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The Thar Desert in Pakistan spreads across the south-east of Sindh and includes parts of the Phulkania area in the Bahawalpur district of Punjab. The areas within the Thar are physically connected and form a single geographical unit, however, culturally, historically, and physically, they differ from each other. Tharparkar is home to a large population of Hindus and is culturally and historically more advanced. It is also the site of a number of ancient Hindu temples and the famous Karoonjhar hill ranges. The Cholistan region, on the other hand, is moremonumentally advanced and is less populated. The most famous monument of Cholistan is the Derawar Fort.
A tour package for Tharparkar starts from Karachi or Hyderabad and includes a guided tour of Nagarparkar, which includes a number of Hindu temples and other historical sites, the Karoonjhar hills, and sand dunes. Villages and other sites of cultural and historical interest are also covered.
A tour package of Bahawalpur and Cholistan covers the sites of historical interest, forts and caravanserais, located in and around Bahawalpur, and includes the Noor Mahal, and the Bahawalpur museum. Some tour operators also cover other areas of historical interest located outside Bahawalpur on a single tour.
The other main road from Karachi to Tharparkar goes through Hyderabad, then Mirpurkhas, and ends at the Tharparkar district via Chachro or Mithi. Mithi is about 350 to 400 kilometers from Karachi, and generally takes 6 to 8 hours to reach by road.
The highway from Karachi to Hyderabad is in good condition and is part of the M-9 motorway. The condition of the road beyond Mirpurkhas to Tharparkar district generally worsens to a trail through villages before improving to paved road closer to the dune areas. Sand dune areas are best accessed in a high-clearance vehicle.
From either Lahore or Islamabad, Tharparkar is best accessed by first going to Karachi via rail or air, then taking a road from there. Many tours to Tharparkar from these two cities first fly their clients to Karachi, and then take the road from there.
Generally, Cholistan and Bahawalpur are better accessed from Lahore, as Bahawalpur is approximately 400 to 450 kilometers from Lahore.
Tharparkar District encompasses the Pakistan Thar.
A) Tharparkar District and Mithi
Tharparkar District’s capital Mithi is the starting point for tours of the Thar area. Mithi is unique for the amicable coexistence of its Muslim and Hindu communities, and as a result, features mosques and temples side by side on the same streets. The main bazaar is a place to find local handicrafts, food and cloth items which are decorative and embellished with local Thar embroidery.
While Mithi does not have much in the way of architectural relics of the past, it does provide tourists with some basic understanding of the district before traveling to more inaccessible areas of the Thar.
B) Nagarparkar and Karoonjhar Hills
The Nagarparkar area lies at the base of the Karoonjhar Hills, approximately 50 km from Mithi. The Nagarparkar area is relatively flat. In contrast, the Karoonjhar Hills are the only significant elevation in the otherwise flat Thar region, and the only significant rise in elevation in the overall area of Sindh. Like the other areas in the Thar, the Nagarparkar area is primarily sandy and barren. As a result, the prominent Hills rise abruptly from the surrounding desert plains.
There are the remains of a 17th century mosque located in the town known as Bhodesar, as well as a large Jain temple complex. There are also Hindu Temples, as well. All of these temple and mosque complexes are important cultural landmarks for Sindhis living in India as well as locals.
The Karoonjhar Hills offer a unique vantage point over the Thar Desert and the border region of Pakistan and India. The winding track which leads to the Hills is unpleasant, but the effort is rewarded with stunning scenery. The erosion patterns on the rocks by wind and water provide evidence of the passage of time and combine with the more recent architectural heritage to illustrate the history of the region.
A knowledgeable guide is available to provide information about the many historical sites which surround Nagarparkar. Trade and religious routes converged here through the centuries. The remains of Jain and Hindu temples and mosques are evidence of the variety of religious practices.
The Thar Desert is famous for its large sand dunes. Camel safaris and overnight camping in the dunes are very popular and are included in most itineraries. Tharparkar district is the home of the high dunes. The changing hues of the dunes at dawn and dusk provide the most scenic photographic opportunities of the desert and illustrate the large variety of colors sand can have.
Camel rides on the sand dunes are operated by local tour companies. If you are able to plan in advance, many local operators can arrange for an unforgettable night of camping on the sand dunes, which includes a delicious dinner, and the opportunity to view the stars against the rear backdrop of the desert.
Pakistan isn't generally well known for its tourism industry, but hopefully that will change soon. For now, as a visitor, you can have the enjoyment of viewing the traditional ways of life that still exist, particularly in rural areas. Tharparkar is unique in that it has one of the larger communities of Hindus, living side by side their Muslim neighbors, in one of the more remote and rural districts of Sindh.
The women of Tharparkar add a play of color to the desert landscape with their traditional and distinctive embroidered clothing. A visit to the Crafts Market in Mithi offers tourist the opportunity to purchase traditional embroidered clothing and other crafts of the district.
C) Desert Wildlife of Tharparkar & Peacocks
The Tharparkar District is especially known for its population of peacocks. They are found in the villages and the scrub desert of the area. Peacocks have also been sighted near the water sources of the district. Their numbers are so great that they can be seen while touring the Thar desert without any effort being made for wildlife viewing.
Other desert species include the Indian Gazelle and various prey and predatory birds.
A) The Derawar Fort
The Cholistan Desert is home to Derawar Fort, which is situated south of Bahawalpur. The best way to access the fort is on a track which crosses through the desert. It is a large square fort with eight large circular cannon posts. Like other desert structures it is visible from great distances. It was originally founded in the 9th century and was expanded in succeeding centuries.
The walls of the fort have been mostly preserved. The Abbasi mosque which is located near the fort was also founded by the Nawabs of Bahawalpur. Of the religious structures of Bahawalpur, the Abbasi mosque and Derawar fort, which are situated in the desert, offer a different contrast from the temple sites of Nagarparkar.
The journey from Bahawalpur to Derawar Fort takes 2-3 hours over desert tracks. Only 4x4 vehicles can make the trip. The tracks can change due to shifting sands and seasonal rains. Talk to your guide about the conditions of the tracks before making plans.
The annual Cholistan Jeep Rally attracts thousands to the area and is held in January or February. The rally provides an opportunity to see the event and desert atmosphere combined. The area fills with visitors and planning ahead is necessary. Contact the Punjab Tourism or Sports Board for the dates of the rally.
The Thar Festival in Nagarparkar showcases the music, dance and crafts of the area and helps bring national attention to this culturally rich area of Pakistan.
Expect the festival date to vary from year to year. It is organized by the Sindh government. Contact the Sindh Culture Department, or a local tour operator, to verify dates before making travel plans. The festival is a good opportunity to see traditional performances and ceremonies. It creates a special atmosphere in the area that is worth experiencing.
July and August monsoon brings some rain to Thar. The transformation to the desert landscape after rain is beautiful and attracts visitors. However, after a heavy monsoon spell, tracks and roads in the desert become extremely difficult to navigate. If you wish to travel to Thar during monsoon, be prepared for some adventurous driving and navigation.
A Sindh Tourism Department license is mandatory for all tourist guides and it is important that your guide has the same. Since most temple sites in Thar are located in remote areas, a guide who is well acquainted with the area, villages and dunes will ensure a better experience and will go beyond the limits of a general city guide.
Confirm the type of vehicle you will be traveling in, particularly if the road conditions are expected to be poor or off-road. Check if the camping arrangements for your overnight stay at the dunes will include a proper sleeping facility and adequate food, especially since it gets extremely cold at night in winters. Check if there will be any local events or festivals during your visit.
A) Where is Thar Desert in Pakistan?
The Thar Desert covers almost the entire Tharparkar District in the Southeast of Sindh and extends to southern Punjab, around Bahawalpur, in Cholistan. The district headquarters of Tharparkar is Mithi and is approximately 350-400 km from Karachi.
B) What is the ideal time to visit the Thar Desert?
October through February. These months are most comfortable for tourists and offer scenic views at dawn and dusk. Summer gets very hot and is considered off-season. The monsoon brings on-season conditions in July and August, however, a majority of the roads leading to Tharparkar become impassable.
C) What is there to do and see in Tharparkar?
Tharparkar is known for ancient Hindu temples, wildlife including peacocks and other desert animals, cultural traditions, the Karoonjhar Hills and sand dunes. The Thar Festival is held every year and features many local performers and musicians. The best time to see the festival is during the off-season.
D) Where is Derawar Fort?
Derawar Fort is in the Cholistan Desert, south of Bahawalpur. The fort is easily visible from Bahawalpur, but is very remote and requires a 4x4 vehicle to reach. The fort was built many centuries ago and the nearby Abbasi Mosque was built in the 18th century.
E) Is the Thar Desert good for families?
During the off-season it is very family friendly. The cooler months are great for hiking, camel rides and viewing peacocks. Summer is very hot for families and not recommended. Winter gets very cold at night, so be sure to pack properly for the kids.
F) Are travelers from other countries able to travel to the Thar Desert?
Travelers from other countries are able to visit Tharparkar and the Thar Desert with a regular Pakistan tourism visa. Some areas near the international border with India have restricted access. Verify with your tour operator the areas that are permissible for your nationality.
The team at Hospitality Tours is able to organize tours to all three of the Thar Deserts including Tharparkar, Cholistan and the combined circuit. They are able to organize everything from licensed local tour guides to suitable vehicles and accommodations. Additionally, they can organize camping equipment and other provisions for your tour. They are able to customize the itinerary to your needs and charges you only after you approve the itinerary.
Contact them via:
Whatsapp: +92 341 111 3777
Email: info@hospitalitytours.com
Website: www.hospitalitytours.com.pk