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.
Temperatures here can shift dramatically during the summers and dressing properly is an important way to beat the elements. Just as important is water, so prepare equally no matter what your itinerary is, even for short hikes or if you don’t plan on getting out of the car at all. If you’re bringing your own 4×4 vehicle, make sure your tyres are properly inflated (don’t forget the spare tyre) and bring a jack. Check coolant, oil and fuel levels. If you do not already have one, consider adding a winch to pull the vehicle out of difficult situations
Kirthar National Park is a perfect place for adventure seekers, hikers, cyclists, bikers, and jeep racers. One of the most exotic parks in the country is Kirthar National Park; comprising of one-third parT lying in the north of Karachi district and two-thirds in the south-west Jamshoro district. It is occupied with rugged rocks, mud volcanoes, and wildlife.
“The Kirthar National Park is an ultimate destination to get contentment from nature. To me it’s a piece of paradise which offers distinctive landscapes, spectacular mountains and unique wildlife,” says Ahmer Ali Rizvi, an avid wildlife enthusiast who has several wildlife documentaries under his belt. “Being a national park and sanctuary, the Kirthar National Park is comparatively a safer abode for some of the unique species of birds, animals and reptiles. The Sindh Ibex is the greatest attraction that draws me to this territory over and again,” says Rizvi.
The primary attraction of the Kirthar National Park is its beautiful landscape and famous Ranikot Fort. Kirthar is one of the largest wildlife reserves in Pakistan, and viewing the wide variety of resident wildlife is one of the main reason visitors come here. Sightings of many different species of birds are inevitable and the Sindh ibex, urials and chinkara are common. Hyena, jungle and desert cats and wolf encounters cannot be expected unless you search very hard since their numbers have decreased in recent years.
Just as important is water, so prepare equally no matter what your schedule is, even for short hikes or if you don’t plan on getting out of the car at all. If you’re bringing your own 4×4 vehicle, make sure your tyres are properly inflated (don’t forget the spare tyres) and bring a jack. Check coolant, oil and fuel levels. If you do not already have one, consider adding a windlass or hoist to pull the vehicle out of difficult situations.
visitors can also see chinkaras, black bucks and urials in this rocky landscape; the latter are wild sheep with rough rugged bodies, long legs and large, twisted horns. Wild peacocks, jackals, red foxes, as well as white-footed foxes are can be seen in wild terrains in wholesome amount, amidst the widely scattered Sapodilla (cheekoo) trees that create umbrella-like formations around nearby farms which gives a cheerful sight to the eyes.
“Places like these are a perfect spot for mental relief and a short break from the concrete jungle we live in,” says Khurram Asim Kalimi, an entrepreneur and wildlife photographer.
“We can breathe fresh air with no noise of civilization and enjoy the wilderness with amazing birds and multiple species of wild goats. We should reserve such places for future generations to come!”
The climatic conditions of the area are not too different compared to the rest of the province; however, Kirthar Park may appear slightly hotter or cooler during summer and winter respectively. Monsoons make the landscape more visually fascinating, given the flowers that blossom and the lush green vegetation growth post-rains. (Courtesy: Daily Dawn)
