Kirthar National Park

Kirthar Overview

Kirthar National Park, locally known as کیرتھر نیشنل پارک, is one of Pakistan’s oldest and largest national parks, encompassing roughly 1,927 square miles (4,853 square kilometers). Located in the southwestern province of Sindh, the park lies to the west of Karachi and stretches across the Kirthar Mountain Range.

It forms a natural boundary between the provinces of Sindh and Balochistan. The park’s remote, rugged terrain and arid beauty offer a unique blend of desert and mountain landscapes that distinguish it from other protected areas in the country.

The terrain of Kirthar National Park consists primarily of stony hills, dry riverbeds, and rocky valleys, marked by the low, jagged ridges of the Kirthar Mountains. These hills gradually rise in elevation from the plains of Sindh, creating a transition zone between lowland deserts and upland plateaus.

Notable geographic features include the Khirthar Hills and Rani Kot Fort, an enormous fortification that stretches across the landscape and is sometimes referred to as the Great Wall of Sindh. Vegetation is sparse due to the arid climate, with xerophytic plants such as acacia trees, wild olives, and thorny shrubs dominating the landscape. Seasonal grasses and scattered bushes add occasional green to the rocky backdrop, especially after the monsoon rains.

Wildlife within the park is adapted to the harsh conditions, and Kirthar supports a range of mammals and birds typical of desert and semi-arid ecosystems. Key species include the Sindh ibex, which can often be seen navigating the steep hillsides, as well as chinkara gazelles and striped hyenas. Jungle cats, wild boars, and porcupines are also present.

Birdlife includes partridges, Egyptian vultures, Eurasian griffons, and various species of eagles and owls that find shelter among the cliffs and sparse trees. Reptiles such as monitor lizards and various snakes are common, particularly in the rocky and open areas of the park.

Kirthar National Park is known for its historical and cultural significance in addition to its ecological value. Rani Kot Fort, located within the park boundaries, is one of the largest forts in the world and attracts visitors interested in heritage tourism.

The park also features several freshwater springs and ancient archaeological sites, adding depth to the visitor experience. The stark beauty of the desert-mountain interface, combined with its rich cultural landmarks, makes the park a compelling destination for both nature lovers and history enthusiasts.

Visitors can explore Kirthar National Park through guided jeep safaris, nature walks, and visits to heritage sites. Wildlife viewing is best done with local guides familiar with the terrain. Eco-lodges and rest houses at Karchat and other locations provide basic accommodation for those seeking longer stays.

The park’s remote setting offers a peaceful and immersive experience, though travel requires preparation due to limited infrastructure and harsh weather conditions.

Conservation efforts in Kirthar have met with mixed success. On one hand, the park’s protected status has helped curb large-scale development and preserve key habitats. On the other, illegal hunting and habitat degradation remain concerns, particularly in areas where enforcement is weak.

The Sindh Wildlife Department has engaged in initiatives to monitor wildlife and promote community involvement in protection measures, but continued investment is needed to address poaching, land encroachment, and water scarcity challenges in this fragile ecosystem.

Park Map

Kirthar National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Kirthar National Park, located in the Sindh province of Pakistan, spans a vast expanse of rugged mountains, arid valleys, and stony deserts. As one of the largest wildlife reserves in the country, it is home to a variety of desert-adapted and threatened species that thrive in this dry, harsh environment.

Sindh Ibex
A signature species of Kirthar, the Sindh ibex is a nimble wild goat with striking curved horns. It navigates steep, rocky slopes with ease and is most active during early mornings and evenings.

Chinkara (Indian Gazelle)
This delicate, desert-adapted gazelle is known for its grace and speed. Its tan coloring helps it blend into the dry landscape, and it can survive long periods without direct water sources.

Indian Pangolin
Covered in protective keratin scales, this nocturnal and solitary mammal feeds primarily on ants and termites. It is shy and endangered, making sightings rare and significant.

Striped Hyena
Nocturnal and elusive, the striped hyena is a scavenger that helps maintain ecological balance. With its hunched back and powerful jaws, it roams the rocky terrain in search of carrion.

Honey Badger (Ratel)
Tough and fearless, the honey badger is known for its strength and tenacity. It digs for insects and roots and is notorious for taking on much larger animals when threatened.

Golden Jackal
Widespread in the region, the golden jackal is an opportunistic feeder, preying on small mammals and birds while also scavenging. It often travels in pairs and is heard calling at dusk.

Indian Fox
This small canid with large ears and a bushy tail is well-adapted to the park’s arid landscape. It hunts insects and small vertebrates and often seeks shelter in burrows during the heat of the day.

Indian Crested Porcupine
A large rodent equipped with sharp quills for defense, this nocturnal forager digs up roots, tubers, and fallen fruits, often leaving visible signs of its activity.

Jungle Cat
This medium-sized wild cat is agile and a skilled hunter, preying on birds, rodents, and reptiles. It prefers areas with cover and is most active during dawn and dusk.

Indian Hedgehog
A small, spiny mammal that emerges at night to feed on insects. It curls into a tight ball when threatened, using its sharp spines as a shield.

Birds

Kirthar National Park’s varied terrain, from dry riverbeds to rocky hills, supports an impressive diversity of birdlife. It is a key destination for both resident and migratory birds, many of which are adapted to arid conditions.

Laggar Falcon
This powerful bird of prey is commonly seen soaring over cliffs or perched on rocky ledges. It feeds on small birds and mammals and nests on remote rock faces.

Grey Francolin
A plump, ground-dwelling bird often seen in pairs or small groups, the grey francolin blends well with dry scrub and is known for its loud, repetitive call.

Indian Eagle-Owl
A large and majestic nocturnal owl with bright orange eyes and ear tufts, it resides in rocky outcrops and preys on rodents and small birds during the night.

White-cheeked Bulbul
With its energetic movements and constant vocalizations, the white-cheeked bulbul is a common sight among shrubs and thorny bushes throughout the park.

Crested Lark
This ground-dwelling songbird has a prominent crest and melodious call. It forages on the ground for seeds and insects and is well-adapted to open, dry habitats.

Common Kestrel
Often seen hovering mid-air before diving onto prey, the kestrel is a small falcon that feeds on insects, lizards, and small rodents in the open landscape.

Indian Roller
Famous for its bright blue wings and acrobatic flight displays, this bird adds a splash of color to Kirthar’s arid surroundings and is frequently seen perched on utility wires or tree branches.

Southern Grey Shrike
A bold, predatory songbird that impales its prey on thorns or wires, the grey shrike feeds on insects, small birds, and lizards, often spotted on prominent perches.

Eurasian Hoopoe
Easily recognized by its fan-shaped crest and zebra-striped wings, the hoopoe forages in loose soil with its long, curved bill in search of insects and larvae.

House Bunting
A hardy little bird often found in rocky or semi-urban areas, the house bunting has a distinctive call and feeds on seeds and small insects near human settlements within the park.