Indus Dolphin Ecotourism Package

The Sustainable Tourism Foundation Pakistan (STFP) has established a community based ecotourism enterprise at Taunsa Barrage in South Punjab. The project has developed the capacity of local boat people and fisher folk of Taunsa Barrage area to operate boat cruise in Indus River to offer tourists a unique opportunity to travel on traditional fishing boats, drifting down the Indus River to watch the Indus dolphin and other wildlife from close quarters.

Key Features of Indus Dolphin Ecotourism Trips:

• The Indus Boat Cruse offers a unique opportunity to explore the River Indus which is famous because of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization.

• Sail on traditional fishermen’s boats operated by Mohans.

• Have the opportunity to watch unique specie of Indus Blind Dolphins, which only occur in River Indus.

• Enjoy bird watching along one of the world most famous birds’ migration route commonly known as “Indus Fly Way”.

• Meet indigenous communities living along Indus and experience their traditional rural way of life.

• Enjoy traditional local home cooked food and local fruit.

• Learn about the world largest irrigation network of River Indus and its tributaries.

• Opportunity to take lots of good photographs of wildlife, people and places.

Indus Dolphin Ecotourism Packages

Code Package Duration Activities

IBC-01
Half days trip for groups of family members and friends 4 to 5 hrs. Tour of barrage, dolphin watching boat cruise and picnic lunch along River Indus

IBC-02
One days trip for groups of family members and friends 6 to 8 hrs. Tour of barrage, dolphin watching boat cruise, bird watching, village tour and picnic lunch along Indus

IBC-03
Two days trip for groups of family members and friends One night two days Tour of barrage, dolphin watching boat cruise, Bird watching, village tour, camping along Indus, traditional dinner with bonfire and local music

IBC -04
Two days trip for corporate groups One night two days Tour of barrage, dolphin watching, bird watching, village tour, camping along Indus, traditional dinner with bonfire and local music. Team building and leadership games.

IBC-05
Half days trip for groups of students 4 to 5 hrs. Tour of barrage, dolphin watching boat cruise, picnic lunch along River Indus and nature study workshop.

IBC-06
One days trip for groups of students 6 to 8 hrs. Tour of barrage, dolphin watching boat cruise, bird watching, village tour, picnic lunch along Indus and nature study workshop.

IBC-07
Two days trip for groups of students One night two days Tour of barrage, dolphin watching boat cruise, Bird watching, village tour, camping along Indus, traditional dinner with bonfire and local music. Nature study workshop.

IBC-08

One day trip to Sukkur Barrage  6 to 8 hrs. Tour of barrage museum, tour Sathbhain Astan, dolphin watching boat cruise from Rohri to Sukkur, tour of Sadhbela Island and picnic lunch.

Note: For more details and tour rates please contact us at addresses given below. Tailor-made trips request can all be arranged on special request.

The Project is working with and benefiting the local fishing community by:

• Ensuring that all income generated by this ecotourism program is managed by a social enterprise established by the local community.

• Offering technical guidance to the boat people to upgrade their boats, improve their services and skills to deal with nature loving tourists who come here for ecotourism such as dolphin watching, bird watching and cultural sightseeing in and around Indus River.

• Encouraging local community to market and refine their traditional handicrafts, such as embroidery and basketry during the off-season.

• Building the capacity of local fishermen to manage rescue of Indus Blind Dolphin in the area of Taunsa Barrage.

Where to go for dolphin watching?

The Sustainable Tourism Foundation Pakistan (STFP) has established a community based ecotourism enterprise at Taunsa Barrage. The Barrage is at a distance of Approximately 2 1/2 hour’s drive from Multan. Package tours of different duration are available throughout the year. Best time is from Mid-September to Mid-April. Further Information is available from STFP office and on project website www.indusdolphin.org

How to be a responsible and sensitive eco-tourist?

Be sensitive to the safety of the environment and all the wildlife. This is the primary rule when watching any wildlife. You are a visitor in their world. There is no need to interfere with them or their habitat in anyway. Watch quietly, be observant, ask questions, take photos and more than anything ……… remember your unique experience.

When watching dolphins

• Try and keep quiet. If you are very quiet you may hear the dolphin breathe or “push”, even before you see it.

• Dolphin surface very quickly so be vigilant.

• When you see a dolphin, keep looking in the same area and it may surface again, about a minute later.

• If you see any dolphins which are smaller than the others, or two surfacing at the same time, this is likely to be a mother with a calf.

• Count the number of animals you see in each group, and then compare figures with your friend.

What to bring with you?

• Binoculars

• Camera. A tele-lens with a ultra-violet filter is best.

• Additional camera batteries

• Notebook and pencil

• Sunblock, sunglasses and Sun hat

• Drinking water

• Warm jacket (during winter days)

Some do and don’ts:

• Do not try to swim with the dolphins this will scare them.

• Do not try to feed the dolphins.

• Do not bang loudly on the sides of the boat, stamp your feet or scream.

• Never drop your litter in the river. Keep it in your bag and take it with you.

• Follow safety instructions and keep your life jacket on while on you are on the boat.

For more information please write to:

Team Leader

Indus River Dolphin Ecotourism Project

C/o Sustainable Tourism Foundation Pakistan

House No.5, St. No.11, Main Road, Banigala

Islamabad, Pakistan

Tel: 051-2612448, Email: stfpak@gmail.com

Website: www.stfp.org and www.indusdolphin.org

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