Bahawalpur and the Cholistan Desert
Bahawalpur is a city in southern Punjab and the gateway to the Cholistan Desert, where Derawar Fort stands on the old caravan routes.
About Bahawalpur & Cholistan
Noor Mahal is one of Bahawalpur's palaces, visited on the first afternoon of our camel safari. In the desert, a chain of forts once guarded the caravan routes; the safari rides between Derawar, Channan Pir, Bijnot and Dingarh.
The camel safari programme describes the Cholistan as a desert of about 16,000 sq km, locally known as Rohi, inhabited by semi-nomadic herders.
Trips that include Bahawalpur & Cholistan
Every published programme whose day-by-day itinerary mentions this destination, with its length and season:
| Programme | Days | Best time | Starts from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cholistan Camel Safari | 7 | October to March (cooler months) | Bahawalpur (arrive via Islamabad or Lahore) |
What the itineraries do in Bahawalpur & Cholistan
Itinerary days that mention this destination, quoted from the programmes:
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.
Planning notes
- Best time in the programme: October to March, the cooler months.
- The safari spends four nights in desert camps.
- The TDCP Cholistan Desert Jeep Rally is held at Derawar Fort each February; expect more visitors then.