Katas Raj Temples Pilgrimage
The Katas Raj Temples Pilgrimage is a 3-day yatra to Katas Raj in the Salt Range of Punjab, an ancient complex of Hindu temples around a sacred pond that, according to legend, was formed from the tears of Lord Shiva.
- Duration3 Days
- PaceEasy
- RegionsSalt Range, Punjab
- Best SeasonOctober – March
- GroupPrivate, 2+
The Tears of Lord Shiva
Katas Raj is one of the holiest Hindu sites in Pakistan. According to tradition, when Lord Shiva grieved for his wife Sati, his tears formed two ponds: one at Pushkar in India and one at Katas. Around this sacred pond stand temples built over many centuries, and the Pandavas are said to have spent part of their exile here.
On the Katas Raj Temples pilgrimage we drive from Islamabad or Lahore into the Salt Range, spend unhurried time at the temples and the pond for darshan and puja, and visit the Khewra Salt Mine nearby. During Maha Shivratri, Katas Raj welcomes pilgrims from across Pakistan and beyond.
Trip Highlights
- The sacred pond of Katas Raj, linked to Lord Shiva
- The Satgraha temples and the Hanuman temple
- Time for darshan, puja and a holy dip where permitted
- Maha Shivratri celebrations, on request
- The Khewra Salt Mine in the Salt Range
- Private car and local guide, vegetarian meals on request
Itinerary
Day 1Arrive in Islamabad or Lahore
Our team meets you at the airport and transfers you to your hotel. Evening briefing.
Overnight: HotelDay 2Katas Raj Temples
Drive about 3 hours to Katas Raj. Darshan and puja at the sacred pond and temples, with time for prayers and photography.
Overnight: HotelDay 3Khewra Salt Mine and return
Visit the Khewra Salt Mine and its salt mosque, then drive back to Islamabad or Lahore for your onward journey.
Overnight: —Itineraries can change with weather, flights, road conditions and festival and yatra dates. Your guide will always put safety first.
What's Included
Included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Hotels in Islamabad or Lahore and near the Salt Range
- Vegetarian meals throughout, on request
- Daily breakfast and the meals listed in the itinerary
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced driver
- English-speaking cultural guide throughout
- Entry fees to all monuments and museums in the itinerary
- Letter of invitation (LOI) for your Pakistan visa
Not Included
- International flights to and from Pakistan
- Pakistan visa fee
- Travel insurance
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Personal expenses such as shopping, laundry and phone calls
- Anything not listed under "Included"
Moments from the Trail
Why Choose the Katas Raj Pilgrimage?
The Katas Raj Temples Pilgrimage is the easiest way to visit one of the most sacred Hindu sites in Pakistan. The temples are well looked after, the drive is short, and there is time for prayer without rushing.
It can be added to any trip to Islamabad or Lahore, or extended into our Punjab Hindu Temples Tour or the Grand Hindu Pilgrimage Tour of Pakistan.
Before you travel, read our Pakistan visa guide and our advice on travel insurance, or browse all our Hindu pilgrimage tours in Pakistan.
Plan the rest of your trip
Good to Know
Puja & Darshan
We plan time for darshan, puja and aarti at each temple, and can arrange a local priest or community contact. Tell us your rituals and we will build the day around them.
Visas for Pilgrims
We provide a Letter of Invitation for most nationalities. Indian pilgrims usually travel under the government pilgrim protocol between India and Pakistan, and we can advise on the process.
Permits & Safety
Katas Raj is a protected heritage site in Punjab. Foreigners may register at checkpoints, which our team arranges.
When to Go
October to March is the most pleasant time; Maha Shivratri usually falls in February or March. Read our guide to the best time to visit Pakistan.
Reserve Your Place on the Tour
Message us with your preferred dates and group size, and our team will send you full details and a quote for your Katas Raj yatra.
