Walker's Guide

Imam Jafar-e-Sadiq (A.S.) said, ‘If one of our Shia goes for Imam Hussain’s (A.S.) Ziarat, then, before he returns, all his sins will be forgiven. For every step that he or his mount takes, 1,000 virtues are written for him, 1,000 sins are forgiven and his status is elevated by 1,000 degrees. (Behaarul Anwar, Kamiluz Ziaraat)

PLANNING AND PREPARATIONS FOR THE WALK
It is an act to elevate our devotion and love for Imam Hussain (A.S.). This pilgrimage, traces back the footsteps of our fourth Imam (A.S.), who walked in chains in the aftermath of Karbala, brings us closer to the Ahlul Bait (A.S.) and provides us great opportunity to reflect on our lives and our relationship with the Masumeen (A.S.).

If one is fortunate enough to do the Ziarat of Imam Hussain (A.S.) and his brother Hazrat Abbas bin Ali (A.S.) on Arba’een, then walking from Najaf to Karbala is definitely a blessing that should be availed. As you will be the guest of the most generous Imam during this journey, you need not worry at all about food, places to rest, washrooms, etc. As a Zair of Imam Hussain (A.S.) you are a very important person and you will be cared for, far beyond your imagination, by those who consider it their privilege to take care of you. When you start on this sacred journey, be thankful to the Iraqis who host this walk and honour them with utmost respect and gratitude.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE WALK

DIRECTIONS:
Take an Exit from Imam Ali (A.S.) Haram from Shahra -e-Imam Jaffar-e-Sadiq (A.S.), keep walking straight and you will eventually get to the Highway (on the right), turn left, where hundreds of thousands of Zaireen e Mazloom Imam (A.S.) will be walking towards Karbala. This will be the start of numbered poles (Pole # 1). Join them and you will reach the Haram of Hazrat Abbas (A.S.) after about 73 Km at Pole # 1452. 

SUGGESTED BREAKS FOR REST AND WALKING NOTES

Belongings' Notes:

• Carry with you: 

• Original passport, or if the passport is with your group leader, A LAMINATED COLOUR COPY OF YOUR PASSPORT, contact details of your Iraqi representative, your group leader and your hotel in Karbala. If you are carrying your passport, keep it safe. 

• Mobile charger, medicines you take, a moisturizer lip balm and extra pairs of socks. 

• Wear your Group Pilgrimage ID and ladies should also wear their makhnas at all times. 

• Travel light. Food and drinks are available from “Sabeels” that are in abundance on the route. 

• Dress properly, but it is not cold now. Wear comfortable clothes, cover your head and keep gloves in case. 

• Wear comfortable footwear – open or closed shoes. It is suggested not to wear new shoes as they may cause blisters. 

• Wear absorbent socks that have padded soles; the feet should fit snuggly in the shoe. Correct fitting shoes and extra socks help prevent blisters. Blood circulation in the legs is important. Socks should not be too tight as they would cause discomfort. 

• Use of moisturizer before putting on socks and trousers helps to prevent blisters and rash. 

• The leg-wear is again very important. Rashes occur when clothing rubs with the skin, so soft and slightly worn out under garments are recommended. 

Walking Notes:

• Day 1, we will start the walk just after breakfast. Day 2 and Day 3, we recommend starting the walk just after Salat'ul-Layl (Namaz-e-Shab) i.e. approximately two to three hours before Fajr prayers, as that will be the BEST time to cover the distance with the fastest possible speed, as you would be fresh, your muscles will have eased up after rest, as well as the walking track won't have too many people on it and you can adjust your walking speed as per your liking - it will also feel good to walk in the cool before dawn. 

• Stop walking at Asr about 30 minutes before Maghrib and try to find a comfortable place to stay for yourself and the people accompanying you. Quite a few camps get full by Maghrib. So, ensure you stop before Maghrib and have already found a reasonable place to spend the night - There are thousands of Moukkabs throughout the route, so you don't have to worry much. 

• Spend the 1st Night in a Moukkab somewhere between 150-200 Poles. 

• Spend the 2nd Night in a Moukkab somewhere between 700-850 Poles. 

• It is suggested that you discipline your walk with periodic stops for rest and regrouping every 100 poles or so. 

• While resting, keep your legs covered to keep leg muscles warm, do light massage of thigh and calf muscles, remove your shoes to air your feet and massage the sole of your feet.

• Cell phone calls get through before Fajr as the network gets choked during the day. You may use GPRS to communicate. 

• Stay hydrated; keep drinking water at regular intervals. This prevents fatigue and muscle cramps. Do not carry food, however, a small 250 ml bottle will be perfect for sipping through the walk as it will not be too heavy to carry. Make sure you eat small portions, and eat frequently. 

• Listen to your body. DO NOT over exert. Find your rhythm and stay with it. Do not over stretch yourself during the walk. Take rest, when required. 

• Retain enough energy to allow you to pay proper homage to the Imam (A.S.) when you reach Karbala as this is the purpose for this walk. 

• There is going to be pain and discomfort, but then, our devotion to Imam Hussain (A.S.), Imam Zainul Abideen (A.S.) and the Martyrs of Karbala will make this walk easy. 

• You don't have to worry much about doing it completely. If you ever think, that you cannot continue at any point, you can take a van to reach Karbala, there are hundreds everywhere. An average male/female above the age of 10 years is 99.99% likely to complete it on the 3rd day without any issues. You should at least give it a try – it is definitely worth it!! 

• If you decide to quit at any point, consider resting at the Moukkab until after Maghrib and then take a van to Karbala, as the roads are more likely to be less busy after Maghrib. Do note, you will have to walk the last 5 km to 10 km from the van stop to your hotel in Karbala. 

Western Washrooms may be available at the following Pole Numbers 

17, 72, 86, 100, 110, 131, 140, 157, 163, 172, 184, 185, 211, 217, 228, 230, 232, 249, 266, 270, 288, 300, 309, 321, 328, 341, 356, 365, 379, 383, 399, 405, 414, 430, 439, 444, 460, 459, 468, 472, 473, 488, 490, 503, 523, 539, 547, 568, 591, 596, 602, 611, 612, 619, 630, 638, 642, 650, 655, 672, 683, 691, 705, 717, 721, 738, 747, 751, 758, 760, 767, 781, 807, 824, 840, 855, 869, 886, 890, 906, 918, 920, 941, 942, 964, 987, 994, 1000, 1011, 1031, 1047, 1058, 1080, 1091, 1116, 1125, 1148, 1156, 1195, 1216, 1222, 1231, 1263.

This is based on information collected from various websites. 

EXPECTED TEMPERATURES DURING WALK IN OCTOBER 2018: 

APPROXIMATE SALAAT TIMES DURING WALK IN OCTOBER 2018: