KARACHI: The Culture and Tourism Department, Government of Sindh, is set to redefine travel with the launch of the Thar Desert Train Safari on 8th February 2025. This one-of-a-kind journey offers an immersive experience through the cultural and scenic beauty of Sindh.
The announcement came during a meeting chaired by Provincial Minister for Culture and Tourism, Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah, with representatives of the Association of Karachi Tour Operators in attendance.
The safari train will depart from Karachi Cantt Station, taking travelers through Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas, and Chhor before reaching Khokhrapar Zero Point near the border. The journey promises breathtaking views of Sindh’s vibrant cities, historic towns, serene villages, and the iconic desert landscapes of Tharparkar.
The inaugural business-class train will depart Saturday, 8th February, at 9:00 A.M., with an overnight stay at Parchi Jeveri inside the train. It will return to Karachi by 6:00 P.M. on Sunday. Tickets are priced at Rs. 30,000 per person, inclusive of meals and onboard accommodation.
“This initiative will showcase Sindh’s cultural and natural beauty,” said Minister Shah, emphasizing the train’s role in promoting tourism. He also announced plans for a jeep rally in Tharparkar and a two-day Lahooti Festival in Larkana, commencing on 15th February, in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism.
Minister Shah highlighted the provincial government’s dedication to making Sindh a hub for tourism and cultural activities, stating, “Under Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s vision, we aim to unlock Sindh’s tourism potential through innovative initiatives.”
The train safari is part of Sindh’s broader tourism strategy, which includes introducing new attractions and promoting local festivals.
To further boost tourism, the Sindh government has reduced fees for filming, dramas, commercial videos, photography, and bridal shoots at various cultural and historical sites.
For example, filming fees at iconic locations like Mohenjo-Daro and Makli have been slashed from Rs. 200,000 to Rs. 50,000, while fees for the Quaid-e-Azam House Museum have been reduced from Rs. 100,000 to Rs. 30,000. Other popular destinations, including Maki House Museum, Kot Diji Fort, and Naukot Fort, now also feature a flat fee of Rs. 30,000, down from Rs. 100,000.
Additionally, charges for filming at Umar Kot Fort, Rani Kot Fort, Chaukundi Graveyard, and Bhambore Fort have been standardized at Rs. 30,000, making these sites more accessible for creative and promotional projects. This multi-faceted approach underscores Sindh’s commitment to becoming a premier destination for cultural tourism, blending heritage, adventure, and scenic experiences.
