Karbala Tour Packages
Karbala holds the shrines of Imam Hussain and his brother Hazrat Abbas, facing each other across the open walkway of Bain-ul-Haramain.
Karbala at a glance
- LocationIraq, Middle East
- Time zone2 hours 30 minutes behind India
- Driving sideRight
- Calling code+964
- CurrencyIraqi dinar (IQD)
- LanguagesArabic, Kurdish
- Power plugsTypes C, D and G · 230 V
- Ideal stay3–4 days
Best time to visit: October to April; Muharram and Arbaeen for the great gatherings
Top Karbala travel packages
A few of our Karbala itineraries in different travel styles. Every one is private and can be changed to suit you.
Essential tips for travelling to Karbala
Iraqi dinar (IQD). Carry some local currency for markets, small shops and tips, and ask your bank about international card charges before you travel.
Small tips for drivers, guides and hotel staff are customary.
Drink bottled or filtered water; it is cheap and easy to find.
Types C, D and G · 230 V. Indian two-pin plugs usually fit; carry an adapter for three-pin chargers.
Languages spoken: Arabic, Kurdish.
Most pilgrims fly into Najaf; Karbala is about 1 hour 30 minutes away by road. Baghdad and Kadhimiya can be added on the way.
We plan ziyarat to Iraq only when government travel advice allows, and recheck it before departure.
Women should wear an abaya at the shrines; it can be borrowed at the entrance.
For Arbaeen, book hotels months ahead and plan to walk the route over two or three days.
General guidance. Local rules and services change; we confirm details for your dates.
Where is Karbala?
Who should visit Karbala?
Plan your Karbala trip from India
Everything you need to know about Karbala
Karbala holds the shrines of Imam Hussain and his brother Hazrat Abbas, facing each other across the open walkway of Bain-ul-Haramain. Millions come for Ashura in Muharram and for Arbaeen forty days later, when pilgrims walk from Najaf to Karbala, fed and sheltered along the way.
Highlights include Imam Hussain Shrine, Hazrat Abbas Shrine, Bain-ul-Haramain and Tal al-Zainabiya. Local food worth trying: Iraqi kebab, Dolma and Halva and tea. Plan 3–4 days here; it suits shia pilgrims and families. Our Karbala itineraries run from 7 to 10 days and every one can be changed to suit you.
When to go
October to April; Muharram and Arbaeen for the great gatherings. Mild weather in the cool months; the festival dates follow the Islamic calendar.
How to reach Karbala
- By air: Najaf International Airport (NJF), about 1 hour 30 minutes by road
- By rail: About 2 hours by road from Baghdad
- By road: Arbaeen pilgrims walk about 80 km from Najaf
View all Karbala packages
Private, customisable itineraries with prices quoted for your dates, hotel category and group size.
8D / 7NNajaf · KarbalaIraq Ziyarat: Najaf & Karbala
The shrine of Imam Ali and the mosques of Kufa from Najaf, then the shrines of Imam Hussain and Hazrat Abbas at Karbala, subject to current government travel advice.
View itinerary →7D / 6NNajaf · KarbalaArbaeen Walk to Karbala
Ziyarat in Najaf, then the Arbaeen walk of about 80 km to Karbala with mawkib rest stops along the way, and four nights near the shrines, subject to current government travel advice.
View itinerary →
10D / 9NMashhad · Najaf · KarbalaIran & Iraq Ziyarat
The shrine of Imam Reza in Mashhad, then Najaf and Karbala in Iraq, linked by flights, subject to current government travel advice for both countries.
View itinerary →3 itineraries
More places in Iraq
Top things to see in Karbala
Cultural experiences in Karbala
Heritage and landmarks
On the menuFood to try
- Iraqi kebab
- Dolma
- Halva and tea
Outdoor activities in Karbala
Many activities are seasonal. Best time for Karbala: October to April; Muharram and Arbaeen for the great gatherings. We check operating seasons for your dates.
Karbala travel tips
Visa and entry
Entry rules for Indian passport holders change, including visa-free, visa-on-arrival and e-visa schemes, so confirm the current rules on the official government or embassy website for Iraq before booking flights. Most countries require a passport valid for at least six months beyond your return date. We check the current requirements when we prepare your quote; we cannot guarantee visa approval.
Health and safety
Buy travel insurance that covers medical treatment and evacuation; healthcare abroad can be expensive. Carry prescription medicines in their original packaging with a copy of the prescription. For current safety advice, check the travel advisories published by the Government of India and the embassy in Iraq.
Currency and tipping
The currency is the Iraqi dinar (IQD). Small tips for drivers, guides and hotel staff are customary.
Best time to visit
October to April; Muharram and Arbaeen for the great gatherings. Mild weather in the cool months; the festival dates follow the Islamic calendar.
Getting around
Most pilgrims fly into Najaf; Karbala is about 1 hour 30 minutes away by road. Baghdad and Kadhimiya can be added on the way.
Local etiquette
- Dress modestly at temples, churches and mosques, and remove footwear where asked.
- Ask before photographing people, and follow photography rules at religious sites and museums.
What to pack
Pack modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees for religious sites and comfortable walking shoes.
Phone and internet
Indian mobile operators sell international roaming packs, or you can buy a local SIM or eSIM on arrival with your passport. Check that your phone is unlocked and supports eSIM before you travel.
Budget
We don't publish fixed prices because the season, hotel category, flights and group size change the cost. Your written quote lists exactly what is included, so you can compare like for like.
Karbala FAQs
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