A walk among the carved sandstone tombs of Makli Necropolis, one of the largest funerary sites in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site overlooking Thatta.
Makli Necropolis sits on Makli Hill above Thatta, about 98km from Karachi via the M-9 motorway, and is reached easily by car or taxi on paved roads; a modest entry ticket is required at the site. The walk covers 2-4km across the necropolis grounds, taking in the main clusters of carved sandstone and brick tombs spread over the low hill, with gentle undulation of under 30m across the whole site and no technical difficulty. The ground is a mix of packed earth paths and stone walkways between tomb clusters, with limited shade around some of the larger mausoleum structures but long open stretches between clusters exposed to full sun. Key landmarks include the tombs of the Samma, Arghun, and Tarkhan dynasties, the elaborately carved mausoleum of Jam Nizamuddin, and the domed tomb of Isa Khan Tarkhan II, one of the most photographed structures on the hill; most visitors follow a loop through the two or three most prominent tomb clusters rather than covering the entire several-square-kilometre necropolis. There are no water sources or shelters within the tomb clusters themselves, though the site entrance has basic facilities, so water should be carried while walking among the ruins.
| Distance | 2-4km covering the main clusters of tombs across the necropolis grounds |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1.5-2.5 hours |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Trailhead | About 98km from Karachi via the M-9 motorway and Thatta; reachable by car or taxi |
| Best season | October to March; the exposed brick and stone tombs get very hot in summer |
| Address | Makli Necropolis, Makli Hill, Thatta, Sindh, Pakistan |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Makli Hill, Thatta District, Sindh
What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sun hat
- Water bottle
- Modest clothing
Weather through the year in Sindh
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Sindh.
Location
Makli Necropolis, Makli Hill, Thatta, Sindh, Pakistan
24.7600, 67.9020 View on map
Highlights
- Carved sandstone tombs of the Samma, Arghun, and Tarkhan dynasties
- Domed mausoleum of Isa Khan Tarkhan II
- Elaborate stone carving on the Jam Nizamuddin tomb
- Views over the Indus floodplain from Makli Hill
- One of the largest funerary sites in the world
Tips for visiting
- Wear modest clothing out of respect, as Makli remains an active burial site for some communities
- Visit October to March; the exposed brick and stone tombs get very hot in summer
- Carry water, since there are no vendors within the tomb clusters
- Hire a guide at the entrance to identify the different dynastic tomb styles
- Allow extra time for photography around the more elaborately carved mausoleums
When to visit
Late afternoon in the October to March season offers softer light for the carved sandstone and cooler walking temperatures.
Accessibility
Main pathways between the larger tomb clusters are relatively level, but uneven ground and steps around individual tombs limit access for wheelchairs and strollers.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Makli from Karachi?
Makli Necropolis is about 98km from Karachi, reached in roughly 1.5-2 hours via the M-9 motorway and Thatta.
Is Makli still used for burials?
Yes, parts of the necropolis remain in use by local communities, so visitors should dress modestly and behave respectfully.
Which tombs should not be missed?
The domed tomb of Isa Khan Tarkhan II and the carved mausoleum of Jam Nizamuddin are among the most notable structures on the hill.
Is an entry ticket required?
Yes, a modest entry fee is charged at the site gate.