Traveling Pakistan
Quick answer: Multan — the "City of Saints" — is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in South Asia. Its must-see sights are the Sufi shrines on the old fort mound: the Tomb of Shah Rukn-e-Alam and the Tomb of Bahauddin Zakariya. One full day covers the highlights; visit between November and February, because summer heat regularly passes 45°C.
Why Visit Multan
Multan sits in southern Punjab near the Chenab, on trade and invasion routes that are thousands of years old. From the 13th century it became a great centre of Sufism, and the brick shrines of its saints — decorated with the city's famous blue-glazed tiles — are among the finest medieval buildings in Pakistan. Add the bazaars of the old city, Multani blue pottery, sohan halwa and some of the country's best mangoes, and Multan rewards a dedicated visit rather than a quick stop on the N-5.
The Old Fort Mound (Qila Kohna Qasim Bagh)
Little remains of Multan's fort walls, but the raised mound where the citadel stood holds the city's two greatest shrines and a park with views over the old city.
Tomb of Shah Rukn-e-Alam
Built in the early 14th century during the Tughluq period, the tomb is a massive octagonal brick structure in three stages, with sloping corner turrets and a broad white dome — one of the earliest and largest monuments of its kind in the subcontinent. Its exterior is banded with cut brick and blue and white glazed tilework. Tradition holds it was first built by Ghiyath al-Din Tughluq as his own tomb, and later given for the burial of the Suhrawardi saint Shah Rukn-e-Alam. A major restoration by the Punjab Auqaf Department in the 1970s received an Aga Khan Award for Architecture.
Tomb of Bahauddin Zakariya
A short walk away is the shrine of Bahauddin Zakariya (13th century), grandfather of Shah Rukn-e-Alam and the saint who established the Suhrawardi order in the region. The square tomb with its octagonal upper storey and dome is the focus of a large annual urs (death-anniversary festival), when the area is packed with pilgrims.
Etiquette at the Shrines
- Remove shoes before the shrine platforms; carry socks in hot weather.
- Dress modestly; women should cover their hair.
- Shrines are active places of devotion — photograph architecture, not worshippers, unless invited.
- Thursday evenings bring qawwali and devotional gatherings at some shrines; atmospheric, but crowded.
More to See
- Shrine of Shah Shams Sabzwari — another important Sufi tomb, with tiled decoration, near the old city.
- Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower) — the late-19th-century civic building at the heart of the old city, beside Hussain Agahi bazaar.
- Old city bazaars — Hussain Agahi and the lanes inside the old gates for spices, textiles and crafts.
- Blue pottery workshops — Multani kashi tiles and pottery in white, cobalt and turquoise make the best souvenirs; ask your hotel which workshops welcome visitors.
Food to Try
- Sohan halwa — the dense, nutty Multani sweet, sold in round tins; a classic gift to take home.
- Mangoes — Multan is at the centre of Pakistan's mango belt; June–August is the season (Chaunsa, Sindhri and others).
- Street food in the old city — eat where locals queue, and stick to freshly cooked dishes in summer.
When to Go
- November–February: best — mild, sunny days; nights can be cool and foggy in December–January (fog also delays road and air travel).
- March–April and October: warm but manageable; sightsee early and late.
- May–September: extreme heat; if you must go, visit shrines at dawn and after sunset.
Getting There
- By road: Multan is linked to Faisalabad and Lahore by the M-4 motorway and to Sukkur by the M-5. Lahore–Multan by coach typically takes 4–6 hours depending on the route.
- Coach operators: several Punjab operators run Multan services — see our Rajput Travels terminals and fares guide for the southern Punjab corridor, and confirm departure points by phone.
- By air: Multan International Airport has domestic flights and Gulf connections.
- By rail: Multan Cantonment is on the main Karachi–Lahore–Peshawar line.
A One-Day Plan
- Early morning: Shah Rukn-e-Alam in soft light, then Bahauddin Zakariya.
- Late morning: walk down into the old city to Ghanta Ghar and Hussain Agahi bazaar.
- Afternoon (rest in the heat): lunch and a blue pottery workshop.
- Evening: Shah Shams Sabzwari, then sohan halwa shopping before you leave.
Exploring more of the province? The Punjab attractions hub links Lahore's heritage, and our road-trip snacks guide helps with the long N-5 drives.
Disclaimer: Independent information only. Contact details and prices may change — verify directly with operators. We are not affiliated with any bus company or travel agency. Full disclaimer.