Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest province by land yet remains a mystery to the world. With the rest of the provinces being centres of tourist attractions, it is not that this one has nothing to show off. Gwadar and Quetta surely are the next big thing in years to come. Located at a height of 1654m above sea level, the name translates to ‘fort.’ Connecting Pakistan to both Afghanistan and Iran, its geographical importance is no less either. Due to most people not having travelled therein, the beauty of Balochistan has remained unseen. However, the gold-laden province is all worth the travel. Here are the top 10 places to visit in Balochistan, that you must consider without any doubt.
Top 10 Places to visit in Balochistan, Pakistan
The largest province of Pakistan, in terms of land, hosts some of the most exclusive locations. The barely populated province is one of the most important land areas in the world in terms of mineral wealth. Moreover, the top 10 places to visit in Balochistan are widespread all over the province. The locations of Lahore and the locations of Multan are based on culture, totally different from the ones in Balochistan.
1. Hanna Lake
This is the first stop in Balochistan for all those who are visiting. Presenting a frozen and frosted view, Hanna Lake is a sight to behold in winters. Located at about 14km from the main city of Quetta, it is surrounded by mountains from all sights, further adding to the view. You can venture into the lake on a speedboat and go around the various islands in the middle of it. This surely is to be one unforgettable experience.
A restaurant lines the forefront of the lake and you can then sit and enjoy the weather and the food. The tables are sheltered by pine trees and for a moment you’d forget that you’re actually in the south and not the north!
2. Gwadar Port Balochistan
Located on the shores of the Balochistan Coast, Gwadar is the centre of the CPEC. China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, worths more than $50 billion of investment. Also developing into a smart port city, it is reported to soon be turning into the Singapore of Pakistan. Despite being located in a far-flung area of Pakistan, competent authorities have called out to it being ‘the safest city of Pakistan’. Thus being worth a visit in the province. Moreover, the port city is set to become the trade hub of Pakistan. As a result, countless investments are being made in Gwadar and you should know its importance as well. As a matter of fact, the $54 Billion investment by China is set to change the course of the port. Learn how you can invest in Gwadar.
Owing to creating a huge impact on the economic image of the country, the Gwadar port is now a world in itself. After having crossed the snow-filled and mountainous terrains of Balochistan, this shall be an eye-opener for you. Call it New Dubai or anything that you like, but for that, you’ll have to visit this one first.
3. Quaid’s Residency Ziarat
This wooden cottage has the honour of hosting the Father of the nation during his very last days of life. Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Alii Jinnah was being nursed by A. S. Nathaniel during his stay here. This place has a whole deal of importance apart from the scenic beauty that it has to offer. Being one national monument and also a historic site, this is one place you must consider visiting in Balochistan. Built under the British in 1892, it is now looked after by the Government of Pakistan.
While you’re here, note how unique the architecture is and then look around at what magic in the name of nature surrounds the residency!
4. Pishin Valley Balochistan
Located 50km from the city of Quetta, the Pishin Valley is known for its green lands as well as vegetable and crop cultivation. ‘Bund Khushdil Khan’ is a 5km long manmade lake that is yet another point of attraction in the valley. Flowers, green trees and duck hunting are a few things that the area is known for. Tourists may take part in activities like horse riding, horse jumping, motorbike riding and motor car driving. A dog and hare race is also a special event in spring.
Dishes like Sajji and Landhi are famous here, and the best part is that Tandoori Roti is free of cost for all visitors. The most known dish is the ‘Roush’ which is salted lamb roast. Make sure you visit the valley and try this out for yourself!
5. Miri Fort Quetta
Miri translates to ‘Chief’ and this fort represents the house of chiefs. Being a mud volcano at first, it now is transformed into a fort for which an English geographer wrote ‘The crown of Quetta is Miri’. A Mandir was constructed inside the fort walls in 1940, which has quite intriguing paintings on its roof and walls. Rising up to 24.4 meters, it is 183 meters in length. The only history that appears is about a saint living inside the mandir who could control the river water.
In case you’re someone interested in Religion, history, architecture or happenings of the past, this is the place for you then. Located at a twenty-minute drive from the city, make sure you pay a visit here!
6. Urak Valley Balochistan
Located 21 km from the city of Quetta, both sides of the valley are lined with roses and fruit trees. The best apples, peaches and apricots of Pakistan belong herein and there is also a waterfall by the end of the valley. What makes it worth a visit are the trees and mountains covered in snow. Being a treat to the eye and especially that in winters.
There also is a mountain called ‘Sleeping Beauty’ that as reported by locals, is haunted. You’d like to visit this spot for a picnic or maybe just to try out the juiciest of fruits from across the country.
7. Quetta Bazaars
The ‘Suraj Ganj Bazaar’, ‘Liaqat Bazaar’ and ‘Kandhari Bazaar’ are the three named markets of Quetta. Providing you with the best of Balochistan’s famed dry fruits and rugs. From clothing to electrical gadgets, everything is made available here. However, as for the tourists, the Balochi mirror fancywork is one main attraction. The variety and quality available herein pull on people from all over Pakistan to themselves.
Coming to food, Iranian eatable are also found here and tourists can venture from the expensive to the cheapest shops. This is a must-visit point so as to note the fact of how shops are carved into the valley with as mountainous terrain as that is of Quetta and all of Balochistan!
8. Quetta Archaeological Museum
Located near the Akbar Bugti Stadium, the Quetta Museum has treasures hidden in itself. Being an educational historical museum, visitors of all sorts are seen. Be it travellers or else students in the quest for knowledge. Therein are a variety of galleries on a show that include pottery, remnants of Mohenjo Daro. As well as Stone Age rock art from the Kalat and Zhob Valleys.
Apart from that, a copy of the Quran said to be inscribed by Emperor Aurangzeb himself too has space therein. Whether you’d like to know more about the preserved objects or just roam around the treasures on display, the Quetta Museum is something you should not skip!
9. Pirak
Belonging to the Indus Valley Civilization, Pirak is an archaeological site located south of Sibi in Balochistan. It covers about twelve acres of land and is at a height of eight meters. The earliest signs of the existence of domestic horses tend to come from the plains of Pirak. Moreover, also some very early ironwork as well. Different types of seals, pottery items and wheeled camel figures were also excavated from herein. This is a worth visiting site in Balochistan because after all that has been discovered, there is yet so much more untapped!
10. Lahoot Lamakan Cave
Lahoot Lamakan cave is one of the most legendary and secretive places of Pakistan, let alone being that of Balochistan. Known also as the Cave of Shah Noorani, this place is interestingly eye-catching and intriguing to the human mind. Freshwater springs run in the uneven and jagged terrain, spilling down the mountains. A fable is associated herein that this water first was milk that was later miraculously turned to water just because people had begun selling it. Make sure you visit and get to know more about the mysteries associated with the cave!
When it comes to Balochistan, rarely it is that some tourist attraction point happens to cross your mind. Whereas in reality, there are many that the world yet might be unaware of, and that simply is what the beauty of Balochistan is! The aforementioned top 10 places to visit in Balochistan are just a glimpse of what the province has. Hidden in itself Balochistan holds so much beauty and it is up to you, to tap it for yourself!
