Golra Sharif Darbar

National Tourism Portal

AttractionType

Mazaar, Mausoleum

National Tourism Portal

District

City

National Tourism Portal National Tourism Portal National Tourism Portal National Tourism Portal National Tourism Portal
   Photo Credit:
    Muhammad Ibrahim

Attraction Type

Mazaar
Mausoleum

Description

Golra Sharif Darbar, located in Sector E-11 of Islamabad at the foothills of the Margalla Hills, is a revered 20th-century Sufi shrine dedicated to Pir Meher Ali Shah, a prominent scholar and poet of the Chisti order. Established in the early 1900s, the shrine attracts thousands of devotees annually, especially during Urs celebrations, for spiritual guidance and blessings. Known for its white marble architecture and serene ambiance, Golra Sharif is a cultural and religious landmark, complemented by the nearby Golra Sharif Railway Museum, which showcases Pakistan’s railway heritage.

National Tourism Portal

What To Do

  • Offering prayers and fateha at the mausoleum of Pir Meher Ali Shah
  • Attending spiritual events, including Urs celebrations with prayers, durood, milaad sessions, and qawwali performances
  • Visiting the nearby mosque for daily prayers
  • Exploring the Golra Sharif Railway Museum to learn about Pakistan’s railway history
  • Photography of the shrine’s white marble architecture, calligraphy, and shallow pools
  • Visiting the Maktaba Moinia library for Islamic literature in Arabic, Persian, and Urdu
  • Enjoying the scenic views of the Margalla Hills foothills
  • Walking in the peaceful surroundings of the shrine and nearby village

What To Buy

National Tourism Portal

What is Around

  • Mosque adjacent to the shrine for daily prayers
  • Maktaba Moinia library with Islamic texts, audio, and video resources
  • Golra Sharif Junction Railway Station (4 km southwest), featuring Victorian architecture
  • Golra Sharif Railway Museum (4 km southwest), displaying railway artifacts and history
  • Shallow pools (hauz) for ablution and aesthetic appeal
  • Souvenir stalls selling religious books, prayer beads, and handicrafts
  • Scenic views of the Margalla Hills and surrounding greenery
  • Small village market with local shops and tea stalls

Nearby Tourist

  • Faisal Mosque (9 km): An iconic mosque with modern architecture and panoramic city views.
  • Margalla Hills National Park (10 km): Offers hiking trails, Daman-e-Koh, and Pir Sohawa viewpoints.
  • Fatima Jinnah Park (F-9 Park) (6 km): A large recreational park with jogging tracks and picnic areas.
  • Pakistan Monument and Museum (12 km): Located in Shakarparian Hills, showcasing Pakistan’s history.
  • Rawal Lake (19 km): A serene lake for boating, picnicking, and bird-watching.
  • Lok Virsa Museum (15 km): Displays Pakistan’s cultural heritage with artifacts and exhibits.
  • Centaurus Mall (10 km): A modern shopping and dining destination in the Blue Area.
National Tourism Portal

Best Season to visit

December
February
January
March
November
October
September

Spring (February - March)

  • Spring brings mild temperatures (15-25°C) and blooming flowers, ideal for visiting the shrine and exploring the nearby railway museum. The pleasant weather enhances outdoor activities like walking and enjoying the Margalla Hills views, with Urs celebrations often occurring during this season.

Summer (April - June)

  • Summers are hot, with temperatures reaching 30-35°C. Early mornings or evenings are best to avoid midday heat. The shrine’s indoor areas and the air-conditioned railway museum offer comfort, but outdoor visits should be planned for cooler times of the day.

Monsoon (July - August)

  • Monsoon season brings occasional heavy rain and humidity, which may affect outdoor exploration or travel to the shrine. The indoor shrine and museum remain accessible, but carry umbrellas or raincoats and check weather forecasts to avoid disruptions.

Autumn (September - November)

  • Autumn offers clear skies, mild temperatures (15-25°C), and low humidity, making it one of the best times to visit. The comfortable weather is perfect for spiritual activities, photography, and exploring the surrounding village and hills.

Winter (December - January)

  • Winters are cool (5-15°C), with sunny days ideal for daytime visits to the shrine and museum. The crisp air and clear Margalla Hills views create a refreshing experience, though light jackets are recommended for evenings.
National Tourism Portal

How to Reach


  • By Air: Fly into Islamabad International Airport (ISB), approximately 32.9 km from Golra Sharif. From the airport, hire a taxi or use ride-hailing apps (available in Islamabad) to reach Sector E-11 in about 40-50 minutes, depending on traffic. Use “Golra Sharif Darbar” as the destination. Parking is available near the shrine.
  • By Road from Major Cities:
    • From Lahore: Travel via the M-2 Motorway (approximately 378 km, 4-5 hours). Take the Islamabad exit, follow Srinagar Highway, and turn onto Golra Road to reach Sector E-11.
    • From Karachi: Take the M-9 and M-2 Motorways (approximately 1,412 km, 16-18 hours) to Islamabad, then navigate to Sector E-11 via Srinagar Highway and Golra Road.
    • From Peshawar: Use the M-1 Motorway (approximately 177 km, 2-3 hours) to Islamabad, then follow Islamabad Expressway and Golra Road to the shrine.
  • By Train: Travel to Rawalpindi Railway Station (18 km from Golra Sharif) via trains like the Khyber Mail, Awam Express, or Tezgam from major cities (e.g., Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar). From the station, hire a taxi, use a ride-hailing app, or take a local bus to Sector E-11, a 15-35 minute ride. Alternatively, alight at Golra Sharif Junction Railway Station (4 km southwest), then take a short taxi or ride to the shrine. Use “Golra Sharif Darbar” as the destination.
  • By Public Transport: In Islamabad, use the Islamabad Metrobus to the “Golra Morr Station” then take a short taxi or ride to the shrine. Use “Golra Sharif Darbar” as the destination. Note: Carry cash for fares and verify routes. Avoid rush hours (8-10 AM, 5-7 PM) for smoother travel.
National Tourism Portal

Where to Eat / Stay

Where to Eat:

  • Visitors can enjoy dining options near the shrine, including food stalls offering local snacks like samosas and chai, as well as restaurants in nearby sectors and Rawalpindi serving traditional Pakistani and international cuisine.

Where to Stay:

  • Islamabad offers accommodations for all budgets, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guest houses and mid-range options, primarily in nearby sectors like F-11, F-10, and the Blue Area, or in Rawalpindi. For bookings, explore luxury, budget hotels, and guest houses through the booking section of the National Tourism Portal.
National Tourism Portal

Emergency Contact Numbers


  • Hospitals:
    • Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS): +92-51-9261170-9 (G-8, 15 km away)
    • Shifa International Hospital: +92 51 8464646 (H-8, 16 km away)
  • Ambulances:
    • Edhi Ambulance Service: 115
    • Rescue 1122: 1122 (Islamabad Capital Territory)
  • Police Station:
    • Golra Police Station (nearest to the station): 051-9267099
    • Emergency Police Helpline: 15

Note: Verify contact numbers before visiting, as they may change.

National Tourism Portal

Location on Google Map

National Tourism Portal

Youtube Video