AI generatedKarbala
Iraq · Karbala Governorate
Short description of Karbala
Karbala (كربلاء) is one of the holiest cities in Shia Islam and among the most visited places on earth. Two shrines face each other across a paved square, that of Imam Husayn, killed here with his companions, and that of his half brother Abbas. Pilgrims walk the corridor between them day and night under chandeliers and mirrored vaults. During Arbaeen millions arrive on foot from Najaf and beyond, hosted along the road in free kitchens and tents. Around the shrines the old bazaars sell prayer beads, cloth and dates, and the fortress of Ukhaidir stands alone in the desert to the southwest.
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Recommended length of stay
Travel seasons at a glance
Best time to visit: March – April or October
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
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- Aug
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- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
All highlights and sights
- Imam Husayn Shrine
- Al-Abbas Shrine
- Bayn al-Haramayn square between the shrines
- Arbaeen pilgrimage on foot (approx. September)
- Old bazaars around the shrines
- Ashura processions (approx. July)
- Al-Mukhayam shrine on the camp site
- Ukhaidir Fortress in the desert(Day trip)
- Tomb of Al-Hurr(Day trip)
- Lake Razzaza(Day trip)
- Free pilgrim kitchens (mawakib)
- Date and sweet shops of the old town
Ways to get there and away
- Airports nearby:
- BGW Baghdad International Airport / New Al Muthana Air Base (Baghdad) · 75 km north
- NJF Al Najaf International Airport (Najaf) · 78 km southeast(recommended)
- Train stations:
- Karbala