Masoom Shah Minar is a tall brick tower on the edge of Sukkur, built more than 400 years ago as a watchtower and now climbed mainly for the view over the city and the Indus. It is one of the shorter stops in Sukkur, but the climb up its narrow internal staircase is memorable enough on its own.
This guide covers the tower's history, what climbing it involves, and what you'll see from the top.
History of the minaret
The tower was begun in 1595 by Mir Muhammad Masoom Shah Bakhri, a Sindhi scholar and official who served as governor of Sukkur under the Mughal emperor Akbar, and it was completed by his son, Mir Buzurg, in 1618. It is built of red brick in a tapering, near-conical shape, slightly off true, with a domed top reached by an internal spiral stone staircase. It is thought to have served originally as a watchtower over the river and the surrounding plain, and the courtyard around its base is a cemetery where Masoom Shah and members of his family are buried.
At around 30 metres tall and roughly 26 metres in circumference at the base, it remains a distinctive landmark visible from a considerable distance across flat Sukkur.
Climbing the minaret
The stairs inside are narrow, uneven and spiral tightly, with around 84 steps to the top. There is no lift and no straight run of stairs; the climb takes a few minutes and needs a reasonable head for enclosed, spiralling spaces. It is not somewhere to bring anyone with mobility difficulties, and young children should be kept close, since the stairwell is dim and the steps are worn.
Wear shoes with a good grip, and take the stairs slowly, both on the way up and, more importantly, on the way down, when uneven steps are easier to misjudge.
The view from the top
At the top, a viewing platform looks out over Sukkur's rooftops, the Indus and, on a clear day, towards Rohri and the bridges downstream. It is one of the better vantage points in the city precisely because Sukkur itself is flat and low-rise, so a tower of this height stands well above almost everything around it. Early morning or the last hour before sunset give the clearest light and the coolest conditions for the climb.
Visiting details
There is no single published timetable for the minaret, and hours can vary, so it is worth checking with the site caretaker or a local guide on the day rather than planning around a fixed schedule found online. A small entry fee is charged at the gate; expect it to be a modest amount, and bring cash in small denominations, since prices at heritage sites like this change from time to time and are best confirmed on arrival.
Photography from the top is generally fine, though as with many older monuments in Sindh, ask the caretaker before photographing inside the tomb area at the base if it is in use for prayer or visiting family members.
Combining it with the rest of Sukkur
Masoom Shah Minar sits close enough to central Sukkur to combine with a wider walk through the city. Our guide to places to visit in Sukkur covers the fuller list, and Sukkur Barrage and Lansdowne Bridge are both a short drive away, making it easy to see all three in a morning.
Is it worth climbing?
Yes, for most visitors who are reasonably fit and not troubled by tight, spiralling stairs. It takes well under an hour including the climb and the view, and it is one of the few places in Sukkur where you get a proper elevated view of the whole city. Anyone with knee problems, vertigo in confined spaces, or travelling with very young children may prefer to admire the tower from the courtyard instead.
Frequently asked questions
Who built Masoom Shah Minar and when?
Mir Muhammad Masoom Shah Bakhri, governor of Sukkur under the Mughal emperor Akbar, began the tower in 1595. His son, Mir Buzurg, completed it in 1618.
How many steps are there to the top?
Around 84 steps, on a narrow spiral staircase inside the tower.
Is there an entry fee?
Yes, a modest fee is charged at the gate. It has changed over the years, so bring cash and expect to pay whatever is currently posted.
Is the climb suitable for children or older visitors?
The staircase is narrow, dim and uneven, so it needs a reasonable level of fitness and confidence in confined spaces. Keep young children close and take it slowly, especially coming down.
Is Sukkur safe to visit?
Sukkur lies in Sindh north of Nawabshah, an area the UK government's Pakistan travel advice (updated 22 September 2026) currently advises against all but essential travel to. Pakistani visitors travel through and stop in Sukkur throughout the year without incident. Anyone travelling from overseas should check their own government's current advice beforehand, since it can affect travel insurance, and everyone should check local conditions before setting out.
