Rahimyar Khan Travel Guide

Read our detailed travel guide to Rahimyar Khan, featuring the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and what to eat in this vibrant city in South Asia.


Introduction to Rahimyar Khan

Located in Southern Punjab, Rahimyar Khan is a charming city that boasts a rich history and culture. The city is known for its ancient forts, beautiful mosques, and fascinating museums, as well as its stunning natural environment that includes vast deserts, fertile plains, and winding rivers. In this travel guide, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive overview of Rahimyar Khan, including the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and what to eat.

List of Places to Visit in Rahimyar Khan

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Gol Masjid: This beautiful mosque was built in the 17th century and is renowned for its stunning architecture and intricate design.
  2. Rahim Mahal: This ancient fort was built in the 16th century and is now a museum that houses a collection of artifacts and relics from the city’s rich history.
  3. Bagh-e-Jinnah: This historic garden was built in the early 20th century and is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
  4. Derawar Fort: Located on the outskirts of the city, Derawar Fort is an ancient fort that dates back to the 9th century and is a must-visit destination for history buffs.

Natural Attractions of Rahimyar Khan: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Panjnad: Known as the “Land of Five Rivers,” Panjnad is a beautiful site where five small rivers converge, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts who love hiking and exploring.
  2. Cholistan Desert: This vast desert is home to stunning sand dunes, ancient forts, and unique wildlife, and is a must-visit destination for adventure lovers.
  3. Sadiq Garh Palace: This beautiful palace is surrounded by lush gardens and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
  4. Rahimyar Khan Canal: This scenic canal is an excellent spot for a leisurely boat ride where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Rahimyar Khan

  1. Cholistan Desert Jeep Safari: This is a thrilling experience that allows you to explore the vast desert while enjoying the stunning scenery and unique wildlife.
  2. Sadiq Garh Palace Hiking Trail: This is a beautiful trail that offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and allows you to explore the stunning architecture and design of the palace.

Best Things to Do in Rahimyar Khan: Activities and Tours

  1. Explore the Forts: Rahimyar Khan is home to several ancient forts that offer a glimpse into the city’s rich history and culture.
  2. Visit Museums: The city is home to some of the most fascinating museums in Pakistan that offer a comprehensive view of the city’s history and heritage.
  3. Enjoy Local Food: The food scene in Rahimyar Khan is vibrant and diverse, with a wide variety of traditional dishes that you must try.
  4. Take a Boat Ride on Rahimyar Khan Canal: A leisurely boat ride on the scenic canal is a perfect way to enjoy the beautiful scenery and relax.
  5. Experience the Culture: Rahimyar Khan is known for its rich culture and customs, and visitors can experience this through various festivals and events that take place throughout the year.

Week-Long Itinerary for Rahimyar Khan

Day Itinerary
1 Visit Gol Masjid and Rahim Mahal
2 Explore Bagh-e-Jinnah and Derawar Fort
3 Go for a jeep safari in the Cholistan Desert
4 Take a boat ride on Rahimyar Khan Canal
5 Visit Sadiq Garh Palace and nearby gardens
6 Visit the local bazaars and experience the local culture
7 Attend a local festival or event

Food and Drink Scene of Rahimyar Khan

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Siri Paye: This is a traditional dish made from goat or cow’s head that is slow-cooked and served with naan bread.
  2. Nehari: A spicy stew made with beef, lamb or mutton.
  3. Haleem: A thick porridge made from lentils, beans, meat, and wheat.
  4. Dhoda: A sweet made from wheat, sugar, and ghee.

Local Beverages

  1. Lassi: A refreshing drink made with yogurt and sugar.
  2. Sattu: A traditional drink made from roasted gram flour, sugar, and milk.

Where to Stay in Rahimyar Khan: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Pearl Continental Hotel: This luxurious hotel offers stunning views of the city and is located near many popular tourist destinations.
  2. Green Palace Hotel: This budget-friendly hotel is located in the heart of the city and offers comfortable rooms and excellent service.
  3. Lavish Inn Guest House: This guest house offers a cozy and comfortable stay with modern amenities and is ideal for backpackers and budget travelers.

What to Buy in Rahimyar Khan: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Cholistan Embroidery: This unique embroidery style is famous in the Cholistan desert and features intricate designs and patterns.
  2. Handmade Pottery: The local pottery is famous for its unique designs and excellent craftsmanship.
  3. Camel Leather Crafts: The Cholistan desert is known for its excellent quality camel leather, which is crafted into beautiful products like wallets, belts, and bags.

Local Culture and Customs of Rahimyar Khan

The local culture of Rahimyar Khan is deeply rooted in Islamic traditions and values. The city is known for its vibrant festivals and events that celebrate the region’s rich history and culture. Visitors should respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting religious places and public places.

Best Time to Visit Rahimyar Khan

The best time to visit Rahimyar Khan is during the winter months from November to March when the weather is pleasant and cool.

Do’s and Don’ts of Rahimyar Khan

Do:

  1. Dress modestly and respect local customs and values.
  2. Try the local food and drinks.
  3. Learn a few basic words of Urdu to communicate with the locals.

Don’t:

  1. Don’t photograph people without their permission.
  2. Don’t disrespect local customs and values.
  3. Don’t openly consume alcohol in public places.

Safety and Health

Safety in Rahimyar Khan

Rahimyar Khan is considered a safe city for travelers. However, visitors should take the usual precautions like being aware of their surroundings and keeping their valuables locked up when staying in hotels or guesthouses.

Health in Rahimyar Khan

Visitors should ensure that they have all the necessary vaccinations before traveling to Rahimyar Khan. It’s also recommended to drink bottled water and avoid eating street food to prevent stomach problems.

Getting to Rahimyar Khan: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Rahimyar Khan

The closest airport to Rahimyar Khan is the Rahimyar Khan Airport, which is located just outside the city and offers regular domestic flights.

Bus Stations Near Rahimyar Khan

The city is well-connected by buses with several bus stations located within and outside of the city, including the Rahimyar Khan Bus Terminal, Liaqatpur Bus Stand, and Ahmadpur East Bus Stand.

Other Options

Visitors can also reach Rahimyar Khan by train or car.

How to Get Around in Rahimyar Khan

The best way to get around Rahimyar Khan is by hiring a taxi or rickshaw, which is a popular mode of transportation in the city. Visitors can also rent a car or motorbike to explore the city on their own.

Where to Go Next from Rahimyar Khan: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Bahawalpur: This beautiful city is located just a few hours away from Rahimyar Khan and is known for its stunning architecture and beautiful landmarks.
  2. Multan: Multan is a vibrant city that boasts several historical sites, beautiful gardens, and a bustling bazaar that’s a shopper’s paradise.
  3. Lahore: Lahore is a major cultural and historical hub of Pakistan that offers a unique blend of modernism and tradition. Visitors can explore the beautiful mosques, museums, and landmarks of the city.

Conclusion

Rahimyar Khan is a fascinating city that offers visitors a rich cultural experience with its beautiful architecture, breathtaking natural scenery, and delicious food. We hope this travel guide helps you plan your trip to this beautiful city and make the most of your visit.