Cholistan Desert

(Gateway of Adventure)

The area of Cholistan is ten thousand three hundred and ninety-nine square miles (10,399 square miles). It stretches 483 km in length from northeast to southwest and 64 to 290 km in width.

District Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur, and Rahim Yar Khan are included in this area. This desert area extends to the agricultural area of ​​Sindh and to the areas of Bikaner and Jaisalmer towards India.

This area is also called “Rohi”. The climate is too hot and sometimes the temperature goes beyond 54. Some sand dunes of Sand are higher than 500 feet. Mostly the people are nomads due to a lack of rain.

Camels are used as transportation means. About 1000 years ago, it was a green fertile land. River Hakra used to irrigate this area. It is known as Ghagra and Saraswati in India.

History revealed that cities and towns were settled on the sides of the river. Settlements deserted when the river dried up and they moved to the suburbs. Cholistan has signs of 400 ancient settlements.

The archaeological experts match this desert area to the archeological sites of Harappa. Many forts are built there.

They include the Derawar fort (50 km from Bahawalpur), Islam Garh Fort (150 km from Derawar fort near Indian Border), Mehar Garh fort (21 km from Abbas city), Jam Garh Fort ( 9 km from Mehar Garh), Marot fort (11km from Jam Garh), Moj Garh Fort ( 32 km from Marot Fort), Khan Garh Fort (70 km from Derawar Fort), Khair Garh Fort ( 70 km from Derawar fort), Nawa Kot Fort ( 45 km from Derawar fort), Bajnot Fort ( 45 km from Nawa Kot ) and Oliyara fort.

It is narrated that, famous Saraiki poet Khawaja Ghulam Farid spent 18 years of his life in this Cholistan. He introduced “Rohi” throughout Pakistan through his poetry.

People can contact the Cholistan Development Authority.

Derawar Fort

The great masterpiece of ancient civilization in the desert

It is 47 km from Ahmad Pur Sharqiyah. No one has known about its exact history. But is assumed that this fort was built in the middle of the civilization two and a half thousand years before Christ.

The walls and towers of this square-shaped fort can be seen from Cholistan which is miles away. It is said that this fort was built by Hindu Rajpoot Roy Jajja Bhatti Jaisalmer.

In 1733, Nawab Muhammad Kha Bahawal led the foundation of Bahawalpur state and declared Derawar its capital. He renovated this fort. Bricks were imported from Uch Sharif which is 60 km away.

The process of shifting these bricks was very interesting. They were transported through a man-made chain of hands from Uch to Derawar.

This grand fort has 40 towers with a strong boundary. If you enter through the only entrance on the east side, the tunnel-like path goes up.

This fort is at a height of 60 feet from ground level. Intellectuals, orators, and calligraphers lived in the first building next to the main entrance. The fort has seven floors.

In addition to the upper floor, the other six floors are underground, with an automated system installed to reach them. Cold Basements were specially built to withstand the heat of the scorching weather.

It also has magnificent tombs of the royal family, a podium for celebrations, two cannons, a special part of the Harappa era, two wells, and a grand mosque. This mosque is constructed with white marble and it was completed in 1848 within a duration of six years.

This fort is in control of the Nawab Family. A permission letter must be obtained from Dera Nawab Sahib city for visiting this fort.

Jamiya Mosque Derawar Fort

When Muslim rulers conquered the ancient forts, they built mosques there. They constructed forts and built mosques in them before the residential area.

Mosques were built near the old forts due to a lack of space inside the forts. It is assumed that there was a small mosque outside the Derawar fort in the first Hijri.

Ameer Muhammad Bahawal Khan built a spectacular mosque in 1825 during his regime. Marble stone is used in its construction. It resembles Delhi Shahi Mosque.

The mind is amazed that such a quantity of marble in such a desolate desert must have come from so many places. This mosque still exists today in excellent condition but unfortunately, they are not worshipers.

Cholistan Desert Safari and Jeep Rally

(Passport to Adventure)

Stretching up to 25000 square kilometers, it is the largest desert in Pakistan. For the awareness of desert Cholistan culture, rituals, and traditions camel safari and jeep safari are two options.

Derawar Fort can be a great starting point for a tour of Cholistan. You can avail experienced guide there. They will arrange a camel or a jeep. The best season for the desert safari is November to march.

Arrange for the camping stuff, joggers, blankets for cold nights, jackets, sleeping bags, mineral water, and fast food. Travel to villages and towns to become familiar with the culture.

Can you imagine the wonderful sight during the camp safari – the moonlit nights with the shadows of the twinkling stars, the cool breeze in the cold weather, and you are sitting around the fire and sipping tea wrapped in a blanket, camel dancing around, and with the sounds of regional melodies in the air?

The annual jeep rally which is organized every year in the march is Pakistan’s largest motorsports festival. The tourist department of TDCP can assist with Jeep Rally, Desert Safari, and camel safari.

Wind Up Lines 

The land of Province Punjab is enriched with historical landmarks, traces of ancient civilizations, and beautiful tourist spots. The Cholistan Desert, and Derawar Fort are assets of Pakistan.