{"id":78475,"date":"2020-01-13T09:46:58","date_gmt":"2020-01-13T09:46:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zameen.com\/blog\/?p=78475"},"modified":"2020-02-14T06:34:33","modified_gmt":"2020-02-14T06:34:33","slug":"kirthar-national-park-travellers-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zameen.com\/blog\/kirthar-national-park-travellers-guide.html","title":{"rendered":"Kirthar National Park \u2013 A Dreamy Tourist Destination in Sindh"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In This Post:<\/strong>
About Kirthar National Park
<\/a>Location of Kirthar National Park
<\/a>Some FAQ\u2019s About Kirthar National Park<\/a>
Sindh Wildlife Department\u2019s Contact Info<\/a>
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It wouldn\u2019t be wrong to state that every province in Pakistan is equally gifted with unmatched landscapes and natural beauty. Some of these destinations get immense tourist attention, such as the northern areas, while some wait their turn to be explored. Taking account of such untouched and less-explored destinations in the country, we cannot help but mention Kirthar National Park \u2013 a wildlife sanctuary in Sindh. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tourism in the country is boosting, especially since a leading US Travel Magazine has declared Pakistan as the best tourist destination for 2020<\/a>. So, we took this news as an opportunity to give our readers something new to discover. And, here we are with all the details you can use as a handy guide to visit and explore Kirthar National Park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s get exploring! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

About Kirthar National Park <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Kirthar
Kirthar National Park is Pakistan’s second-largest wildlife sanctuary
Image Credits: Facebook\/ Kirthar National Park<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Whether it is about finding solace in the serene atmosphere of Gorakh hill station<\/a> or going to the ancient city of Bhanbhore<\/a>, Sindh, to travel back in time, both destinations rank equally in terms of seizing a backpacker\u2019s attention. Out of the many, insanely gifted tourist destinations in the province is Kirthar National Park \u2013 where mountains cross paths with clouds, and green spaces are populated with several exotic animals and birds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Founded in the year 1974, Kirthar National Park is the second-largest wildlife sanctuary in Pakistan. However, with gradual development in the area, this wildlife sanctuary in Sindh didn\u2019t get as much tourist attention from both national and international travellers as compared to other destinations in the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, what can tourists expect from this wildlife sanctuary in Sindh? Let\u2019s unveil some secrets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Along with being Pakistan’s first-ever park to make it to the list of \u201cUnited Nation\u2019s list of famous National Parks of the World”, this wildlife sanctuary in Sindh boasts an exceptional heritage of nurturing a variety of mammals, birds, and reptiles. Officials of Kirthar National Park claim that the park is home to the largest reserve of some rarely found wildlife such as leopards, wolves, striped hyenas, chinkara, gazelles, wild sheep, and Sindhi ibex. And, the presence of such rare species is what works as a magnet for wildlife photographers, travel enthusiasts, and backpackers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gradually, it is becoming one of the most favourite spots for discoverers, and we can confidently predict that the park will reserve a space on the list of best destinations for solo travellers in Pakistan<\/a> soon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Furthermore, the park spreads over an area of around 3000 km\/square and is divided into three wildlife sanctuaries, including Mahal Kohistan Wildlife Sanctuary, Hub Dam Wildlife Sanctuary, and Kirthar itself. The park comprises four game reserves, including Eri, Hothiano, Surjan, and Sumbak. There are also two tourist centres within the park, named Khar and Karchat, where tourists can spend a night or two. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The park falls under the jurisdiction of the Sindh Wildlife Department. Hence, the maintenance of the park, keeping a record of wildlife, maintaining a peaceful environment for tourists, and giving special permits are some responsibilities assigned to the department. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Get to Kirthar National Park?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Reaching
Kirthar has two main entrances including Karchat and Khar
Image Credits: Facebook\/ Kirthar National Park <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Located in the ranges of Kirthar Mountain, Kirthar National Park is almost 160 km from Karachi via Karachi-Hyderabad Motorway (M-9). Indus Highway runs southeast of this wildlife sanctuary, while the northwestern side is connected to RCD Highway (N-25). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Travelling to Kirthar National Park generally requires a 4×4 jeep since the roads leading to the mountains from the Highways are mostly rocky. Karchat and Khar are the two main entrances to the park, depending on a traveller\u2019s itinerary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Khar remains the most common entrance since it is connected to Kirthar Park Road, which is well-paved and can be easily accessed using any automobile. However, if you’re feeling brave and craving some serious adventure, you can opt for Karchat. The roads that connect to Kirthar National Park from Karchat are a bumpy-stretch and not properly marked. These roads are only passable by 4×4 jeeps. It is best to keep a map handy in case you are opting for the latter option. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meanwhile, several travelling companies in Karachi offer deals for Kirthar National Park for both individuals and groups. The package usually includes all the necessary facilities such as food, water bottles, travel permits, accommodation (sleeping bags and blankets), tour-guide, and transportation to and from the city. However, accommodation is usually offered in camps\/tents, but you can request a room since there are guest houses near the wildlife park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, if you\u2019re thinking of camping, you must know that it comes with its pros and cons. Let\u2019s say that as a part of the pros, you get to sleep under the bare sky and experience what you\u2019ve always watched on the National Geographic Channel. As for cons, you might have a little difficulty adjusting to the public toilets \u2013 but you can take our word for it that in the end, it is all going to be worth it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tour groups usually offer weekend packages for working individuals and students, starting from Friday night and ending on Sunday. Here\u2019s a tentative itinerary* for a weekend trip to Kirthar National Park:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Friday<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

7:00 AM \u2013 Gathering at the meeting point and departure from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

10:30 AM \u2013 Arriving at Hub Dam Cottages for lunch <\/p>\n\n\n\n

02:30 PM \u2013 Visiting Hub Dam Wildlife Sanctuary<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6:00 PM \u2013 Back to Cottages for Dinner and Camping <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Saturday<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

08:00 AM: Breakfast at Hub Cottages <\/p>\n\n\n\n

09:00 AM: Departure for Thano Bula Khan <\/p>\n\n\n\n

12:00 PM: Lunch <\/p>\n\n\n\n

01:00 PM: Arrival at Thano Bula Khan <\/p>\n\n\n\n

02:00 PM: Hike to Kirthar National Park <\/p>\n\n\n\n

09:00 PM: Dinner and Camping at Thano Bula Khan <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sunday<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

09:00 AM: Departure for the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

*The given itinerary is a general plan from Karachi. The timings and plans may vary according to the city and travel group. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some frequently asked questions about visiting Kirthar National Park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the Best Time to Visit Kirthar National Park?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Weather
The best time to visit Kirthar is from October to January!
Image Credits: Facebook\/ Kirthar National Park<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Due to its connectivity to coastal areas, Kirthar maintains a moderate temperature. The climate is not any different from the rest of Sindh. Hence, it gets a little warm and arid during the summers. The temperature increases from March to August, but these months are best to enjoy the natural beauty of this area as the flowers are in full bloom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As many travellers have suggested, the best time to visit Kirthar National Park is between October to January since the temperature is considerably cooler and easier to get around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the Cost per Head for Visiting Kirthar National Park? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Kirthar National Park is an exclusive tourist destination in Sindh that requires special permits from the Sindh Wildlife Department. So, it is best to tag along with a travelling agency to avoid any hassles. The cost per head for visiting Kirthar National Park with a travelling group usually ranges anywhere between PKR 10,000 to PKR 18,000, depending on the services and the duration of the tour. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Should You Pack for Visiting Kirthar National Park? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s a list of essential you should carry during your visit to Kirthar National Park:<\/p>\n\n\n\n