No trips found in this category yet. Check back soon!
No hotels found in this category yet. Check back soon!
The Cholistan Desert is one of the less popular tourist destinations in Pakistan. The Derawar Fort, right in the middle of it, is perhaps the most dramatic fortification in the whole country: forty circular bastions that dot the flat desert for miles, wall structures that can get as high as 30 meters, a perimeter that stretches over 1.5 kilometers, and an interesting historical backdrop that ranges from a 9th century Rajput stronghold to the Nawabs of Bahawalpur and beyond. In comparison, most of the people from Islamabad and Lahore have probably never even been there, and most of them should.
This page outlines everything that one should expect in a tour package to either Cholistan or Derawar Fort. We outline the how tos for each of the major cities, when to go, and what to expect and organize prior to departure.
We at HospitalityTours.com.pk have got you covered from our office in Islamabad. In our Cholistan desert tours we organize the transport by either road or air to Bahawalpur, 4x4 transport across the desert to Derawar, desert camp or hotel accommodations in the city, a guide who knows the fort and the desert forts circuit, and finally an itinerary built on the cool months when the desert is actually comfortable to explore. Send us a message with your preferred dates and the size of your group on WhatsApp. For any further questions, contact us at the end.
Derawar Fort
Located in the Cholistan desert about 130 km to the South of Bahawalpur city, in Yazman Tehsil, Derawar was originally built in the 9th century by a Rajput ruler Rai Jajja Bhati of the Bhati clan. The Abbasi Nawabs of Bahawalpur took over the Fort in the year 1733 and rebuilt it along with strengthening its military power. The restored version that you can see today, dates back to the 18th century.
The fort is a grand square structure made of brick, has 40 bastions on each side of the square, walls that rise up to 30 meters and a 1,500 meter circumference. The squared bastions give an elegant look to the fort and are visible across the desert from other villages.
The last ruler of Bahawalpur state, Nawab Sadeq Muhammad Khan Abbasi V, was born in the fort in 1904. Bahawalpur state merged with Pakistan in 1955. The government manages the premises of the fort and visitors can explore the interiors.
The Abbasi Mosque or the Jamia Masjid-e-Abbasi, lies adjacent to the fort and takes about 5 minutes to reach by either walking or driving. Built in 1849 by Nawab Bahawal Khan, it is a white marble mosque with three domes and two minarets and is a bright addition to the area and is located next to the Nawabs of Bahawalpur graveyard. This unique combination of Derawar fort, the Mosque, and the desert is an architectural marvel that adds to the beauty of southern Punjab.
The desert known as Cholistan or the Rohi Desert spans about 26,000 square kilometers of the southern Punjab and extends toward Thar Desert in Rajasthan. It is not an empty sea of sand like the North African Sahara. Development here consists of dry river beds, vegetation, animal life (specifically the chinkara gazelle and houbara bustard), wolves and forts that used to line the banks of the Hakra River.
What was once the Hakra River (formerly known as the Sarasvati River) supported the Hakra culture, which was a branch of the Indus Valley Civilization. Around 600 BCE, the River changed course without warning, disappeared, and the desert followed. The river bed is still visible from the sky and elevated positions and forts built AGAINST theDerawar River banks.
Beyond Derawar, the circuit of desert forts takes you to:
Islamgarh Fort. A smaller fort in the Cholistan, less complete than Derawar, still in the desert.
Bijnot Fort. An 8th century fort located in the western Cholistan and in the Bahawalpur District, located 23 kilometers from the Pakistani border.
Mojgarh Fort. Another fort in the Cholistan, located in the western area of the desert.
A deraround- circuit of several of these, in addition to Derawar, requires a 4x4, desert track driving experience, and a minimum of two days unlike the one day circuit.
Hosted on an annual basis in Cholistan every February, the Jeep Rally is the largest rally event in the country that pulls together competitors from all over the country and abroad. The desert is the only competition zone and makes the event worth planning a trip, depending on when the event falls. In fact, the Cholistan almost transforms into a desert carnival that can otherwise not be seen in other months. Come February, the city is lively and may even be worth a visit.
Make sure to book your stay in Bahawalpur well in advance as the rally week draws a lot of people to the city and good accommodations fill fast.
From Islamabad. It would take you about 8-9 hours to travel the 650-700 kilometers along the motorway to reach Bahawalpur. Along the way you will pass through Lahore. Most people usually take a flight to Bahawalpur and break their journey since the PIA and other airlines offer the route from Islamabad. The flight is about an hour. The next stretch is a two to two and a half hour drive in a 4x4 that will take you to Derawar Fort from Bahawalpur airport.
From Lahore. Bhawawalpur is about 450 kilometers away and will take you around four to five hours along the motorway. This is the most convenient route for most of the people in the country.
From Multan. This is the most convenient route since it consists of a two hour drive to Multan and then a shorter, 190 kilometer drive to Bahawalpur. Multan is the nearest large city with a functioning airport and offers the most convenient and quickest route.
Bahawalpur city. The Serena Bahawalpur is the only quality luxury hotel in the city. Smaller business hotels are the only other option in the upper mid-range segment and are located on main arterial roads of the city. The majority of travel packages begin their journeys from Bahawalpur and include trips to Derawar.
Desert camping. The Cholistan is an excellent option for organized desert camping trips. Camping trips can include a desert safari, dinner around the bonfire, and an opportunity to enjoy an unobstructed night sky. Camping packages can be booked from Bahawalpur and Yazman. The most recommended desert camping trip in the area is from Derawar to Bahawalpur.
Organized desert camps are completely different than independent camping trips. The desert can be navigated on your own, but camping independently can be dangerous due to a lack of necessary supplies. A proper camp should include all supplies, water, and transportation to leave the area in case of a sandstorm.
Two-day one night package extended. This package covers the minimum and includes flights or travel to Bahawalpur, one night hotel accommodation in the city, a 4x4 safari to Derawar Fort and Abbasi Mosque with a return trip to Bahawalpur, and a return trip to Islamabad. The second day of the trip includes a desert safari and visits to the Nawab tombs.
Three-day package extended. This package includes travel to Bahawalpur, a night at the desert camp, a trip to Derawar Fort in the morning, and a return trip to Bahawalpur.
4 Days Cholistan Forts Circuit. Includes an additional day at a second or third Cholistan Fort. Islamgarh or Bijnot with Derawar, 2 nights at Bahawalpur and a night in the desert.
Jeep Rally Tour. Rally week bookings at a Bahawalpur hotel, access to participate as a Rally spectator, Derawar booked the day before or the day after the main Rally days. This package requires a minimum of 6 – 8 weeks lead time on the hotel booking.
Cholistan is not like anywhere else in Pakistan. Flat, hot and ancient, with a unique architecture. Derawar at sunrise (before the day-trip vehicles arrive) gives a unique photographic opportunity with a reflection in the ground with nothing beyond the horizon. It is an uncommon experience.
Very little comparison can be made in terms of visitor numbers. Derawar Fort has significantly fewer visitors compared to Hunza Fort, for example. Almost the entire Derawar site is empty if you brave the trip.
A 4x4 vehicle with an experienced desert driver, knowledgeable on the changing desert conditions and the best route to take to get to Derawar.
A guide at the fort itself. While the rooms, wells, and passages of Derawar are interesting, the decorative tilework along some walls is where the real interest lies. The tilework has the additional benefit of an interpreter who can explain what relevance each piece holds. The rest of the fort, the history of the Nawabs of Bahawalpur, the Abbasi dynasty, and their connection to the British Raj, helps put the entire experience in frame.
For desert camps, the locations of the camps, as well as the services provided: tents, sleeping arrangements, meals, water, fire, and a plan for what happens when the wind picks up.
For the Jeep Rally package, the specifics of what rally access you have, be it passes to view the rally, a viewing point on the course, or a hotel in a good location.
October to March is your best chance of going. The weather is comfortable in Cholistan. During the day, the temperature hovers around 25 C, and at night dip to around 10 C. The air is dry and desert is accessible. The light is amazing.
From April the temperatures begin a rapid ascent. May through August you are looking at 40-50 C, daytime temperatures. The fort has no meaningful shade to defend against the high temperatures. No tours should visit Cholistan in this time.
February is the best time to go. The Jeep Rally is being held and wildlife is out and about. Temperature is awesome. The desert is at it's most elegant at this time.
Verify that your driver has the exact trail to Derawar this season. The desert trail changes according to the rain, and the driver has to know the surface as it is now.
Check to see if the interior of the fort is accessible on your dates. Access has changed over time with varying priorities in conservation and management of the area. Make sure to check before making the three-hour trip to the desert.
Bring enough water for the whole day. There is no reliable water station between Yazman and the fort. It is not a smart way to view the largest fort in southern Punjab in the Cholistan desert with inadequate water.
Prepare for the sun. The reflections from the sand, coupled with the heat-absorbing nature of the fort walls, necessitate sunscreen, hats, long-sleeved loose clothing, etc. during the November to March time frame.
Expect to book early for the Jeep Rally for accommodations in Bahawalpur, as the city fills.
Do not attempt to traverse the Cholistan desert track in a saloon car or at night.
How far away is the Derawar Fort from Bahawalpur? 130 kilometres by road, a 2 hour and 20 minute journey in your 4x4 through Yazman on the desert track.
How old is Derawar Fort? There are estimated structures from the 9th century, built by the Bhati clan’s Rajput rulers. The Abbasi Nawab’s reconstruction of the fort in the 18th century is what remains mostly intact.
What are the forty bastions of Derawar? The fort has forty circular bastions that are spread around the edges of the flat structure and reach up to thirty meters. They are clearly visible for miles along the stretch of the desert.
When is the Cholistan Jeep Rally? Usually in February. Precise dates to be published every year. The largest motor sporting event in Pakistan.
Can you camp in the Cholistan Desert? Yes, booking with an operator within Bahawalpur. Independent camping is unwise without a local recruited trail guide and driver.
Is a guide necessary for Derawar Fort? Not necessary, but recommended. The fort has a brief history explaining the decorations, the history of the Bahawalpur State, and the Cholistan Civilization.
What is the best time to visit Cholistan? October to March. Go in February for the Rally. Avoid April to September.
Tell us your travel dates, group size, choice of desert day tour, desert overnights, the fort overnight, Cholistan Jeep Rally, and the forts circuit. We arrange the guide, accommodation, driver, and access before booking anything.
WhatsApp: +92 341 111 3777
Email: info@hospitalitytours.com
Head office: Office No. 2 & 3, Ground Floor, Parish Rose Plaza, Opposite NUST Gate 4, Sector H-13, Islamabad