5 Day Sindh Heritage Adventure–Mohenjo-Daro & Banbhore Tour A Historical Trip in Pakistan

Begin your adventure in Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city and gateway to Sindh’s ancient past. After arrival, you’ll have time to relax, enjoy local cuisine, and prepare for your journey to ancient civilizations

Journey north from Karachi toward northern Sindh to Mohenjo-Daro, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most impressive city of the Indus Valley Civilization.

Mohenjo-Daro – The Lost City of the Indus People

Located on the flat alluvial plain of the Indus River about 28 km from Larkana city, Mohenjo-Daro was one of the largest cities of the Indus Valley Civilization (2600–1900 BCE). Its name means “Mound of the Dead” in Sindhi. Excavations showed that the city had remarkable urban planning with well-laid streets, brick houses, and advanced drainage and sanitation systems that came well before similar systems elsewhere.

As you explore, you’ll see the Great Bath, a unique, watertight public pool that may have had ritual or communal importance. The citadel area once housed temples and public buildings, while the lower town had residential structures. Tools, pottery, seals, and artistic figurines found here reflect a highly organized society rich in culture and technology.

After your full-day at Mohenjo-Daro, spend time exploring Larkana and surrounding historic attractions:

Bhutto Family Mausoleum

This peaceful complex near Larkana is the final resting place of Pakistani leaders like Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto. Its striking marble structure is often compared to iconic monuments and offers insight into modern Pakistani history.

Shahi Bagh Royal Gardens

A beautiful garden with historic pavilions and paths, it provides a relaxing break and a chance to learn about Sindh’s colonial and local history.

Local Culture & Markets

Visit local markets, sample Sindhi biryani and sweets, and interact with residents to experience Sindh’s living traditions.

Travel southeast from Mohenjo-Daro toward the historic city of Thatta, home to the Banbhore archaeological site.

Banbhore – Ancient Port City of Trade

Banbhore was a thriving urban settlement dating from the 1st century BCE to the 13th century AD. Situated on the northern bank of Gharo Creek east of Karachi, it was an important maritime center in the Indus Delta connecting South Asia with trade networks across the Indian Ocean.

Archaeological excavations have revealed three distinct occupation periods: Scytho-Parthian, Buddhist, and early Islamic. Banbhore’s fortified citadel had walls, residential streets, markets, and workshops. It also hosted one of the earliest known mosques in the Indo-Pakistan subcontinent, with an inscription dating to 727 AD, just decades after the Arab conquest of Sindh.

The site’s layout shows the importance of the port economy, including textile, glass, and metallurgy industries, and reveals the city’s role in global trade centuries ago.

Banbhore Museum

At the site, visit the Banbhore Museum to see pottery, coins, utensils, and other artifacts from its long history, displayed in chronological order.

Extend your cultural experience by exploring historic Thatta and surrounding areas:
Makli Necropolis (Optional Extension)
Not far from Banbhore in Thatta is Makli Necropolis, one of the largest funerary sites in the world. Sprawling over 10 km, it contains hundreds of thousands of tombs built between the 14th and 18th centuries with elaborate stone carvings and memorials to rulers, scholars, and Sufi saints.
Thatta City
Explore Shah Jahan Mosque, Shahi Bazaar, and local crafts, experiencing centuries of Islamic architecture and Sindhi heritage.

Optional Extensions
If you have extra days, consider visiting other nearby heritage attractions in Sindh:
Umarkot Fort – A historic Rajput fort from the 11th century.
Ranikot Fort – Known as the “Great Wall of Sindh,” one of the world’s largest fortifications.
Kot Diji Fort – A hilltop fort with Talpur dynasty history.
Archaeological Museum Umerkot – Museum with Mughal and regional artifacts.