You do not need your own rooftop to enjoy Basant. In 2026 the Punjab government opened city parks for kite flying, rooftop restaurants on Fort Road sold tables with views of Badshahi Mosque, and ticketed festivals ran concerts with kites overhead. Here are the best options for Basant 2027 (29 January to 7 February).
چھت نہیں؟ پھر بھی بسنت منائیں
2026 میں حکومت نے پتنگ بازی کے لیے شہر کے پارک کھولے، فورٹ روڈ کے ریسٹورنٹس نے بادشاہی مسجد کے سامنے ٹیبل بک کیے اور مختلف جگہوں پر ٹکٹ والے میلے ہوئے۔ چھت کے بغیر بسنت منانے کے بہترین طریقے یہ ہیں۔
Official kite flying parks (2026)
| Park | Area | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Greater Iqbal Park | Next to Minar-e-Pakistan, opposite Badshahi Mosque | Huge open lawns with the Walled City skyline |
| Jilani Park (Racecourse Park) | Jail Road, Gulberg side | Central, family friendly |
| Jallo Park | Near the Wagah side of the city | Large green space, good for families |
| Gulshan-e-Iqbal Park | Allama Iqbal Town | Big park in south-west Lahore |
| Model Town Park | Model Town | Popular with local families |
These five parks were named as kite flying parks for Basant 2026. The list for 2027 will come with the district notification.
Rooftop restaurants with a view
Fort Road Food Street in the Walled City has restored buildings with rooftop seating facing Badshahi Mosque and Lahore Fort. During Basant, expect set menus, minimum spends and full bookings on weekends. Book directly with the restaurant and confirm the seating is on the roof, not indoors.
Ticketed Basant festivals
In 2026, ticketed events included the DHA Basant Mela at Phase 9 Prism (concerts at about Rs 3,000 per ticket), the UDAAN Fest at the Expo Centre, and the Zee Avenue Basant Festival. Organisers for 2027 have not announced their plans yet. We will list confirmed events in our tickets and events guide and news section.
Hotels with rooftop access
In 2026 some five-star hotels reserved rooftops for guests and private events. If a rooftop matters to you, ask the hotel before booking whether Basant access is included or ticketed. Where to stay in Lahore
Free ways to feel the festival
- Walk the Mall Road and Liberty Chowk to see the decorations and kite installations.
- Watch the sky from the steps around Minar-e-Pakistan.
- Visit a kite market such as Mochi Gate or Liberty.
- Join friends: most Lahoris welcome guests to their rooftops.
Tips for parks and public places
- Arrive before noon on weekends to get space.
- Take public transport: the Orange Line, Metro Bus and feeder buses were free during Basant 2026.
- Bring warm clothes, water and a small first aid kit.
- Watch for falling kites and loose string, especially near roads.
- Children may watch, but under-18s were not allowed to fly in 2026.
مفید مشورے
ہفتے اور اتوار کو دوپہر سے پہلے پہنچیں، پبلک ٹرانسپورٹ استعمال کریں، گرم کپڑے اور پانی ساتھ رکھیں اور سڑک کے قریب ڈور سے بچیں۔
Frequently asked questions
Where can I fly kites in Lahore without a rooftop?
In 2026 the government named Greater Iqbal Park, Jilani Park, Jallo Park, Gulshan-e-Iqbal Park and Model Town Park as kite flying parks. The 2027 list will be notified.
سوال: چھت کے بغیر کہاں پتنگ اڑائیں؟
2026 میں گریٹر اقبال پارک، جیلانی پارک، جلو پارک، گلشنِ اقبال پارک اور ماڈل ٹاؤن پارک میں اجازت تھی۔
Are there rooftop restaurants for Basant?
Yes. Fort Road Food Street restaurants offer rooftop seating facing Badshahi Mosque. Book early for the weekends.
Are Basant events ticketed?
Kite flying itself is free. Concerts and festivals are ticketed; in 2026 DHA concert tickets were about Rs 3,000.
Is public transport free during Basant?
It was during Basant 2026: the Orange Line, Metro Bus and feeder buses were free. Check the 2027 announcement.
Sources and updates
Last checked: 13 October 2026. Arrangements for Basant 2027 (flying hours, venues, no-fly zones) will be confirmed in the Lahore district notification.