Storytelling walk · 3 hours· The Mall
The Mall: Colonial Lahore
Thandi sarak, from the GPO to the Museum
A walk down the Mall Road the British built, past the buildings that still run the city: the GPO, the High Court, the Museum with Kim's Gun outside it, and the colleges that raised the country's writers.
The Mall was built to be admired from a carriage. On foot it is even better. Nearly every building between the GPO and the Museum has a story, and most of them involve Bhai Ram Singh, the architect who gave Lahore its Indo-Saracenic skyline and then got written out of the history books.
We start at the General Post Office, cross to Charing Cross and the Summit Minar, look up at Shah Din Building, and walk the shaded stretch past Tollinton Market to the Lahore Museum, where Kipling's father was curator and Zamzama, Kim's Gun, still points down the road. We end between the National College of Arts and Government College, where the country's poets and painters learned their trade.
A walk for people who like architecture, Kipling arguments and a very good cup of coffee at the end.
An exploration of
- Bhai Ram Singh's Lahore and why you have not heard of him
- Charing Cross, the Summit Minar and Queen Victoria's missing statue
- Zamzama, the Kim's Gun of Kipling's novel
- The Museum facade and the NCA next door
The route
Stop by stop.
- 1
General Post Office
1887, built for Victoria's jubilee.
- 2
Charing Cross
Now Faisal Chowk, with the Summit Minar.
- 3
Shah Din Building
- 4
Lahore High Court
From the outside, the finest Indo-Saracenic in the city.
- 5
Tollinton Market
- 6
Lahore Museum and Zamzama
Kim's Gun.
- 7
NCA and Government College
We end here.
On the walk
From previous editions.
Included
- ✓A Lahore ka Ravi storyteller for the whole walk
- ✓A chai stop midway (chai is on us)
- ✓Bottled water
- ✓Entry tickets to any sites on the route
Not included
- –Transport to and from the meeting point
- –Personal shopping and extra snacks
- –Gratuities, never expected
Good to know
- Wear comfortable shoes. The galiyan are uneven and we walk slowly, but we do walk.
- Dress modestly. Mosques and shrines ask for covered shoulders and knees, and women will need a dupatta or scarf for the mosque.
- Children are welcome. Under 6 walk free, and prams do not work well in the old city, so bring a carrier.
- Photography is encouraged, except where our host asks you to put the phone away.
- We go ahead in light rain. In a real downpour we move the walk and your booking moves with it.
- Museum entry is not included, but we tell you what to see if you go in afterwards.
Dates
Choose your morning.
Tap Book on any date to get your tickets on High Tribe. If a date is full, join the waitlist.
Past editions
Previous runs of this walk.
Good to know
Questions before you book.
How do I book a tour?
Bookings are made through our website. Pick a date on the Upcoming walks page and tap Book. We recommend booking in advance, as spots on our walks are limited.
How do I pay?
Tickets are sold through High Tribe, our ticketing partner. Tap Book on any date and you will complete payment there. For private tours, schools and companies, we send payment details directly.
Where do the tours start?
Each route has its own meeting point, which we share with you once your booking is confirmed. Most walks begin in or around the Walled City.
What should I wear and bring?
Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as our routes cover narrow lanes and uneven ground. We also suggest modest clothing, as many sites are places of worship, plus water and a camera.