site, with endless photo shoots taking over the courtyard. Thankfully, that trend has died down, and we can appreciate it for what it is—one of the most breathtaking mosques in the world.

Built in 1671 by Emperor Aurangzeb, this red sandstone and white marble structure dominates Lahore’s skyline. Its courtyard holds up to 100,000 worshippers, making it one of the largest mosques in the world. The calligraphy and frescoes inside are exquisite, but the real magic is at sunset, when the domes glow against the fading light.

Locals come here to pray, reflect, or escape the city’s chaos. Tourists come for its grandeur—and the photos.

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Sheikhupura Fort (Qilla Sheikhupura) and Hiran Minar

Sheikhupura Fort is one of those places that locals forget exists—until you finally visit and wonder why you didn’t come sooner. Built in the early 17th century during the Mughal era, it served as both a military outpost and a royal retreat for Emperor Jahangir. It’s not as polished as Lahore Fort, but that’s part of its appeal—you get a sense of history left undisturbed.

A short drive away is Hiran Minar, which might just be one of the strangest Mughal monuments out there. If you’re looking to get out of the city for a quick history fix, this is one of the best options near Lahore.This entire complex was built by Jahangir for his pet antelope—yes, an actual deer got its own tower, pool, and tomb. Mughal emperors were known for their extravagant tastes, but this one really takes the cake. Still, it’s a peaceful escape from the city, and the minaret reflecting in the water makes for a surreal sight.

Rohtas Fort

If forts could talk, Rohtas Fort would have some serious war stories—except, ironically, it never saw battle. Built in the 16th century by Sher Shah Suri, this fortress was designed to keep the Mughals out. With 4-kilometer-long walls and massive gates, it was built to intimidate. And honestly? It still does.

Walking through Rohtas, you feel the weight of history. This place once housed 30,000 soldiers, blending Afghan and Persian architecture into a defensive masterpiece. The fort has held up surprisingly well over the centuries, but like many historical sites, it doesn’t get the care it deserves. The sheer scale and resilience of this place make it worth the visit.

Harappa

Harappa is the kind of place that makes you question everything you thought you knew about ancient civilizations. Over 4,000 years ago, this city had planned streets, advanced drainage systems, and trade networks stretching to Mesopotamia—all while Europe was still figuring out basic settlements.

Despite its historical importance, Harappa often plays second fiddle to Mohenjo-Daro. But walking through its remains, you start to appreciate how advanced and organized the Indus Valley Civilization really was. The  Harappa Museum nearby has artifacts like seals, pottery, and figurines that paint a picture of a civilization that was thriving when much of the world was still in its infancy.

Tomb of Jahangir

Somehow, Jahangir’s tomb remains one of Lahore’s most underrated historical sites. Just across the river in Shahdara, this 17th-century mausoleum is quieter and far less crowded than Lahore’s other Mughal landmarks. And that’s a good thing—it means you can actually take your time soaking in the details.

Commissioned by Shah Jahan (yes, the same guy who built the Taj Mahal), this tomb is a blend of Mughal opulence and restraint. The red sandstone exterior is striking, but the real beauty is inside—intricate floral frescoes, marble inlays, and Persian-inspired calligraphy that frame Jahangir’s white marble sarcophagus. If you want a peaceful, history-filled escape without the crowds, this is the spot.

Derawar Fort

Derawar Fort isn’t just remote—it’s really remote. Sitting in the middle of the Cholistan Desert, this massive fortress looks like something straight out of a movie. Its 40 towering bastions, rising 30 meters high, dominate the landscape, making it clear that this was built to impress—and intimidate.

Originally constructed in the 9th century by Rai Jajja Bhatti, the fort later became a stronghold for the Nawabs of Bahawalpur in the 18th century. Despite its isolation, it was a key player in trade routes and regional power struggles. Today, its sheer size and resilience make it one of Pakistan’s most striking forts.
Getting here isn’t a casual day trip—you’ll need a 4×4 and some patience to navigate the desert. But standing in its shadow, surrounded by nothing but sand and silence, makes it one of the most surreal historical experiences in Pakistan.

Historical Places of Sindh

Mohenjo-Daro

Mohenjo-Daro isn’t just old—it’s ancient. Built around 2600 BCE, this was one of the largest cities of the Indus Valley Civilization, with grid-planned streets, multi-story houses, and an advanced drainage system that puts some modern cities to shame.

Despite being over 4,000 years old, the city was remarkably organized and sophisticated. Archaeologists have uncovered everything from public baths and marketplaces to residential areas, proving that the people here weren’t just surviving—they were thriving. Yet, for a civilization this advanced, we still don’t know what language they spoke or why the city was abandoned.

If you’re even remotely interested in history, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is worth the trip.

Ranikot Fort

Ranikot Fort is referred to as the “Great Wall of Sindh”, and for good reason—it stretches over 26 kilometers, making it the largest fort in the world. Yet, somehow, hardly anyone seems to know about it.

Built in the 17th century (or maybe earlier—no one knows for sure), the fort was later restored by the Talpur dynasty. Its massive stone walls snake across the rugged landscape, leaving you wondering who built this, and why? There’s no grand palace inside, no major battle stories attached—just a colossal, mysterious fortress in the middle of nowhere.

Getting here isn’t exactly convenient, but if you’re up for a road trip and want to see something surreal, Ranikot is worth it.

Makli Necropolis

Makli Necropolis isn’t just a cemetery—it’s an entire city of the dead. Spanning 10 kilometers and home to over a million tombs, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the largest graveyards in the world, with intricately carved mausoleums belonging to Sufi saints, royals, and scholars.

What makes Makli fascinating is its evolution over 400 years—you can see how different dynasties left their mark, from Delhi Sultanate-era simplicity to Mughal grandeur. Some tombs are beautifully preserved, others are slowly crumbling, giving the whole place a haunting, almost otherworldly feel. For those staying in Karachi, it’s also a great choice for a historical day trip out of Karachi.

Kot Diji

Perched on a hill near Khairpur, Kot Diji Fort may not be the most famous fort in Pakistan, but it has a history far older than its walls suggest. Built between 1785 and 1795 by Mir Sohrab Khan Talpur, the fort itself is relatively young—but beneath it lie remnants of a civilization that predates even the Indus Valley, dating back to 3300 BCE.

Unlike other grand Mughal-era forts, Kot Diji feels isolated and almost forgotten, which honestly adds to its charm. The drive here isn’t exactly smooth, but that also means you’ll likely have the place all to yourself. If you’re into offbeat historical sites, this one’s worth the detour.

Nagarparkar Jain Temples

Deep in the Thar Desert, right near the Indian border, sit the Nagarparkar Jain Temples—a striking reminder of the religious diversity that once thrived in this region. Dating back to the 12th to 15th centuries, these temples feel like something out of another world—ornate, well-preserved, and eerily quiet.

Unlike many forgotten historical sites, these temples haven’t crumbled into dust. Their intricate carvings and symmetrical domes still stand strong, telling stories of a time when Jain communities flourished here. Right next to them, you’ll find the Bhodesar Mosque, built in 1505 CE, borrowing architectural elements from the Jain temples—one of those rare places where religious history blends seamlessly.

Historical Places of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Takht-i-Bahi

Perched on a hill near Mardan, Takht-i-Bahi is one of the best-preserved Buddhist monastic complexes in South Asia. Founded in the 1st century CE, it remained a thriving Buddhist site until the 7th century, and its ruins still feel alive with history.

Walking through the site, you’ll find stupas, meditation halls, and monastic cells, giving you a real sense of what life was like for Buddhist monks centuries ago. The fact that it’s still standing in such good condition—despite being abandoned for over a thousand years—is what makes it special. It’s no surprise that Takht-i-Bahi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The climb to the top isn’t too difficult, and once you’re there, you get sweeping views of the valley—a reminder of why ancient monks picked this spot in the first place.

Bala Hisar Fort (Peshawar)

If there’s one place that sums up Peshawar’s chaotic, warrior-filled history, it’s Bala Hisar Fort. First built by the Mughals, then claimed by the Durranis, then taken over by the Sikhs, and now home to the Pakistan Army, this fort has changed hands more times than you can count.

Sitting on a high mound, it was designed to overlook and defend one of the oldest cities in the world. While the interior isn’t open to the public, you can still walk around the fort’s massive outer walls and take in the view—especially at sunset. If you’re interested in Peshawar’s rich, often bloody past, this is a must-visit.

Historical Places of Balochistan

Mehrgarh

Before there was Mohenjo-Daro or Harappa, there was Mehrgarh—one of the world’s oldest known settlements, dating back to 7000 BCE. That’s right—this place was thriving thousands of years before the pyramids were even an idea.

Mehrgarh is where archaeologists found some of the earliest evidence of farming, dentistry, and pottery. It’s essentially the birthplace of civilization in this region, yet it remains criminally overlooked compared to other historical sites in Pakistan.

Visiting Mehrgarh isn’t exactly easy—the site itself is mostly ruins now, and there aren’t many tourist facilities. But just knowing this was one of the first places humans settled and built societies? That alone makes it worth appreciating.

Hinglaj Mata Temple

One of Pakistan’s most important Hindu pilgrimage sites, Hinglaj Mata Temple sits inside a cave in Hingol National Park. Dedicated to the goddess Hinglaj, it attracts thousands of Hindu devotees every year, despite its remote location.

What makes this temple special is that it’s one of the 51 Shakti Peethas—sacred Hindu shrines spread across South Asia. But even if you’re not on a pilgrimage, Hinglaj Mata is worth visiting for its stunning desert landscape and spiritual significance.

The annual Hinglaj Yatra brings worshippers from all over Pakistan and India, turning this quiet spot into a colorful, vibrant gathering. Outside of festival times, though, it’s incredibly peaceful—just the temple, the surrounding cliffs, and the occasional monkey passing through.

Historical Places of Gilgit-Baltistan

Baltit and Altit Forts

Hunza isn’t just about jaw-dropping landscapes—it’s also home to some of Pakistan’s most well-preserved forts. Baltit Fort, perched high above Karimabad, looks straight out of a fairy tale, with its Tibetan-influenced wooden structure and panoramic views of the valley. Just a short walk downhill, Altit Fort tells an even older story—this one dates back over 900 years and was once the seat of power for the region’s rulers. It’s now a luxury hotel you can opt to stay at.

Both forts give you a glimpse into Hunza’s fascinating history—from royal feuds to ancient trade routes. Exploring these forts is one of the best ways to experience the valley, along with visiting its lively bazaars, scenic hikes, and ancient watchtowers.

Shigar Fort

Skardu is packed with otherworldly landscapes, but if you want to mix a little history with all that nature, Shigar Fort is the place to do it. Once a palace for the Raja of Shigar, this 400-year-old fort has been beautifully restored into a heritage hotel. Staying here is the best way to experience the region’s royal past without giving up modern comforts.

Even if you’re not checking in, exploring the fort’s stone corridors and learning about its Mughal-Tibetan influences is well worth your time. Skardu has plenty of historic sites tucked between its mountains, and this is one of the best-preserved gems in the region.