The largest desert in the Indian subcontinent is the Cholistan Desert, sometimes referred to as the Rohi Desert, which is located in Punjab. The desert is 20 kilometers from Bahawalpur city and covers 10,000 square miles. The Cholistan desert is home to 2.5 million people who lead simple, impoverished lives. Additionally, they have a semi-nomadic lifestyle, which involves their traveling from one location to another in search of food and water for their animals.
Traditions
Authentically native, the Cholistan desert culture is embodied by the exquisite attire of men donning vibrant turbans and women donning vibrant garments known as Ghagra Choli, which are adorned with subtle embroidery, a distinctive feature of the region. There, the native tongue spoken is Seraiki, which has a Lahnda linguistic influence. Numerous well-known Sufi poets and saints, like Hadrat Khawaja Ghulam Farid (R.A.), who composed a large body of Sufi poetry in the Seraiki language, call the Cholistan desert home.
Ideal Time of Year to Go to Cholistan
Winter is the ideal time of year to explore Cholistan if that is your goal. It becomes really hot in the desert in the summer. The chilly season is the ideal time to arrange this vacation so that you can celebrate not only the historical sites in Cholistan but also the local customs of the isolated villages.
Cholistan’s Most Interesting Tourist Destinations
Visit Bahawalpur on Your Way to Cholistan
It’s not worth missing Bahawalpur City’s vibrant bazaars and stunning architecture if you’re traveling to Cholistan via Lal Suhanra Park. Another stunning natural reserve is Lal Suhanra Park, which was established in 1972.
Deserts
Even though Cholistan is a topic that is frequently discussed and read about, most people are not aware of the fascinating locations that surround it due to a lack of information. This thrilling area of Pakistan spans 26300 square kilometers and is home to important historical sites, cultural hubs, and more. This desert, commonly referred to as the Thar Desert, stretches into India and the Pakistani province of Sindh.
Derawar Fort
Derawar Fort, the most famous monument in Cholistan, is 48 km away from Dera Nawab Sahib. The now-dry Hakra River was used to irrigate the fort’s grounds. More than four hundred archaeological sites, some dating as far back as 4500 years, can be found in this dried-up riverbed. Additionally, these locations are grouped near Derawar Fort. The fort is not only one of Pakistan’s best forts, but it also draws a lot of foreign visitors due to its historical significance to the oldest civilization on Earth.
Caravan Route in Camels
When traversing the Cholistan Desert, a series of forts are constructed at intervals of 29 kilometers. The camel caravan routes, which had three rows of forts—the first starting in Phulra and ending in Lera, the second from Rukhanpur to Islamgarh, and the third from Bilcaner to Khaploo—likely used this route as guard stations. Regretfully, they are all now in ruins. This is also a great path for camel riding.
Safari Camel
The Channan Pir settlement got its name from the religious figure Channan Pir, who served as the inspiration for the camel safari excursion. Every year in the spring, people celebrate his URS (death anniversary) with great religious fervor.
In the Cholistan Desert, camping
An interesting adventure is camping in a big desert. Seeing stars and eating dinner outside in the desserts give you the impression that you are on a peaceful and quiet planet. It is incredible to catch a glimpse of a nomadic life by traveling from camp to camp on the Camelback.
Sukh Bibi Jawindi
In 1493, a Persian ruler constructed this shrine. The great-granddaughter, Bibi Jawindi, is connected to the shrine. The shrine is situated on the southeast side of the medieval city of Uch.
Ancient City of Uch
Drive through fascinating villages and take in the local way of life as you leave the desert behind and head towards the old city of Uch from Derawar. Travel to Uch, which is home to some of the most exquisite tombs with blue-glazed tile, clearly influenced by Central Asian architecture. It was the epicenter of Islamic scholarship in the thirteenth century, and this little town is home to the tombs of numerous illustrious professors and saints. Before traveling to Multan, see the magnificent tomb of Bibi Jawindi, which features exquisite glazed tile designs, the mausoleum of Jalal-uddin Surkh, and the vibrant covered bazaars.
Cholistan Jeep Rally
Cholistan Jeep Rally, an off-road competition, is one of the most exciting adventures in Cholistan and is unique. TDCP started the race in 2005. Every year, in the eastern district of Ahmedpur, close to Derawar Fort, there is a jeep rally in February. 100 drivers from all across the nation participate in the event, which is organized by the Tourism Development Corporation of Pakistan, to take advantage of the fantastic opportunity to showcase their ability on a platform that receives 100,000 visitors. Therefore, if you’re going to be approaching the Cholistan Deserts, don’t miss it.
