Have you ever dreamed of going on an exotic desert adventure? Well, look no further than the deserts of Pakistan. Pakistan is home to some of the most stunning yet rarely visited desert scenery on the planet. From the golden dunes of the Thar Desert to the rocky scrublands of Cholistan, Pakistan offers a variety of desert landscapes to quench your wanderlust.
Whether you want to go dune bashing in the Thar Desert, spot rare wildlife in the Cholistan Desert, or go stargazing in the cold desert night, Pakistan has something for every desert enthusiast. The best part? Pakistan’s deserts remain largely unexplored, so you’ll feel like a true pioneer uncovering these hidden gems. Experience the thrill of discovery as you navigate remote desert tracks and learn about the ancient cultures that have inhabited these arid lands for centuries. An epic desert adventure awaits you in Pakistan. What are you waiting for? The open road is calling.
The Cholistan Desert: A Sea of Sand Dunes
The Cholistan Desert is a dreamscape of massive sand dunes, some rising up to 750 feet high. Located in Punjab province, this arid region was once home to the ancient Indus Valley civilization. Today, nomadic tribes still wander the desert with their camels and goats.
To experience the Cholistan, head to the Derawar Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site that was originally built in the 9th century. The view from the fort's towers over the golden sand sea is breathtaking. You may spot desert wildlife like desert foxes, vipers, and desert eagles.
At night, stargaze at the inky black sky and sleep under the stars at a desert camp. Sunrise and sunset are the most dramatic times, as the dunes are bathed in red and orange light.
The best way to explore the dunes is by jeep or camel. Camel safaris can last for days, with nights spent camping in the desert. Some tours visit nomadic settlements and you may observe local crafts like textile weaving, pottery making, and wood carving.
The Cholistan Desert Festival, held annually in March, showcases traditional sports like camel racing, tent pegging, and horse dancing. You can also shop for local handicrafts and sample Sindhi and Punjabi cuisine.
To experience the raw, rugged beauty of the Cholistan Desert, visit from October to March when the temperatures are cool and pleasant. An adventure in this sea of sand dunes will create lifelong memories of a Pakistan few get to see.
The Thar Desert: Spotting the Elusive Marwari Horse
The Thar Desert, one of the largest deserts in Pakistan, is home to the Marwari horse, a rare breed prized for its stamina, loyalty and distinctive inward-curving ears. To spot these elegant equines, head to the city of Bikaner, the main hub for Marwari horse breeding.
About 6 hours west of Jaipur, Bikaner was once an important stop along caravan trade routes. Today, the city is renowned for the Camel Festival and its magnificent Junagarh Fort. But for horse lovers, the main draw is the Bikaner Marwari Horse Farm. There, you can take a guided tour to learn about the breed’s history and characteristics. With some luck, you may even witness the Marwari horses during their morning workout.
Another option is to visit one of the traditional Marwari horse stables, known as ‘stud farms’. Some stud farms offer riding lessons or ‘safaris’ where you explore the desert landscape on horseback. Riding a Marwari horse across sand dunes at sunset is a magical experience you’ll never forget.
To see the Marwari horses in their element, visit villages near Bikaner like Padampur, where the horses are still used for transportation and work. The best time to spot the horses is early morning when villagers are heading to work or the market. Strike up a conversation with the friendly locals, and they may even let you feed or pat their prized Marwari stallion.
A trip to the Thar Desert isn’t complete without glimpsing these living legends. So saddle up for an adventure and gallop off into the sand dunes - you might just find your new four-legged friend!
The Kharan Desert: Solitude and Stunning Salt Flats
The Kharan Desert is one of Pakistan’s most scenic and pristine deserts. Located in the Kharan district in Balochistan, this arid landscape offers solitude and adventure for intrepid travelers.
One of the main attractions is the spectacular Gorakh Hill Station. At an elevation of over 5,000 feet, this plateau provides panoramic views of the desert below. The drive up the winding road to the top of Gorakh Hill is part of the experience, with hairpin turns and cliffside drops. Once at the summit, you can see for miles across the sea of sand dunes and salt flats.
The Kharan Desert is home to some of the largest salt flats in Pakistan, including the Run of Kutch. After the rare rainfalls, the salt flats transform into giant mirrors reflecting the sky and surrounding desert. The sight of the bright blue sky and clouds mirrored on the white salt crust is a surreal and memorable vision.
For those seeking solitude, the Kharan Desert’s vastness provides a sense of tranquility and escape from the busier parts of Pakistan. You may spot desert wildlife like camels, desert foxes, sand cats, and Houbara bustards. However, facilities and amenities are basic, so come prepared for a rugged experience. The best time to visit is October to March when the temperatures are mild and rainfall is scarce.
With stunning salt flats, the Gorakh Hill Station, opportunities for desert camping under the stars, and a chance to experience tranquility in a stark landscape, the Kharan Desert is a rewarding destination for desert and adventure enthusiasts visiting Pakistan. The natural beauty and solitude in this corner of Balochistan should not be missed.
The Deosai Plains: Where the Brown Bear Roams
The Deosai Plains, located in the Skardu district of Gilgit-Baltistan, are Pakistan’s highest plateau. At over 13,000 feet above sea level, these rolling grasslands are home to the endangered Himalayan brown bear.
\n\n###Exploring the Deosai Plains
The easiest way to reach the Deosai Plains is to drive the scenic Deosai Road from Skardu, a 3-hour journey on mostly unpaved roads with stunning views. You’ll pass small villages, rivers, and eventually reach the Deosai Plateau with its vast expanse of golden grasslands set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains.
Once on the plains, the best way to explore is by renting a jeep in Skardu to navigate the bumpy dirt roads. You can see old stone huts used by shepherds in the summer, spot blue sheep and golden marmots, and catch glimpses of the elusive snow leopard. The main attraction, though, is the Himalayan brown bear. Deosai is home to one of the largest populations of these rare bears, and sightings are common, especially in areas with wild rhubarb and sea buckthorn bushes that the bears feed on.
The plains are only open in the summer from June to September when snow has melted and wildflowers are in bloom. Plan to camp under a blanket of stars, with 360 degree views of mountains. Nighttime temperatures often drop below freezing, so pack warm clothes and sleeping bags. You can also stay in basic guest houses run by local shepherds.
A visit to Deosai National Park is a once in a lifetime chance to experience the raw, untamed beauty of northern Pakistan. Whether you come for the scenic vistas, brown bear sightings, or starry night skies, the Deosai Plains will leave a lasting impression and fond memories of this mountain wilderness.
Desert Birds: Spotting Chukar Partridges and Houbara Bustards
The deserts of Pakistan are home to many unique bird species adapted to the arid climate. Two birds you may spot soaring over sand dunes or scrubland are the chukar partridge and houbara bustard.
The chukar partridge is a colorful bird with shades of brown, gray and rusty red feathers. They live in coveys, or small groups, foraging for seeds, plants and insects. You may come across chukar partridges in desert valleys or hills in the daytime. Listen for their distinctive “chuck-chuck” call, which is how they got their name.
The houbara bustard is a large bird, nearly the size of a turkey, with a grayish-brown plumage to help camouflage it in the desert. Houbara bustards are omnivores, feeding on plants, small reptiles and rodents. They are often seen walking or running across the desert, using their long legs and necks. Houbara bustards are wary birds, so spotting one in the wild requires patience and keeping a distance.
Some tips for observing desert birds:
•Bring binoculars to get a close-up view without disturbing the birds.
•Wear dull, earth-toned clothing to blend into the surroundings.
•Move slowly and avoid sudden noises that may startle the birds.
•Look for bird tracks and scat to determine areas they frequent.
•Head out at dawn and dusk when birds are most active feeding.
•Consult a field guide to help identify the different desert bird species.
•Remember that many desert birds are endangered, so enjoy observing them from afar.
Exploring the deserts of Pakistan and seeing native birds in their habitat can be a rewarding experience. With some patience and the right approach, you’ll be spotting chukar partridges, houbara bustards and more in no time. Just be sure to respect these avian desert dwellers by maintaining a respectful distance.
Conclusion
So now you've got the lowdown on how to experience the raw beauty of Pakistan's desert wonders. From the magical sand dunes of Thar to the historic ruins of Mohenjo-Daro, the options for adventure are endless. The deserts may seem barren at first glance, but take a closer look and you'll discover they're teeming with life and filled with natural splendor. Get out there and experience the solitude of the sand seas, camp under a blanket of stars, and meet the welcoming locals. A desert escapade in Pakistan will create cherished memories that last as long as the shifting sands. The call of the desert is waiting - are you ready to answer? Pack your bags, hop a flight, and embark on an unforgettable journey to Pakistan's arid Eden. The desert is calling you.
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