If you’re an avid traveler on the lookout for something different, something that will fire up your imagination and leave you with memories that will last a lifetime, then look no further than Pakistan’s incredibly varied landscapes. From soaring snow-capped mountains to lush green valleys, there is much to explore in this beautiful country. But in this blog post, we’ll be focusing on something truly fascinating: the deserts of Pakistan. Although not as well-known as other attractions in the country, Pakistan’s deserts offer incredible beauty and adventures that will leave a lasting impression on any traveler.
Total Desert Area in Pakistan
Pakistan’s deserts account for approximately 10% of the country’s total land area, a significant portion considering the country’s overall size. These vast, arid landscapes extend over an area of approximately 80,000 square kilometers.
One of the most famous of these desert areas is the Thar Desert, which borders India and is one of the largest deserts in the world. The Thar Desert is distinguished by its unique sand dunes and the diverse wildlife that call this desert home, despite the harsh conditions.
The Cholistan Desert, another large desert area, is located in the Punjab province. It is renowned for its yearly Jeep rally, which is an incredible spectacle and a must-see for any adventure enthusiast.
The deserts in Pakistan also harbor some charming cities, like Bahawalpur, located on the edge of the Cholistan Desert. This city is known for its impressive architecture, rich history, and the famous Derawar Fort, a historic fortress situated in the heart of the desert.
List of Deserts in Pakistan
- Thar Desert: Also known as the “Great Indian Desert,” Thar is a large, arid region that extends over parts of India and Pakistan. It is one of the largest deserts in the world and is home to diverse wildlife and sand dunes.
- Cholistan Desert: Located in the Punjab province, the Cholistan Desert hosts an annual Jeep rally, which is a magnet for adventure enthusiasts.
- Thal Desert: Situated in the Punjab province, Thal is a semi-arid region that is characterized by its sparse vegetation and dry climate.
- Kharan Desert: This desert is situated in Balochistan and is characterized by vast sandy plains and dunes.
- Cold Desert in Pakistan (Katpana Desert)
Each desert has its own unique landscape and cultural significance, offering visitors a chance to explore the diverse beauty of Pakistan.
Let’s explore these gems one by one and let’s see what attractions there for travelers are.
Thar Desert
Location and Total Area
The Thar Desert, also known as the “Great Indian Desert,” straddles the border between India and Pakistan. This vast expanse covers a total area of approximately 200,000 square kilometers. Nearly 85% of the Thar Desert lies in India, spreading across the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, and Haryana, while the remaining 15% lies in Pakistan’s southeastern Sindh province.
Crops and Farming
Contrary to its arid appearance, the Thar Desert has a vibrant agricultural scene. Desert farming is made possible through a combination of traditional water harvesting methods and modern irrigation systems. Crops grown here include millet, wheat, and legumes, while the Khejri tree, or Prosopis cineraria, is a common sight, providing much-needed shade and serving as a source of timber.
Wildlife
The Thar Desert supports a surprising array of fauna, despite its arid conditions. It is home to a unique ecosystem, inhabited by species such as the blackbuck, chinkara, desert fox, and the rare and endangered Great Indian Bustard. Various reptiles, including the deadly saw-scaled viper and the Indian spiny-tailed lizard, also thrive here.
Culture and Traditions
The Thar Desert is rich in cultural traditions, with a population characterized by its warm hospitality. Residents of the Thar, known as Tharis, lead a semi-nomadic life, raising livestock and practicing agriculture. Folk music and dance like the Ghoomar and Kalbeliya are an integral part of their lifestyle, often performed during festivals and weddings. The people are also known for their colorful attire, intricate glass jewelry, and exquisite handicrafts including pottery, weaving, and leather work.
Tourist Attractions
As the largest desert in Pakistan, and one of the largest in the world, Thar offers a unique tourist experience. The Sam Sand Dunes are a popular attraction, offering an unforgettable sunset view and a chance to ride camels. The Desert National Park, a sanctuary for the region’s unique wildlife, is another must-see. Visitors may also explore the region’s historical riches and experience the vibrant local culture at annual events like the Desert Festival.
Cholistan Desert
The Cholistan Desert, also locally known as Rohi, is the largest desert in Pakistan, spanning a vast area of about 26,000 square kilometers. It extends into the Indian state of Rajasthan where it merges with the Thar Desert, covering an additional area of about 8,000 square kilometers.
The Cholistan Desert spans across several administrative districts in Pakistan. Predominantly, it occupies parts of the Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, and Bahawalnagar districts in Punjab province. Each of these districts showcases distinct aspects of the Cholistan Desert’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Location
The Cholistan Desert is situated in the southeastern region of Pakistan’s Punjab province, bordered by the mighty Indus River on the west and north. The desert extends south into Rajasthan in India.
Crops
Despite the arid conditions, agriculture is practiced in the Cholistan Desert, particularly in the areas near the Indus River. The primary crops grown here include wheat, cotton, and mustard. Livestock rearing, particularly of cattle, sheep, and goats, is another source of sustenance for the local population.
Wildlife
The desert supports a diverse range of wildlife, including many species well adapted to the desert environment. Notable fauna includes the rare Houbara bustard, Indian wolf, Indian fox, and the Chinkara gazelle.
Culture and Traditions
The residents of the Cholistan Desert, known as the Cholistani people, have a rich cultural heritage. Their lifestyle is predominantly nomadic or semi-nomadic. They are known for their vibrantly colored attire, folk music, and traditional dances such as the Cholistani ‘chap’ dance. Their handicrafts, particularly pottery, weaving, and embroidery, are admired for their intricate craftsmanship.
Tourist Attractions
The Cholistan Desert is a haven for tourists, offering a variety of attractions. The annual Cholistan Desert Jeep Rally is a significant event that attracts a large number of visitors. The majestic Derawar Fort, a historical monument located in the heart of the desert, is another must-visit site. The Cholistan Desert is also home to numerous archaeological sites, revealing traces of ancient civilizations that once thrived in this region.
Thal Desert
The Thal Desert, the largest desert in Pakistan, is an expansive arid region occupying an area of approximately 20,000 square kilometers. This colossal desert stretches across several districts in the Punjab province, abutting the Pothohar Plateau to the North and East, while merging with the Cholistan Desert to the South.
The Thal Desert spans across several districts in the Punjab province, including Mianwali, Bhakkar, Khushab, Layyah, Jhang, and Muzaffargarh. Each of these districts contributes unique characteristics and cultural elements to the rich tapestry of the Thal Desert.
Crops
The Thal Desert, despite its arid conditions, hosts agricultural activities, particularly in the irrigated areas near the rivers. The most commonly cultivated crops include wheat, barley, and millets. Animal husbandry, primarily of sheep, goats, and camels, also plays a crucial role in the local economy.
Wildlife
The desert is home to a wealth of wildlife adapted to its harsh conditions. Notable fauna includes the blackbuck, Indian gazelle, desert fox, and the great Indian bustard. Various bird species, such as sparrows, hawks, and eagles, can also be found in this region.
Culture and Traditions
The Thal Desert’s inhabitants, the Thari people, lead a primarily rural lifestyle, and are known for their vibrant cultural traditions. These traditions include folk dances like ‘Thal Attan,’ and captivating music genres such as ‘Thali’, a form of folk song. Handicrafts like pottery, weaving, and embroidery are also significant aspects of their cultural heritage.
Tourist Attractions
The Thal Desert offers several exciting attractions for tourists. The annual Thal Mela, a cultural festival, draws a large number of visitors to experience the local culture, cuisine, and arts. Other attractions include the historical Bhong Mosque and the beautiful sand dunes, providing a unique desert landscape that visitors can explore through jeep or camel safaris.
Kharan Desert
The Kharan Desert, also known as the “Sandy Desert,” is one of the most significant deserts in Pakistan. It is located in the Province of Balochistan and spans a considerable area, primarily extending across the Kharan District. It covers a total area of approximately 48,051 square kilometers (18,550 square miles).
Geography
While the Kharan Desert is primarily situated in Pakistan, it does not extend into Indian territory. It is characterized by vast plains of coarse sand and gravel, barren hills, and dry river beds. The terrain is inhospitable, with extreme temperature variations.
Districts in Kharan desert include Kharan, Kalat, Panjgur, Chagai and Noshki.
Crops and Livestock
Due to the harsh climatic conditions and sandy soil, agriculture is not a significant activity in the Kharan Desert. However, the local population does practice limited livestock rearing. Sheep and goats are the predominant livestock, owing to their resilience in arid conditions.
Wildlife
The Kharan Desert is home to a variety of wildlife species that are well adapted to the desert environment. These include foxes, jackals, wolves, and numerous species of reptiles. The desert is also an important habitat for migratory birds during specific seasons.
Culture and Traditions
The inhabitants of the Kharan Desert, primarily Baloch tribes, maintain a semi-nomadic lifestyle, moving with their livestock in search of better pastures. They are known for their rich cultural traditions, including folk music, storytelling, and dance. The Balochi carpet weaving tradition is particularly renowned.
Tourist Attractions
The Kharan Desert, despite its harsh environment, offers a unique allure for tourists. The dramatic landscape is a haven for adventure seekers, particularly those interested in desert safaris or dune bashing. The region’s cultural richness, displayed through its music, dance, and handmade crafts, also attracts numerous visitors.
Katpana Desert – Cold Desert
The Katpana Desert, also known as the Cold Desert, is the biggest desert in Pakistan. Spread across an area of approximately 2,600 square kilometers, it is located near Skardu, in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of northern Pakistan. The desert extends from the Khaplu Valley to the Nubra Ladakh and Shigar, skirting the Indus River.
Crops and Livestock
Agriculture is not widespread in the Katpana Desert due to its cold and arid conditions. However, the local population practices limited livestock rearing, predominantly yaks and goats, which are adapted to cold weather.
Wildlife
The unique ecosystem of the Katpana Desert is home to a variety of wildlife species that are adapted to the cold desert environment. These species include snow leopards, Tibetan wolves, red foxes, and numerous species of birds and small mammals.
Culture and Traditions
The local residents, primarily of the Balti ethnicity, maintain a lifestyle that has been shaped by the harsh weather conditions of the region. Their rich cultural traditions, including an array of music, dance, and art forms, reflect their resilience and adaptability. Balti music is especially renowned, with instruments like the Tchang and Damal being important cultural symbols.
Tourist Attractions
Despite its harsh environment, the Katpana Desert offers a unique allure for tourists. The stark beauty of its snowy dunes, set against the backdrop of the mighty Karakoram Range, is a sight to behold. Activities such as a desert safari on a camel’s back and exploring the unique flora and fauna of the region are popular among visitors. Furthermore, the cultural richness of the region, displayed through its music, dance, and art forms, also attracts many tourists.
Smallest Desert in Pakistan
The Thal Desert is considered to be the smallest desert in Pakistan. Spread across 20,000 square kilometers, this desert is situated in the northeastern province of Punjab. Despite its small size compared to other Pakistani deserts, the Thal Desert possesses its own unique charm and attractions. Its sparse vegetation and wildlife, coupled with the traditional lifestyle of the local population, offer a fascinating insight into desert living.
Biggest Desert in Pakistan
The Thar Desert, also known as the Great Indian Desert, is the largest desert in Pakistan. Spanning a colossal area of about 200,000 square kilometers, it spreads across the southeastern province of Sindh in Pakistan, extending into the northwestern states of India. The Thar Desert is renowned for its unique mixture of sand dunes and fertile plains.
Conclusion:
Pakistan’s deserts are a treasure trove of natural wonders, and a visit offers a chance to experience a unique side of life in this incredible country. From camel safaris to four-wheel-drive adventures, there are many ways to explore these fascinating landscapes. Whether you’re interested in ancient history, natural beauty, or rugged adventure, Pakistan’s deserts have something to offer every traveler. So why not take a chance and discover the wonders of these hidden gems?
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