Pakistan has many deserts and semi-desert areas that offer amazing experiences for tourists. The Cholistan Desert in Punjab, the Katpana Cold Desert in Skardu, the Jhal Magsi Desert in Balochistan, Hingol and Makran Coastal Deserts in Balochistan, and the Thar Desert in Sindh are among the most famous desert safari spots in Pakistan that will attract tourists in 2025.
1. Cholistan Desert, Punjab
- Location & Size: Cholistan Desert (also called Rohi) spreads over an area of about 16,000 to 25,000 square kilometres in southern Punjab, near Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, and extends towards Sindh.
- Safari Experience: You can do camel safaris, jeep rallies, and overnight camping. One highlight is the Derawar Fort, a large and impressive fortress in the desert.
- Cultural and Nature Features: Visiting nomadic settlements, experiencing desert folk music / dance, desert nights under starlit skies, local food, and architecture of forts.
- Best Time to Visit: Winters (November to March) are ideal because daytime temperature is mild; summer is very hot.
- Recent News / Highlights: The “Royal Cholistan Desert Safari” tour operators are promoting packages combining adventure (jeep or camel rides), history (forts) and culture.
2. Katpana / Cold Desert, Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan
- What & Where: Katpana Desert (also called Cold Desert) is near Skardu, in Gilgit-Baltistan, at a high altitude (~2,226 meters). It has sand dunes which sometimes are covered with snow during winter.
- What Makes It Unique: Unlike hot deserts, this desert is cold in winters. The contrast of golden or white dunes with snow, or with surrounding mountains, is very photogenic. Tourists love sunrise/sunset there.
- Safari Options: Jeep rides, photography tours, camping near the dunes. Because of altitude and cold, proper gear needed.
3. Jhal Magsi, Balochistan
- Why It’s Noted: Jhal Magsi has desert landscapes, and is known for the “Jhal Magsi Rally” off-road event. It is becoming popular for safari and adventure tourism.
- What to Do: Ride across desert plains, go through dunes, maybe explore small desert towns, local culture, scenery.
4. Hingol National Park / Makran / Coastal Deserts, Balochistan
- Landscape: Though not purely desert, these areas mix arid land, rocky desert formations, unique geology, and sometimes dry sandy expanses. Ferrying between desert-coast transitions gives special landscape contrast.
- Safari & Tours: Jeep safari through rugged terrain, beach deserts, rock formations (e.g. in Hingol)
5. Thar Desert (Sindh / Pakistan-India Border)
- Note: While majorly in India, parts of Thar Desert lie in Sindh, Pakistan. These areas offer desert experiences with dunes, local rural life, and cross-border cultural influence. The semi-desert environment provides camel treks, visits to desert villages.
Trends & New Reports in 2025
- Wildlife in Cholistan: Recently, rare wildlife sightings (e.g. Great Indian Bustards) have been recorded in Cholistan, making safaris more interesting for nature lovers.
- Growth of Organized Tourism: Several operators (e.g. “Royal Cholistan Desert Safari”) are offering higher quality packages: safety, lodging (luxury camps or desert lodges), guides, photography.
- Adventure Events: Rally events (jeep, off-road) in Jhal Magsi and Cholistan attract many tourists.
Tips & Challenges for Desert Safaris
- What to Bring: Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, light clothes for daytime; warm jackets for nights (especially in cold deserts). Plenty of water. Good shoes. Camera.
- Health & Safety: Avoid going in extreme heat months. Use guides who know routes well. Be prepared for remote areas (less facilities).
- Respect Local Culture & Environment: Learn local customs, avoid littering, respect wildlife. Desert ecosystems fragile.
Why These Spots Stand Out in 2025
- Diversity of Desert Types: Pakistan does not have just hot, sandy deserts. It has «cold deserts» (Katpana), arid plains, coastal deserts, desert near mountains. This variation gives travellers many choices.
- Combination of Nature + Culture: Forts in Cholistan, nomadic lifestyles, cultural festivals, wildlife sightings add depth beyond just landscapes.
- Rising Awareness & Investment: More tour agencies are recognizing desert safari potential. Government and private sector slowly improving facilities, promoting safety and sustainability.
- Photo & Adventurer Appeal: Social media posts, photography tours highlight places like Skardu’s cold dunes and Cholistan’s forts etc., increasing interest.
Best Spots Summary Table
| Desert / Area | Best For / Unique Feature | Best Time to Visit |
|---|---|---|
| Cholistan Desert, Punjab (Derawar Fort etc.) | Hot desert, classic camel & jeep safari, culture, forts | November to March |
| Katpana Cold Desert, Skardu, GB | Cold desert, photo opportunities with snow + dunes, high altitude | Summer to early autumn; winter if well prepared |
| Jhal Magsi, Balochistan | Off-road rally, rugged desert landscapes | Winter & early spring |
| Hingol and Makran Coastal / Desert areas | Rock formations + desert/coastal mix | October to April |
| Thar regions (Sindh) | Dunes, rural desert life, culture | Winter season |
Conclusion
In 2025, Pakistan is becoming better known for its desert safari spots. Whether you are seeking blazing sandy dunes in Cholistan, cold sandy dunes near Skardu, rugged terrains of Jhal Magsi, or dramatic desert-coast lines in Balochistan, there are many options. These places offer adventure, history, culture, and stunning natural views. With improving tourist facilities and guides, desert safaris are more accessible than before.
