Mohenjo-daro
Discover Mohenjo-daro
The ancient settlement of Mohenjo-daro is in Larkana District in the Sindh province of Pakistan. Listed as an archaeological site of immense historical significance on the UNESCO World Heritage List, it is one of the most important archaeological sites of South Asia, not to be missed if you are interested in archaeology or in the history of the Indian subcontinent. Believed to have been built in about 2,600 BCE on what was then the west bank of the Indus river, the city had a population of 35,000 to 50,000 at its peak. It was one of the earliest cities in the world, one of the most advanced of its time, and one of the first to be a major centre of a Bronze Age culture, the Indus Valley Civilisation. The city was abandoned around 1,900 BCE, and the reason is not known for certain.
What to Experience in Mohenjo-daro
Taste of Mohenjo-daro...
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Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsThe site is not particularly easy or comfortable to get to since it is in rural Sindh, some 30 km from the nearest city, Larkana, and the region is extremely hot and dry. On the other hand, it is accessible by rail, road or air and it is certainly worth a visit. Pakistan's flag carrier Pakistan International Airlines flies from Karachi to Mohenjo-daro. Direct flights run three times a week and take around one hour. The outdated infrastructure of the Mohenjo-daro airport prevents the use of large, advanced aircraft so smaller prop aircraft such as the ATR 42 are used. A one-way ticket costs around Rs 6,000 to/from Karachi. The nearest railway station is some 11km away from the site in the outskirts of the nearby town of Dokri, but named after Mohenjo-daro. There's one train the Khushal Khan Khattak Express, each day run between Karachi and Peshawar, and makes a brief stop at Dokri early in the morning at around 6 AM. It has both air conditioned and non air conditioned coaches....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
The archaeological ruins are scattered inside a large complex, surrounded by a protection wall and only accessible through a large main entrance gate. The complex can be covered on foot easily, and it is a pedestrians-only area; no other means of transport is allowed, not even bicycles. Pathways are constructed of bricks connecting the scattered ruins. Beware that walking can be quite exhausting, especially in the heat of summer. Make sure you wear proper and comfortable walking shoes and have a bottle of water with you when you explore the ancient city. It is also advisable to wear sunglasses and hats. Watch your step while walking through the ancient structure, as snakes have been sighted; they pose a hazard only if you disturb them. The archaeological site is divided into two sectors: a higher settlement to the west and a larger lower settlement to the east.
Where to Stay
There is only one lodging facility in Mohenjo-daro, inside the complex and close to the archaeological site. Alternatively, there are a few good options to stay in the nearby town of Larkana. The PTDC Motel shown on the map was shut down in 2013 and remains so as of late 2014. The main risk in Mohenjo-daro and nearby areas is extreme heat. You might want to visit in the cooler winter months (October to March); otherwise you should be prepared for blisteringly hot weather. Generally, June is the hottest month of the year, with temperatures around 35°C, while December and January see an average temperature of some 15°C. It is essential to stay hydrated; carry drinks with you or buy them along the way since tap water is unsafe in the region. Consider freezing a bottle of water overnight and drinking it as it melts; this can give cold water for much of the day.
Money & Budget
Among the most popular souvenirs are replicas of two famous pieces of sculpture found at Mohenjo-daro: the 'Dancing Girl', and the 'Priest-King' as well numerous seals and ancient jewellery. The 'Dancing Girl' is some 4,500 years old and was found in 1926; the bronze statuette is an image of a young dancer wearing nothing but bangles and a necklace. The 'Priest-King', was found in 1927 and has become symbolic of the Indus Valley Civilisation; the soapstone sculpture is of a bearded male believed by some to be a priest or monarch who had ruled Mohenjo-daro; however, there is no evidence that Mohenjo-daro was ruled by a priest or monarch. You'll find locals selling these souvenirs inside the Mohenjo-daro complex.
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Glimpses of Mohenjo-daro
City of Mounds - Indus Civilization Mohenjo-daro is an archaeological site in the province of Sindh, Pakistan. It was built around 2500 BCE. A mysterious place with lot of town planning at the bank of River Indus. There are many myths and stories about the people and settlement and its
City of Mounds - Indus Civilization Mohenjo-daro is an archaeological site in the province of Sindh, Pakistan. It was built around 2500 BCE. A mysterious place with lot of town planning at the bank of River Indus. There are many myths and stories about the people and settlement and its
City of Mounds - Indus Civilization Mohenjo-daro is an archaeological site in the province of Sindh, Pakistan. It was built around 2500 BCE. A mysterious place with lot of town planning at the bank of River Indus. There are many myths and stories about the people and settlement and its
City of Mounds - Indus Civilization Mohenjo-daro is an archaeological site in the province of Sindh, Pakistan. It was built around 2500 BCE. A mysterious place with lot of town planning at the bank of River Indus. There are many myths and stories about the people and settlement and its
City of Mounds - Indus Civilization Mohenjo-daro is an archaeological site in the province of Sindh, Pakistan. It was built around 2500 BCE. A mysterious place with lot of town planning at the bank of River Indus. There are many myths and stories about the people and settlement and its
City of Mounds - Indus Civilization Mohenjo-daro is an archaeological site in the province of Sindh, Pakistan. It was built around 2500 BCE. A mysterious place with lot of town planning at the bank of River Indus. There are many myths and stories about the people and settlement and its
City of Mounds - Indus Civilization Mohenjo-daro is an archaeological site in the province of Sindh, Pakistan. It was built around 2500 BCE. A mysterious place with lot of town planning at the bank of River Indus. There are many myths and stories about the people and settlement and its
City of Mounds - Indus Civilization Mohenjo-daro is an archaeological site in the province of Sindh, Pakistan. It was built around 2500 BCE. A mysterious place with lot of town planning at the bank of River Indus. There are many myths and stories about the people and settlement and its
City of Mounds - Indus Civilization Mohenjo-daro is an archaeological site in the province of Sindh, Pakistan. It was built around 2500 BCE. A mysterious place with lot of town planning at the bank of River Indus. There are many myths and stories about the people and settlement and its
City of Mounds - Indus Civilization Mohenjo-daro is an archaeological site in the province of Sindh, Pakistan. It was built around 2500 BCE. A mysterious place with lot of town planning at the bank of River Indus. There are many myths and stories about the people and settlement and its
City of Mounds - Indus Civilization Mohenjo-daro is an archaeological site in the province of Sindh, Pakistan. It was built around 2500 BCE. A mysterious place with lot of town planning at the bank of River Indus. There are many myths and stories about the people and settlement and its
City of Mounds - Indus Civilization Mohenjo-daro is an archaeological site in the province of Sindh, Pakistan. It was built around 2500 BCE. A mysterious place with lot of town planning at the bank of River Indus. There are many myths and stories about the people and settlement and its
City of Mounds - Indus Civilization Mohenjo-daro is an archaeological site in the province of Sindh, Pakistan. It was built around 2500 BCE. A mysterious place with lot of town planning at the bank of River Indus. There are many myths and stories about the people and settlement and its