“A short trip with a long drive". Trip to Cholistan, Derawar fort, Bahawalpur and around

[ali.sprite1]

I don't remember name of the place but it was somewhere near Rahimyar khan. It's a big rest area and they are now offering fuel, 24 hours restaurants and they also have motel rooms facility for a stay. If you need a break for a couple of hours and stretch your back, while staying on motorway. This can be a good option.

[Moderator]

[ali.sprite1]

At around 10 am we left the motorway from Taranda Muhammad panah interchange for Bahawalpur. Now we were on a small connecting road between M.5 motorway and N.5 national highway. These roads are surprisingly narrow.
Anyway, within few minutes we were on N.5 at Ahmed pur Sharqia.
We'd been driving the whole night and not slept for a single minute were not that tired. (Don't know about Farhan, as he was driving throughout).

[ali.sprite1]

It was almost 11 am. We were driving through Ahmed pur Sharqia. Felt hungry because we only had tea on our way and missed the breakfast.
We couldn't find any suitable place for breakfast on the way. So we stopped at a roadside hotel and asked for the breakfast. They told us that now it's lunch time so you will not find breakfast anywhere in this area.
Anyways, we needed a break and to fill our bellies, so we ordered lunch. There was only daal, palak and roti available. We had no other option available nearby and Bahawalpur was nearly 45 kms away.
We took half an hour break. Had lunch and tea. Meanwhile, me and Asim bhai started a controversial debate to gain some energy.

[ali.sprite1]

Moreover, we had almost reached our destination but further plan was yet to be decided. Where to go now ? and where to stay?

Took some information from hotelwala about the surrounding and came to know that Ahmed pur Sharqia is the gateway to Derawar fort and Cholistan. And the road leading to Derawar fort was nearby. So we dropped the plan to go to Bahawalpur straight and turned towards Derawar fort.

Derawar is almost 45 kms from Ahmed pur Sharqia but the way is quite tricky, with lots of twists and turns.
Now we were moving with the help of “Google baji" and locals.

[kn_khipk]

Wonderful comeback! enjoying the narration and missing the photos.

[ali.sprite1]

So nice of you Khalid bhai.
Actually we were just driving and driving till Derawar fort.
So no photography till this point. Isi liye ab tak sookhi story per guzara karaya.
Pics will start from Derawar.
Thanks for liking the thread.

[ali.sprite1]

Roads here are good but narrow. And local traffic is dangerous. Specially bikers are out on suicide mission.
Anyways, we found the colours of 12 Rabbi ul awal on these roads. Rallies and gatherings all the way.
After taking many labyrinth turns, finally we were on Derawar road. Thanks to baji google.
Road was deteriorating but our Ustaad jee (Farhan) was maintaining a good speed. Looks like this road was only made for motorcycles.

Signs of desert were appearing but most of the land was cultivated.
At last, a small town of Derawar and a deserted fort appeared against our eyes. Took a round turn to reach the main entrance of the fort.

[ali.sprite1]

We reached the Abbasi masjid, and turned left for entrance of the fort. Parked our car in front of the main gate and took a stroll around.
It was public holiday, so there were also some families which came to see the fort from different cities.

[ali.sprite1]

[ali.sprite1]

Some pics of the fort from front.

[ali.sprite1]

[ali.sprite1]

[ali.sprite1]

[ali.sprite1]

Took some pics of the wall of fort.

[ali.sprite1]

But all the visitors including us
were disappointed to know that fort was closed for a couple of days because of the marriage ceremony of caretaker’s daughter.

[ali.sprite1]

It was not the first time, it happens with us usually.
”Jab bhi hum lambi khwari kar k kahin pohanchtay hain, vo jaga humain band milti hy”.
It happened with us,
• when we drove over the weekend from Karachi to Mirpur, Azad Kashmir. When we reached to enjoy the Mangla dam lake boating, we came to know that it's holiday on Monday, as they are open on weekends.
• When we reached Banjosa lake, we were told that some VVIP’s are staying there for the week, so you can't stay in any resthouse here.
• When we reached Gwadar at 2 AM, there was no hotel available at that time.
• When we reached Ziarat late night, on new year, all hotels were full and not a single room available.
• And so on…

So, now we are used to, of such a scenario. And remain mentally prepared for such surprises.

[mountainier]

Bhaijee your are great in telling and narrating stories and photography

me on the other hand listening to stories and driving

lets just stick to our traits:sunglasses:

[ali.sprite1]

Good
Apni jaan chura li
You can atleast post the pics from your side.

[ali.sprite1]

When you are continuously awake for 30 hours, tu shakal aysi hi ho jati hai