Tharparkar’s Rann: A destination that should be on every traveller’s radar this winter – Pakistan

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If adventure, history, and serenity had a perfect meeting point, it would be here in the Gudroo Rann.

Piyaro Shavani, a 47-year-old local activist and tourism promoter, knows the Gadroo Rann like the back of his hand. He has spent seven nights in this vast, salt-encrusted wilderness — two in November and another five between December and January. And he’s not alone.

“I met two foreign tourists — one from Birmingham, England, and the other from Germany — who spent their entire visit in the Rann,” Shavani shared. “They travelled on camels, soaking in the raw beauty of the landscape and taking pictures.”

In recent months, Thar has quietly been drawing not just domestic visitors but an increasing number of international travellers, eager to witness its splendour.

Unlike other parts of Thar, the Rann remains relatively temperate, thanks to its salt-laden terrain and the water that flows in from across the border in Gujrat, India. This unique ecosystem becomes a haven for migratory birds in winter. “For tourists, it’s a paradise,” he said. “You can see birds of every hue soaring in the sky, and when night falls, the Rann wood makes for the perfect bonfire setting.”

For the past two decades, Thar has been a key tourist hotspot in Sindh, especially during the monsoon months from July to September. Winter, however, was not a peak season for tourists — it belonged to the migratory birds. Every year, thousands of birds escape the harsh cold of their native lands, seeking refuge in Thar’s water-rich landscapes for three months before flying back home.

But this year, something changed.

“We suddenly saw a surge in tourists visiting Thar during winter, not just from different cities of Pakistan but even abroad,” Shavani observed. “Most of them are heading straight for the Rann of Kutch, near the Indian border.”

This salt marsh is approximately 20-25km east of Nagarparkar town and just 7-8km south of the Veera Wah village. Accessibility is not an issue — cars and motorcycles can easily reach the Rann, making it an increasingly popular stop for adventurers.

Several villages dot the landscape around the Rann, but those perched right on its edge — Kharsar, Gidro, Peethpur, Uth Kapario, and Pabasar — offer the closest glimpse into the local way of life. Although this site is part of the larger Rann of Kutch, the locals refer to it as ‘The Rann of Gadroo’, named after the historic village of Gadroo that lies nearby.

“These visitors pitch tents under the starlit sky, riding camel carriages at night, gathering around bonfires, as the soulful tunes of local singers fill the air,” said Shavani.

He added that social media is playing its part in this transformation. As tourists share breathtaking pictures of their adventures online, other travellers from their respective countries feel compelled to explore this landscape. Local photographers, too, are capturing the magic — sunrises and sunsets melting into the horizon, flocks of migratory birds, and camels gliding across the salt flats. These images serve as an irresistible invitation, making the Rann a must-visit winter destination.

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