Camping at Gorakh Hill means pitching your own tent on the open plateau near the rest house, since there is no formal campsite, no tent hire and very little shelter from wind once the sun goes down. It is the way many visitors choose to catch both the sunset and the sunrise without doing the long drive up from the plains twice, but it asks more of your gear and planning than camping almost anywhere else in Sindh.
Gorakh sits at 1,734 metres, and that height is exactly why people camp here: it is the only place in the province cold enough at night to actually feel like a proper hill camp, even in the hottest months of the year. Our Gorakh Hill weather guide has the month-by-month temperatures if you want more detail on what to expect before you go.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Where to camp | Open ground near the rest house, on the plateau |
| Facilities | None dedicated to camping; basic rest house nearby |
| Water | Not reliably available; bring your own |
| Permission | No separate camping permit; arrange through the rest house or a local operator |
| Main hazard | Wind and cold at night, even in summer |
Where people actually camp
There is no marked or fenced campsite at Gorakh Hill. Visitors pitch tents on flat, open ground near the government rest house, which puts you close to whatever facilities exist and to other vehicles, rather than isolated on a distant part of the plateau. This isn't officially organised camping with numbered plots; it's informal, and where exactly you set up depends on who else is there and what the ground allows that day.
If you'd rather not deal with a tent at all, a room in the rest house is the alternative, and worth checking availability for in advance since space is limited.
Wind and cold: the real challenge
The single biggest difference between camping at Gorakh Hill and camping on the plains below is the wind. The plateau is exposed on every side, and even a mild breeze at ground level becomes a real test for a poorly staked tent once night falls. Combined with temperatures that drop well below what the daytime warmth suggests, a summer evening at Gorakh can still call for a jacket and a proper sleeping bag, and a winter night can go below freezing.
Stake your tent securely, weigh down the guy lines, and don't assume that because it was warm at 4pm it will still be comfortable at 10pm.
Water availability
Don't count on finding drinking water at the top. What's available near the rest house is limited and not something to plan a whole camping trip around. Bring enough water for drinking and basic cooking for your entire group and the full length of your stay, with a margin in case you end up staying longer than planned.
Permissions
Camping at Gorakh Hill doesn't require a separate permit beyond the normal courtesy of coordinating with whoever manages the rest house on site, particularly if you want to camp close to it or use any of its facilities. If you're going with a group trip or through a local operator based in Wahi Pandhi, they will usually handle this as part of arranging the jeep and the visit.
Gear checklist
- A four-season or at least a wind-resistant tent with solid stakes
- A sleeping bag rated colder than you think you'll need, even in summer
- A sleeping mat, since the ground is hard and often uneven
- All your own water and food; there is nothing reliable to buy at the top
- A torch or headlamp, since there is no lighting on the plateau at night
- Warm layers for after dark, regardless of how the day felt
- A basic first aid kit and any regular medication
Is camping better than staying in the rest house?
Camping gives you the plateau to yourself after the day-trip crowd has driven back down, and lets you catch both sunset and sunrise without leaving the site. It suits a group with proper cold-weather gear and no issue with a night without much shelter or water. If your group includes young children, older relatives, or anyone who would struggle with a genuinely cold, windy night, the rest house is the safer and more comfortable choice, when you can get a room.
Frequently asked questions
Can you camp overnight at Gorakh Hill?
Yes, camping on open ground near the rest house is common and doesn't need a special permit, though there is no dedicated, serviced campsite.
How cold does it get at Gorakh Hill at night?
Cold enough to need a proper sleeping bag even in summer, and well below freezing in winter. The wind on the open plateau makes it feel colder still.
Is there water available for camping at Gorakh Hill?
Not reliably. Bring all the water you and your group will need for the full trip rather than expecting to refill at the top.
Do I need a permit to camp at Gorakh Hill?
No separate camping permit is required, but check in with the rest house or a local operator if you plan to camp close to it or use its facilities.
Is it safe to camp at Gorakh Hill?
Gorakh Hill lies in Dadu district, part of the area of Sindh the UK currently advises against all but essential travel to. Camping trips here are common among Pakistani visitors; check current advice and see our guide, Is Gorakh Hill Safe to Visit?, before you go.
Is northern Sindh safe for overseas visitors?
Pakistani visitors travel here all year, but as of September 2026 the UK government advises against all but essential travel to Sindh north of Nawabshah, which covers this area. If you hold a foreign passport, check your own government's advice before you go, because travelling against it can void your insurance. Everyone should check local news and current police advice before setting out.
