Desert Safari in Pakistan

The Cholistan is a fascinating desert, locally known as “Rohi,” starting some 30km from Bahawalpur and is spread over some 16,000 sq. km. and extending up to the Thar Desert in Sindh Province. Darawar Fort is the Cholistan Desert’s principal landmark, 48km from Dera Nawab Sahib. The Cholistan is presently inhabited by 100,000 semi-nomads moving from one place to another in search of water and fodder for their animals. The nomads belong to different tribes, though most are descended from settlers from Balochistan at least 200 years ago. The women wear long, full red skirts and embroidered shawls, and the men pile bright turbans.

Camel Safari is the famous festival of the Cholistan Desert in which one can enjoy singing and camel dancing. A chain of forts built at 29km intervals when traveling in the Cholistan Desert serves as guard posts for the camel caravan routes. There are three rows of these forts; the first line of forts begins from Phulra and ends in Lera, the second from Rukhanpur to Islamgarh, and the third from Bilcaner to Khaploo. Some date back to 1000 B.C. and were destroyed and rebuilt many times.

Today, Cholistan is inhabited by tribes of poor nomads who breed camels & cattle. They are peaceful & friendly people living in mud huts & sheepskin tents. Although they frequently face droughts & dry spells, they still love the deserts & their animals, around which revolve most of their tales & songs.

The only way to travel in this expanse of dunes & dry bushes is on camelback. When the camel man returns to their villages at sunset after a hard & hot day in the desert, they are greeted with the sound of the flute & the distant bells of returning cattle, which create an enchanting atmosphere. The tired men sit in the center of the village around the fire on Camel’s hair durries, sip tea & watch the sun go down over their beloved land of beauty & wilderness. To explore this area of mysterious beauty most naturally, we organize camel safaris for you to have a profound experience of this desert & people that will touch your soul.

This tour will take you to the enchanting Cholistan desert, a desert that is full of life and culture. You will enjoy the music from the bells of cows in the desert and ride camels to the villages in the desert. You will also visit historical places like Derawar Fort, meet the people of the desert, and learn the culture of the desert folks of Cholistan.

Please get in touch with us for further inquiry at info@sunriseadventure.com.pk