Kirthar National Park
NATIONAL PARK/PARKS
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The Kirthar National Park, a vast rugged national park in southwest Sindh, is situated in the Kirthar Mountain range near Karachi. It was founded in 1974 and stretches over 3,087 km² (about 1200 mi²), being the second largest National Park of Pakistan after Hingol National Park.
The fauna comprises leopards, striped hyenas, wolves, ratels, urials, chinkara gazelles and rare Sindh wild goats. It is home to two wildlife sanctuaries — Hub Dam Wildlife Sanctuary and Mahal Kohistan Wildlife Sanctuary — as well as the Surjan, Sumbak, Eri and Hothiano game reserves. Ranikot fort is also located within the Kirthar Park boundaries. However it is easily accessible, even without a 4x4, following a dirt road near Sann on Indus Highway. Kirthar Park offers a unique and incredible landscape rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage. The park is accessible by jeep able tracks. There are two rest houses of the Sindh Wildlife Department, at Karchat and Khar, for tourists to stay. |
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Flora and fauna
Kirthar National Park is home to a variety of wildlife and the extensive mountainous terrain is an important refuge. The last leopard was shot in 1977, and although exact numbers are unavailable, its official status is "threatened". Populations of the striped hyena and desert wolf are also feared to have disappeared entirely. The desert lynx is critically threatened too. Nonetheless, many species still find their habitat here: Indian foxes, jungle cats and jackals are still common. Substantial populations of urials (a type of wild sheep), Sindh ibex (also known as Turkman wild goats) and chinkara gazelles. Indian grey mongooses, hedgehogs and porcupine are among the other larger species. In 1984, a captive breeding programme for blackbuck was initiated, with the intent to reintroduce them into the wild.
Entrance
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. NOC (No Objection Certificate) 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.
Getting To and Around
Travel to Kirthar National Park generally requires a 4x4 private vehicles 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. If you don't have your own 4x4, you can go by a guided tour. The Wildlife Department office in Karachi and in Hyderabad can arrange a vehicle rental (in the form of a Jeep) along with a driver as well a guide.
Karchat: This is the main visitor centre. Take the M-9 highway (Super Highway) , which runs between Karachi and Hyderabad, and near Nooriabad — a major truck stop — branch off on an arterial road. This route takes you through some small villages to Karchat, is passable only by 4x4 because the road is mostly an unpaved by-way that is challenging in places because of the difficult terrain and there is no clear signage marked.
Guesthouse: seven cottages with basic facilities and standby generators.
Khar: Take the Karachi Northern Bypass (motorway M-10), radiating north from Karachi, and follow the link in the middle to the Kirthar Park Rd. The Kirthar Park Rd leading to Khar is paved and can be easily accessed even without a 4x4.
Guesthouse: five cottages with basic facilities and standby generators.
Guesthouse Booking: Contact Sindh Wildlife Deparment at +92-21-9920 4951-2.
Best Time to Visit: Mid October to mid March.
Kirthar National Park is home to a variety of wildlife and the extensive mountainous terrain is an important refuge. The last leopard was shot in 1977, and although exact numbers are unavailable, its official status is "threatened". Populations of the striped hyena and desert wolf are also feared to have disappeared entirely. The desert lynx is critically threatened too. Nonetheless, many species still find their habitat here: Indian foxes, jungle cats and jackals are still common. Substantial populations of urials (a type of wild sheep), Sindh ibex (also known as Turkman wild goats) and chinkara gazelles. Indian grey mongooses, hedgehogs and porcupine are among the other larger species. In 1984, a captive breeding programme for blackbuck was initiated, with the intent to reintroduce them into the wild.
Entrance
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. NOC (No Objection Certificate) 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.
Getting To and Around
Travel to Kirthar National Park generally requires a 4x4 private vehicles 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. If you don't have your own 4x4, you can go by a guided tour. The Wildlife Department office in Karachi and in Hyderabad can arrange a vehicle rental (in the form of a Jeep) along with a driver as well a guide.
Karchat: This is the main visitor centre. Take the M-9 highway (Super Highway) , which runs between Karachi and Hyderabad, and near Nooriabad — a major truck stop — branch off on an arterial road. This route takes you through some small villages to Karchat, is passable only by 4x4 because the road is mostly an unpaved by-way that is challenging in places because of the difficult terrain and there is no clear signage marked.
Guesthouse: seven cottages with basic facilities and standby generators.
Khar: Take the Karachi Northern Bypass (motorway M-10), radiating north from Karachi, and follow the link in the middle to the Kirthar Park Rd. The Kirthar Park Rd leading to Khar is paved and can be easily accessed even without a 4x4.
Guesthouse: five cottages with basic facilities and standby generators.
Guesthouse Booking: Contact Sindh Wildlife Deparment at +92-21-9920 4951-2.
Best Time to Visit: Mid October to mid March.
Sights
Hub Dam is located in southwest of Kirthar Park, near Khar, and is a good place for water-based activities. It is ideal for bird watching, and home to several animals.
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Mahal Kohistan Wildlife Sanctuary is 70,577 ha and lies to the south of Kirthar National Park. There are many plants found here that are used for medicinal purposes by locals.
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Koh Tarash
Koh Tarash are pre-historic (3500 BC) archaeological remains located in Kirthar National Park.
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Taung has some prehistoric and Buddhist sites. The necropolis of the Burfats in Taung has more than 350 tombs, and have fabulous artwork like Chaukhandi.
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Ranikot Fort is a historical fort near Sann, also known as The Great Wall of Sindh. It is believed to be the world's largest fort with a circumference of 35 km.
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