The best-known shrines of Balochistan are Shah Noorani in Khuzdar district, the Hinglaj Mata temple in Hingol National Park, and Koh-e-Murad near Turbat, the holiest site of the Zikri community. Each has one large annual gathering: Shah Noorani's urs, the Hinglaj Yatra in April and the Zikri pilgrimage on the 27th of Ramadan. Outside those dates the shrines are quiet, remote and usually reached by long road journeys.
This guide explains what each one is, when its main event falls, how to behave there and what to check about safety. It does not cover routes in detail; the linked guides do that.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Shah Noorani | Khuzdar district; Sufi shrine of Syed Bilawal Shah Noorani, over 500 years old |
| Hinglaj Mata | Hingol National Park, Lasbela; Hindu temple, about 250 km northwest of Karachi |
| Hinglaj Yatra | April, three to four days; about 300,000 pilgrims reported in 2026 |
| Koh-e-Murad | Near Turbat; Zikri pilgrimage on the 27th of Ramadan |
| Etiquette | Dress modestly, remove shoes, ask before photographing worshippers |
| UK advice | Advises against all travel to Balochistan |
Shah Noorani
The shrine of Syed Bilawal Shah Noorani stands in a valley in the hills of Khuzdar district, near the cave known as Lahoot Lamakan. Dawn describes it as more than 500 years old, and it is among the most visited shrines in the province. Reaching it means a long mountain road from Hub, and pilgrims often make the journey at the time of the annual gathering.
The date of that gathering is reported inconsistently. A Dawn feature describes a mela on the 9th and 10th of Muharram, while later reports describe the urs as falling on the 10th of Ramadan. Because the lunar calendar moves the Gregorian date every year, do not rely on a date you read online; ask locally in Hub or Khuzdar. Our guide to the Shah Noorani shrine covers the route and the facilities.
Hinglaj Mata
Hinglaj Mata is one of the 51 Shakti Peeths of Hinduism, and is said to mark where part of Sati's head fell. It sits inside Hingol National Park in Lasbela district, about 250 km from Karachi, and the Makran Coastal Highway now makes it a drive of roughly four hours.
The Hinglaj Yatra, held in April over several days, is Pakistan's largest Hindu pilgrimage. Wikipedia gives the last reported figure as 300,000 in 2026. Local Muslims also revere the site, calling it Nani Mandir, and the poet Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai wrote about it. See our guides to the Hinglaj Mata temple and the Hinglaj Yatra for dates and the route.
Koh-e-Murad and the Zikri pilgrimage
Koh-e-Murad, "the mountain of desire", is the most sacred site of the Zikri community, who revere Muhammad Jaunpuri as the Mahdi. Zikris make their pilgrimage on the 27th of Ramadan; Wikipedia reports that about 215,000 people attended in 2024.
This is a community's religious site, not a tourist stop. Non-Zikris are not permitted at Zikr worship services in their prayer houses, and the community has faced harassment and attacks. Turbat is in Kech district, far from Quetta, and a visitor with no connection to the community has little reason to go.
Other shrines and sacred places
Many smaller Sufi shrines stand along Balochistan's roads, and the Bolan region has places such as the pools at Pir Ghaib; see our guide to the Pir Ghaib waterfall. Bibi Nani, on the road between Quetta and Sibi, takes its name from a saint believed to be buried in the area and also has a Hindu shrine, though sources on it are thin. If you come across a roadside shrine, the same etiquette applies as anywhere.
Etiquette at shrines
- Dress modestly. Women should cover their heads and wear loose clothing; men should avoid shorts.
- Take off your shoes at the entrance and leave them where others do.
- Ask before photographing people at prayer, and do not photograph women without permission.
- Keep to the visitor areas. Many shrines have separate sections for men and women.
- Keep voices low, and do not walk in front of people praying.
- Offerings are optional. Langar, the free food, is for everyone; accept it politely and do not leave food waste.
- At a Hindu temple such as Hinglaj, ask a custodian about the rules rather than assuming, and treat it as a place of worship regardless of your own faith.
Is it safe to visit the shrines?
The UK government advises against all travel to Balochistan. Shrines and large religious gatherings in Pakistan have been targets in the past, and the November 2016 bombing at the Shah Noorani shrine in Khuzdar district is an example. Large events are run with heavy security, and Pakistani pilgrims go in large numbers every year, but crowds are still the main concern for many.
Check current local news and police advice before travelling, carry your CNIC (see what documents Balochistan travel needs) and avoid driving after dark; our night travel ban guide lists the restrictions. Overseas visitors should know their government's advice may say not to go, and that it can void travel insurance. For the wider picture see whether Balochistan is safe to travel.
Who these trips suit
Go if you are a Pakistani traveller with a reason to be there: faith, family or a pilgrimage group. Hinglaj is the easiest, as it is on the coastal highway, and the yatra is well organised. Shah Noorani requires a longer mountain journey. For a first visit to the province, our destinations page and the places to visit in Balochistan offer less demanding options.
Frequently asked questions
Which are the most famous shrines in Balochistan?
Shah Noorani in Khuzdar district, Hinglaj Mata in Hingol National Park, and Koh-e-Murad near Turbat.
When is the Hinglaj Yatra held?
In April, over three to four days. The exact dates move with the Hindu calendar, so check with local organisers.
When is the Shah Noorani urs?
Reports differ between Muharram and the 10th of Ramadan. Confirm with locals in Hub or Khuzdar before you plan around it.
Can non-Muslims visit Balochistan's shrines?
Hinglaj is a Hindu temple, and local Muslims also visit it. Sufi shrines usually welcome respectful visitors, but Zikri prayer houses do not admit non-Zikris.
Is it safe to visit shrines in Balochistan?
The UK advises against all travel to the province. Pakistani pilgrims still travel in large numbers; check current local advice and travel by day.
