Ziyarat Guide
Iraq Ziyarat Guide for Pakistani Pilgrims
Complete guide to Karbala, Najaf, Kadhimiya, and Samarra — shrines, etiquette, visa, best time to visit, and practical tips.
The Holy Shrines
Karbala
Imam Hussain (AS) & Abbas (AS) Shrines
90 km south of Baghdad · 4h from Najaf
The most visited Ziyarat destination for Pakistani pilgrims. The golden-domed shrine of Imam Hussain ibn Ali (AS) and the silver-domed shrine of Hazrat Abbas (AS) face each other across the main street. The shrines are open 24 hours with millions of visitors during Muharram and Arbaeen.
Must Visit
💡 Tip: During Arbaeen (40 days after Ashura), walk the 80km Arbaeen walk from Najaf — a deeply spiritual experience. Book Karbala hotels months in advance.
Najaf
Imam Ali (AS) Shrine
160 km south of Baghdad · Entry/exit point from Najaf airport
Najaf is home to the magnificent shrine of Hazrat Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS), the first Imam and cousin/son-in-law of the Prophet ﷺ. Wadi-us-Salaam — the largest cemetery in the world — is adjacent to the shrine. The shrines in Najaf are open 24 hours.
Must Visit
💡 Tip: Most Pakistani pilgrims land at Najaf airport (NJF), do Ziyarat in Najaf, then travel to Karbala. The Najaf–Karbala road has many rest stops.
Kadhimiya (Baghdad)
Imam Kadhim (AS) & Imam Jawad (AS) Shrines
Within Baghdad — 30 min from city centre
Located in the Kadhimiya district of Baghdad, this twin-shrined complex contains the burial of the 7th Imam, Musa al-Kadhim (AS), and the 9th Imam, Muhammad al-Jawad (AS). The golden domes are visible from across Baghdad. The area is safe and accessible from the city centre.
Must Visit
💡 Tip: Visit Kadhimiya on the same trip as Baghdad. Most pilgrims do: Najaf → Karbala → Baghdad (Kadhimiya) in one tour.
Samarra
Imam Hadi (AS) & Imam Askari (AS) Shrines
125 km north of Baghdad · 2h drive
The Al-Askari shrine in Samarra contains the burial of the 10th Imam, Ali al-Hadi (AS), and the 11th Imam, Hasan al-Askari (AS). The rebuilt golden dome was re-opened in 2009. Samarra also has the famous Al-Malwiya spiral minaret from the Abbasid era.
Must Visit
💡 Tip: Usually visited as a day trip from Baghdad. Travel in a group and with a guide familiar with the security situation. Situation has improved significantly since 2019.
Best Time to Visit
Post-Ashura (Safar)
Quieter after the main Muharram season. Weather mild. Easier to get close to shrines.
Arbaeen (20 Safar)
The largest annual human gathering on earth. 20–30 million visitors. Hotels booked years in advance. Profoundly moving — walking the 80km route from Najaf is unforgettable.
Spring (March–May)
Mild temperatures 20–28°C. Not peak season so hotels are available. Green landscapes after rain. Ideal for elderly pilgrims.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Temperatures regularly exceed 45°C. Shrines are still accessible but outdoor walking is dangerous. Only for those with no other option.
Winter (Nov–Feb)
Cooler temperatures 10–18°C. Muharram season falls here in recent years. Very busy during Ashura. Best non-peak months: November and January.
Shrine Etiquette
Book your Iraq Ziyarat package
Flights from Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. Shrine-side hotels. Private transport.
Visa Guide
Visa on Arrival at Najaf (NJF) or Baghdad (BGW)
Most Pakistani pilgrims get a visa on arrival at Najaf International Airport or Baghdad International Airport. Cost: approximately $75–100 USD. Pay in USD at the visa counter.
Documents to bring
Valid Pakistani passport (minimum 6 months remaining validity), 2 recent passport-size photos, hotel booking confirmation for first night, return flight ticket, sufficient USD cash (for visa fee + daily expenses).
Processing time at airport
Standard: 30–60 minutes. During Muharram/Arbaeen season: 2–4 hours due to large crowds. Consider travelling in a group where your travel agent handles group visa processing.
E-Visa option (faster)
Iraq now offers an e-visa through the official government portal (visit.mofa.gov.iq). Apply 2 weeks before travel. If approved, you skip the on-arrival queue. Ask your travel agent to apply for you.
Health requirements
Yellow fever vaccination required if arriving from endemic countries. Hepatitis A+B vaccination recommended. Meningitis vaccine recommended. Carry adequate supply of personal medications.
Practical Tips
Currency: Iraqi Dinar (IQD). USD is widely accepted at hotels and larger shops. Bring USD in small denominations ($1, $5, $10).
SIM card: Buy an Asiacell or Zain Iraq SIM at the airport. Data is affordable. WhatsApp works normally.
Transport: Book a private driver or van for the Karbala–Najaf corridor. Group buses available but slower. Our platform includes transport in Iraq packages.
Hydration: Iraq summers are brutal (45°C+). Even in mild weather, drink 3L+ of water daily. Zamzam water is not available — buy bottled.
Hotels: Book accommodation within walking distance of shrines (200–400m). Elevator is important for elderly pilgrims. Book 3–6 months ahead for Muharram season.
Medication: Bring all personal medications plus extras. Pharmacy availability is good in Karbala and Najaf city centres near shrines.
Food: Pakistani food available at numerous restaurants in Karbala and Najaf shrine areas. Free food (langar) is distributed at shrines 24 hours daily.
Safety: The shrine cities (Karbala, Najaf) have been stable and safe for pilgrims since 2018. Follow your guide's advice on areas to avoid.
Ready to plan your Iraq Ziyarat?
Our team arranges complete Iraq packages — flights, shrine-side hotels, Urdu guide, and private transport between cities.