Lal Suhanra & Cholistan Desert Wildlife Tour
The Lal Suhanra & Cholistan Desert Wildlife Tour is a 5-day trip to Bahawalpur in southern Punjab, with blackbuck and chinkara at Lal Suhanra National Park, desert birds in Cholistan and the great walls of Derawar Fort.
- Duration5 Days
- PaceEasy
- Key WildlifeBlackbuck, chinkara, desert birds
- Best SeasonNovember – February
- GroupSmall group, 2–8
Wildlife of the Desert and the Plains
Lal Suhanra National Park near Bahawalpur is one of the largest national parks in South Asia, covering desert, forest plantations and a lake. It runs a well-known breeding programme for the blackbuck, an elegant antelope that once roamed wild across the plains.
On this tour we visit Lal Suhanra for blackbuck, chinkara and birds, drive into the Cholistan Desert to look for desert wildlife and visit Derawar Fort, and explore the palaces of Bahawalpur. It is an easy winter trip with a very different landscape from the mountains.
Trip Highlights
- Blackbuck at Lal Suhanra National Park
- Chinkara gazelles and desert wildlife
- Patisar Lake and its winter birds
- Derawar Fort in the Cholistan Desert
- The Noor Mahal palace in Bahawalpur
- Easy winter trip with comfortable hotels
Itinerary
Day 1Arrive in Lahore
Our team meets you at the airport and transfers you to your hotel.
Overnight: HotelDay 2Drive to Bahawalpur
About 5–6 hours on the motorway to Bahawalpur, with a visit to the Noor Mahal palace.
Overnight: HotelDay 3Lal Suhanra National Park
Full day in the park: blackbuck, chinkara and birding at Patisar Lake.
Overnight: HotelDay 4Cholistan and Derawar Fort
Drive into the Cholistan Desert to Derawar Fort, looking for desert wildlife and birds.
Overnight: HotelDay 5Back to Lahore and depart
Drive back to Lahore for your onward flight.
Overnight: —Wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, and itineraries can change with weather, animal movements and park rules. Your guide will always put safety first.
What's Included
Included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Hotels in Lahore and Bahawalpur
- 4x4 jeep in the Cholistan Desert
- Private vehicle with an experienced driver, and 4x4 jeeps where needed
- Expert local wildlife guide or naturalist
- National park and conservancy entry fees
- Binoculars and a spotting scope for the group
- Letter of invitation (LOI) for your Pakistan visa
Not Included
- International flights to and from Pakistan
- Pakistan visa fee
- Travel insurance
- Camera fees, drones and professional filming permits
- Tips for guides, drivers and trackers
- Anything not listed under "Included"
Moments from the Trail
Why Choose the Lal Suhanra Wildlife Tour?
The Lal Suhanra & Cholistan tour is a relaxed winter wildlife trip that combines antelope, birds and the history of Bahawalpur. It is a great choice for families and for travellers who want to see a different side of Pakistan.
Add our Lahore City Tour at the start, or combine it with the Sufi Shrines Tour, which also visits Bahawalpur and Derawar Fort.
Before you travel, read our Pakistan visa guide and our advice on travel insurance, or browse all our wildlife tours in Pakistan.
Plan the rest of your trip
Good to Know
Sightings
Blackbuck are seen in the park's protected areas on every visit. Chinkara and desert wildlife in Cholistan are shyer and more seasonal.
Comfort & Fitness
This is an easy tour with game drives and short walks. Desert days are sunny, but winter nights are cool.
Permits & Ethics
We follow park rules and keep a respectful distance from all animals.
When to Go
November to February is the best time; southern Punjab is extremely hot in summer. Read our guide to the best time to visit Pakistan.
Reserve Your Place on the Tour
Message us with your preferred dates and group size, and our team will send you full details and a quote for your Lal Suhanra wildlife tour.
