11 Jan 2025
This trip I did of South Pakistan was truly eye opening. Besides Mohenjo Daro, there are so many stunningly beautiful (and often actively used) monuments. The Chaukhandi graves are stunning beautiful with their delicate lattice work in stone, lotus patterns, and sheer creativity of the artisans. A clear influence of the Gujarat and Rajasthan styles is evident here. Makli is a real piece of history. The area of the Samma tribes (Jam Tamachi-Jam Nizamuddin) is beautiful. THe old 14th century mosque has this amazing brick arch against a blue sky. Jam Nizamudin's tomb is amazing. The later Makli tomns of the Uzbek and central Asia rulers is another testament of the clear mixing of Rajput and Islamic styles. the Blue tiles that appear here are magical. Some of the tombs are so intricately carved -the beauty is stunning. The shrine at Bhit Shah is beautiful, with its beautiful blue tile facades and arches. We were there at night, listening to the singing of the saints' poems sung at night in the shrine is like going back in time. The Kalhoro and Talpur tombs are also beautiful with their Kashikari tile work. Mohenjo Daro is amazing with a good guide. Kot Diji, the fort is large and imposing, really good to have an experienced guide.
Fahd was absolutely fantastic, he is passionate about the tours, knows his history as a guide and has many useful contacts at each place that added to the richness of the travel, and the wealth of interaction with local people in the different towns. Fahd makes a great guide as he knows when to give one time and space to soak in the beauty oneself, and when to provide the necessary information. A great host, would do this again if I could!