Hawkes Bay and Turtle Beach Karachi
Hawkes Bay and Turtle Beach in Karachi form a famous golden sand coastline along the Arabian Sea renowned for luxury beach huts watersports and endangered Green Sea Turtle nesting.
ExploreChotiari Reservoir Sanghar Wetland Sanctuary and Desert Lake
Sanghar, Sindh
Overview
Sprawling across 180 square kilometers along the western edge of the Thar Desert near Sanghar Sindh Chotiari Reservoir also known as Chotiari Wetland Complex is one of South Asias most visually stunning ecological wonderlands. Created by interconnecting several natural desert lakes including Lake Ranto Lake Baqar and Lake Dragon through embankments fed by the Nara Canal this massive water body forms a dramatic contrast where towering golden sand dunes dive directly into deep blue freshwater channels. Serving as a crucial Ramsar-eligible wetland sanctuary Chotiari hosts abundant freshwater fisheries endangered Indus river wildlife species like marsh crocodiles and smooth-coated otters and tens of thousands of winter migratory Siberian waterfowl. Offering desert lake motorboating dune camping fishing expeditions and wildlife safaris Chotiari Reservoir is an essential offbeat eco-adventure destination.
Highlights
- Massive 180 square kilometer wetland sanctuary where golden Thar Desert sand dunes merge with deep freshwater lakes
- Fed by the historic Nara Canal connecting natural desert lakes into a vast eco-reservoir
- Premier winter habitat for tens of thousands of migratory Siberian ducks pelicans and flamingos
- Thriving aquatic ecosystem hosting endangered marsh crocodiles smooth-coated otters and freshwater fish
- Exciting desert lake motorboating sand dune bashing sunset photography and lakeside camping
- Located near Sanghar city serving as the premier eco-adventure gateway to the central Thar region
Things To Do
- Take thrilling motorboat cruises through deep water channels framed by towering desert sand dunes
- Spot migratory Siberian birds white pelicans and wild marsh crocodiles along marshy reed banks
- Experience sunset dune bashing and wilderness camping under unpolluted dark starry desert skies
- Enjoy freshwater fishing expeditions and sample live-cooked freshwater catfish and carp
- Capture breathtaking landscape photography where desert red sand meets blue lake waters
Local Transportation
Located 35 km northeast of Sanghar city along the Sanghar-Khipro Road. Accessible via private cars or sedans to the main embankment gate; high-clearance 4x4 SUVs or local jeeps are recommended for deep desert dune tracks surrounding the reservoir.
Accommodation
Eco-adventure and city hub. Basic irrigation rest houses operate near the headworks; private camping in tents along the desert dunes is popular among adventure groups. Mid-range hotels and guest houses exist in Sanghar city center (40 minutes drive away).
Food & Cuisine
Authentic desert freshwater culinary hub. Enjoy fresh live-cooked Carp, Catfish, and local freshwater fish fry prepared with local spices, served with fresh bajra rotis, lassi, and hot cardamom tea at roadside eateries near Achro Thar and Sanghar.
Safety Information
Managed water reservoir monitored by Irrigation Department and local administration. Always wear lifejackets on motorboats, stay with local guides when traversing deep sand dunes, keep a safe distance from marsh crocodile reed habitats, and carry physical CNIC cards.
Travel Tips
Hire a local motorboat captain at the main embankment jetty, carry high-SPF sunblock, hats, and drinking water, refuel vehicles fully in Sanghar, and combine your trip with Achro Thar (White Desert) of Sanghar.