Bahawalpur and the Cholistan Desert Travel Guide

Bahawalpur sits at the edge of the Cholistan desert in southern Punjab. The city holds palaces and museums, while the desert beyond has forts, dunes and a quiet road south.

The route runs from Bahawalpur city into the Cholistan desert and back. Bahawalpur was the capital of a princely state and retains several palaces and a central museum. South of the city, the desert spreads towards the Indian border. Derawar Fort is the best known stop. The road is paved to the fort, then becomes sand track. Travel is easiest from October to March, when daytime temperatures are moderate. Summer heat is severe.

impt.pk guides · Updated October 2026

Day by day

01
Arrive in Bahawalpur
City centre, museums and palaces
Start at the central museum and the Noor Mahal palace. Both are in the city centre and can be seen in half a day. The evening is free for the bazaar.
02
Bahawalpur to Derawar Fort
Paved road then desert track
Drive south from Bahawalpur towards Derawar Fort. The paved road ends before the fort and the last stretch is sand. A 4x4 is needed beyond the paved section. The fort is the main desert landmark.
03
Cholistan desert loop
Dunes, forts and desert villages
Continue on desert tracks to smaller forts and dunes. The route passes seasonal settlements. Travel with a local driver who knows the tracks. Return to Bahawalpur by evening.
04
Departure or extra day
City sights or onward travel
Use the morning for any city sights missed on day one, such as the central library or the stadium. Then depart, or add a day for Uch Sharif to the south-west.

Before you go

Check the season

October to March is the practical window. Summer heat in Cholistan is extreme and desert travel is not advised then. Winter nights can be cold, so bring a jacket.

Arrange a 4x4

The paved road ends before Derawar Fort. Beyond that, sand tracks need a high clearance vehicle and a driver with desert experience. Ask in Bahawalpur before setting out.

Carry water and fuel

Fuel and drinking water are limited in the desert. Fill up in Bahawalpur and carry more water than you expect to need. There are few shops on the desert tracks.

Check access advice

The Cholistan desert lies near the Indian border. Some areas may require a No Objection Certificate. Rules change, so check current official advice before travelling.

Bahawalpur city

Bahawalpur was the capital of the former princely state of Bahawalpur, founded in 1748. The city is on the edge of the Cholistan desert in southern Punjab, about 90 km south of Multan. It is the main base for desert trips. The central museum holds collections from the region, and the Noor Mahal palace is a short drive from the centre. Both can be visited in a morning.

The city has a railway station and an airport, with road links north to Multan and Lahore. Most travellers arrive by road or rail. The bazaar area is busy in the evening. For desert travel, arrange a vehicle and driver in the city before heading south.

Derawar Fort and the desert

Derawar Fort is the best known landmark in the Cholistan desert, about 100 km south of Bahawalpur. The fort stands on a flat plain and its walls are visible from a distance. The paved road runs most of the way, but the final approach is on sand. A 4x4 is needed beyond the paved section. The fort is a large square structure with round bastions.

The desert around Derawar is part of the Cholistan region, which extends towards the Indian border. Travel beyond the fort is on desert tracks. Local drivers know the routes between the fort and smaller desert settlements. The area is sparsely populated and services are limited.

Getting there

From Bahawalpur, take the road south towards Derawar. The paved section ends before the fort. The last stretch is sand track, passable with a high clearance vehicle. Without a 4x4, arrange a local driver in Bahawalpur. The drive takes a few hours.

What to see

The fort walls and bastions are the main sight. Nearby are smaller desert forts and dunes. The desert landscape is open and quiet. There are no facilities at the fort, so carry water and food. Photography is possible from outside the walls.

Cholistan desert tracks

The Cholistan desert covers a large area south and east of Bahawalpur. Travel is on sand tracks between forts, wells and seasonal settlements. The tracks are not marked and change with the seasons. A local driver is essential. The desert is hot and dry, with sparse vegetation. The main season for travel is from October to March.

Beyond Derawar, the tracks lead to other forts and to the edge of the desert. Some routes are only passable in winter. Do not attempt desert tracks alone. Travel in a small group with a vehicle and supplies. Mobile coverage is limited.

Practical advice

The best time to visit Bahawalpur and Cholistan is from October to March. Summer temperatures are very high and desert travel is not advised. Winter days are mild, but nights can be cold. Check the weather before setting out. Fuel and water are available in Bahawalpur but scarce in the desert.

The Cholistan desert lies near the Indian border. Some areas may require a No Objection Certificate. Rules change, so check current official advice before travelling. Travel with a local driver who knows the tracks. Carry a spare tyre and basic supplies. Tell someone your route before leaving.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Bahawalpur and the Cholistan desert?

The best time is from October to March, when daytime temperatures are moderate. Summer heat is severe and desert travel is not advised. Winter nights can be cold, so bring warm clothing for the evening.

Do you need a 4x4 to reach Derawar Fort?

The paved road ends before Derawar Fort, and the final stretch is on sand. A high clearance vehicle is needed beyond the paved section. Without a 4x4, arrange a local driver in Bahawalpur who knows the desert tracks.

Is a permit required for the Cholistan desert?

The Cholistan desert lies near the Indian border, and some areas may require a No Objection Certificate. Rules change, so check current official advice before travelling. Ask in Bahawalpur about local access conditions.

What should you carry for a Cholistan desert trip?

Carry more water than you expect to need, food, a spare tyre and basic supplies. Fuel is available in Bahawalpur but scarce in the desert. Mobile coverage is limited, so tell someone your route before leaving.