Bari Imam Shrine

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AttractionType

Mausoleum, Mazaar

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District

City

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   Photo Credit:
    Muhammad Ibrahim

Attraction Type

Mausoleum
Mazaar

Description

The Bari Imam Shrine, located in Nurpur Shahan at the foothills of the Margalla Hills in Islamabad, is a revered 17th-century Sufi shrine dedicated to Shah Abdul Latif Kazmi, known as Bari Imam or Bari Sarkar. Built by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb and renovated multiple times, including recent expansions by the Government of Pakistan, the shrine is a major pilgrimage site for the Qadiriyya Sufi order, attracting millions of devotees annually. Known for its silver-mirrored interior, Mughal-inspired architecture, and spiritual ambiance, it offers peace, cultural heritage, and free langar food, making it a significant religious and tourist destination.

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What To Do

  • Offering prayers and fateha at the mausoleum of Shah Abdul Latif Kazmi (Bari Imam)
  • Attending spiritual events, including the annual Urs festival with prayers, qawwali, and Sufi music/dance (reportedly in January/February, though traditionally in May/June)
  • Visiting the adjacent mosque for daily prayers
  • Participating in rituals like offering votive threads or lighting oil lamps (though traditional areas like the chirag gah have been modernized)
  • Exploring the shrine’s architecture, featuring Islamic calligraphy, tilework, and a silver-mirrored interior
  • Enjoying free food at the community kitchen (langar) serving devotees and visitors
  • Walking in the serene surroundings at the foothills of the Margalla Hills
  • Photography of the shrine’s dome, courtyards, and scenic backdrop (subject to respectful conduct)

What To Buy

The area around the shrine features a bustling bazaar where visitors can purchase various items. Here are a few points on what tourists can buy near the Bari Imam Shrine. 

Note: Bargaining is common in local markets, so negotiate prices politely. Dress respectfully to honor the shrine’s spiritual environment.

  • Religious Artifacts and Souvenirs: Visitors can purchase prayer beads (tasbeeh), Quranic booklets, and miniature replicas of the shrine or Islamic calligraphy, ideal as spiritual keepsakes.
  • Traditional Handicrafts: The bazaar offers locally made items like embroidered fabrics, pottery, and decorative pieces that showcase Pakistani craftsmanship, perfect for unique souvenirs.
  • Local Snacks and Sweets: Enjoy traditional Pakistani treats like jalebi, halwa, or savory snacks such as pakoras from local stalls, offering a taste of regional flavors.
  • Incense and Perfumes: Aromatic products like incense sticks (agarbatti) and attar (traditional perfumes) are available, often used in rituals and great for gifting.
  • Traditional Clothing and Accessories: Look for shawls, scarves, or caps in the bazaar, which are both practical for modest attire at the shrine and reflective of local culture.

Souvenirs;

National Tourism Portal Store offers visitors the opportunity to explore and purchase a wide range of Pakistani handicrafts, artifacts, souvenirs, traditional apparel, and more. For product details, please visit: https://shop.nationaltourism.pk.

 

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What is Around

  • Mosque adjacent to the shrine for daily prayers
  • Courtyards and gardens with intricate tilework and calligraphy
  • Community kitchen (langar) providing free food to visitors
  • Souvenir stalls selling religious books, prayer beads, and handicrafts
  • Scenic views of the Margalla Hills and nearby Nurpur Shahan village
  • Loay Dandi cave (nearby in the Margalla Hills), where Bari Imam spent 40 days in prayer
  • Food stalls offering snacks like pakoras and chai
  • Water reservoirs and ablution facilities within the shrine complex

Nearby Tourist

  • Faisal Mosque (13 km): An iconic mosque with modern architecture and city views. Get Direction
  • Margalla Hills National Park (9.8 km): Offers hiking trails, Daman-e-Koh, and Pir Sohawa viewpoints. Get Direction
  • Fatima Jinnah Park (F-9 Park) (14-15 km): A large recreational park with jogging tracks and picnic areas. Get Direction
  • Pakistan Monument and Museum (11 km): Located in Shakarparian Hills, showcasing Pakistan’s history. Get Direction
  • Rawal Lake (8 km): A scenic lake for boating, picnicking, and bird-watching. Get Direction
  • Lok Virsa Museum (11.8 km): Displays Pakistan’s cultural heritage with artifacts and exhibits. Get Direction
  • Centaurus Mall (10 km): A modern shopping and dining destination in the Blue Area. Get Direction
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Best Season to visit

April
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 enjoying the Margalla Hills backdrop. The pleasant weather is perfect for outdoor prayers, photography, and attending potential Urs events, which may occur in this season.

Summer (April - June)

Summers are hot, with temperatures reaching 30-35°C. Early mornings or evenings are recommended to avoid midday heat. The shrine’s indoor areas and courtyards offer shade, but hydration is essential for outdoor activities like walking or exploring the village.

Monsoon (July - August)

Monsoon season brings occasional heavy rain and humidity, which may affect outdoor rituals or travel. The shrine remains accessible, but pathways can be slippery. Carry umbrellas or raincoats and check weather forecasts to plan visits.

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 enhances spiritual activities, photography, and exploration of the shrine’s surroundings.

Winter (December - January)

Winters are cool (5-15°C), with sunny days ideal for daytime visits. The crisp air and clear Margalla Hills views create a refreshing spiritual experience. Light jackets are recommended for evenings, and winter may coincide with Sufi music events.

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How to Reach


  • By Air: Fly into Islamabad International Airport (ISB), approximately 41 km from the Bari Imam Shrine. From the airport, hire a taxi or use ride-hailing apps (available in Islamabad) to reach Nurpur Shahan in about 40-50 minutes, depending on traffic. Use “Bari Imam Shrine” as the destination. Parking is available near the shrine, though it may be congested on weekends.
  • By Road from Major Cities:
    • From Lahore: Travel via the M-2 Motorway (approximately 388 km, 4-5 hours). Take the Islamabad exit, follow Srinagar Highway, and turn onto Shahrah-e-Islamabad Road to reach Nurpur Shahan.
    • From Karachi: Take the M-9 and M-2 Motorways (approximately 1,422 km, 17-18 hours) to Islamabad, then navigate to Nurpur Shahan via Srinagar Highway and Shahrah-e-Islamabad Road.
    • From Peshawar: Use the M-1 Motorway (approximately 199 km, 2-3 hours) to Islamabad, then follow Islamabad Expressway and Shahrah-e-Islamabad Road to the shrine. Taxis, private cars, or intercity buses (e.g., Daewoo Express) are options. From the bus terminal (e.g., Faizabad or Rawalpindi), take a local taxi or ride-hailing service to the Bari Imam Shrine.
  • By Train: Travel to Rawalpindi Railway Station (26 km from the Bari Imam Shrine) 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 Nurpur Shahan, a 40-50 minute ride. Use “Bari Imam Shrine” as the destination.
  • By Public Transport: In Islamabad, use the Islamabad Metrobus to the “Faizabad Station” or “Cantaurus/PIMS Station,” then take a green line bus (FR-04 route) to Nurpur Shahan (50-60 minutes). Keep cash for fares and avoid rush hou
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Where to Eat / Stay

  • Where to Eat: Visitors can enjoy free food at the shrine’s community kitchen (langar) or dine at nearby food stalls offering local snacks like pakoras and chai, as well as restaurants in adjacent areas 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 the Blue Area, F-7, or Rawalpindi. For bookings, explore luxury, budget hotels, and guest houses through the booking section of the National Tourism Portal.
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Emergency Contact Numbers


  • Hospitals:
    • Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS): (G-8, 10 km away) Get Direction
    • Shifa International Hospital:  (H-8, 13 km away) Get Direction
  • Ambulances:
    • Edhi Ambulance Service: 115 
    • Rescue 1122: 1122 (Islamabad Capital Territory)
  • Police Station:
    • Secretariat Police Station (nearest to Nurpur Shahan): Get Direction
    • Emergency Police Helpline: 15
  • Note: Verify contact numbers before visiting, as they may change.

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Location on Google Map

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Youtube Video