PKR | USD

Cholistan
Desert

Pakistan's golden Cholistan Desert β€” home to the mighty Derawar Fort, the elegant Noor Mahal palace, ancient Uch Sharif shrines and the thrilling annual Cholistan Jeep Rally.

🏜 Southern Punjab
🏰 Derawar Fort
πŸ“… Best Time: Oct – Feb
πŸš‚ Train from Lahore/Multan
30m
Fort Wall Height
1,500m
Fort Perimeter
858 AD
Fort Built
Oct–Feb
Best Season
UNESCO
Tentative List 2016
About Gwadar

The Pearl of
the Arabian Sea

Gwadar is Pakistan's most exciting emerging destination β€” a coastal city on the Balochistan coast where the Arabian Sea meets dramatic Makran mountains. As the centrepiece of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), it is transforming into a world-class deep-sea port city.

Beyond CPEC, Gwadar has always been a natural paradise. Golden beaches, giant rock formations shaped like hammers and sphinxes, active mud volcanoes, and Pakistan's largest offshore island are all within reach. The seafood here β€” fresh from the Arabian Sea every morning β€” is among the best in the country.

πŸ– Hammerhead Peninsula

Naturally formed peninsula surrounded by sea on 3 sides β€” Gwadar's most iconic landmark

🦭 Astola Island

Pakistan's largest offshore island β€” 40km from Pasni, famous for scuba diving and dolphins

πŸŒ‹ Mud Volcanoes

Chandragup sacred mud volcano β€” erupts mud not lava, revered by Hindu pilgrims

🦁 Princess of Hope

Natural rock statue named by Angelina Jolie during a UN visit to Pakistan

Quick Travel Guide

ProvincePunjab (Southern)
Bahawalpur City360km from Lahore
Derawar Fort130km south of city
By TrainLahore β†’ Bahawalpur (5.5 hrs)
Best SeasonOctober – February
Summer Temp45Β°C β€” avoid May–Sep
LanguagePunjabi, Saraiki, Urdu
Fort Access4x4 jeep required
Fort PermissionAbbasi family β€” ask guide
CurrencyPKR / USD at major hotels

Welcome, International Travellers!

Bahawalpur and the Cholistan Desert are increasingly popular with international archaeologists, history buffs and adventure travellers. All our prices are shown in both PKR and USD. Use the toggle button (bottom-right) to switch currencies.

πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ UK Welcome
πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ USA Welcome
πŸ‡©πŸ‡ͺ Germany
πŸ‡«πŸ‡· France
πŸ‡¨πŸ‡³ China
πŸ‡¦πŸ‡ͺ UAE
Top Places to Visit

Six Wonders of Bahawalpur

01
858 AD Β· Cholistan Desert
Derawar Fort
Pakistan's most magnificent desert fortress β€” 40 circular bastions 30m high, visible for miles across Cholistan. Built in 858 AD by Rajput ruler Rai Jajja Bhati, renovated 1732.
02
1872 Β· Bahawalpur City
Noor Mahal Palace
Elegant Italian-style palace built in 1872 by Nawab Sir Sadiq Muhammad Khan. Now a Pakistan Army museum with family portraits, period weapons and regal memorabilia. Spectacular at night.
03
13th Century Β· UNESCO Nominee
Uch Sharif
Ancient Sufi city 70km from Derawar β€” remarkable 13th-century shrines with intricate tilework and carved minarets. One of Pakistan's most spiritual and architecturally rich heritage sites.
04
Abbasi Necropolis
Royal Abbasi Graveyard
120 ornately carved marble tombs of Bahawalpur's ruling family near Derawar β€” beautifully decorated with floral patterns and Quranic calligraphy. Mughal and Persian influences.
05
UNESCO Biosphere Β· 650 kmΒ²
Lal Suhanra National Park
UNESCO Biosphere Reserve 35km east of Bahawalpur β€” chinkara deer, endangered blackbuck, wild boar and rich migratory birds. Jeep safaris and guided nature walks available.
06
Annual Event Β· 70,000+ Visitors
Cholistan Jeep Rally
Pakistan's most exciting motorsport event β€” held annually near Derawar Fort. 70,000+ spectators from across Pakistan and abroad. TDCP-organised, part of the international rally calendar.
Leventure Packages 2025

Bahawalpur & Cholistan Packages

Best Value
🏰
Derawar Express
2 Days Β· 1 Night | From Multan/Lahore

Perfect quick desert escape β€” Derawar Fort at sunrise and sunset, Noor Mahal palace and Bahawalpur city highlights in one action-packed weekend.

1
Arrive Bahawalpur. Noor Mahal palace tour. Bahawalpur Museum. Overnight central hotel.
2
Derawar Fort full day. 4x4 jeep across Cholistan. Fort exterior. Royal Graveyard. Desert sunset. Return evening.
πŸš™ 4x4 Jeep🏨 1 Night 🍽 BreakfastπŸš— Transport 🧭 Local Guide
Starting From
PKR 15,000/person $54/person
Bestseller
🏜
Cholistan Complete
4 Days Β· 3 Nights | Heritage + Desert

The definitive Bahawalpur experience β€” Derawar Fort, Noor Mahal, Uch Sharif shrines, Lal Suhanra wildlife park, Royal Graveyard and Cholistan desert camp overnight.

1
Arrive Bahawalpur. Noor Mahal. Bahawalpur Museum. Sadiq Garh Palace exterior. City bazaar.
2
Derawar Fort + Cholistan. 4x4 jeep across golden desert. Fort exploration. Royal Graveyard. Desert camp sunset.
3
Uch Sharif + Lal Suhanra. Ancient Sufi shrines. UNESCO heritage site. Blackbuck spotting. Wildlife safari.
4
Morning free β†’ Depart. Fort Marot optional. Return journey.
πŸš™ 4x4 Jeep🏨 3 Nights 🍽 All Mealsβ›Ί Desert Camp 🧭 Expert Guide🦌 Wildlife Safari
Starting From
PKR 35,000/person $125/person
International
🌍
Cholistan Jeep Safari
5 Days Β· 4 Nights | Adventure + Culture

Designed for international travellers and adventure seekers β€” multi-fort desert jeep safari, overnight desert camping, Cholistan cultural villages, camel rides and stargazing.

1
Arrive Bahawalpur. Noor Mahal. Museum. City orientation. Premium hotel.
2
Derawar Fort + Desert Camp. Sunrise at fort. Royal Graveyard. Cholistan desert drive. Overnight camp.
3
Multi-fort jeep safari. Marot Fort. Dingarh Fort. Desert village life. Camel ride. Stargazing night.
4
Uch Sharif heritage + wildlife. Sufi shrines. Lal Suhanra safari. Blackbuck and birds.
5
Departure. Final bazaar visit. Traditional crafts. Depart Bahawalpur.
πŸš™ Private Jeep🏨 4 Nights 🍽 All Mealsβ›Ί Desert Camp x2 🧭 English GuideπŸͺ Camel Ride
Starting From
PKR 65,000/person $232/person
What to Do

Bahawalpur Activities

🏰
Fort Photography
Derawar Fort at sunrise β€” golden desert light on 30m bastions. Among Pakistan's most iconic photography spots.
πŸͺ
Camel Ride
Traditional Cholistan camel ride through the golden dunes near Derawar Fort. Sunset camel treks available.
πŸš™
Desert Jeep Safari
4x4 jeep across Cholistan's golden sand dunes β€” multi-fort trail covering Derawar, Marot and Dingarh forts.
β›Ί
Desert Night Camping
Overnight camping in Cholistan β€” bonfires, traditional music, stargazing in one of Pakistan's darkest sky zones.
🦌
Wildlife Safari
Lal Suhanra National Park β€” blackbuck, chinkara deer, wild boar and hundreds of migratory bird species.
πŸ•Œ
Sufi Shrine Visits
Uch Sharif's ancient 13th-century shrines β€” spiritual Sufi music evenings, urs celebrations and qawwali nights.
🎨
Cholistan Handicrafts
Buy authentic Cholistan embroidery, Flassi, Changaries and traditional textile artwork directly from artisans.
πŸ›
Palace Tours
Noor Mahal and Sadiq Garh Palace β€” Nawabi architecture, royal collections and the heritage of Bahawalpur State.
Travel Essentials

Practical Information

πŸš‚ How to Get There

  • Train: Lahore β†’ Bahawalpur (~5.5hrs), multiple daily
  • Bus: Lahore β†’ Bahawalpur via M4 motorway (~4hrs)
  • Multan β†’ Bahawalpur by road (~1.5hrs)
  • Nearest airport: Bahawalpur Airport (limited flights)

🏨 Where to Stay

  • Serena Hotel Bahawalpur β€” premier, heritage style
  • Hotel One Bahawalpur β€” modern, central
  • Desert Camp near Derawar β€” unique overnight
  • Guesthouses in Ahmedpur East (near Derawar)

⚠️ Important Tips

  • Best Oct–Feb β€” summer temp exceeds 45Β°C, avoid
  • 4x4 jeep essential for Derawar β€” 3-4hr drive off-road
  • Hire a local guide for Derawar β€” fort permission needed
  • Bring sunscreen, hat and 3L water per person

πŸ’± For International Visitors

  • USD accepted at Serena Hotel and exchange shops
  • ATMs available in Bahawalpur city only
  • 1 USD β‰ˆ 280 PKR (March 2026)
  • English-speaking guides available through Leventure

Ready to Explore Bahawalpur?

Get a free personalised itinerary and price quote from Leventure. We handle everything β€” train bookings, hotel, jeep hire, guides and all logistics.