Kirthar National Park
Discover Kirthar National Park
Kirthar National Park, a vast rugged national park in the south-west of Sindh, is home to historic Ranikot fort. This dry arid land of seemingly endless landscapes of desert with rugged lines of hilly terrain, parallel rock hills, and twisted, stony valleys is ranked among the largest national parks of Pakistan and is home to a wide range of mammals, birds and reptile species. Situated in the Kirthar Mountain Range, Kirthar National Park with an area of over 3,087 km² (about 1200 mi²), is home to two wildlife sanctuaries — Hub Dam Wildlife Sanctuary and Mahal Kohistan Wildlife Sanctuary — and to the Surjan, Sumbak, Eri and Hothiano game reserves.
What to Experience in Kirthar National Park
Taste of Kirthar National Park...
Not available
Climate
The climate is not noticeably different from the rest of Sindh, but it may feel a little hotter and drier in the summer season here from March to August when temperatures are often extreme. The moist months are July and August during the monsoon season when rainfall occurs and makes this desert area greenest. These summer months see flowers in bloom and more lush green vegetation. For most travellers, the best time to visit is roughly October-January, as considerably cooler weather makes these the more comfortable months for getting around. There are no entrance fees, but a non-objection letter from the Wildlife Department is strongly recommended if you're not going through a guided tour; otherwise, be prepared to encounter security hurdles inside the park area. NOC can be applied for and obtained the same day or the next day from the Wildlife Department offices in Karachi and Hyderabad but it is recommended to apply well in advance.
Essential Information
Best Time to Visit
Oct – Janbest time to visit is roughly October-January, as considerably cooler weather makes these the more comfortable months for getting around....
Getting There
Multiple OptionsTravel to Kirthar National Park generally requires a 4x4 and most of the visitors use private vehicles — usually 4x4s — to get into and see the park. There are two common entrances to the park — Karchat and Khar — both being the location of visitor centres. The main visitor centre is at Karchat. For Karchat, the entrance is via an arterial road branching off near Nooriabad — a major truck stop — from the motorway M-9, commonly known as the Super Highway, which runs between Karachi and Hyderabad. This route takes you through some small villages to Karchat, is passable only by 4x4 because the road going to Karchat is mostly an unpaved by-way that is in places challenging to access because of the difficult terrain, and neither is the signage properly marked. For Khar, take the Kirthar Park Rd, linked in the middle with the Karachi Northern Bypass (motorway M-10) radiates north from Karachi. Kirthar Park Rd leads to the Khar is paved and can be easily accessed even without a 4x4....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
Public transport doesn't exist inside the park. A 4x4 remains the only and common way to explore the park, so bring your own if you have one. There are several hundred kilometres of roads throughout the park, but most are transitory dirt roads and four-wheel drive is definitely needed. Road signs are poor to non-existent so even if you're bringing your own vehicle, it is strongly recommended to hire a guide from the visitor centres. In fact, you will need to go with a guide (it's mandatory because they want to protect the park and its wildlife, but also to keep an eye on you to make sure you don't wander off the beaten path). A guide for the whole day can cost you not more than Rs. 1,000. The rangers at the visitors' centre are generally useful and helpful in planning your visit and are on hand to answer all your questions. There are two visitors' centres in Kirthar National Park maintained by Sindh Wildlife Department.
Where to Stay
Within the park there are few lodgings and facilities are basic, but the situation is slowly improving. The guesthouses maintained by Sindh Wildlife Department in both the Karchat and Khar areas can offer lodgings equipped with civilised amenities in the wilderness. If you prefer, you can pitch a camp in the park, but you'll have to bring in your own tents. The isolation, wilderness and ruggedness that makes Kirthar National Park appealing for some may also brings with it a big potential for danger — especially for those who are not well prepared. The vast majority of trips go off without a hitch, but taking a few simple, precautionary steps can make a huge difference, should the unforeseeable occur. The chances of being a victim of crime of any sort in the park are very low but not unheard of; it's usually in the form of armed robbery and unattended cars getting broken into (such as when parked in remote areas).
Safety Information
Safety Overview
The isolation, wilderness and ruggedness that makes Kirthar National Park appealing for some may also brings with it a big potential for danger — especially for those who are not well prepared. The vast majority of trips go off without a hitch, but taking a few simple, precautionary steps can make a huge difference, should the unforeseeable occur. The chances of being a victim of crime of any sort in the park are very low but not unheard of; it's usually in the form of armed robbery and unattended cars getting broken into (such as when parked in remote areas). But, if you use common sense, then you'll be fine; keep a low profile, hide valuables from view or in the boot or, better yet, leave them at home. Temperatures here can shift dramatically during the summer months, and dressing properly is an important way to beat the elements.