Arbaeen pilgrimage to Karbala

In short: Arbaeen pilgrimage to Karbala: from Najaf to Karbala. Length: around 80 km from Najaf, duration: 2 to 3 days. Best time: for the Arbaeen festival, moves through the calendar.

Overview

Forty days after the day of mourning of Ashura, Shia Muslims commemorate the death of Imam Hussein, who fell near Karbala in 680. For the Arbaeen pilgrimage, millions of people walk to his shrine, many of them from Najaf, around 80 kilometres away.

Estimates reach into the tens of millions, which makes it one of the largest gatherings in the world. Along the way volunteers provide pilgrims with free food, water and places to sleep.

The pilgrimage is a religious event and no hiking route. Travel warnings apply for Iraq, so check your government's advice. The date follows the Islamic lunar calendar and moves forward by about eleven days each year.

Planning your stages

How long you need depends on your daily distance. The table works this out for 80 kilometres, with one rest day a week.

Who is this route for?

With some hiking experience this route is very manageable. Expect climbs and keep your days from getting too long.

You can find more routes under Pilgrimage routes in the Middle East, sorted by religion under Islamic pilgrimages.