The best day trips from Multan are Bahawalpur (about 95 km), Uch Sharif (roughly 130 to 145 km), the Indus Valley site of Harappa (about 160 km) and the Sakhi Sarwar shrine (110 to 114 km). Multan sits in the middle of southern Punjab, so all of these fit into a day if you leave early, and none needs an overnight stay. Pakpattan is possible but long.
This guide lists each option with distances, what it offers and who it suits, so you can pick one or two and plan the rest of your Multan stay around them.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Bahawalpur | About 95 km; palaces, museum and bazaars |
| Uch Sharif | About 130 to 145 km; medieval tombs and shrines |
| Sakhi Sarwar | About 110 to 114 km; a large hilltop-edge shrine |
| Tulamba | About 80 to 100 km; ancient mound town |
| Harappa | About 160 km; Indus Valley site and small museum |
| Pakpattan | About 186 to 220 km, sources differ; Baba Farid's shrine |
Distances come from mapping sites and differ by route. Add an hour for traffic and stops at each end.
Bahawalpur: palaces and a good lunch
Bahawalpur is the easiest and richest day trip, and it makes a good first choice. The road is about 95 km, so plan on roughly two hours each way. The city has the palaces built under the Nawabs, and a museum. See our guides to places to visit in Bahawalpur and Noor Mahal for what to see and how long to allow.
It suits families, first-time visitors and anyone who wants a comfortable day without a long drive.
Uch Sharif: the medieval tombs
Uch Sharif is a small town about 50 km west of Bahawalpur, home to a group of medieval shrines and tombs. Five monuments there are on Pakistan's tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage, including the ornate tomb of Bibi Jawindi, built of glazed bricks on an octagonal base and decorated with blue and white tiles.
From Multan the distance is about 130 to 145 km depending on the route, and the drive is about two and a half hours each way. Some travel advice mentions that tourists, particularly foreigners, may be asked to take a police escort in the area, so ask locally before you go. Read our Uch Sharif guide for the monuments and etiquette.
This is a trip for people who like architecture and history, and less so for anyone who wants a mainly scenic day.
Sakhi Sarwar: a shrine at the edge of the hills
Sakhi Sarwar is the shrine of the saint Sultan Sakhi Sarwar, about 110 to 114 km from Multan and roughly 35 km from Dera Ghazi Khan. It is a large shrine complex that draws crowds from across Punjab, especially at festival times. Our Sakhi Sarwar guide covers the shrine and what to expect.
The area is in Punjab, but it lies near the Balochistan border. Check current police advice and local news before travelling, and go in daylight. Foreign-passport holders should read their own government's advice, since travel insurance can depend on it.
Harappa: the Indus Valley site
Harappa is about 160 km from Multan and about 17 miles (27 km) southwest of Sahiwal, off the Lahore–Karachi route. It is one of the great sites of the Indus Valley civilisation, and there is a small museum near the mounds with artefacts from the excavations, from household items to jewellery.
We could not confirm current museum hours or fees, so check with the Punjab tourism department before you drive. It works best as a stop on a Multan to Lahore journey rather than a round trip in one day, because the return leg is long. Our Harappa guide has more.
Tulamba: a quieter stop
Tulamba is an ancient mound town in Khanewal district, about 80 to 100 km from Multan depending on the source. It is far less developed than Harappa and is a short stop for people with a strong interest in archaeology, not a headline day trip.
Pakpattan: worthwhile but long
Pakpattan, home to the shrine of Baba Farid, is 186 to 220 km from Multan depending on the route. That makes it a very long day, so it is better as a stop on the way between Multan and Lahore than as a day trip. Our guide to the Baba Farid shrine in Pakpattan covers the visit.
How to choose
- One easy day: Bahawalpur.
- History and architecture: Uch Sharif, ideally with a Bahawalpur stop on the same day, though it makes a very long day.
- Archaeology: Harappa, on the way to Lahore.
- A shrine visit: Sakhi Sarwar, or Pakpattan if you are heading north anyway.
Practical tips
- Leave by 7 or 8 am. Roads around Multan and the smaller towns are busy by mid-morning.
- Hire a car with a driver for anything beyond Bahawalpur. A local driver saves time on unfamiliar roads.
- Carry cash and water for the smaller towns.
- The hot months, from roughly May to September, make outdoor sites tiring. Our Multan best time guide covers the seasons.
- Cover your head and shoulders and take off your shoes at shrines.
For help turning these into a route, see our trip planning page.
Is it worth leaving Multan?
If you have only a day in Multan, stay in the city. If you have two or three, one trip is worth it, and Bahawalpur gives the most for the least driving.
Skip the day trip if you are short on time or travelling in midsummer, since the heat makes long drives to open sites a poor use of a day.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best day trip from Multan?
Bahawalpur, about 95 km away, with its palaces, museum and food. It is the easiest and most rewarding option.
How far is Uch Sharif from Multan?
Between about 129 and 145 km depending on the route, roughly two and a half hours by car.
Can I visit Harappa as a day trip from Multan?
It is about 160 km each way, so it is possible but long. It fits better as a stop on the way to Lahore.
How far is Sakhi Sarwar from Multan?
About 110 to 114 km. The shrine is near Dera Ghazi Khan, so check local advice before travelling.
Can I visit Pakpattan from Multan in one day?
Yes, but it is 186 to 220 km each way depending on the route, so it makes for a very long day.
