Iraq · Ziyarat
Travel to Karbala for Arbaeen, the commemoration of the fortieth day after the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (a.s.).
Pilgrims walking toward Karbala for Arbaeen, Babil province, 2011 — Babil, Iraq
Journey outline. This page describes the sacred places this journey is planned around. Dates, duration, price, accommodation and transport are not yet published — they are confirmed with you personally when you enquire.
Arbaeen draws pilgrims from across the world to Karbala. Many begin in Najaf and walk toward Karbala, supported along the way by the hospitality of the mawkibs.
Arbaeen falls on 20 Safar in the Islamic calendar, so its Gregorian date moves each year and depends on the sighting of the moon. Travel dates, arrangements and availability are confirmed only once they are established — we will never publish an unverified departure date.
A confirmed day-by-day itinerary is shared with you on enquiry. The sacred places are often visited in a sequence like this:
Najaf
Many pilgrims begin with the Ziyarat of Imam Ali (a.s.)
The pilgrimage route
Pilgrims who walk follow the road toward Karbala, served by mawkibs
Karbala
Ziyarat of Imam Hussain (a.s.) and Hazrat Abbas (a.s.) for Arbaeen
Illustrative sequence only — not a confirmed itinerary.
Confirmed with you on enquiry — depending on the arrangements you choose.
Confirmed with you on enquiry, so you know exactly what is and is not covered.
Planning for Arbaeen
Arbaeen — Arabic for "forty" — marks the fortieth day after Ashura, the day Imam Hussain (a.s.) was martyred at Karbala in 61 AH. It falls on 20 Safar in the Islamic calendar and is a day of remembrance, mourning and renewed devotion.
Karbala is the heart of Arbaeen, home to the shrines of Imam Hussain (a.s.) and Hazrat Abbas (a.s.). Many pilgrims also visit the shrine of Imam Ali (a.s.) in Najaf, and some begin their walk from there.
Because the Islamic calendar is lunar, Arbaeen moves earlier by around 10–11 days each Gregorian year, and its exact date depends on the sighting of the moon. Travel dates are confirmed only once they are established.
Accommodation in Karbala and Najaf is extremely limited at Arbaeen and transport is heavily affected by crowds. Enquiring early gives the most time to confirm what is possible — nothing is promised until it is secured.
Many pilgrims travel with family or community groups at Arbaeen. If you are organising a group, share the number of travellers and any special needs so arrangements can be discussed realistically.
Comfortable, well-worn walking shoes, light modest clothing, sun protection, a small backpack, personal medication and copies of your documents are widely recommended. If you plan to walk, consult your doctor and build up your walking beforehand.
Arbaeen travel dates, visas, accommodation and access are not guaranteed. They depend on the Islamic calendar, the authorities and availability each season, and are confirmed with you only once established.
Religious and historical information is shared for context and is not a substitute for confirmed travel arrangements.
Najaf · Karbala · Kadhimayn · Samarra
A journey to the holy shrines of Iraq — from the golden dome of Najaf to the two shrines of Karbala and the twin domes of Kadhimayn.
Mashhad · Qom
Visit the shrine of Imam Ali al-Ridha (a.s.) in Mashhad and the shrine of Fatima al-Masumeh (s.a.) in Qom.
Najaf · Karbala · Kadhimayn · Samarra · Mashhad · Qom
One journey to the sacred shrines of both Iraq and Iran, planned around your time and travel needs.
Travel documents, visa policies, pilgrimage conditions and regional requirements can change. Please confirm current arrangements with us before making any travel commitments. Safar-e-Hidayat is an independent travel service and is not affiliated with any shrine administration or government authority.
