Cholistan
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It is said that beauty is in the eye of the viewer. Somebody like white color and another one like black. In the same way, one man finds beauty in the lofty mountains and enchanting views, and another finds the desert beautiful.
Pakistan is one of those countries where there are green plains on one side and snow-covered peaks on the other. There are beautiful valleys on one side and deserts on the other side.
Cholistan is also one of the most beautiful regions of Pakistan. Cholistan desert is home to several historical sites and ruins, including forts, tombs, and step wells.
According to historians, Cholistan is derived from the Turkish word “chol” which means “sand”.
Locally it is also known as the “Rohi” desert, which is derived from the Sindhi word “Roh”, meaning sand.
It is also known as the “Cholistan Thar Desert” which is derived from “Cholistan” a region that covers the Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, and Rahim Yar Khan districts of Pakistan. It is also sometimes referred to as the “Rajasthan Desert” as it is similar in geography and culture to the Thar Desert in Rajasthan, India.
The Cholistan desert is also known for its annual Jeep rally, which attracts participants from all over Pakistan.
People of Cholistan
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The people of Cholistan are primarily nomadic or semi-nomadic herders and farmers, and their main source of income is from the sale of milk and milk products.
Cholistan Desert Located in Pakistan
The Cholistan desert is located in the Punjab province of Pakistan. Specifically, it covers an area of approximately 30,000 square kilometers in the districts of Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, and Rahim Yar Khan. It is bordered by the Sutlej River to the east and the Indus River to the west. The desert is in the southern part of Punjab and is about 30 kilometers from the city of Bahawalpur. It is also about 300 kilometers from the major city of Lahore and about 400 kilometers from the capital city of Islamabad.
The Climate of the Cholistan Desert
The Cholistan desert has a hot desert climate. It experiences extreme temperatures, with summer temperatures often reaching as high as 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit) and winter temperatures dropping as low as 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit) in some areas. The desert receives very little rainfall, with an average of fewer than 150 millimeters (ca. 6-inch inches) per year. Most of the rainfall occurs during the monsoon season, which usually lasts from July to September.
The desert is also characterized by high winds, which can cause sandstorms and make visibility poor. The wind can also make the already hot temperatures even more unbearable. Due to the hot and dry climate, vegetation is scarce in the Cholistan desert, with only a few hardy plants such as date palms, tamarisk, and acacia trees able to survive in harsh conditions.
The desert experiences high humidity and air pressure in summer, which can be dangerous for people with respiratory problems and for those who are not used to such extreme conditions.
Famous Destinations for Tourists
The Cholistan desert is a popular destination for tourists due to its rich history and cultural heritage. Some of the most famous tourist destinations in the desert include:
Derawar Fort
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This large fort is located in the middle of the Cholistan desert and is considered one of the most impressive examples of Mughal architecture in the region. It was built in the 18th century and is known for its large walls and towering minarets.
Islamgarh Fort
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This fort is located in the Bahawalpur district and is known for its unique architectural style. It was built in the 18th century and is now a popular tourist spot.
Tomb of Bibi Jawindi
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This tomb is located in Uch Sharif and is dedicated to a famous Sufi saint. It is known for its intricate tile work and is considered one of the most beautiful tombs in Pakistan.
Channan Pir
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This is a famous shrine of a Sufi saint and is located in the Cholistan desert. It is considered one of the most sacred places in the desert and is visited by many people from all over Pakistan.
Cholistan Desert Jeep Rally
This event is held annually in the Cholistan desert and attracts participants from all over Pakistan. It is a popular tourist destination which is known for its off-road challenges and scenic desert routes.
Additionally, the Cholistan desert is known for its traditional handicrafts, including pottery, textiles, leather goods, and jewelry. Tourists can also enjoy camel riding and desert camping in the Cholistan desert.
Best time to visit the cholistan desert
The best time to visit the Cholistan desert depends on the type of experience you are looking for. The desert can be visited all year round, but the weather conditions may vary depending on the season.
Winter (November to February): This is the best time to visit the desert if you want to experience cool weather and avoid extreme heat. During this time, temperatures are relatively mild and comfortable, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as camel riding and desert camping.
It’s worth noting that the Cholistan Desert Jeep Rally is held annually in February, so if you’re interested in that, that would be the ideal time to visit.
If you’re planning to visit the Cholistan desert, it’s a good idea to check the weather forecast for the region and plan your trip accordingly. It's also recommended to carry enough water and other essentials to cope with the harsh desert conditions.
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