Pakistan is a land with an extensive and colorful history, from early civilizations and battles, to incredible architecture.
Mohenjo-Daro is one of the country’s premier archaeological sites and an UNESCO World Heritage Site, serving as one of the major centers of Indus Valley Civilization.
1. Lahore Fort
Lahore Fort is one of Pakistan’s most significant historical landmarks, comprising of palaces, gardens, and halls built by Mughal Emperor Akbar, Jehangir, Shah Jahan, and Aurangzeb. Although damaged and partially demolished by British troops during World War II, its structures still stand tall with many beautiful buildings within.
Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque), which was built under Jahangir and completed by Shah Jahan, features stunning white marble construction with an elaborate central ablution basin, making it one of the most striking mosques within its complex due to its beautiful frescoes.
Alamgiri Gate, with its heavily fluted bastion topped by domed pavilions, makes a spectacular entranceway into the fort complex.
2. Katasraj Temples
Katas Raj temple complex dates back to the 7th Century CE. Devoted to Lord Shiva, this sacred site for both Hindus and Sikhs alike can be found near Dulmial village in Punjab. Guru Nanak visited it more recently; legend holds that one of Shiva’s tears fell here following Sati’s death. Located near Dulmial village in Punjab, its main pond has also been considered sacred by some.
Built during British rule by Nawab Subah Sadiq Muhammad Khan IV for his wife but never used due to its proximity to Basti Maluk Shah graveyard, this palace boasts one of Pakistan’s most unique designs and is considered one of the most breathtaking spots. Inside its walls can be found paintings depicting various cultures! It makes an excellent spot for wedding photographs!
3. Takht-i-Bhai
This archeological site in Mardan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province stands out as being exceptional preserved. According to its inscriptions, this Buddhist monastery dates back to 1st Century CE.
Mohenjo-Daro, one of Pakistan’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, is another notable archaeological find. This city may have helped spark the Indus Valley Civilization.
The Takht-i-Bhai Heritage Monastery in Pakistan is another important archaeological site and UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring outstanding examples of Buddhist architecture from that era. Tucked away off the main path, its location makes for less tourists; dating back as far as 3300 BC it pre-dates both Indus Valley Civilization and Harappan civilizations.
4. Makli Necropolis
Makli Necropolis is one of the world’s largest funerary locales and contains thousands of lavishly embellished tombs and graves of rulers, nobles, saints, scholars and other distinguished individuals buried here. UNESCO recognized Makli as a World Heritage Site in 1981.
The necropolis covers an area of 10 kilometers around Thatta in Sindh and comprises between 500,000-1 Million tombs constructed over several centuries.
The graveyard first saw use during the Samma Dynasty’s consolidation, in the 15th century. Since then, it has become popular with royalty and commoners alike; with some tombs dating from ancient Egyptian periods such as Arghun or Arghuni being situated closer to its southern edge than its northern edge.
5. Minar-e-Pakistan
Pakistan is an amazing country filled with history and antique places to discover. Travelers interested in visiting historical landmarks will adore exploring Pakistan; there are numerous spots which have played important roles in various civilizations over time, making this destination an essential stop on any itinerary.
One such site is Pakistan’s Nagarparkar Jain Temples, an archaeological site which displays one of the finest examples of Jainism worldwide. These abandoned temples make an aesthetically pleasing sight near India’s border.
Next on this list is Minar-e-Pakistan, a national monument constructed between 1960 and 1968 on the spot where All-India Muslim League passed the Lahore Resolution on 23 March 1940. This tower serves as a symbol of patriotism throughout Pakistan.
