Iraq 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.
Trip at a glance
- Duration8 days / 7 nights
- Starts inNajaf
- RouteNajaf · Karbala
- Places2 destinations
- CountryIraq
- Ideal forPilgrimage tours, Group tours
- Trip stylePrivate, customisable
- Package codeNX-1TUZGK
Best time to visit: October to April
Trip overview
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.
The route spends 3 nights in Najaf and 4 nights in Karbala, so you get time for the main sights without changing hotels every day. It suits pilgrimage tours and group tours, and every day can be shortened, swapped or extended.
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1Arrive in Najaf
- Arrive via Najaf International Airport (NJF) and transfer to your hotel
- Check in and settle in
- Later: Great Mosque of Kufa: One of the oldest mosques in the world
Day 2Najaf: Masjid al-Sahla and Ziyarat at the Imam Ali shrine
- Masjid al-Sahla: Historic mosque in Kufa
- Ziyarat at the Imam Ali shrine
Day 3Najaf: Visit Kufa's mosques and Join prayers at the shrine
- Visit Kufa's mosques
- Join prayers at the shrine
Day 4Najaf to Karbala
- Travel from Najaf to Karbala by private vehicle
- Check in at your Karbala hotel
- Imam Hussain Shrine: Golden-domed shrine of Imam Hussain
Day 5Karbala: Hazrat Abbas Shrine and Bain-ul-Haramain
- Hazrat Abbas Shrine: Shrine of Abbas ibn Ali
- Bain-ul-Haramain: Walkway between the two shrines
Day 6Karbala: Ziyarat at both shrines and Tal al-Zainabiya
- Ziyarat at both shrines
- Tal al-Zainabiya: Hill linked to Sayyida Zainab
Day 7Karbala: Camp of Imam Hussain and Arbaeen walk from Najaf
- Camp of Imam Hussain: Site of the camp at Karbala
- Arbaeen walk from Najaf
Day 8Depart from Karbala
- Breakfast and hotel check-out
- Transfer to Najaf International Airport (NJF) for your journey home
How this version is planned
- Darshan and aarti timings planned around temple hours
- Online darshan or registration booked through official channels where available
- Comfortable pace and short walks planned for elders
- Dress codes and rules for each shrine shared before you go
- Vehicle sized for the whole group and its luggage
This is a suggested itinerary. Sightseeing order may change with opening days, weather and local conditions; your final plan is in your written quote.
Good to know
- Najaf: Stay near the shrine so you can return for night prayers when the courtyard is calmest.
- Karbala: For Arbaeen, book hotels months ahead and plan to walk the route over two or three days.
Questions about this trip
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