Mela Chiraghan Festival Tour, Lahore
The Mela Chiraghan Festival Tour is a private 4-day trip to Lahore for the Festival of Lights, held each spring at the shrine of the Sufi poet Shah Hussain, with fires, dhamaal, qawwali and the Mughal old city.
- Duration4 Days
- StyleEasy
- DestinationsLahore, Baghbanpura
- Best SeasonMarch (festival dates)
- StayHeritage hotel
Lahore's Festival of Lights
Mela Chiraghan, the Festival of Lights, marks the death anniversary of the Sufi poet Shah Hussain. For three days each spring, devotees light fires and lamps at his shrine in Baghbanpura, near the Shalimar Gardens, and the streets fill with music, drums and dancing.
On the Mela Chiraghan Festival Tour your guide takes you into the heart of the festival, explains its Sufi traditions, and shows you the best of Mughal Lahore: the Walled City, Badshahi Mosque, Lahore Fort and the Shalimar Gardens.
Trip Highlights
- The fires and lamps of Mela Chiraghan
- Sufi music, drums and dhamaal
- The shrine of Shah Hussain in Baghbanpura
- The Shalimar Gardens, a UNESCO site
- Badshahi Mosque and Lahore Fort
- Food streets of the Walled City
Itinerary
Day 1Arrive in Lahore
Our team meets you at Lahore airport and takes you to your hotel. Evening walk on a food street.
Overnight: HotelDay 2Walled City and Mela Chiraghan
Explore the Walled City, Wazir Khan Mosque and the bazaars, then visit the festival at night with your guide.
Overnight: HotelDay 3Shalimar Gardens and Lahore Fort
Visit the Shalimar Gardens, Lahore Fort and Badshahi Mosque, and return to the festival in the evening.
Overnight: HotelDay 4Depart
Private transfer to Lahore airport.
Overnight: —Mela Chiraghan is a busy religious festival. Your guide stays with you at all times, chooses safe viewing spots and will always put safety first.
What's Included
Included
- Private airport pick-up and drop-off
- Heritage or boutique hotel in Lahore
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced driver
- English-speaking local guide
- Daily breakfast and one dinner on a food street
- Entry tickets to Lahore Fort and the Shalimar Gardens
- Letter of invitation (LOI) for your Pakistan visa
Not Included
- International flights to Pakistan
- Pakistan visa fee
- Travel insurance
- Lunches and drinks not listed
- Tips and personal expenses
Why Choose the Mela Chiraghan Festival Tour?
The Mela Chiraghan Festival Tour shows you a side of Lahore few travellers see: living Sufi traditions, music and devotion, in a city full of Mughal history. With a local guide, you can enjoy the festival with confidence.
Explore more Sufi heritage on our Sufi Shrines Tour of Punjab & Sindh, or see more of the city on the Lahore & Mughal Heritage Tour.
Before you travel, read our Pakistan visa guide, or browse all our festival tours in Pakistan.
Plan the rest of your trip
Good to Know
Private & Flexible
Every festival tour is private, with your own guide and vehicle. You can add days in Lahore or travel on to other cities.
Respect at Shrines
Dress modestly, cover your shoulders and legs, and take off your shoes where asked. Women should carry a scarf.
Crowds
The festival can be very crowded at night. Keep valuables safe and stay close to your guide.
When to Go
Mela Chiraghan is held in late March. Read our guide to the best time to visit Pakistan.
Reserve Your Place on the Tour
Message us with your dates, and our team will plan your Mela Chiraghan trip and send you a quote.
