CHHOR: After completing a seven-hour journey from Karachi Cantonment Railway Station, the sixth ‘Thar Desert Safari Train’, operated by the Sindh Tourism Development Corporation (STDC), reached Chhor Railway Station in Tharparkar for its onward journey to Zero Point on Saturday.

The STDC initiative offers tourists an opportunity to experience the landscapes of Sindh and promotes cultural heritage, eco-tourism and local economic activity while showcasing the diversity of Sindh’s landscapes.

Led by STDC Managing Director Feyaz Ali Shah, more than a hundred tourists were part of the journey. The breathtaking view of the desert, dotted with greenery, mesmerised the tourists.

The train reached Chhor station at 3:45pm, from where passengers travelled by two buses to the hill resort of Parchi Ji Veri to watch the sunset over the desert dunes.

The two-day tour’s main attraction was the unmatched view of the sunset from Parchi Ji Veri. The weather at the hill resort was pleasant. At the site, tourists captured panoramic views of the desert landscape bathed in evening hues.

The train travelled through major junctions, including Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas and Chhor in the district of Tharparkar. As it crossed the fertile plains of Mirpurkhas, passengers enjoyed views of the region’s lush green orchards, renowned for their mango and fruit production.

The journey then transitioned into the mesmerising sand dunes of Tharparkar, where vast stretches of golden desert created a striking contrast against the clear blue skies.

People of all ages, including schoolchildren, travelled on the safari train. A small group of Pakistan Railways Scouts accompanied the tourists.

On Sunday (today), the tourists will visit Khokhrapar and Marvi Railway Station located at Zero Point, the border between Pakistan and India.

After sunset, visitors enjoyed a folk music concert featuring local artists, at the Parchi Ji Veri resort. Singer Wahid Bux Fakhir and his son Sajid Ali Jogi concluded the evening with well-known Sindhi songs.

The STDC also announced plans to introduce more destinations and innovative travel experiences in the coming months to attract domestic and international tourists, further strengthening Sindh’s position as an emerging travel destination.

Published in Dawn, February 15th, 2026