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
- Bahawalpur (arrive via Islamabad or Lahore)
- Region: Cholistan Desert
- Route: Derawar Fort to Dingarh Fort
- Travel: Camelback, with 4x4 support
- Best Time: October to March (cooler months)
- Duration: 7 Days
- Zone: Open
Please get in touch with us for further inquiries: call +92 3449850057 or WhatsApp us (opens WhatsApp in a new tab).
01: Arrival Islamabad / Lahore to Bahawalpur
Arrive at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Afternoon sightseeing of Bahawalpur including Noor Mahal, local bazaars, and an evening tour briefing with the expedition team. Overnight stay in Bahawalpur.
02: Bahawalpur to Derawar Fort
After breakfast, drive toward Dera Nawab Sahib and onward to Derawar Fort (approx. 48 km). Meet your local camel drivers and desert crew. Explore the massive 9th-century fort and the Abbasi Mosque before mounting camels for a short sunset ride into the Cholistan dunes. Overnight in camp (Tent).
03: Derawar Fort to Channan Pir
Start the camel caravan trek deeper into the desert dunes of Rohi. Travel along historic nomadic trading routes with rest stops under desert acacia trees. Arrive near Channan Pir by late afternoon. Experience local nomadic folk traditions and evening campfire under the desert stars. Overnight in camp (Tent).
04: Channan Pir to Bijnot Fort
Full day camel trek across sweeping sand dunes targeting the ancient desert fortress ruins of Bijnot. Witness wild desert flora, local wildlife, and nomadic settlements grazing herds of camels and cattle. Enjoy a traditional campfire dinner with local folk music. Overnight in camp (Tent).
05: Bijnot Fort to Dingarh
Continue the camel safari along the ancient defensive line of desert forts. Experience changing desert landscapes, vast salt flats, and remote settlement life. Reach the campsite near Dingarh Fort by evening for sunset views over the dunes. Overnight in camp (Tent).
06: Dingarh to Derawar & Bahawalpur
Final morning ride on camelback concluding the desert caravan loop. Meet support 4x4 vehicles at the rendezvous point and transfer back to Bahawalpur via Dera Nawab Sahib. Check into the hotel for hot showers and relaxation. Overnight stay in Bahawalpur.
07: Departure Bahawalpur
After breakfast, morning transfer to Bahawalpur Airport or railway station for onward departure to Lahore/Islamabad.
Services included as follows:
- Hotel Accommodation on a sharing basis
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Air-conditioned luxury transport
- English-speaking tour guide
- Entry fees
- toll taxes
- Domestic flights tickets
- Tips for baggage handling at airports & hotels
Services not included in the given price
- Member international flight tickets
- Member personal insurance and all personal expenses such as telephone calls, fax, email charges, liquor or soft drinks,
- Helicopter emergency rescue fees
- Room service, personal services, items of a purely personal nature, and any unforeseen expenses (just like road block extra hotel stay) members will be paid according to the number of days basses.