Chaukhandi Tombs

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AttractionType

Tomb

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District

Malir

City

Bin Qasim Town

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   Photo Credit:
    Muhammad Ibrahim

Attraction Type

Tomb

Description

Chaukhandi Tombs, located 31.6 km east of Karachi in Sindh, Pakistan, is a 600-year-old Islamic necropolis renowned for its elaborate sandstone carvings, a style unique to Sindh and not found elsewhere in the Islamic world. Built between the 15th and 18th centuries during Mughal rule, it serves as the family graveyard of the Jokhio tribe, with burials from Baloch tribes like Burfat, Kalamati, and Saloch warriors., Spanning 2 square miles, the tombs feature pyramid-like sarcophagi with geometric and figural designs, oriented north-south toward the Kaaba., On UNESCO’s tentative World Heritage list since 1993, the site faces neglect, illegal burials, and encroachment but remains a hauntingly beautiful testament to Sindh’s cultural heritage.,

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What To Do

  • Exploring the intricate sandstone carvings of tombs from the 15th to 18th centuries
  • Photographing geometric patterns, rosettes, and figural designs like horsemen and jewelry
  • Identifying male tombs (with turbans, weapons) and female tombs (with bangles, necklaces)
  • Visiting the tomb of Jam Murid bin Hail, marked with “Chaukhandi” engraving
  • Learning about Sindhi and Balochi cultures through guided tours
  • Observing the unique north-south tomb orientation, aligned toward the Kaaba
  • Picnicking in the serene, open graveyard spanning 2 square miles
  • Studying the pyramid-like sarcophagi and elevated chieftain tombs
  • Visiting nearby Gadap Town for local culture
  • Attending occasional cultural or educational events organized by archaeologists

What To Buy

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What is Around

  • 2-square-mile necropolis with hundreds of tombs, some elevated for chieftains
  • Sandstone sarcophagi with six vertical slabs forming a pyramid-like structure
  • Carvings of rosettes, horsemen, weapons (male tombs), and jewelry (female tombs)
  • Tomb of Jam Murid bin Hail, engraved with “Chaukhandi,” possibly a family name
  • Family compounds and single graves, some with pillar canopies in Hindu style
  • North-south orientation, unique for Islamic cemeteries, aligned with the Kaaba
  • Basic boundary wall to prevent encroachment, added in 2020
  • Caretaker’s post offering informal guidance in Sindhi, Urdu, or basic English
  • No on-site facilities like restrooms, water, or food stalls
  • Nearby industrial area with truck parking and FAST University campus

Nearby Tourist

  • Bhambore Archaeological Site (36 km): An ancient port city with a museum.
  • Makli Necropolis (70 km): A UNESCO World Heritage Site with similar tomb styles.
  • Shah Jahan Mosque (73 km): A Mughal-era mosque in Thatta.
  • Keenjhar Lake (107 km): A freshwater lake and Ramsar site for bird-watching.
  • Clifton Beach (Sea View) (38 km): A lively beach with street food.
  • National Museum of Pakistan (30 km): Displays Indus Valley artifacts.
  • Mazar-e-Quaid (27.9 km): The mausoleum of Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
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Best Season to visit

April
December
February
January
March
May
November
October
September

Spring (March - April)

  • Spring offers mild temperatures (20-30°C), ideal for exploring the open graveyard. The pleasant weather enhances photography, but dust storms may occur, so carry protective gear. Weekdays are best to avoid local crowds.

Summer (May - June)

  • Summers are extremely hot (35-45°C) with intense sun, making midday visits uncomfortable. Early mornings are recommended, but hydration and sun protection are essential. The site is less crowded due to the heat.

Monsoon (July - August)

  • Monsoon season brings sporadic rain and high humidity, making the sandy terrain slippery. The site remains accessible, but carry rain gear and check weather forecasts. Fewer visitors make it quieter.

Autumn (September - October)

  • Autumn provides warm temperatures (25-35°C) and clear skies, ideal for studying carvings and enjoying the serene ambiance. The comfortable weather attracts more visitors, so visit on weekdays.

Winter (November - February)

  • Winters are cool and pleasant (10-25°C), the best time for exploration and photography, with clear light highlighting the carvings. The calm atmosphere is ideal, though weekends see more visitors. Highly recommended by visitors.
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How to Reach


  • By Air: Fly into Jinnah International Airport (KHI) in Karachi, 15.4 km from Chaukhandi Tombs. Hire a taxi or use ride-hailing apps (e.g., Uber, Careem) via N-5 National Highway to the site near Landhi Town (40-50 minutes). Use “Chaukhandi Tombs Karachi” as the destination. Limited parking is available.
  • By Road from Major Cities:
    • From Hyderabad: Follow N-5 south to the tombs (144 km, 2-2.5 hours).
    • From Lahore: Travel via M-2 and N-5 Motorways to Karachi (1197 km, 14-16 hours), then N-5 to the tombs.
    • From Islamabad: Use M-2 and N-5 to Karachi (1,397 km, 16-18 hours), then N-5 to the tombs.
  • By Train: Travel to Karachi Cantonment Railway Station (28.5 km from Chaukhandi Tombs) via trains like the Awam Express or Bolan Mail from Lahore, Islamabad, or other cities. From the station, hire a taxi via N-5 to the tombs (45-60 minutes). Use “Chaukhandi Tombs Karachi” as the destination.
  • By Public Transport: From Karachi’s Cantt Station or Saddar, take a bus to Quaidabad (40-50 minutes), then a taxi to the tombs (10-15 minutes). Ride-hailing apps are reliable for return trips. Carry cash and avoid rush hours (8-10 AM, 5-7 PM).
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Where to Eat / Stay

Where to Eat:

  • Bring your own food for picnics, as no dining facilities exist on-site. Nearby Quaidabad, Gadap Town or Landhi Town, 5-15 km away, offer small eateries with Sindhi dishes like biryani and kebabs, plus tea and snacks. Karachi’s Saddar or Clifton (30-40 km) provide diverse restaurants with Pakistani and international cuisines.

Where to Stay:

  • Karachi’s Saddar, Clifton, and Defence areas, within 30-40 km, offer accommodations from luxury hotels to budget guest houses. 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:
    • Civil Hospital Karachi: (43km away)
    • Aga Khan University Hospital: (38 km away)
  • Ambulances:
    • Edhi Ambulance Service: 115
    • Rescue 1122: 1122 (Sindh Emergency Service)
  • Police Station:
    • Shah Latif Town Police Station: (2.7 km away)
    • 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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