Androon Lahore, the old Walled City, is where Basant is loudest and most traditional. Its thirteen historic gates, packed havelis and flat rooftops create a sky full of kites from late morning until night. This guide explains where to go, how rooftop rentals work, how to get in and out, and how to stay safe during Basant 2027 (29 January to 7 February).
اندرونِ شہر میں بسنت
اندرونِ لاہور بسنت کا اصل مرکز ہے۔ یہاں کے دروازوں، حویلیوں اور چھتوں پر صبح سے رات تک پتنگیں اڑتی ہیں۔ اس گائیڈ میں جانیں کہ کہاں جائیں، چھت کیسے کرائے پر لیں، کیسے پہنچیں اور محفوظ کیسے رہیں۔
Best gates and mohallas for Basant
| Area | Why go | Nearby |
|---|---|---|
| Bhati Gate | Famous for lively rooftop culture and food; in 2026 neighbourhoods here turned into ticketed rooftop venues | Data Darbar, Bhati food |
| Mochi Gate | Lahore’s traditional kite market and dense rooftops | Licensed kite sellers, Mochi Bagh |
| Delhi Gate | Heritage setting along the Royal Trail | Wazir Khan Mosque, Shahi Hammam, Kashmiri Bazaar |
| Rang Mahal | Central location with panoramic rooftop views | Sunehri Masjid, Kashmiri Bazaar |
| Taxali Gate and Fort Road | Views of Badshahi Mosque and Lahore Fort | Fort Road Food Street, Hazuri Bagh |
| Sheranwala and Lohari Gate | Quieter residential rooftops | Lohari food lanes |
Rooftop rentals: how they work
Most visitors without family in the Walled City rent a rooftop or book a ticketed rooftop event. In 2026, agents booked rooftops around Delhi, Bhati and Mochi Gates and Rang Mahal weeks in advance. Reported prices ran from about Rs 500,000 to over Rs 1 million, and up to Rs 2.5 to 3 million for prime three-day packages.
Before you pay, confirm
- Exact dates and hours (the festival runs ten days, with no flying on 5 February).
- How many people are allowed and whether children can attend.
- The roof’s boundary wall height and railings.
- What is included: food, heaters, seating, toilets, music, kites and dor.
- That kites and dor come from registered sellers with QR codes.
- A written receipt with the owner’s name and CNIC.
Avoid rooftop scams
Do not pay the full amount to an agent you cannot verify. Visit the roof in daylight first, and pay through a traceable method. Report problems to the Basant helpline 0800-02345.
Getting in and out
- Orange Line: stations such as Lakshmi Chowk and GPO are close to the Walled City. It was free during Basant 2026.
- Drop-off points: use Fort Road (for Taxali and Badshahi), Circular Road for Delhi, Mochi and Bhati Gates, or Greater Iqbal Park and walk.
- Inside the walls: walk or take a rickshaw. Cars cannot pass most lanes.
- Leaving at night: agree your pick-up point in advance; networks get congested.
Food inside the Walled City
Eat where the Lahoris eat. Fort Road Food Street has rooftop restaurants facing Badshahi Mosque. Gawalmandi, just outside the walls, is known for fried fish, hareesa and barbecue. Around Delhi Gate and Kashmiri Bazaar, start the morning with halwa puri. Basant food guide
Heritage stops between flying sessions
- Wazir Khan Mosque, famous for its tile work, inside Delhi Gate.
- Shahi Hammam, the restored royal bathhouse near Delhi Gate.
- Lahore Fort and Badshahi Mosque at the north end of the Walled City.
- Walking tours run by the Walled City of Lahore Authority, which also manages Lahore Fort and Shahi Hammam.
Safety in the Walled City
- Check the roof edge and walls before letting anyone near them.
- Wear gloves and keep string away from necks and faces.
- Under-18s were not allowed to fly in 2026; keep children seated away from edges.
- Keep valuables in a zipped bag: lanes get crowded.
- Note the nearest Rescue 1122 point and keep 0800-02345 saved.
حفاظتی ہدایات
چھت کی منڈیر چیک کریں، دستانے پہنیں، بچوں کو کنارے سے دور رکھیں اور قیمتی سامان سنبھال کر رکھیں۔ ایمرجنسی میں 1122 پر کال کریں۔
Frequently asked questions
Which gate is best for Basant in Lahore?
Bhati, Mochi and Delhi Gates and Rang Mahal are the most popular. For views of Badshahi Mosque, choose rooftops near Taxali Gate and Fort Road.
سوال: بسنت کے لیے کون سا دروازہ بہترین ہے؟
بھاٹی، موچی، دہلی دروازہ اور رنگ محل سب سے مشہور ہیں۔
Can tourists book a rooftop in the Walled City?
Yes. In 2026 rooftops were rented through owners, agents and event organisers. Inspect the roof first and get a written receipt.
How do I get to the Walled City during Basant?
Use the Orange Line or a ride to Circular Road, Fort Road or Greater Iqbal Park, then walk or take a rickshaw into the lanes.
Is the Walled City safe during Basant?
It is crowded but heavily policed. In 2026 police and Safe City cameras monitored rooftops. Follow the rules, watch your belongings and keep children away from roof edges.
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.