Photo: Department of Archaeology & Museums, Government of PakistanField guides / Islamabad Capital Territory / Islamabad / Golra Sharif
Field guide · Heritage
Islamabad
Islamabad District · Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan
Golra Sharif
The shrine town of Pir Meher Ali Shah below the Margalla Hills, with a railway heritage museum.
Golra Sharif lies at about 520 m below the Margalla Hills on the western side of Islamabad. It is known across Pakistan for the shrine of Pir Meher Ali Shah, which draws thousands of devotees every year.
Why go
- ✦The shrine of Pir Meher Ali Shah
- ✦Golra Sharif Junction, opened in 1881
- ✦The Railways Heritage Museum
- ✦At the foot of the Margalla Hills
About
Before Meher Ali Shah's family settled here, Golra was a village on the outskirts of Rawalpindi. Its other landmark is Golra Sharif Junction, opened in 1881 as a railway junction for the lines to Peshawar, Kohat, Havelian and Multan; since 2003 it has housed the Railways Heritage Museum.
How to Reach
On the western edge of Islamabad below the Margalla Hills; the railway station is on Golra Road.
Responsible Travel
Dress respectfully, remove footwear where required, avoid interrupting worship, and ask before photographing people or religious interiors.
Planning tip
Best Time to Visit, October to April. The shrine is busiest at its annual urs.
Getting there, On the western edge of Islamabad below the Margalla Hills; the railway station is on Golra Road.
Allow, One to two hours; half a day with the railway museum.
What to Do
Nearby
Straight-line distance from Golra Sharif, within 5 km.
