In this article, we have gathered information on some of the most notable shrines in Pakistan, their historical background & some interesting facts related to them which will surely make you curious and ultimately compel you to visit them.

Here is the list of the 5 most prominent Sufi shrines in Pakistan:

1. Bari Imam Sarkar – Islamabad
2. Golra Sharif Darbar – Islamabad
3. Data Darbar – Lahore
4. Dargah Baba Farid Ganj Shakkar – Pakpattan
5. Ghamkol Sharif Darbar – Kohat

Famous Sufi Shrines in Pakistan – A Brief Historical Background & Important Terminologies

The arrival of Muslims in the Indian sub-continent was the forerunner of a great revolution. Their appearance affected everything everywhere. A significant change took place in every field of human life. The natural abilities of the primitive and non-primitive inhabitants here, which remained hidden for centuries due to superstition, and sectarian narrow-mindedness, shone with the arrival of Muslims. A new philosophy of life, the idea of untouchable worship, and lively thoughts came into existence in the culture of Pakistan and India.

Who are Sufis?

Those special servants of Allah Ta’ala, who sacrifice their lives for the love of Allah and His Beloved, Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa (peace be upon him) and walk on the path of true love, are called “Awliya-e-Allah”.

Not only great conquerors, rulers, and experienced soldiers had a part in establishing Islam in the Indian subcontinent with national & spiritual revolution, but the scholars and Sufis also worked in the same way. Rather, the truth is that Sufis were the foremost in these kinds of great goals and pure ideas. The Sufis are not only familiar with the worldly sciences but also rich in knowledge and deeds. They are true sympathizers, sincere, and well-wishers of mankind in the form of good manners and morals.

What is a Dargah or the Holy shrine of the Sufi Saint?

A Dargah is a tomb over a Sufi saint’s grave, often referred to as Dervish, Fakir, or Awliya-e-Allah. This is also the holy shrine of the Sufi Saint.

How to define Urs?

Urs is a death anniversary of the Sufi saint usually held at the saint’s shrine. This event occurs annually, in the form of a public gathering on the specified date of the Islamic month. The believers always celebrate Urs like a wedding ceremony. According to believers, it is the time to rejoice as the demise of a Sufi saint ultimately results in union with the Divine.

What is Langer?

At every Sufi shrine in Pakistan, the custodians or organizers distribute free food – Langer. Every visitor irrespective of age, gender, race, caste, color, or class gets the eatables. In most of the shrines, they serve meals 3 times daily while in some shrines people can eat 24 hours a day.

5 Most Famous Sufi Shrines in Pakistan

Even the great emperors could not do the work of promotion and propagation of Islam in Indian Subcontinent. While destitute fakirs and dervishes did great efforts for this mission. So, Pakistani land is blessed as every part of it has the influence of famous Sufi saints.

Sufi Shrines in Islamabad Capital Territory

Bari Imam Sarkar

The most notable shrine at the heart of the Capital of Pakistan is Darbar Bari Sarkar. He is the 17^th-century Sufi saint locally known as Bari Imam. The full name of the Sufi saint is Syed Abdul Latif Kazmi Qadri R.A. The Government of Pakistan maintains the shrine of Bari Sarkar. The Mughal emperor Aurangzeb paid tribute to this great personality. He built the shrine with a silver mirror. New construction removed the old design. Bari Imam died in 1705 and was buried at Nurpur Shahan, a village in Islamabad.

Interesting Facts

Mela Bari Imam Sarkar

Every year millions of people come to celebrate the Urs of Bari Imam, known as Mela. Visitors often group together and carry a special basket full of red roses called Dali and walk barefoot all the way to the shrine.  

Cave of Loh-e-Dandi

Hazrat Bari Imam spent 12 years of Hermite life in this cave where wild animals often visited him. This cave is near Margalla Hills, Islamabad.

The story of Giant, snake, and Bari Imam Sahib:

In the cave of Loh-e-Dandi, a stoned huge leg cut in half attracts the tourist’s attention. Folk stories narrate that it’s the Giant’s leg that continued to disturb Hazrat Bari Imam during his time of worship. He also turned the snake due to the same reason.

In almost every Sufi shrine, only men can enter the tomb of these great Islamic personalities.

Darbar Golra Sharif

The second most acknowledged shrine in Islamabad. It is at E-11 Markaz. The most esteemed personality of Golra Sharif is Pir Mehr Ali Shah. He was born on the 1st of Ramadan 1275 A.H. in Golra District in 1859. The shrine’s custodians take care of the system and the Government of Pakistan does not maintain it.

Interesting Facts

Custodians organize urs annually which attracts thousands of devotees every year. Every Urs is usually 2-3 days long. It ends with “Chadar Poshi” – a huge number of red roses spread over the grave of the Sufi Saint. The custodians organize a mehfil daily where a team of devoted Qawwal recites famous kalam in a melodious voice.  

Famous Sufi Shrines in Punjab, Pakistan

Data Darbar in Lahore – The Famous City for Shrines

The shrine of the greatest Sufi Saint of all times, the advocate of peace & harmony – Shaykh Syed ʿAlī al-Hujwīrī, or as Dātā Ganj Bakhsh is situated West of Bhatti Gate near Old City in Lahore which is also known as “Data Di Nagri. The shrine of this 11th-century Sufi saint is the oldest and the largest Sufi shrine in South Asia. His real name was Syed Ali Abul Hasan bin Usman Hajveri. He was born in Hajver in Ghazni (Afghanistan).

Hazrat Ali Hajveri is commonly known as Data Sahib (The one who gives). Another famous name is Ganj Bakhsh (the Bestower of Treasures) because of his generosity towards the less privileged. Data Sahib converted thousands of atheists & non-Muslims to Islam and is the author of the famous book on mysticism “ Kashaf-ul- Mahjboob”. The Urs of Data Sahib is celebrated annually on the 18th-20th Safar, the Islamic month.

Interesting Facts

Prior to the start of Urs at Data Darbar, the organizers arrange a “Rose-water Ghusl” ceremony. Notable figures from the Government wash the grave of the Sufi saint properly with several liters of pure rose water. After the shrine-washing ritual/ Ghusl ceremony, the Urs begins officially.

Dargah Baba Farid Ganj Shakkar – Pakpattan

Hazrat Baba Farid al-Din Mas’ud Ganj-e-Shakar was born on the 29th Shaban in 569 A.H. in Khotwal, a village near Lahore. Baba Farid R.A.’s Khanqah is a well-known moral and spiritual institution. Many aspirants, scholars, dervishes, and Sufis benefited from this spiritual institution.

Pak Pattan was a well-known center of Sufi thoughts because of Baba Farid’s efforts. He was well-educated and well-versed in Arabic, Persian, and other languages. But he only used Punjabi, the language of common people. His all couplets are in Punjabi with Persian script. He usually rejected cash whenever any emperor presented gifts. He only thought about the welfare of the poor so always accepted food and other gift items for the public kitchen.

Devotees come to the shrine daily from within the country and abroad. Many people commemorate his Urs (death anniversary) on the fifth, sixth, and seventh of Muharram. Guru Nanak Dev Ji includes Farid’s Sayings in Guru Granth Sahib as part of the chapter.

Interesting Facts

There are two gates on the Mazar, named Noori Darwaza and Bahishti Darwaza. Bahishti Darwaza opens only once a year, and thousands of people visit it during the Urs. Famous folk tales narrate the reason why millions of devotees come here. According to believers, the one who passes through Bahishti Darwaza comes under Divine protection and gains peace & harmony. On this gate/door, there are silver and gold decorations in floral patterns.

Darbar Ghamkol Sharif – Kohat

This is the famous Sufi Shrine of Hazrat Zinda Peer R.A and situated in Kohat, KPK. He was born in 1912 in Jungle-Khail, Kohat. Khawaja Syed Zinda Pir Khan Saab devoted himself to religious studies from a very tender age and used to fast daily. During his first Hajj in 1952, he was instructed by Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (P.B.U.H) to go toward the mountains in Kohat where he spent the rest of his life while sitting.

Interesting Facts

It is the most largest Sufi shrine in Pakistan between mountains and covers almost thousands of acres. It accommodates more than 2.5 lac, people at a single time during the annual Urs held by the custodians of the shrine. Every facility from free food to free health & medical services is available to everyone.

Famous Sufi Shrines in Pakistan – FAQs

How can I make a trip to visit Sufi Shrines in Pakistan?

Learn Sufism & plan the Sufi Shrines of Pakistan tour with Crossroads Adventure. With Crossroad Adventures, you’ll have access to the best of the best when it comes to guides and destinations.

Can I see them all during my trip or do I need to make multiple trips to different cities?

We offer a variety of tours to different destinations. There are different packages. You can pick & choose according to your convenience.

Are there any restrictions on traveling to Sufi shrines in Pakistan?

The simple answer is no. At Crossroads Adventures, we take world-class measures to keep you safe during your trip with us. We also follow Covid-19 guidelines. So, if you are passionate about travel and adventure – come together for an unforgettable experience. See the world in a whole new way.

What should I bring with me to a shrine when I go there?

We at Crossroads Adventure take care of everything on your behalf. Get the inside scoop on what to see and do before you even get there – with experienced guides by your side.

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Gojal is home to the Wakhi People. The Wakhi people live around the Pamir knot that overlaps four countries – Gojal, Ishkoman and Chitral in Pakistan. In Kohistani Badakhshan Autonomous province of Tajikistan, Wakhan corridor of the Badakhshan province of Afghanistan. Further more Yarkand, Srikol and Tashqurghan regions of Sinkiang province, China. Gojal valley and Wakhi people

The Wakhi people despite their spread in four countries on the Pamir high plateau, share close linguistic, cultural and religious ties with each other referring to themselves as Xhik or Wakhi. Wakhi people have a unique culture, living style, language and social organization. They are settled in Gojal, Ishkoman and Brughil (Chitral) but majority of them are settled in Gojal Tehsil of Hunza-Nagar District.  Although there is no hard evidence on early settlements but the researchers believe that the Wakhi’s came from Wakhan and settled in Yashkok and later spread to different areas.

Gojal valley and Wakhi people

Gojal valley is famous for its rich natural wealth, landscape, picturesque locations, lofty mountains, breathtaking scenic beauty, wildlife and nature, glittering glaciers, valleys of lush green foliage and fruits, beautiful meadows, and pastures. The valley is comprised of 25 villages, including Ghawooshben (Ainabad), Shishkat (Nazimabad-1), Gulmit, Ghulkin, Seesoni (Hussani), Passu, Khyber, Ghalapan, Moorkhon, Jamalabad, Gircha, Sarteez, Nazimabad, Sost (Aminabad) Khudabad, Misgar, Qalandarchi, Avgarchi, Raminj, Yarz Rech, Kirmin, Reshit, Sharisafz, Kumpirdior, Zowoodkhon, Oston and Shimshal. Gulmit is Gojal’s largest settlement and Tehsil headquarters.Gojal is geographically the largest Tehsil of Hunza-Nagar District in Gilgit-Baltistan spreading over an area of about 8,500 sq.km. The valley borders with the Xinjiang-Uighur region of China and Wakhan Corridor or Little Pamir of Afghanistan.

A variety of festivals present a unique feature of its cultural diversity and different forms of expressions as celebration of various events in community life. These festivals cover a number of important seasonal celebrations, cultural events and religious festivities. The information contained in this articles has been extracted from historypk.com Gojal valley and Wakhi people

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We design and organize enriching walking, trekking and touring experiences around these stunning places, and if you ever wish to explore Fairy meadows or wish to have trekking experience around the killer mountain Nanga parbat please let us know.

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Nanga parbat: is the ninth highest mountain in the world at 8,126 meters   above sea level).

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If you ever wish to explore Rama meadows,  and the surrounding valley, you can drop us an email at info@crossroadsadventure.earth or drop us a message on whatsapp +92 344 5053 818

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Her love for nature and especially for Hunza Pakistan finally brought her to visit Pakistan. She could not speak English but thanks to the technology, and Google translator app for making it possible to communicate.

Matgorzata is now in Hunza valley spending the best days of her life. She is thanking herself for making the decision and visiting Pakistan, particularly Hunza. “This journey has changed my perception about Pakistan and I am now eager to showcase this beautiful side of Pakistan with my fellows back home” who have this scary image of Pakistan because of misleading media portrayal, she told me.

As there are no direct flights from Poland to Pakistan, therefore she had to fly from Poland to Germany first and to Turkey and then all the way to Pakistan.

When I received her at the airport at Islamabad on April 17, in the early morning at 4:00am, I could see her sparkling face filled with happiness, sense of fulfilment and joy. I could not speak her language, but we shared some good laugh and a nice coffee together.

After an hour’s break she left for Gilgit by air where Altaf Ahmed our kind team member received her and they are now exploring Hunza.

We encourage all of you to travel to Pakistan, experience the beauty, widen your understanding and refresh your perspectives of different countries and societies.
We believe that peace can be brought through love and understanding. Let’s get out of our preconceptions, let’s rethink, respect and embrace each other and grow together as a human being.

In the pictures Altaf Ahmed our tour manager is with Matgorzata at Hunza Valley.

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We at Crossroads Adventure www.crossroadsadventure.earth  design and organize thrilling Soft adventure, Jeep Safari, Trekking, and touring experiences to this part of the world.

If you wish to explore this region and widen your understanding, please do not hesitate to contact us at

Email:info@info@crossroadsadventure.earth

Phone: +92 3445053818

Whats-app: +971 5227 35876.

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Ghizer Valley is a land blessed with snow-capped mountains, beautiful landscapes, fascinating waterfall, lush green lands and fresh and hygienic climate makes this area a favorite destination for tourists from across the world. The elements which compel any foreigner to visit any area are its natural beauty, historical places, safety and security, and suitable residence. The simple, diligent and industrious people of this area are famous for bravery. So, people of this area always ensure the safety of tourists.

Ghizer district is the northernmost part of the Northern Areas and hence the extreme north of the country. It borders the Wakhan strip on its north-west, and China on its northern borders. On its west, there is Chitral District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; and on its east is situated Gilgit. Gakuch is the capital of Ghizer District. Ghizer is a multi-ethnic district and three major languages are spoken: Shina, Khowar, and Burushaski. There are also Wakhi speakers in Ishkoman and some Tajiks.

People of Ghizer are inheritors of glorious culture and devotees of a great tradition. The civilization of this area is such that it has inspired many people to add it to their respective civilizations. The people of this area are caring, generous, helping, and loving, especially they are well-known for their hospitality. Once people visit this area, they want to come again and again because of the nature of the people. The most attractive aspect of this culture is language. There so many languages spoken by the native people but the most prominent languages are four namely Shina, Khowar, Wakhi, and Brushaski. These all languages have very sweet tone and the words are very affectionate. This district has got four tehsils, namely Ishkoman, Punial, Gupis and Yaseen. All of the tehsils have further valleys with breathtaking views.

Our excursions at www.crossroadsadventure.earth  to this part of the world take you through unique and genuine experiences to broaden the horizons of your understating and widen your knowledge.

If you wish to explore, please write to us at info@crossroadsadventure.earth

Refreshing Perspectives Through Adventure

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It is no secret that Alexander the Great had conquered these lands over 2,000 year ago and had occupied the mountains of northern Pakistan in which he would sow the seeds of a tribe that lives on to this very day. Many experts, scientists and authors agree that the Kalash Tribes shows all the signs, rites, history and possibly the DNA of the ancient Greeks.

According to the NY Times’ piece, the Kalash of Chitral – district of the Khyber‐Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan – were found to share DNA fragments with an ancient European population.

Statistical analysis suggests that this has resulted from interracial mixing between the local populace and Alexander the Great’s army well before 210 BC.

The Kalash live in three valleys of Chitral namely, Rumbur, Brumbret and Birir, and speak the Kalasha language, derived from the Dardic family of the Indo‐Iranian branch.

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