A Night to Remember.
In the distance dogs were howling and electricity was being consumed by a running motor. All these sounds seemed to amplify in the silent night. I lay tossing and turning in my enclosed smelly sleeping bag, trying my best to hold on to all my body heat. Waleed conveniently lay sleeping in his large warm sleeping bag; Mom and Dad slept in the tent besides me. The only one awake was me and the night.
The ground was hard and cold. The cold seemed to seep in through my clothes; there was no position in which I could sleep and stay warm. Time passed slowly and painfully, eventually my brain shut-down and I went into an uncomfortable slumber.
I was standing on the edge of a cliff which had a beautiful scenery. I extended my arm and took a small step forward. I felt my body lunge forward and a sudden adrenaline rush took over and my body jerked; I opened my eyes with surprise and found myself in the igloo-shaped tent.
I held my head and assumed that any minute now I would hear the birds chirping and the sun would rise spreading its splendor and glory on the earth. I took out my Ipod and checked the time “11:55 pm” it wasn’t even midnight yet. We still had 6 hours and 5 minutes of more pain and cold to endure.
My tossing and turning began again. Suddenly Waleed woke up; he needed to use the bathroom. This is was just the sort of thing I was waiting for to happen. On his slightest moan I heard mom immediately reply. Dad was still fast sleep. A small argument began on whether to go home or make Waleed use the glorious splendor of nature as his bathroom. Dad woke up in middle of this confusion and asked us what the fuss was about. After a long debate and mom’s every second urge to go back home we came to a decision – mom and dad were going to shift into our tent. Even after this decision was put into action and some warmth entered into our bodies, mom was still drumming in our ears “Lets go home.” We looked at the clock and finally in all this fuss we had managed to waste an hour.
We decided to call some of our family that lived in the States. No one picked up, until finally my brother did. When we ran out of people to call, mom and I needed to use the bathroom urgently. After a long and difficult wait, I managed to go- don’t ask how.
Now that I was “relieved” and relaxed, I came back to my mom talking to Samina Aunty. Mom was so happy and excited (I bet that was her only highlight of the trip). By the time mom finished she was back to being impatient about going home. I checked the time and (VICTORY!) it was almost 2 a.m. We decided to sleep (or at least try).
Waleed fell fast asleep instantly and soon I heard the synchronizing snores of mother and father. I took this disturbance as “music” to my ears and went into an uncomfortable sleep.
I woke up again with a jerk and found mom sitting up straight. After me Waleed woke up and then finally Dad. I checked the time it was 6:10 am. (YES!) in another few minutes we heard the Fajr prayers and that was our queue to pack up and leave. Mom still needed to use the bathroom. Knowing that the caretakers of the farm would be awake, Dad and Waleed left to use the “proper” bathroom. Mom and I started to fold up the sleeping bags, glad that we were leaving soon.
It was 6:30 am when we started walking down to the bathroom. By the time we went back to the tents and starting packing them up it was about 7:15 am (I would be getting ready to leave for school by now). At 7: 30 am we drank hot “chaa” and fed SherKhan a bit of “Gur” and (FINALLY) left for home.
On the way we welcomed the first bite of oily “Halwa Puri” into our stomachs at Zakir Tikka. When we went home we immediately bathed in hot water got into our warm, comfortable and soft beds and dozed off. This adventure was indeed an unforgettable night.
I was standing on a cliff which had a beautiful view, but I stood quite far from the edge.
Palvashae Hussain.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Monday, December 8, 2008
List of Items for the Trip
People!
Your Captain has organized everything for you. This is the only Safari in the world where you don’t have to bring anything at all. We have decided to provide you clothing, undergarments and toiletries. We have picked up some very nice clothes for you from Oxfam and others are left over from the October 05 earthquake collection. Toiletries will have to be shared, one toothbrush for every four people.
In case you want to bring your own clothes and toiletries then refer to the list enclosed
NOTE: Before I begin please know that you have to travel LIGHT! And I mean carry about 10-13 kgs. Why? Because one for your own convenience as you will have to move your luggage around and secondly, there is lesser load on the coaster, camels and boats.
We are recommending you carry 2 bags, a rucksack and the other a knapsack which is small and light. This we are recommending you carry with you during the day.
THINGS TO BRING IN THE RUCKSACK:
Clothing, bring only 3 pairs of clothes.
The one’s you are wearing
One to change
And the third being the night clothes.
I. These clothes should be suitable for walking long distances. Recommended is Shalwar kameez or Cargo Pants with a shirt. The shalwar should be made of sturdy cotton, but fit (form your waist line – lol), the kameez must be full sleeves and should have collar so that there is minimum exposure to sun. For people wearing cargo pants, the pants should be loose, made of cotton, of strong material and is not meant to be a hipster or dangling!
II. Your night clothes should be a warm pajama and full-sleeves shirt – Knitwear full sleeves tea shirt- These clothes should be something that you can walk in as they will be substitute clothing in case you spoil your day wear.
III. You should have a jumper/sweatshirt which is warm and can keep you from freezing as temperatures can go to about 0 degrees. They should be sturdy and worn in.
IV. A jacket is necessary. It should have lots of pockets and should keep you warm; it should be like a wind-breaker.
V. A small shawl or small chadar or large scarf is highly recommended with can also act like a dupata or scarf.
Moving on...
Pairs of Socks should be at least 4-6 pairs. They should be cotton-sports socks.
One Pair of shoes: These should be ankle-high trekking shoes; also please use them a couple of times before the journey, as new things pinch, same goes for the clothes.
Then a pair of sandals: These should be closed sandals which will be used for the night or to go to the toilet.
Now we move to the toiletries.
Proper Bathing will not take place for these 7 days in the wilderness, so be PREPARED! Carry all items in a small bag and try and share a few toiletries to keep the weight down.
Here are the items:
2 small soaps
A small bottle of hand sanitizer
Lots of deodorants (don’t want stinky travelers with us.)
Toothbrush (yellow teeth, bad breath yuck!)
Toothpaste (D-UH! What is a toothbrush without it)
Shampoo sashes (now I know I said no proper bathes, but we might get a slight chance)
Ponds Cream
Sun block (max strength) (very very essential)
Shaving set – for men and hairy women
nail cutter
That’s that for the rucksack, now we move on the day bag, that you all shall be carrying.
THINGS TO BRING IN THE DAY BAG:
Whistle
Hat, Cap (should cover four sides)
Big Scarf
Water bottle
Sun tan lotion
Mospel
Face cloths 2-3
Aspirin
Dark Glasses
Woolen cap and gloves
Pen and paper
Tidbits and sweets
Compass
Binoculars
Camera
Torch
Hunting knife/Swiss army knife
Multi-vitamins
Swimming costumes- optional for the daring ones
Other items that you will need -
Pillow (small)
Towel
lots of Sweets & tidbits
Playing cards – Harris you bring this
Tarot CARDS
For your safety there will be a first aid kit available.
I guess that’s all you have to bring along with yourselves, including you. Any updates made and you will be informed.
Your Captain has organized everything for you. This is the only Safari in the world where you don’t have to bring anything at all. We have decided to provide you clothing, undergarments and toiletries. We have picked up some very nice clothes for you from Oxfam and others are left over from the October 05 earthquake collection. Toiletries will have to be shared, one toothbrush for every four people.
In case you want to bring your own clothes and toiletries then refer to the list enclosed
NOTE: Before I begin please know that you have to travel LIGHT! And I mean carry about 10-13 kgs. Why? Because one for your own convenience as you will have to move your luggage around and secondly, there is lesser load on the coaster, camels and boats.
We are recommending you carry 2 bags, a rucksack and the other a knapsack which is small and light. This we are recommending you carry with you during the day.
THINGS TO BRING IN THE RUCKSACK:
Clothing, bring only 3 pairs of clothes.
The one’s you are wearing
One to change
And the third being the night clothes.
I. These clothes should be suitable for walking long distances. Recommended is Shalwar kameez or Cargo Pants with a shirt. The shalwar should be made of sturdy cotton, but fit (form your waist line – lol), the kameez must be full sleeves and should have collar so that there is minimum exposure to sun. For people wearing cargo pants, the pants should be loose, made of cotton, of strong material and is not meant to be a hipster or dangling!
II. Your night clothes should be a warm pajama and full-sleeves shirt – Knitwear full sleeves tea shirt- These clothes should be something that you can walk in as they will be substitute clothing in case you spoil your day wear.
III. You should have a jumper/sweatshirt which is warm and can keep you from freezing as temperatures can go to about 0 degrees. They should be sturdy and worn in.
IV. A jacket is necessary. It should have lots of pockets and should keep you warm; it should be like a wind-breaker.
V. A small shawl or small chadar or large scarf is highly recommended with can also act like a dupata or scarf.
Moving on...
Pairs of Socks should be at least 4-6 pairs. They should be cotton-sports socks.
One Pair of shoes: These should be ankle-high trekking shoes; also please use them a couple of times before the journey, as new things pinch, same goes for the clothes.
Then a pair of sandals: These should be closed sandals which will be used for the night or to go to the toilet.
Now we move to the toiletries.
Proper Bathing will not take place for these 7 days in the wilderness, so be PREPARED! Carry all items in a small bag and try and share a few toiletries to keep the weight down.
Here are the items:
2 small soaps
A small bottle of hand sanitizer
Lots of deodorants (don’t want stinky travelers with us.)
Toothbrush (yellow teeth, bad breath yuck!)
Toothpaste (D-UH! What is a toothbrush without it)
Shampoo sashes (now I know I said no proper bathes, but we might get a slight chance)
Ponds Cream
Sun block (max strength) (very very essential)
Shaving set – for men and hairy women
nail cutter
That’s that for the rucksack, now we move on the day bag, that you all shall be carrying.
THINGS TO BRING IN THE DAY BAG:
Whistle
Hat, Cap (should cover four sides)
Big Scarf
Water bottle
Sun tan lotion
Mospel
Face cloths 2-3
Aspirin
Dark Glasses
Woolen cap and gloves
Pen and paper
Tidbits and sweets
Compass
Binoculars
Camera
Torch
Hunting knife/Swiss army knife
Multi-vitamins
Swimming costumes- optional for the daring ones
Other items that you will need -
Pillow (small)
Towel
lots of Sweets & tidbits
Playing cards – Harris you bring this
Tarot CARDS
For your safety there will be a first aid kit available.
I guess that’s all you have to bring along with yourselves, including you. Any updates made and you will be informed.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Detail of Itinerary
Itinerary
Day 1 Lahore to Multan (6 hours)
Pick up from desired location at 9:00am, Departure for Multan via Indus Highway at 9:30am, guided tour of the historically rich city .Multan, the most important city of Southern Punjab, has been famous for the pilgrimage to the sun god’s temple even before Alexander laid siege to it in 326BC. However, the monuments that remain today date from the Islamic period between the 11th and 15th centuries, when Multan was a center of Sufi teachings. We visit the fort mound on which is found the landmark of Multan, the shrine of Rukne-e-Alam a renowned Sufi. The shrine of his grandson is within walking distance and here at the entrance can be found musicians singing Sufi poetry. The square & octagonal construction of the shrine was trend-setting architecture in its day. Afternoon visit the old walled city with its lively bazaar, where artisans still work on the traditional handicrafts. Meals and overnight stay at PTDC hotel.
Day 2 Multan- Taunsa Boat Safari ( I.5 HR ) Drive from Multan to Taunsa on the bank of the Indus River. Here we meet the boat people and in the afternoon start our boat safari. We shall have a medium size, locally made wooden boat for ourselves and will tow a small boat to be used for excursions to the shore.Both boats are operated by the local fishermen who are experts in navigating them without engines, by drifting downstream on the calm waters. Overnight stay in camps on the bank of the river.
Day 3 Taunsa – Ghazi Ghat Boat Safari In the soft morning light we pack up our tents and have breakfast at the boat. Floating on the rhythmic waves of the Indus we pass through the heart of Punjab - the land of five rivers. In winter the banks of the river can be underwater in summer and present a varied landscape, form sand dunes to thick jungle and then flat lands of straw and other vegetation. By evening we arrive at Ghazi Ghat on the bank of Indus river. We meet our camping staff here who travels by the jeep, Overnight in camps.
Day 4 Ghazi Ghat –Panjned-Sitpur-Uch ( 4-5 HRS ) With our experience of the waterways of Punjab, we now begin the exploration of the once great and low lost cities of a great & by-gone civilization. Drive by soft top 4x4 jeep to Sitpur, to visit the exciting 13th century monuments in blue glazed tiles - erected to pay homage to the great Sufi Saints of that period who are still loved by the locals. We also visit the village mosque and the small sleepy village that may spring to life to welcome the surprise guests. Later drive to Uch, the great 14th century center of Sufi Islamic teaching and learning. We visit the monuments of the landmark monuments, half fallen to the floods of the roaring rivers and the rest still bravely facing the winds of time. Overnight stay in camps.
Day 5 Uch- Channan Pir (1 HRS)The best part of Uch is revealed in a sunrise visit of the Sufi shrines and the madrassas (traditional schools) in the soft morning light, when the tiles glow with bright colors to reveal their glory. Later we drive to the pottery village of Ahmed Pur to experience the art of clay pottery. Drive on to the shrine of the patron saint of the Cholistan desert. Here we meet our companions for the next two days - the ship of the desert & their captains - Camels and their proud and elegant owners. Overnight stay in camps.
Day 6 Channan Pir – Hillao Rani Camel Safari After breakfast at the camp we have a training session of camel riding with our camel drivers teaching us how to mount and dismount this elegant and friendly animal of the desert. Each person shall have a camel; controlled by the camel driver walking in the front holding the reigns. You may decide to trek through the desert, to have better frame for your camel pictures. By late afternoon we arrive at the camp, a small shrine in the middle of nowhere. Overnight stay in camps.
Day 7 Hillao Rani - Derawar Fort Camel Safari Camel Caravan through Cholistan, the ninth largest desert of the world, with a varied landscape. As this is no ordinary desert, it is called the land of the lost river that once used to flow through it few thousand years ago and supporting some 406 settlements. Today we have chance to meet the nomads at the occasional water holes. Arrive at Derawar, the largest fort of the desert that is part of the chain of forts built to protect the central Asian trade route to India proper. Overnight stay in camps.
Day 8 Derawar Fort – Bahawalpur-Lahore
In the morning we take a walking tour of the Derawar; its landmark fort with forty buttresses, the elegant and charming 19th century Abbasi Mosque and the exquisitely decorated tombs of the members of the royal family. Later we drive through the desert on soft top 4x4 jeeps to Bahawalpur, the capital city of the former princely state. Afternoon flight to Lahore, the cultural heart of Pakistan, the capital of Punjab and the premier Moghul city.
.
Day 1 Lahore to Multan (6 hours)
Pick up from desired location at 9:00am, Departure for Multan via Indus Highway at 9:30am, guided tour of the historically rich city .Multan, the most important city of Southern Punjab, has been famous for the pilgrimage to the sun god’s temple even before Alexander laid siege to it in 326BC. However, the monuments that remain today date from the Islamic period between the 11th and 15th centuries, when Multan was a center of Sufi teachings. We visit the fort mound on which is found the landmark of Multan, the shrine of Rukne-e-Alam a renowned Sufi. The shrine of his grandson is within walking distance and here at the entrance can be found musicians singing Sufi poetry. The square & octagonal construction of the shrine was trend-setting architecture in its day. Afternoon visit the old walled city with its lively bazaar, where artisans still work on the traditional handicrafts. Meals and overnight stay at PTDC hotel.
Day 2 Multan- Taunsa Boat Safari ( I.5 HR ) Drive from Multan to Taunsa on the bank of the Indus River. Here we meet the boat people and in the afternoon start our boat safari. We shall have a medium size, locally made wooden boat for ourselves and will tow a small boat to be used for excursions to the shore.Both boats are operated by the local fishermen who are experts in navigating them without engines, by drifting downstream on the calm waters. Overnight stay in camps on the bank of the river.
Day 3 Taunsa – Ghazi Ghat Boat Safari In the soft morning light we pack up our tents and have breakfast at the boat. Floating on the rhythmic waves of the Indus we pass through the heart of Punjab - the land of five rivers. In winter the banks of the river can be underwater in summer and present a varied landscape, form sand dunes to thick jungle and then flat lands of straw and other vegetation. By evening we arrive at Ghazi Ghat on the bank of Indus river. We meet our camping staff here who travels by the jeep, Overnight in camps.
Day 4 Ghazi Ghat –Panjned-Sitpur-Uch ( 4-5 HRS ) With our experience of the waterways of Punjab, we now begin the exploration of the once great and low lost cities of a great & by-gone civilization. Drive by soft top 4x4 jeep to Sitpur, to visit the exciting 13th century monuments in blue glazed tiles - erected to pay homage to the great Sufi Saints of that period who are still loved by the locals. We also visit the village mosque and the small sleepy village that may spring to life to welcome the surprise guests. Later drive to Uch, the great 14th century center of Sufi Islamic teaching and learning. We visit the monuments of the landmark monuments, half fallen to the floods of the roaring rivers and the rest still bravely facing the winds of time. Overnight stay in camps.
Day 5 Uch- Channan Pir (1 HRS)The best part of Uch is revealed in a sunrise visit of the Sufi shrines and the madrassas (traditional schools) in the soft morning light, when the tiles glow with bright colors to reveal their glory. Later we drive to the pottery village of Ahmed Pur to experience the art of clay pottery. Drive on to the shrine of the patron saint of the Cholistan desert. Here we meet our companions for the next two days - the ship of the desert & their captains - Camels and their proud and elegant owners. Overnight stay in camps.
Day 6 Channan Pir – Hillao Rani Camel Safari After breakfast at the camp we have a training session of camel riding with our camel drivers teaching us how to mount and dismount this elegant and friendly animal of the desert. Each person shall have a camel; controlled by the camel driver walking in the front holding the reigns. You may decide to trek through the desert, to have better frame for your camel pictures. By late afternoon we arrive at the camp, a small shrine in the middle of nowhere. Overnight stay in camps.
Day 7 Hillao Rani - Derawar Fort Camel Safari Camel Caravan through Cholistan, the ninth largest desert of the world, with a varied landscape. As this is no ordinary desert, it is called the land of the lost river that once used to flow through it few thousand years ago and supporting some 406 settlements. Today we have chance to meet the nomads at the occasional water holes. Arrive at Derawar, the largest fort of the desert that is part of the chain of forts built to protect the central Asian trade route to India proper. Overnight stay in camps.
Day 8 Derawar Fort – Bahawalpur-Lahore
In the morning we take a walking tour of the Derawar; its landmark fort with forty buttresses, the elegant and charming 19th century Abbasi Mosque and the exquisitely decorated tombs of the members of the royal family. Later we drive through the desert on soft top 4x4 jeeps to Bahawalpur, the capital city of the former princely state. Afternoon flight to Lahore, the cultural heart of Pakistan, the capital of Punjab and the premier Moghul city.
.
Special Ocassions on the Trip!
Hi folks!
During the trip, we are gonna have some special occasions...and uptil now there are only...
During the trip, we are gonna have some special occasions...and uptil now there are only...
- New Years Party 31 st december, 2008 on the Indus Bay.
- Adnan's Birthday 31 st december, 2008 on the Indus Bay.
- Palvashae's Birthday 2 nd january, 2009 in Uch.
Lets all have a BLAST!
"Puris with Palvashae"
Feed- back!
This is kind of like a Pakistani copy of "Koffee with Karan," But we wont be fooling around here. Since "Majority is Athourity," we will need small opinions from the team members as well. Now please know that Ghazala Nomani's vote or opinion is equal to 20 votes, no question about that!
Q1: To add a day in the desert or not to do so? That is the question! I want every accompaning member of the team to tell me that is cutting a day in sight-seeing and adding that one day in the desert a wise and sensible idea?
Ans:- We are clueless! Looking for suggestions.
Q2: To keep our protein and calcium level high, Adnan Afaq, thought of taking a herd of goats with us, I myself am not fond of this idea, for he says to milk them in the morning and sacrifice one each night. Please keep in mind that any sort of sacrificing will be done by Ayesha Imtiaz, which includes skinning and ridding the meat of its organs. What do you think?
Ans:- Please say no!
A Preview of our trip to Cholistan.....enjoy!
Trip Synopsis.
The expedition is of total 8 days in which we will start from Lahore and will end at Lahore. Departure day is set for December 30th. We made Multan the rendezvous point, where we all must be present on the mentioned date; Tuesday, 30th December, 2008. Coaster- Arrangements from Lahore to Multan have been made, and if you want to make it on your own, then please inform Palvashae. Stay in Multan has also been arranged at PTDC Multan. However, if you wish to make your own arrangements then (again) please inform Palvashae. Half the day will be spent in traveling, whereas, the other half will be spent in sightseeing.
Day 2 will be spent sailing through the rivers of Punjab, we will sail for about 6 hours. Then their will be an over-night camp on the bay. New Year’s Night and Adnan’s Birthday will be celebrated on the Indus Bay... please bring your party hats!
Day 3, we will continue sailing and exploring the bank, we will be swimming with the dolphins, so please bring your swimsuits. Eventually, reach Uch. After a tiresome day we finally stay in camps.
Day 4 will be an exceptionally jolly and merry day for Palvashae, as she will be turning “fifteen”. In Uch we commence sightseeing, and overnight stay in camps.
Day 5 will begin with an early breakfast then we take a jeep and drive down to Chanan Pir; which will take about an hour or so. There we do sightseeing, by the way, please keep in mind the shopping will take place, and if you want to shop, please stick to Naina. Here we meet our camels and their riders. Overnight stay in camps.
Day 6 is finally when we start the real adventure of this journey. After breakfast we have a training session with the camels; we are briefed on the do’s and don’ts. We will ride or walk for maximum 6 hours. During our ride we may need ride and walk with the camel, because riding the camel or 6 hours straight is excruciating, for all inexperienced and experienced riders. So I suggest that you riding the camel and waling with it should be balanced. Please know that you should be in tip top shape in order to complete this journey….so I say start walking! By late afternoon, we camp near the shrine in the middles of nowhere underneath the blissful night sky.
Day 7 we leave Hillao Rani and stride further into the desert nearer to the Derawar Fort. It is said to be the largest fort in the desert. Here we call it a day and camp overnight.
Day 8 is our last day in the desert, in the morning we tour the fort and its magnificent beauty. After that we bid the desert goodbye and drive to Bahawalpur in jeeps, which is 49 km from Cholistan. A little sightseeing and then take a flight back or drive back to Lahore. (Start on the 30th Dec---end on the 6th Jan)
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Blast from the Past - Skiing Trip to Malam Jabba
found these pictures from our Malam Jabba trip in my D drive :-)
On arrival in Malam Jabba we stayed at the Army Warfare Center. It is the house you see on top of the hill on the left side of the picture below - we had to park our car on the side of the road and walk through the snow to get up there. It was really cold and we froze through the night. The electric heaters in the rooms were totally useless and each one of us probably wore the entire contents of their suitcase and around 6 blankets each to keep warm --- nothing helped.
So after our first and only night at the Army warfare center we decided to move to the PTDC motel where they had heating.
On arrival in Malam Jabba we stayed at the Army Warfare Center. It is the house you see on top of the hill on the left side of the picture below - we had to park our car on the side of the road and walk through the snow to get up there. It was really cold and we froze through the night. The electric heaters in the rooms were totally useless and each one of us probably wore the entire contents of their suitcase and around 6 blankets each to keep warm --- nothing helped.
In the morning when we woke up and opened the curtains -- this is the view that confronted us
So after our first and only night at the Army warfare center we decided to move to the PTDC motel where they had heating.
As exciting as the skiing trip was, this is the night none of us will forget and everytime we tell this story it is the tale of this night that we tell.
Monday, September 29, 2008
More about Cholistan & an itinery off the net
This looked interesting so posting it ...
I wonder if Bhai is planning a camel safari? might be fun for a bit but I rather be in a car for most of the journey.
this is a 13 day plan --- ofcourse none of us going on this trip will be able to take 13 days off but some of the stuff is worth exploring.
and please can the rest of the team start adding stuff here as well :-)
http://www.hushe.com.pk/Adventure/Cholistan%20desrt%20camel%20safari..htm
Cholistan Desert Camel Safari Tour Highlight Cholistan is in tact the biggest desert in Pakistan covering an area of 26.000 Sq.-Km. Its dunes as the name Cholistan signifies (Cholistan -derived from Cholna or walking) as they go on shifting with the tune of time and meteorology. The fascinating barren landscapes of the Cholistan desert covers 26.000 sq. km and extends into the Thar Desert in India. The whole area was once well watered by the river Ghaggar now called the Hakra in Pakistan and known in Vedic times as the Sarasvati. All along the 500-km of dried up river are over 400 archaeological sites, which date back to the Indus civilization 4500 years ago and are clustered around Derawar Fort.The only perennial water hole in the desert. The desert has an average rainfall of 5 inches a year and there is very little cultivation. The underground water is brackish. The few people of the desert dig artificial these dry up they move out of the desert due to the high temperature. Cholistan desert is a favorite hunting ground for deer hunting .Walls of the Fort are built in mud tiles plastered and fresco painted. Its underground chambers give access for trolley passages and other utilitarian concepts. Next to the fort is the royal cemetery, the tombs there have been extra-ordinarily and most lavishly painted in blue, green and yellow mosaics and provide another attraction to a visitor to this complex in the desert.
This tour will also include the historical and ancient cities of Lahore and Multan respectively.
Best time November, to March.
Day 01: Arrival at Lahore Airport and transfer to hotel.Afternoon visist the -----------------famous Badshahi mosque dated back to 500 years a master piece of ------------- -Mughal Architecture built by Emperor Aurangzeb and the fort adjacent ----------- --to it.
Day02: Drive to Multan the land of saints and the saraiki capital(5hrs ----------------------drive)afternoon city sightseen.overnight in hotel.
Day03: After breakfast visit shrines of bahawuddin zikria,shah ruknealam,and --------------shah shams and damdama the view point of multan.after lunch drive to -------------Bahawalpur overnight in hotel.
Day 04: Drive to Darawar Fort en route visit Shrines of Beebe Joundi and ----------------- Jhania Jhan Gusht. And continue drive to Darawar fort. Over night in ------------- -camp,
Day05 : Camel ride to tanwanwala toba in the cholistan desert(5/6hrs)overnight -------------in camps
Day06: Camel ride to baboowala toba in cholistan desert(5/6hrs)overnight in ---------------camps
Day07: Camel ride to hasniwala toba in cholistan desert(5/6hrs)overnight in ----------------camps
Day08: Camel ride to Gagranwala toba in cholistan desert(5/6hrs)overnight in --------------camps
Day09: Camel ride to sawabwala toba in cholistan desert(5/6hrs)overnight in --------------camps
Day10: Camel ride to chanan pir in cholistan(5/6hrs).drive toBhawalpur --------------------overnight in hotel.
Day11: Drive to Lahore over night in hotel.
Day12: Free day or shopping.after lunch visit Wahga(Indian)border for the flag -------------ceremony.
Day13: Transfer to airport or flight to destination.
I wonder if Bhai is planning a camel safari? might be fun for a bit but I rather be in a car for most of the journey.
this is a 13 day plan --- ofcourse none of us going on this trip will be able to take 13 days off but some of the stuff is worth exploring.
and please can the rest of the team start adding stuff here as well :-)
http://www.hushe.com.pk/Adventure/Cholistan%20desrt%20camel%20safari..htm
Cholistan Desert Camel Safari Tour Highlight Cholistan is in tact the biggest desert in Pakistan covering an area of 26.000 Sq.-Km. Its dunes as the name Cholistan signifies (Cholistan -derived from Cholna or walking) as they go on shifting with the tune of time and meteorology. The fascinating barren landscapes of the Cholistan desert covers 26.000 sq. km and extends into the Thar Desert in India. The whole area was once well watered by the river Ghaggar now called the Hakra in Pakistan and known in Vedic times as the Sarasvati. All along the 500-km of dried up river are over 400 archaeological sites, which date back to the Indus civilization 4500 years ago and are clustered around Derawar Fort.The only perennial water hole in the desert. The desert has an average rainfall of 5 inches a year and there is very little cultivation. The underground water is brackish. The few people of the desert dig artificial these dry up they move out of the desert due to the high temperature. Cholistan desert is a favorite hunting ground for deer hunting .Walls of the Fort are built in mud tiles plastered and fresco painted. Its underground chambers give access for trolley passages and other utilitarian concepts. Next to the fort is the royal cemetery, the tombs there have been extra-ordinarily and most lavishly painted in blue, green and yellow mosaics and provide another attraction to a visitor to this complex in the desert.
This tour will also include the historical and ancient cities of Lahore and Multan respectively.
Best time November, to March.
Day 01: Arrival at Lahore Airport and transfer to hotel.Afternoon visist the -----------------famous Badshahi mosque dated back to 500 years a master piece of ------------- -Mughal Architecture built by Emperor Aurangzeb and the fort adjacent ----------- --to it.
Day02: Drive to Multan the land of saints and the saraiki capital(5hrs ----------------------drive)afternoon city sightseen.overnight in hotel.
Day03: After breakfast visit shrines of bahawuddin zikria,shah ruknealam,and --------------shah shams and damdama the view point of multan.after lunch drive to -------------Bahawalpur overnight in hotel.
Day 04: Drive to Darawar Fort en route visit Shrines of Beebe Joundi and ----------------- Jhania Jhan Gusht. And continue drive to Darawar fort. Over night in ------------- -camp,
Day05 : Camel ride to tanwanwala toba in the cholistan desert(5/6hrs)overnight -------------in camps
Day06: Camel ride to baboowala toba in cholistan desert(5/6hrs)overnight in ---------------camps
Day07: Camel ride to hasniwala toba in cholistan desert(5/6hrs)overnight in ----------------camps
Day08: Camel ride to Gagranwala toba in cholistan desert(5/6hrs)overnight in --------------camps
Day09: Camel ride to sawabwala toba in cholistan desert(5/6hrs)overnight in --------------camps
Day10: Camel ride to chanan pir in cholistan(5/6hrs).drive toBhawalpur --------------------overnight in hotel.
Day11: Drive to Lahore over night in hotel.
Day12: Free day or shopping.after lunch visit Wahga(Indian)border for the flag -------------ceremony.
Day13: Transfer to airport or flight to destination.
Cholistan - info
Cholistan is locally known as Rohi. This famous desert is 30 Km from Bahawalpur and comprises of an area of 16,000 sq.km. which extends upto the Thar desert extending over to Sindh. The word Cholistan is derived from 'Cholna' which means moving. The people of Cholistan lead a semi-nomadic life, moving from one place to another in search of water and fodder for their animals.
PLACES OF INTEREST IN CHOLISTAN
Derawar Fort: Derawar Fort is located 48 Km from Dera Nawab Sahib. It is still in a good condition. The rampart walls are intact and still guarded by the personal guards of the Amir of Bahawalpur. The tombs of the ex-rulers of Bahawalpur and their families are located in this fort. The tombs have nice glazed blue tile work. Prior permission of the senior Amir of Bahawalpur is required to enter the fort.
Shrines of Channan Pir: The Shrine of Channan Pir is located 45 Km from Derawar Fort. Channan Pir was a disciple of Makhdoom Jahanian Jahangasht. The annual Urs is held at the beginning of March. A colourful fair known as 'Mela Channan Pir' is held here. Devotees gather on the night of full moon to offer "Fateha" at the tomb of the saint.
PEOPLE AND COSTUMES
People: The people of Bahawalpur are very simple and loving, have great faith in religion, Pirs, Saints and Shrines. They love music and singing. In the absence of other musical instruments even a 'Ghara' (Pitcher) would keep the concert going. The Cholistan people tend to preserve their primitive customs and traditions.
Costumes: The costumes of women in Cholistan are embroidered and printed colourful 'Cholid', ordinary and long embroidered shirt, baggy shalwars, dupattas and 'Chunries', Ghagras which are prepared beautifully in strong contrast. Village women still wear heavy skirts made of 40 yards of cloth known as Cholas Hath Ghagra. Men wear embroidered and colourful Cholas (long shirts). Balaposh (robe like coat), heavy baggy shalwars, Turkish caps, Turbans and Zari shoes have a liking for a plain and embroidered colourful Cholas, Bangis, Turbans, and Balaposh. Men in the Urban area wear Shalwar, Kameez and Coat, & some people also wear Trouser.
HANDICRAFTS
The Punjab Small Industries Corporation has established a Craft Development Centre for Cholistan Area, outside Farid Gate, Bahawalpur from where handicrafts manufactured in Cholistan can be purchased.
Flassi: It is a place of 4-ft x 7-ft size, made of camel hair and cotton yarn. It is used for wall hanging, as a decoration piece and a carpet.
Gindi or Rill: It is made of small pieces of different colours of cotton cloth and needlework. It can be used as wall hanging, bed covers, carpets and blankets etc.
Changaries: Like big plaques, these are made of palm leaves in different bright colours with beautiful patterns and geometric designs. These are used for keeping the 'Chapatis' (bread) and also as a wall decoration.
Khalti: It is like a purse embroidered on top with multi-coloured threads.
Aar Work: It is an attractive kind of embroidery work done on Duppata, Kurta and Chaddar etc.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Altitude: 400 ft.
Area: 23539 sq. km.
Population: 24,10,566 (District Bahawalpur) 1998 Census.
Climate: Winter (Oct March): Max 23.5C, Min 8C
Simmer (April Sep): Max 34C, Min 32C
Rainfall: 6.89 inches annually.
Tourist Season: October to March
TOURIST INFORMATION
for local assistance and information, please contact PTDC Tourist Information Centre, PTDC Motel, Club Road (near D.C office), Bahawalpur, Tel: (0621) 82835 Fax: (0621) 85362.
http://www.geocities.com/pakistanpoint/cholistan
PLACES OF INTEREST IN CHOLISTAN
Derawar Fort: Derawar Fort is located 48 Km from Dera Nawab Sahib. It is still in a good condition. The rampart walls are intact and still guarded by the personal guards of the Amir of Bahawalpur. The tombs of the ex-rulers of Bahawalpur and their families are located in this fort. The tombs have nice glazed blue tile work. Prior permission of the senior Amir of Bahawalpur is required to enter the fort.
Shrines of Channan Pir: The Shrine of Channan Pir is located 45 Km from Derawar Fort. Channan Pir was a disciple of Makhdoom Jahanian Jahangasht. The annual Urs is held at the beginning of March. A colourful fair known as 'Mela Channan Pir' is held here. Devotees gather on the night of full moon to offer "Fateha" at the tomb of the saint.
PEOPLE AND COSTUMES
People: The people of Bahawalpur are very simple and loving, have great faith in religion, Pirs, Saints and Shrines. They love music and singing. In the absence of other musical instruments even a 'Ghara' (Pitcher) would keep the concert going. The Cholistan people tend to preserve their primitive customs and traditions.
Costumes: The costumes of women in Cholistan are embroidered and printed colourful 'Cholid', ordinary and long embroidered shirt, baggy shalwars, dupattas and 'Chunries', Ghagras which are prepared beautifully in strong contrast. Village women still wear heavy skirts made of 40 yards of cloth known as Cholas Hath Ghagra. Men wear embroidered and colourful Cholas (long shirts). Balaposh (robe like coat), heavy baggy shalwars, Turkish caps, Turbans and Zari shoes have a liking for a plain and embroidered colourful Cholas, Bangis, Turbans, and Balaposh. Men in the Urban area wear Shalwar, Kameez and Coat, & some people also wear Trouser.
HANDICRAFTS
The Punjab Small Industries Corporation has established a Craft Development Centre for Cholistan Area, outside Farid Gate, Bahawalpur from where handicrafts manufactured in Cholistan can be purchased.
Flassi: It is a place of 4-ft x 7-ft size, made of camel hair and cotton yarn. It is used for wall hanging, as a decoration piece and a carpet.
Gindi or Rill: It is made of small pieces of different colours of cotton cloth and needlework. It can be used as wall hanging, bed covers, carpets and blankets etc.
Changaries: Like big plaques, these are made of palm leaves in different bright colours with beautiful patterns and geometric designs. These are used for keeping the 'Chapatis' (bread) and also as a wall decoration.
Khalti: It is like a purse embroidered on top with multi-coloured threads.
Aar Work: It is an attractive kind of embroidery work done on Duppata, Kurta and Chaddar etc.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Altitude: 400 ft.
Area: 23539 sq. km.
Population: 24,10,566 (District Bahawalpur) 1998 Census.
Climate: Winter (Oct March): Max 23.5C, Min 8C
Simmer (April Sep): Max 34C, Min 32C
Rainfall: 6.89 inches annually.
Tourist Season: October to March
TOURIST INFORMATION
for local assistance and information, please contact PTDC Tourist Information Centre, PTDC Motel, Club Road (near D.C office), Bahawalpur, Tel: (0621) 82835 Fax: (0621) 85362.
http://www.geocities.com/pakistanpoint/cholistan
Saturday, September 27, 2008
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