The most important historic mosques of Sindh are the Shah Jahan Mosque in Thatta, the Dabgir and Nawab Amir Khani mosques nearby, the Jamia Mosque at Khudabad near Dadu, and the Bhodesar Mosque near Nagarparkar in Tharparkar. They span roughly 300 years and four different building traditions, from Mughal tilework to a mosque shaped by Jain temple design. Thatta is the easiest place to see several in one day.
This guide covers each mosque, what makes it distinct and what to check before you go. Dates are those given by the sources we found, and they sometimes disagree.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Best cluster | Thatta, with Shah Jahan, Dabgir and Amir Khani mosques and the Makli Necropolis |
| Largest tilework | Shah Jahan Mosque, built 1644 to 1647 |
| Most remote | Bhodesar Mosque, about 5 km north-west of Nagarparkar |
| Upper Sindh | Jamia Mosque, Khudabad, about 10 km south of Dadu |
| Best months | November to February |
| Etiquette | Cover arms and legs, remove shoes, avoid prayer times for tours |
Shah Jahan Mosque, Thatta
This is the best known mosque in Sindh. It was built between 1644 and 1647, with an eastern addition finished in 1659 under Aurangzeb. It has 93 domes, said to be the most of any structure in Pakistan, and no minarets. The interior is covered in cobalt blue, turquoise and white tiles in star patterns, and the mosque is often described as having the most elaborate tilework in South Asia. The acoustics are known too: a prayer in the main hall is said to be audible throughout.
The mosque stands in eastern Thatta, about 62 miles (100 km) from Karachi, near the Makli Necropolis. It was added to Pakistan's tentative UNESCO list in 1993. It is an active place of worship, so dress modestly and expect prayer closures. Read our Shah Jahan Mosque guide for details, and the Thatta day trip from Karachi if you want to combine it with other stops.
Dabgir Mosque, Thatta
The Dabgir Mosque stands on the outskirts of Thatta and was built in 1688 by Amir Khusro Khan Charkas, a Thatta official said to be descended from Genghis Khan. It is a brick mosque measuring about 98 by 48 feet, with three bays under one large and two small domes. It still has areas of coloured tilework and a stone mihrab with fine tracery.
Salt in the soil crystallises in the brickwork and has damaged many old Sindhi buildings, and Dabgir is no exception. According to the provincial antiquities department the site is open round the clock and has a conservator.
Nawab Amir Khani Mosque, Thatta
Built by Nawab Amir Khan during the reign of Shah Jahan, this is a square brick building with a Persian-style dome that used to be decorated with glazed tiles. It is less visited than the Shah Jahan Mosque, and for most people it is a short add-on in Thatta. Ask locally for directions.
Old Jamia Mosque at Makli
The provincial antiquities department lists an old Jamia Masjid at Makli, built by Jam Tamachi around 1388 beside the khanqah of Pir Sheikh Hamad Jamali. This is the earliest of the mosques on this list, though we found only one source for the date, so treat it as approximate. Our Makli Necropolis guide covers the surrounding graveyard, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Jamia Mosque, Khudabad
Khudabad lies about 10 km south of Dadu. Its large Jamia Mosque was built under Yar Muhammad Kalhoro between 1700 and 1718, in the Kalhora period, and also served as a school and for military training. It is a brick monument on a grand scale, and parts of it face deterioration. See our Khudabad Jamia Mosque guide and places to visit in Dadu.
Bhodesar Mosque, Tharparkar
The Bhodesar Mosque stands about 5 km north-west of Nagarparkar, beside the Bhodesar pond and close to the old Jain temples. It is white marble, built on a square plan of 9.2 metres a side, with a central dome and pillars that look like the Jain temples nearby. Wikipedia and most sources date it to 1505 and credit Sultan Mahmud Begada of Gujarat. The Sindh antiquities department gives 1449 and a different builder, so the date is disputed.
It is a long way from anywhere, so it is a trip for people already going to Nagarparkar. See our guide to reaching Tharparkar by road from Karachi.
Planning a mosque trip
- One day from Karachi: Shah Jahan, Dabgir and Amir Khani mosques, then Makli.
- Add Upper Sindh: Khudabad on a Dadu or Sehwan leg, as in our Sindh road trip.
- Tharparkar: Bhodesar as part of a Nagarparkar trip, separately.
Winter is the sensible season, as summer heat in Thatta and Tharparkar is severe. Carry water, wear socks for hot floors and follow our mosque visiting etiquette. Do not photograph worshippers without asking, and avoid visiting during Friday prayers. For other major mosques, see our famous mosques of Pakistan and UNESCO sites in Sindh, and for more places see our Sindh destinations.
Is it safe to visit the mosques of Sindh?
Thatta is a common day trip from Karachi for Pakistani families. Khudabad is in the north of Sindh, where the UK government's travel advice (updated September 2026) advises against all but essential travel to the part of the province north of Nawabshah, and Dadu lies in that area. Check local news and police advice before setting out. Foreign-passport holders should read their own government's advice, since travelling against it can void insurance.
Is it worth the effort?
If you like architecture, yes, especially Thatta, where three mosques and Makli fit one day. Khudabad and Bhodesar are for people who enjoy long drives and quiet sites. If you have only a few hours, the Shah Jahan Mosque alone justifies the trip.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the most beautiful mosque in Sindh?
Most visitors pick the Shah Jahan Mosque in Thatta for its tilework and 93 domes. Dabgir and Bhodesar have a very different, quieter character.
When was the Shah Jahan Mosque in Thatta built?
Between 1644 and 1647, with an addition in 1659.
Is the Bhodesar Mosque in Tharparkar still in use?
One source describes it as an active mosque. Check locally before you go, as access is remote.
Can non-Muslims visit the historic mosques of Sindh?
Most are open to respectful visitors outside prayer times, but rules vary. Ask at the entrance or the caretaker first, and dress modestly.
How far is Thatta from Karachi?
About 100 km by road. Thatta is usually done as a full-day trip.
