Lal Suhanra National Park Bahawalpur
Lal Suhanra National Park is a massive UNESCO Biosphere Reserve near Bahawalpur featuring desert sand dunes wetland lakes irrigated forest plantations and rare blackbuck antelopes.
ExploreSheikh Buddin National Park Dera Ismail Khan
Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Overview
Perched atop the Marwat range of hills at an elevation of 4516 feet 1376 meters above sea level Sheikh Buddin National Park is a unique high-altitude eco-tourism sanctuary and historic hill station situated on the boundary of Dera Ismail Khan and Lakki Marwat districts in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Established as a British colonial summer sanatorium in 1860 and named after the revered Sufi saint Sheikh Bahauddin whose shrine sits atop the mountain peak the area was declared a National Park in 1993 to preserve its unique biodiversity. The park features dense olive groves wild acacia trees and indigenous wildlife including houbara bustard urial and grey partridges. Offering a refreshing cool climate historical British-era stone bungalows and sweeping views over the Indus plains Sheikh Buddin is a premier hill destination in southern KPK.
Highlights
- High-altitude national park and hill station elevated at 4516 feet above sea level
- Established in 1860 as a British colonial summer retreat offering cool mountain weather
- Named after the historic shrine of Sufi saint Sheikh Bahauddin perched on the peak
- Protected wildlife sanctuary home to Punjab urial chinkara gazelle and migratory birds
- Unique forest ecosystem featuring dense wild olive Olea europaea trees and acacia groves
- Panoramic views overlooking the vast Indus River plains Lakki Marwat and DI Khan valley
Things To Do
- Hike along scenic mountain trails leading to the historical Sufi shrine of Sheikh Bahauddin
- Explore well-preserved British colonial stone bungalows water tanks and historic rest house ruins
- Enjoy nature photography and birdwatching amidst dense wild olive forests and mountain ridges
- Experience refreshing cool mountain breezes offering relief from the hot southern KPK plains
- Capture panoramic sunset photographs overlooking the Indus River basin and surrounding valleys
Local Transportation
Located about 60 km north of DI Khan City and 30 km from Pezu town. Accessible via N-55 Indus Highway to Pezu followed by an adventurous 4x4 jeep track or hiking trail up the mountain.
Accommodation
Basic forest rest house facilities and designated eco-camping sites on the mountain. Main hotel accommodations are available in DI Khan city center and Pezu town.
Food & Cuisine
Traditional southern Pashtun cuisine. Enjoy local Painda Sobat, fresh tandoori naan, mutton karahi, and green tea Kahwa at Pezu town and DI Khan eateries.
Safety Information
Protected forest area. Hire a local guide or 4x4 driver from Pezu town, carry sufficient drinking water, stay on designated hiking paths, and carry warm clothing during winter visits.
Travel Tips
Hire a 4x4 jeep from Pezu town as standard cars cannot navigate the steep dirt track, bring your own snacks and water, pack a warm jacket, and respect the local saint shrine guidelines.