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.
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.
Departure/Return Location
Saima Square One Mall, Johar Karachi
Best Time: Mid-May to End-October
Please get in touch with us for further inquiries at info@adventureholidayspakistangmail.com
