Hawkes Bay and Turtle Beach Karachi
Hawkes Bay and Turtle Beach in Karachi form a famous golden sand coastline along the Arabian Sea renowned for luxury beach huts watersports and endangered Green Sea Turtle nesting.
ExploreChaukhandi Tombs Ancient Sandstone Necropolis Karachi Outskirts
Karachi, Sindh
Overview
Located roughly 29 kilometers east of central Karachi along the National Highway N-5 near Landhi Chaukhandi Tombs is one of South Asias most visually artistic ancient funerary sites. Nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Tentative Site in 1993 this vast 15th to 18th century open-air necropolis contains hundreds of intricately carved yellow sandstone tombs built predominantly by the Jokhio Burfat and Baloch tribes. Celebrated for its unique Chaukhandi architecture featuring four-sided stacked stone slabs raised in stepped pyramid formations the tombs are embellished with complex geometric patterns floral motifs horsemen hunting scenes and gender-specific symbols such as swords for male warriors and delicate jewelry for women. Constructed from local buff-colored Jungshahi sandstone without mortar Chaukhandi stands as a timeless masterpiece of regional tribal masonry.
Highlights
- UNESCO World Heritage Tentative Site nominated in 1993 for outstanding regional tribal funerary art
- Features hundreds of 15th to 18th century yellow sandstone tombs built in stepped pyramid formations
- Masterpiece dry-masonry construction crafted using local buff-colored Jungshahi sandstone without mortar
- Intricate symbolic relief carvings depicting swords shields horsemen jewelry and geometric lacework
- Historical burial ground of the prominent Jokhio Baloch and Burfat tribal chiefs and warriors
- Located conveniently along National Highway N-5 just 20 minutes drive from Jinnah International Airport
Things To Do
- Admire the intricate stepped pyramid tomb architecture and carved stone crowns turban toppieces
- Decode ancient tribal stone carvings distinguishing male warrior tombs from female jewelry motifs
- Capture breathtaking golden hour heritage photography as warm sunlight illuminates yellow sandstone
- Walk through quiet historical family platforms and pillared canopy graves
- Pair your historical photowalk with visits to nearby Port Qasim and Thatta heritage sites
Local Transportation
Located along National Highway N-5 near Landhi / FAST University 29 km east of central Karachi and 18 km from Jinnah International Airport. Accessible via private cars, sedans, SUVs, rideshares, or local buses heading toward Thatta.
Accommodation
Major city hotel proximity. Luxury five-star hotels including Pearl Continental Avari Towers and Marriott exist 30 to 40 minutes drive away in Civil Lines Karachi. Boutique guest houses operate near Malir and Gulistan-e-Jauhar 20 minutes away.
Food & Cuisine
Highway food corridor. Enjoy authentic roadside dhabas serving hot chicken karahi parathas fresh lassi and cardamom green tea along National Highway N-5 and Malir 5 minutes drive away.
Safety Information
Protected heritage site monitored by Sindh Antiquities Department and local guards. Stay on marked ground pathways, refrain from climbing fragile ancient sandstone tombs, carry physical CNIC or Passport cards, and wear sun hats.
Travel Tips
Visit during golden hour (sunrise or sunset) for the best photography, bring water and sun protection as there is minimal shade, hire a local caretaker guide to explain tomb symbolism, and combine with Thatta or Makli Necropolis.