|
The Cholistan, or Rohi, Desert in Punjab is the largest desert
on the Indian continent. The desert is over 10,000 square
miles. Located 20 miles from Bahawalpur, The Hakra
River dried up here, and with it most life. The 2.5 million
people who live here are nomads who lead a simple life herding
and trading in camels. Their culture is strong with many romantic
legends dating back to ancient times and they place great
value in the power of song. The desert festivals are simply
out of this world, you may see camels dancing (except those
with two left humps) who are even better dressed in dazzling
costumes than their owners. The people of Cholistan wear embroidered
and print coloured shirts, skirts and robe coats. During the
wet season, the nomads built shallow reservoirs to catch rainwater
to survive long spells away from their villages.
Things to see and do
There are a number of forts along the old river bed dating
back to 4000 BC. The Forts were built to guard the ancient
trading routes.
Derawar Fort - Deep in the heart of the Cholistan Desert
stands the lonely but awe-inspiring Derawar Fort. A massive
fort with decoratively carved sandstone walls, which take
your breath away, as they rise magnificently from the flat
desert wasteland like something so grand it's difficult to
imagine. Built in 1733 by the Nawab (Royal family) of Bahawalpur,
the fort can be seen for many miles with walls 90 ft high.
It is extremely photogenic, but is best seen in the morning
or evening before or after the desert's midday sun takes hold.
Shrines of Channan Pir - 30 miles from Derawar Fort.
A festival is held annually at the start of March where devotees
gather on the night of the full moon to honour the tomb of
saint Channan Pir.
Shopping - You can buy locally produced Cholistan
crafts at the Craft Development Centre outside Farid
Gate. Best buys including a Flassi (camel hair wall
hanging or decorative carpet), a Gindi (cloth needlework
covering used as spread or tablecloth), Khalti (multi-coloured
embroidered purse)or a Changary (geometric plague made
of palm leaves).
Trekkers essentials:
Clothes - Make a turban from a piece of cloth. Essential to
cope with the searing heat of the desert. Place onions in
the turban which apparently absorbs the heat to keep your
head fresh - if you can cope with smelling more pungent than
your camel.
- Bring plenty of food and water. Oasis's are rare in this
desert.
- For the more adventurous is it possible to pay for a permit
at the Bahawalpur office of the PTDC (Pakistan Tourism Development
Corporation) and stay independently in the desert, but the
logistics involved in bringing in your water and food supply
and arranging for a pickup back out, make this option not
particularly viable.
- Get yourself a recommended guide who is a local to the region
and can protect you against possible bandits.
- Best time to visit is winter - October to March when the
temperature ranges from 8C - 23C.
- Four wheel drive and camel tours can be arranged to take
you into the Cholistan and to the fort, but for a quick day
visit it's best to hire a car and driver for the 'relaxed'
experience. Prices are extremely cheap, but make sure you
choose your car and driver wisely. |
