A 7 day Punjab itinerary can run south from Lahore to Bahawalpur: two days in Lahore, a stop at Harappa, a night in Multan for its shrines, then Uch Sharif and Derawar Fort in the Cholistan desert. It gives you food, Mughal and pre-Mughal heritage and Sufi architecture without any mountain roads. October to March is the right season, since the south is very hot from May to September.
The route follows the motorway network, so the driving is easy, but the days are long. The plan below shows what fits into each one.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Route | Lahore, Harappa, Multan, Uch Sharif, Bahawalpur, Derawar |
| Best months | October to March |
| Lahore to Multan | About 343 km by M-3 and M-4, around 4.5 hours |
| Multan to Bahawalpur | About 95 km, roughly 2 hours |
| Bahawalpur to Uch Sharif | About 80 km, 1.5 hours |
| Bahawalpur to Derawar | About 95 km south |
Days 1 and 2: Lahore
Give Lahore two days. Spend the first on the walled city, with Wazir Khan Mosque, Lahore Fort and Badshahi Mosque, and the second on the museum, Shalimar Gardens and a food crawl. Data Darbar, the city's main Sufi shrine, is busiest on Thursday evenings, and visitors should cover their heads and remove shoes. Our page on the famous food of Punjab lists dishes to look for on the way, and shrines in Lahore covers the rest.
If smog is bad, which is often the case from October to February, keep indoor stops in reserve.
Day 3: Lahore to Multan via Harappa
The drive to Multan is about 343 km on the motorways, usually 4.5 hours without stops. Harappa, the Indus Valley Civilisation site, is on the way in Sahiwal district, a little over three hours from Lahore by road. The site opens around 8:30 am in winter, and the museum keeps shorter hours, generally 9 am to 4 pm, and closes for a midday break on Fridays. Entry has been listed at PKR 50. Give it about two hours, and arrive in Multan by late afternoon.
Day 4: Multan, the city of shrines
Multan is known for its Sufi tombs, blue tilework and pottery. Spend the day at the shrines of Bahauddin Zakariya and Shah Rukn-e-Alam, then the old bazaars and a blue-pottery workshop. Sohan halwa and mango-based sweets are the local food. See our guides to shrines of Multan and Multan's famous food.
Multan gets very hot, so start early, and in the hot months keep to mornings.
Day 5: Uch Sharif and Bahawalpur
From Multan, drive to Bahawalpur, about 95 km, and continue to Uch Sharif, some 80 km beyond, or take Uch first if the day suits. Uch Sharif holds a group of 12th- to 15th-century Sufi tombs decorated with blue and white tile. Pakistan has put it on its UNESCO Tentative List. Return to Bahawalpur for the night, and see Noor Mahal if it is open. See our Bahawalpur itinerary.
Day 6: Derawar Fort and Cholistan
Derawar Fort stands about 95 km south of Bahawalpur, at the edge of the Cholistan Desert. Its walls are large, and its setting is stark. Go in the cooler months, since the desert is punishing in summer, and start early. If you want more, the annual Cholistan jeep rally, held around February, draws crowds. Dates are set each year, and the 2026 event was rescheduled to 11 to 15 February. Read our guide on the Cholistan desert safari.
Day 7: return to Lahore
The road back to Lahore from Bahawalpur is a long day, so start early or fly out if a flight suits. If you finish in Lahore, keep the last evening for shopping and food.
If you prefer a shorter route, replace Days 5 and 6 with Rohtas Fort near Jhelum. It is about 220 km from Lahore, and entry has been listed at PKR 50 for Pakistanis and PKR 500 for foreigners.
Is it safe?
Lahore, Multan and Bahawalpur are not among the areas the UK government advises against visiting. Derawar and Cholistan are in southern Punjab, and the UK advises against travel within 5 miles of the Indian border, so keep to established routes and check current advice before heading into the desert. Foreign-passport holders should check their own government's advice, since it can affect insurance. Pakistani travellers should check local news and police advice before setting out.
Who is this itinerary for?
It suits travellers who like history, architecture and food, and do not need mountains. It is not for anyone travelling in summer heat. For a wider plan, use our trip planner.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time for a Punjab trip?
October to March. Summer temperatures in Multan and Bahawalpur are very high, and monsoon rain and flooding can disrupt roads from July to September.
How far is Multan from Lahore?
About 343 km via the M-3 and M-4 motorways, roughly 4.5 hours.
Is Uch Sharif worth visiting?
Yes for Sufi tilework and quiet. It is a small town with a group of medieval tombs, usually visited as a day trip from Bahawalpur.
Can I visit Harappa on the way to Multan?
Yes. It is in Sahiwal district and adds roughly two hours, including the museum.
