Cholistan Desert Area
Arid desert region in Pakistan's southern Punjab
The Cholistan Desert near Bahawalpur offers sandy plains, camel migrations and historic forts like Derawar nearby. Visitors attend seasonal festivals, take jeep and camel safaris and explore desert settlements and fortifications.
Cholistan Desert at a Glance#
Address: Cholistan Desert (Rohi), Punjab province, Pakistan
About Cholistan Desert#
The Cholistan Desert (Rohi) is a large arid region in southern Punjab, Pakistan, extending from the vicinity of Bahawalpur and forming the western extension of the Thar Desert. It includes sand dunes, seasonal dry plains and historic forts and settlements.
The area has long supported semi-nomadic pastoralists and served as part of regional trade and pastoral routes; various princely and local powers built forts and caravan stops to control the desert approaches and wells. Modern conservation and development efforts focus on water management and heritage preservation.
The desert lies southeast of the city of Bahawalpur in Punjab province, Pakistan, and stretches toward the border areas with Sindh and the Thar region; road access is via Bahawalpur and nearby district towns.
- Desert character and events: The Cholistan Desert, also called Rohi, is an extension of the Thar Desert and contains seasonal settlements, nomadic routes and the annual Cholistan Jeep Rally near Bahawalpur.
- Best time to visit and safety: Winter months (November to March) are the most comfortable time to visit; summer temperatures are extreme and water and a capable vehicle are essential for travel inside the desert.
What to See#
- Derawar Fort: Derawar Fort is a major stone fortress located inside the desert, with large circular bastions visible from the main desert routes and a long history linked to the region’s former princely state.
How to Get to Cholistan Desert#
The desert is accessed from Bahawalpur city (southern Punjab). From Bahawalpur, hire local 4x4 transport or escorted tours; Derawar Fort and nearby villages are common day‑trip destinations.
Tips for Visiting Cholistan Desert#
- Hire a local guide for extended desert treks - long distances between services and navigational hazards make lone travel unsafe.
- Visit during winter months for milder daytime temperatures; summers are extremely hot.
- Arrange camel rides or 4x4 tours through accredited operators who can also provide cultural context on Baloch and desert traditions.
Best Time to Visit Cholistan Desert#
Best visited in winter (Nov-Mar) for milder temperatures and safer travel conditions.
Weather & Climate near Cholistan Desert#
Cholistan Desert's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with very hot summers (peaking in June) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 5°C to 44°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Excellent | 5° - 23° | 14° | 6 mm | mostly sunny | 33% | 1.3 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 10.4h |
| February | Ideal | 9° - 27° | 18° | 8 mm | mostly sunny | 31% | 1.5 m/s | 1.1 high | 11.1h |
| March | Ideal | 15° - 33° | 24° | 12 mm | mostly sunny | 28% | 1.7 m/s | 1.6 very high | 11.9h |
| April | Excellent | 21° - 39° | 30° | 9 mm | clear | 23% | 2.2 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 12.7h |
| May | Excellent | 26° - 44° | 35° | 8 mm | clear | 21% | 2.4 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 13.4h |
| June | Very Good | 29° - 44° | 37° | 14 mm | mostly sunny | 30% | 2.6 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 13.8h |
| July | Very Good | 28° - 42° | 35° | 48 mm | mostly sunny | 39% | 2.5 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 13.6h |
| August | Very Good | 27° - 40° | 35° | 42 mm | mostly sunny | 43% | 2.1 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 13.0h |
| September | Excellent | 25° - 40° | 32° | 19 mm | clear | 38% | 1.7 m/s | 1.8 very high | 12.2h |
| October | Ideal | 19° - 37° | 28° | 1 mm | clear | 25% | 1.2 m/s | 1.3 high | 11.4h |
| November | Ideal | 12° - 31° | 21° | 2 mm | clear | 26% | 1.0 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 10.6h |
| December | Ideal | 7° - 25° | 16° | 4 mm | clear | 30% | 1.0 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 10.2h |