Multan
The city of saints — blue tilework, Sufi shrines and mango orchards
Altitude
122 m
Worth going
Oct–Mar
How long to stay
1–2 nights
Getting a signal
4G on the main operators
One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in South Asia, and the heart of Sufi Punjab. The shrines of Shah Rukn-e-Alam and Bahauddin Zakariya are extraordinary pieces of architecture, and the blue-and-white Multani tilework on them is unlike anything further north.
- The shrine of Shah Rukn-e-Alam, on its mound above the old city
- Bahauddin Zakariya and the Sufi quarter
- Multani blue pottery, made in workshops you can visit
- Mangoes in June and July, if you happen to be here for them
The honest downsides
- Summer here is among the hottest in Pakistan. October to March only.
- One full day covers the major sites for most travellers.
- Tourist infrastructure is thin compared with Lahore.
Trips that go to Multan
Culture & heritageIndus Heritage: Karachi, Mohenjo-daro, Multan & Lahore
Ten nights following the Indus through five thousand years
10 nightsNov–Feb
from $1,690ppSee the trip →
Culture & heritageLahore, Multan & Punjab Heritage
Six nights of Mughal architecture, Sufi shrines and very good food
6 nightsOct–Mar
from $980ppSee the trip →