Places To Visit In Cholistan Desert
The largest desert in the Punjab province of Pakistan is the Cholistan Desert, also known as Rohi. It spans over an area of 10,000 square miles and is located 20 miles from the city of Bahawalpur. The Cholistan Desert is home to 2.5 million people who live a simple, semi-nomadic lifestyle, traveling from place to place in search of water and fodder for their animals.
One of the most notable landmarks in the Cholistan Desert is the Derawar Fort, which also serves as a symbol of the desert. It is located 48 km from Dera Nawab Sahib. The local language spoken in Cholistan is Sariki, which is a historical and significant language in the region.
Due to water scarcity and low rainfall, Cholistan is largely dependent on animal husbandry. The Cholistan economy is centered around the needs of the cottage industry, as well as meat, milk, and fat production. Wool rugs, textiles, and fabrics are popular local crafts, and the Cholistan Desert is famous for its high-quality wool rugs.
The wool from sheep and goats is used to create beautiful wool rugs, blankets, and other knickknacks. The locals wear green fabrics to combat the cold weather during winter nights when temperatures can drop to freezing levels.
The best time to visit Cholistan
The best time to visit Cholistan is during the winter season when the desert’s temperature is more moderate. The Cholistan Desert’s primitive culture is evident in the traditional clothing of the locals, with men wearing brightly colored headscarves and women wearing vibrant Ghagra Choli, which are decorated with intricate embroidery that is unique to Cholistan.
The local language, Seraiki, is influenced by Lahnda, and the Cholistan Desert has been home to many famous Sufi poets and saints, such as Hazrat Khwaja Ghulam Farid, who wrote many poems. The Cholistan Desert is a beautiful and unique destination that showcases the simplicity and beauty of the desert lifestyle.
Vast Desert & Bahawalpur
The Cholistan region of Pakistan is a vast desert that covers more than 26,300 square kilometers and is full of historical and cultural sites. The journey to the desert is incomplete without visiting the colorful bazaar and rich architecture of Bahawalpur city, located on the way to Om via Lal Suhanra Park. This nature reserve was developed in 1972 and is a beautiful spot to explore before heading into the desert.
Derawar Fort
One of the major landmarks in Cholistan is the Derawar Fort, located 28 miles (48 km) from Delaware Sahib. This fort is a part of the oldest civilization in the world, and it is one of the tallest in Pakistan. The area around the fort was once irrigated by the Hakra River, which has now dried up. However, the river’s drainage area has more than 400 archaeological sites dating back 4,500 years to the Indus civilization.
Camel Caravan Road
As travelers venture further into the Cholistan desert, they will come across the Camel Caravan Road. This route, which includes three rows of forts, may have been an outpost of the camel caravan route. Unfortunately, the forts are now in ruins, but the track is still great for camel riding.
Travelers can embark on a camel ride safari in the desert and visit the village of Channan Pir, named after a saint, where his death anniversary is celebrated in the spring.
Camping in the Desert
Camping in the vast desert is also an extraordinary adventure that allows visitors to look at the stars, eat dessert, and experience the life of a nomad.
Bibi Jiwadani Mausoleum
The Bibi Jiwadani Mausoleum, built in 1493 by an Iranian prince, is associated with the famous great-granddaughter Bibi Jiwadani and is located on the southeast side of the historic city of Uch.
Uch Shareef
Uch Shareef is a historic town that was a center of Islamic learning in the 13th century. It is home to some of the most beautiful blue-glazed tiled tombs, reflecting the unique influence of Central Asian architecture. Visitors can explore the colorful covered bazaar before embarking on Multan and enjoy the local way of life and rural landscape.
