Explore Pakistan:

Pakistan is situated on the crossroads of South Asia, the Middle East and Central Asia, Pakistan is a beautiful country with a unique history and cultural heritage. Pakistan was the site for one of the world's earliest human settlements: the great prehistoric Indus Valley Civilization, the crucible of ancient empires, religions and cultures. The land of Pakistan ranges from lofty mountains in the north, the Karakoram and the Himalayas, through dissected plateaus to the rich alluvial plains of the Punjab. Then follows the desolate barrenness of Baluchistan and the hot, dry deserts of Sindh blending into miles and miles of golden beaches of Makran coast.

 

Pakistan A Tourist’s Paradise

 Pakistan’s main attractions include adventure tourism in the Northern Areas, cultural and archaeological tourism as found Taxila, Moenjodaro, Harrappa, and early Muslim and Mughal heritage at Multan, Lahore, Thatta, Peshawar and Swat.

The tourist attractions in the province of Sindh

 

 

 

 

When you land at Jinnah International Airport in the metropolitan city of Karachi the capital of southern Sindh province,you have man choices to make your trip memorable.You can visit historical sites in Karachi like mereweathertower, kemari port, MANORO Island, Parks, Empress market,museums and beaches like paradise point ,french huts and clifton.The city has several traditional and modern markets to shop economical electronics,clothes,suitings,garments,leather products,shoes,surgical items,sports products,traditional handicrafts of Sindh,punjab,NWFP and Baluchistan.The markets which you can explore are Saddar,Clifton,boulton,zaibunnisa street,Hyderi,Tariq road and many      more for variety of shopping activities.If you are a business man than you have options to dig out products of your choice in all sectors and deal wih the manufacturing companies.If you want to have treatment at one of the premier hospitals in Karachi than go to LIAQAT NATIONAL,TAJ complex,Agha khan,hamdard,Baqai,National institute of cardiology,nephrology and child health besides enjoying the city sites icluding parks.Karachi has one of the largest modern parks including Alladin park,Sindbad and Jehangirkothari park on the beach both for children and families.The children love to enjoy swings,trains,majic boats and other such attractions.

 

Places Of Interest

Wazir Mansion Foremost among Karachi’s historic buildings, is the birthplace of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah. The house is a balconied, three-storied structure on Newneham Road, located in Kharadar, one of the oldest residential areas of the city. The house has been declared a protected national monument. Quaid-E-Azam’s Mausoleum This white marble Mausoleum with its curved Moorish Arches and copper grills rests on an elevated 54 Sq. meters platform. The cool inner sanctum reflected the green of a four tiered crystal chandelier gifted by the Peoples Republic of China. The memorial slab framed with silver railings draws people from far and wide who come to pay their respects to the father of the Nation and to watch the impressive change of guard ceremony that takes place everyday. Today, the Quaid-e-Azam’s Mausoleum is a prominent and impressive landmark of Karachi. Nearby are the graves of the “Quaid-e-Millat”, Liaquat Ali Khan, the first Prime Minister of Pakistan and the Qauid’s sister Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah. Liaquat Hall/Bagh-E-Jinnah Liaquat Hall is surrounded by the Bagh-e-Jinnah (Jinnah Garden). Originally called Frere Hall, it was once used as Town Hall where, during colonial days, concerts and social events were held regularly. This two storey Venetian Gothic building now houses the Liaquat Municipal Library on the ground floor and an art galley on the first floor. Named after one of Pakistan’s renowned artists, Sadquain, the gallery displays a permanent collection of the artist’s work. Sadquain spent last year of his life, painting a huge mural on the ceiling of the gallery bur, sadly, did not live to complete it. National Museum Of Pakistan/Burns Garden This museum, on Dr. Ziauddin Ahmed Road, contains an important collection of items relating to Pakistan’s ancient heritage. Well-arranged galleries display Indus Civilization artifacts, Gandhara sculptures, Islamic art, miniature paintings, ancient coins and manuscripts documenting Pakistan’s political history. There is also an interesting ethnological gallery. The construction work was completed in 1960’s. Empress Market Built by the British to commemorate the silver Jubilee of Queen Victoria’s reign, this historic market is designed in the domestic Gothic style. From its center rises a tall clock tower. The market contains shops that sell meat, fish, poultry, vegetables and other groceries. The foundation stone was laid by Sir James Fergusson, Governor of Bombay on 10-11-1884. The market was inaugurated by Mr. Prichard, the then Commissioner of Sindh on 21-3-1889. Masjid-E-Tooba Situated in the Defence Housing Authority, Masjid-e-Tooba is a modern architectural marvel. It is said to be the largest single dome mosque. The dome covers central prayer hall with a capacity to accommodate congregation of 5,000 people. The mosque’s single minaret stands 70 meters high. Mereweather Tower Positioned as the landmark of Karachi’s main business center, Mereweather Tower is another historical monument of Karachi. It stands 35 meters high and carries a four- faced clock. The Tower construction work was completed and opened for the public by Sir Evans James in 1892. The Tower was constructed in the memory of Sir William L. Mereweather who was the Commissioner of the Sindh. archaeologicalSindh High Court Built in the Renaissance style, this magnificent sandstone building is a combination of local and Roman styles of architecture. It is embellished with cupolas, balconies and tall Roman style columns. Clifton Beach And Funland Close to the popular seaside of the city, is Clifton Beach, where Karachiites flock to on weekends and holidays. Scattered along the shore are numerous stalls selling handicrafts made from seashells. Clifton has an amusement park with a bowling alley, and an aquarium.

If you want to go to explore Sindh,it has one of the oldest and finest sites to make your visit memorable.

Gorakh Hill Station:

Gorakh Hill, is one of the Highest Plateaus of Sindh, in the Kerthar Mountains Range, in the North-West section of Dadu District, Dividing the Dadu and Khuzdar Districts, of Sindhh and Balochistan. Gorakh Hill Station is presently an under Development Project, but you can presently reach Gorkah Hilltop site, from Dadu City, with 4x4 Vehicles, which are available on rental from Dadu and Johi Towns.

 

The Highest Mountain Elevation, in the Sindh segment of Kirthar mountains, is a 7056 [plus/minus a few feet high peak, it is in fact, the higher of the two 'bumps' at the top, earlier held wrongly as a single 7900 feet high peak, west of Mehar, in the Mari Thall area, a few degrees north north-west of Gorakh Hill Station.

The exact Height and Location Coordinates of the higher of the two, almost equally high, Peaks, on the GPS are: 27 12 35 10 North / 67 09 33 88 East. One being just under 7000 and the higher, just above the 7000 feet mark. You can verify these by visiting the above given Coordinates on Google Earth Telemetry.

The segment of Kirthar mountains, and the two bumps, at its top, were earlier considered a single peak... Till Mr Bukhari's discovery of the Highest peak's Exact Location and Elevation. Mr. Bukhari, in honoring one of the greatest ever Pakistanis, has Named the higher, 7000 feet plus Peak in Mari Thall, KOH BENAZIR.

To Gorakh Hill Top, is 94 km From Dadu City; at milestone 17 km, you reach the small town of Johi which is a Taluka, of District Dadu and the Starting Point of Outbackkacho Area. At milestone 41 km, you reach the last small town Before Gorakh Hill... Wahi Pandi, which is a small Market settlement in the lap of Kerthar Mountain.

From Wahi Pandi on way to Gorakh Hill Station, the Road rises Slowly up to milestone of 53 km, here you enter the Yaroo Pass,(Yaroo Sain Jo Luck). After Crossing Yaroo Pass 2500 ft above sea level, your journey continues in the Mountains, and at milestone 76 km, you reach the Base of another, the Highest Mountain Pass of Kerthar Mountain Range, it is Khanwal Pass, situated at an elevation of 3000ft above sea level.

At the Top of Khanwal pass, at an Elevation of 5000ft above sea level, the Distance Between Khanwal Pass and Base Camp Gorakh is about 17 km. The road is steep, and has hairpin turns, as it zigzags along the hilly terrain.

After reaching the Top of Khanwal Pass, your Drive continues to a Gorakh Hill Top, which is a 13 km drive. At the Top Of Gorakh Hill, you can stay in the government Rest House, or Camp at top. Because Gorakh Hill Station is Under Development (2009) by the Sindh Provincial Government. There are plans to build projects Like Hotels, Restaurants, and a Chair lift etc. at the proposed Hill station.

 

 Ranikot

It is the largest fort of its kind in the region and in the world, It is situated in the of the Kirthar Range about 30 km southwest of Sann, Jamshoro district of Sindh, approximately 90 km north of Hyderabad, in Pakistan. It has an approximate diameter of 9 km. Its walls are on the average 6 meters high and are made of gypsum and lime cut sandstone and its total circumference is about 29 km of which 8 km walls are man-made. While originally constructed for bow and arrow warfare it was later expanded to withstand firearms.

 

 Bhambore

About 64 km east of Karachi, on the National Highway, is an interesting archaeological site, Bhambore, originally the seaport of Debal where the young Arab warrior Mohammad Bin Qasim landed his armies in 711 AD. Three different periods in Sindh history coincide here: the Scytho-Parthians, the Hindu-Buddhist and the early Islamic. There is a museum and a rest house at the site.

 

Chaukundi Tombs

The Chaukundi Tombs are attributed to Jokhio and Baloch tribes and were build between 15th and 18th centuries. It is situated 20 km east of Karachi.

 

Thatta

Once a famous center of learning, arts and commerce and provisional capital for about four centuries in the past, Thatta is situated 98 km east of Karachi. Today, it is notable for the Jamia Masjid built by the Moghal Emperor Shah Jehan, and the Makli Tombs (15th - 17th centuries), a vast necropolis spread over 15.5 km², depicting exquisite specimens of architecture, stone carvings and glazed tile decorations.

 

 Keenjhar Lake

Some 24 km north of Thatta, is the large man-made Keenjhar Lake, which is 30 km long and 10 km wide. The lake has facilities for angling and boating. PTDC motels offer food and accommodation.

 

Makli Hill or Makli Tombs

One of the largest necropolises in the world, with a diameter of approximately 8 kilometers, the Makli Tombs are supposed to be the burial place of some 125,000 Sufi saints. It is located on the outskirts of Thatta, the capital of lower Sind until the seventeenth century, in what is the southeastern province of present-day Pakistan.

 

 Kirthar National Park

Located about 48 km from Karachi in the midst of the barren rocks of the Kirthar Range in Dadu district, near Thano Boola Khan is Kirthar National Park. Designed and planned with the help of the research and planning group of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, the park is approved and recognized by international wildlife bodies. It is the last bastion of a wide variety of the region's wildlife that includes Sindh ibex, urial, deer, leopard, gray partridges and Houbara bustard. The Sindh Wildlife Management Board plans tours and provides transport from Karachi.

 

 Hyderabad

Hyderabad

Hyderabad, once the capital of Sindh and now the third largest city of Pakistan, is one of the oldest cities of South Asia. Its history dates back to pre-Islamic times, when Ganjo Takan (Barren Hill), a nearby hill-tract, was used as a place of worship. The city traces its early history to Neroon, a Hindu ruler of the area from whom the city derived its previous name, “Neroon Kot” (Fort of Neroon). The next important phase of its history began when the Indus changed its course from Khudabad, the then capital of Sindh, to its present position. As a result, the Kalhora rulers (1700-1782) decided to shift the capital to the present location, then a small settlement on the left bank of the Indus. The construction of a fort was then also undertaken which dominated the skyline of old city, but of which little is intact. The monuments of Kalhora and Talpur rulers and the Bazaars of the city are worth visiting. Stretching from Hyderabad Fort to the Market Tower is Shahi Bazaar, where well-stocked shops are housed on both sides of a winding street and alongside a maze of tiny lanes that run off it. Good buys are calico, embroidery bracelets, glass bangles, lacquered wood furniture, handloom cloth, “sousi” and “ajrak”, “rilli”, block printed colourful “chadars” (shawls), shoes and glazed tiles. Hyderabad is connected with the main cities of the country by road, rail and air.

Situated at about 164 km northeast of Karachi, Hyderabad was the capital of Sindh during the reign of the Talpur Mirs in the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, it is known for Mehran University of Engineering & Technology(MUET) and Sindh University, Jamshoro; the provincial museum; the Institute of Sindhology and the Sindhi Adabi Board and also for colourful handicrafts such as glass bangles, glazed tiles, lacquered wood furniture, handloom cloth called 'soosi', block-printed 'Ajrak', leather shoes, etc. Historic monuments include old Mud Fort, Sheikh Makai Fort, Kalhoro Monuments, Talpur Monuments and Miani Forest.

 

 Mir Shahdad jo Qubo

Tomb of Mir Shahdad Talpur (who is regarded as one of the finest military commanders of Sindh) one of the historical heritages of Sindh is at Shahpur Chakar Distt: Sanghar. This is a graveyard of the family members of Mir Shahdad Talpur. Shahdadpur a big city of Province Sindh is named behind Mir Shahdad Talpur, whereas Shahpur Chakar is named behind his son Mir Chakar Talpur.yes

 

 Hala

Hala is famous for its glazed pottery and enameled wood work. Situated on the National Highway about 56 km from Hyderabad, it is frequently visited by hundreds of devotees of Hazrat Makhdoom Noah (10th century Hijra), a contemporary of Mughal Emperor Akbar and a religious divine, who converted a large number of people of Islam and also translated the Quran into Persian which is one of its earliest Persian translations in South Asia.

 

 Bhitshah

Situated at about 56 km from Hyderabad on the National Highway, Bhitshah is the resting place of Sindh's renowned saint and mystic poet Hazrat Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai (1689 - 1752). He is remembered for the compendium of his poetry called 'Risalo', a treasure house of wisdom as well as romantic folklore and fine pottery. He also founded a musical tradition of his own which is still popular. Devotees sing with fervor and frenzy his love-intoxicated Kafis to the strains of ek-tara (single string instrument) mainly on the occasion of his "Urs" held every year between 13th and 15th of Safar, the second Islamic lunar month.

 

 Sehwan Sharif

Situated on the right bank of River Indus at a distance of 135 km from Hyderabad, Sehwan is an old town of pre-Islamic period. Here are the remains of Kafir-Qila, a fort reported to have been constructed by Alexander the Great. Sehwan is famous for the resting place of the great mystic poet, saint and scholar Shaikh Usman Marvandvi (1117 - 1274), popularly known as Shahbaz Qalandar whose mausoleum is visited by thousands of the devotees throughout the year. During the Urs celebrations (18th Shahban - the eighth Islamic lunar month), devotees dance rhythmically and with total abandon to the beat of drums (Naqqara Dhamal), finally ending in a spiritual trance.

 

 Manchar Lake

About 16 km from Sehwan, Manchar, the largest fresh water lake in Asia, is as old as the Indus River. Spread over 254 km², it is a perfect spot for relaxing and the best location for duck-shooting during winter.

 

 khairpur

Khairpur (khīr´poor) is a city in the Sindh province in southeast Pakistan. In 1981, its population was 61,447. Khairpur trades in wheat, cotton, tobacco, and dates and is linked by road and rail to Karachi. Manufactures include textiles, carpets, refined sugar, and leather goods. The city was the capital of the former princely state of Khairpur, which was founded in 1783 and merged into Pakistan in 1955. It is a cultural center with fine historic buildings, notably the Faiz Palace, Kotdiji Fort, and Shah Abdul Latif University.near the khairpur there is fort of kot diji

Khairpur remained capital of the princely state of Amirs of Talpur dynasty. 

The Academy of excellence a premier institute in the city.The vice chancellor of Khairpur university awarding award to the student.

 

Khayrpur

Capital Khayrpur Area 15,730 km² Languages Sindhi or Saraiki Established  1775 Abolished 14 October 1955

Kot Deji

Kot Deji is regarded as one of the world's most important archaeological sites, dating back to 3000 BC, older than Moen-jo-daro and Harappa. Excavations made in 1955 unearthed an astoundingly well-organized city with a citadel that testifies to its being the finest fortified town in South Asia.

 

 Mohen-jo-Daro

About 563 km from Karachi off the Indus Highway lie the world-famous ruins of Moen-jo-Daro (the Mound of the Dead), now being preserved with UNESCO's help. The museum at Moen-jo-Daro is unique and a visit takes you back centuries back when the location was a civilized city and a busy river Port. Air and train services from Karachi and an air-conditioned rest house have been built there.

 

 Other places

Among other historical sites are Amri, Umerkot (the birthplace of Mughal Emperor Akbar) and the legendary Arab city of Mansura near Shahdadpur in Sanghar District. Other interesting places include Matiari, town of old beautiful mosques and one of the centers of 'Ajrak'. On its outskirts lie the ruins of a Buddhist stupa. Nasarpur is famous for 'Khes', exquisite embroidery, decorative pottery, and wood work. It is also a holy place for the Hindu community.

QUETTA

Quetta is connected to the rest of the country by road, rail and air. The highway connects it to Karachi and then on (via Koh-e-Taftan) to Tehran, Iran, 1435 kms away. The road to Sibi connects it with Punjab and upper Sindh. The road via Loralai - Fort Monro -D.G. Khan and Multan is a shorter route for Punjab. The Chaman Road is a link between the country and the Afghan border. Quetta is linked by PIA with Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad.

The name Quetta is derived from the world "Kuwetta" which means a fort and, no doubt, it is a natural fort surrounded as it is by imposing hills on all sides. The encircling hills have the resounding names of Chiltan, Takatoo, Murdar and Zarghun.

The main thoroughfare and the commercial centre of Quetta is Jinnah Road, where the Tourist Information Centre of Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation as well as the banks, restaurants and handicraft shops are located. Shahrah-e-Zarghun runs parallel to Jinnah Road. It is a long boulevard lined with trees. Many important buildings like the Governor's House, Post and Telecommunication Offices are located along Zarghoon Road.

Bazaars

Prominent bazaars of Quetta are located on Shahrah-e-Iqbal (Kandahari Bazaar) and Shahrah-e-Liaqat (Liaqat Bazaar and Suraj Gang Bazaar). Here you can find colourful handicrafts, particularly Balochi mirror work embroidery which is admired all over the world, carpets, with their pleasing and intricate designs, fur coats, jackets, waist-coats, sandals and other creations of traditional Balochi skills.

Hazarganji Chiltan National Park

In the Hazarganji Chiltan National Park, 20 kms southwest of Quetta, Markhors have been given protection. The park is spread over 32,5000 acres, altitude ranging from 2000 to 3200 meters. Hazarganji literally means "Of a thousand treasures". In the folds of these mountains, legend has it, there are over a thousand treasures buried, reminders of the passage of great armies down the corridors of history. The Bactrains, Scythians, Mongols and then the great migrating hordes of Baloch, all passed this way.

 

Pishin Valley And Bund Khushdil Khan

Some 50 kms from Quetta is the valley of Pishin with its numerous fruit orchards, which are irrigated by "Karez", a kind of artificial spring made by boring holes into rocks to bring to the surface the subterranean water. Sixteen kms from Pishin is the man-made lake Bund Khushdil Khan. Its cool gentle waters attract many visitors for duck shooting in early winter.  Pir Ghaib At a distance of 70 kms from Quetta on Sibi Road is situated a popular picnic spot known as Pir Ghaib. Here a waterfall cascades down rocky mountainside making its way through many streams and ponds among the shady palm trees. You need a 4-wheel-drive vehicle to reach the spot from the main road.

Primary Attractions a) Unique Mountains, Valleys and Glaciers

Northern areas of Pakistan, spread over 72,496 sq.Km. are fascinating as its southern region. Amidst towering snow-clad peaks with heights varying from 1000 m to over 8000 meter, the valleys of Gilgit, Hunza and Skardu recall Shangri-La. The cultural patterns in this region are as interesting as its topography. The people with typical costumes, folk dances, music and sports like polo and buzkashi provide the traveler an unforgettable experience. Nowhere in the world there is such a great concentration of high mountains, peaks, glaciers and passes except Pakistan. Of the 14 over 8000 peaks on earth, 4 occupy an amphitheater at the head of Baltoro glacier in the Karakoram range. These are: K-2 (8611 m, world second highest), Broad Peak (8047m), Gasherbrum I (8068m) and Gasherbrum II (8035m). There is yet another which is equally great, that is, Nanga Parbat (8126m) at the western most end of the Himalayas. In addition to that, there are 68 peaks over 7000 m and hundreds which are over 6000 m. The Northern Pakistan has some of the longest glaciers outside Polar region; Siachen (72 km), Hispar (61 km.), Biafo (60 km.), Baltoro (60 km.), Batura (64 km.), Yenguta (35 km.), Chiantar (34 km.), Trich (29 km.) and Atrak (28 km.). The lower Himalayan valleys of Swat, Kaghan and Chitral in the Hindukush range equally share the beauty and diverse culture of the Northern Pakistan.

b) Nature and Adventure

From the mighty stretches of the Karakorams in the North to the vast alluvial delta of the Indus River in the South, Pakistan remains a land of high adventure and nature. Trekking, mountaineering, white water rafting, wild boar hunting, mountain and desert jeep safaris, camel and yak safaris, trout fishing and bird watching, are a few activities, which entice the adventure and nature lovers to Pakistan.

Pakistan is endowed with a rich and varied flora and fauna. High Himalayas, Karakoram and the Hindukush ranges with their alpine meadows and permanent snow line, coniferous forests down the sub-mountain scrub, the vast Indus plain merging into the great desert, the coast line and wetlands, all offer a remarkably rich variety of vegetation and associated wildlife including avifauna, both endemic and migratory. Ten of 18 mammalian orders are represented in Pakistan with species ranging from the world's smallest surviving mammals, the Mediterranean Pigmy Shrew, to the largest mammal ever known; the blue whale.

c) Indus Valley Civilization:

The Indus Valley Civilization was at its peak from the 3rd till the middle of the 2nd millennium BC Discovered in 1922, Moenjodaro was once a metropolis of great importance, forming part of the Indus Valley Civilization together with Harrappa (discovered in 1923), Kot Diji and recently discovered in Mehr Garh (Balochistan). Moenjodaro is considered as one of the most spectacular ancient cities of the world. It had mud and baked bricks' buildings, an elaborate covered drainage system, a large state granary, a spacious pillared hall, a College of Priests, a palace and a citadel. Harrappa, another major city of the Indus Valley Civilization, was surrounded by a massive brick wall fortification. Other features and plan of the city were similar to that of Moenjodaro. The Kot Diji culture is marked by well-made pottery and houses built of mud-bricks on stone foundations.

 

 

 

 

 

d) Gandhara Heritage

Gandhara remains had once been the hallowed center of Buddhism, the cradle of the world famous Gandhara sculpture, culture and learning. The archaeological remains found in Taxila, Peshawar, Charsadda, Takht Bhai, Swat Valley, and rock carving &* inscriptions along the ancient Silk Route (Karakoram Highway) has well recorded the history of Gandhara. Lying in Haro River valley,. Taxila, the main center of Gandhara, is over 3,000 years old as it had attracted the attention of the great conqueror, Alexander in 327 BC, when it was a province of the powerful Achaemenian Empire. It later came under the Maurian dynasty and reached a remarkable matured level of development under the great Ashoka. Then appeared the Indo-Greek descendants of Alexander's warriors and finally came the most creative period of Gandhara. The Kushan dynasty was established in about 50 A.D. during the next 20 years, Taxila, Peshawar and Swat became a renowned center of learning, philosophy, art and trade. Pilgrims and travelers were attracted to Gandhara from as far as China and Greece. In 5th century AD, the White Huns snuffed out the last of the successive civilizations that held unbroken sway in this region for several centuries.

e) Mughal And Early Muslim Heritage

Pakistan is a treasure-house of Muslim architecture. Lahore, the cultural heart of Pakistan is situated along the bank of Ravi River. The city has witnessed rise and fall of many dynasties like Gaznavis (1021-1186), Ghoris (1186-1202) and Slaves (1206-1524) before arrival of the Mughals. The city was conquered by Babur of Ferghana (now in Uzbekistan), the founder of the Mughal dynasty (1524-1764). All the important monuments like the Royal Fort, Badshahi Mosque. Wazir Khan's Mosque, Tombs of Jehangir, Asaf Khan, Noor Jehan, Anarkali, the Shalimar Gardens and Hiran Minar etc., were constructed during this period. On the other hand, the shrines, mosques and forts located in and around Multan and Bahawalpur are master pieces of Muslim architecture. Some important buildings are; Forts at Multan and Derawar (Bahawalpur), shrines of Shaikh Bahauddin Zakaria, Shah Rukan-e-Alam, Hazrat Shams Tabrezi at Multan and Tomb of Bib Jiwandi at Uchh Sharif near Bahawalpur.

About Ziarat

A visit to Quetta is incomplete without a trip to Ziarat. Situated 133 kms (3 hours by car) from Quetta at an altitude of 2449 metres above sea level, Ziarat is a holiday resort amidst one of the largest and oldest Juniper forests in the world. It is said that some of the Juniper trees are as old as 5000 years.The name Ziarat means, "Shrine". A local saint, Kharwari Baba, is believed to have rested in the valley and blessed it. After his death he was buried here. People frequently visit the saint's shrine, which is 10 kms from Ziarat. Extensive research is being made in the forest nurseries to replace the forest with other fast growing trees as the regeneration of the juniper is very slow. But that is also persured with great care. Tourist season: All the year round, particularly from May to October. Climate and Clothing Ziarat is a hill station in the Sibi district of the province of Baluchistan. It remains quite cool during summer and receives enough snowfall during the winter. Light woolen clothing for summer and heavy for the winter are recommended. People The inhabitants are mainly Muslim. There are Pathans, Baluchis and Brahuis. Nomadic tribesmen also pass through the valleys around during spring and autumn with their families, herd of sleep and camels. Languages Pushto, Persian, Baluchi and Brahui are the local languages. Urdu and English are also spoken. Costumes The women wear shalwar (baggy trouser) and long skirted shirts with a chadar ao Dopatta having embroidered and mirror work. The men wear shalwar, long shirts and waist coat with a turban on the head. Accommodation Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation has a Motel Complex with 18 comfortable rooms and cottages. Accommodation can be booked from the PTDC Offices in Quetta, Karachi and Islamabad. There are other comparatively inexpensive hotels in the town's centre. Forest And Orchards Extensive research is being done in the forest nurseries to replace the juniper forest with fast growing trees, as the regeneration of the juniper is very slow. The magic of Ziarat is its honey, its flowers which attain large size here, its lush green grass and cool weather even in the hottest months of summer, "Shinshoab", a lavender like wild bush looks lovely in twilights. Over 4400 acres in an around Ziarat are under apple orchards. The apple grown in the orchards, particularly the black and red kulu variety are delicious. A fair amount of black cherry is also grown in Ziarat. The cherry season lasts from the 1st to 15th of June.

Mehrgarh

Neolithic Mehrgarh is a 9,000 years old site of settlement of Katchi district at the foot of Bolan Pass near Sibi. Supported by Pakistan's Department of Archaeology, French archaeologists are carrying out extensive excavations here for some years. The excavations, studies and research have led to pushing back these settlements to some 9,000 years. Thus the chronology of civilization in Pakistan established through the study of Meonjodaro and Harappa has been pushed back by over 4,000 years. Research shows that the people here had lived in houses and were involved in hunting, domestication of animals and farming cereals like barley and wheat and later cotton too. This hunting-farming society developed gradually and their pursuits were creative. During the early period these people used stone and bone tools i.e. polished stone-axes, flint blades and bone-pointers. By the 6,000 BC, the hand-made pottery appeared and in 5th millennium BC, metallurgy and potter-wheel were introduced and they produced some fine terra-cotta figurine and pottery with geometric designs. Subsequently they produced and wore ornaments of beads, seashells and semi-precious stones like Lapis Lazuli. A museum has been set up at Sibi where a wide range of rare finds from the site of Mehrgarh is on display.

 

The Balochistan coastline

The Balochistan coastline extends over 750 kms. From Hub near Karachi to the Gwadar Bay on Pakistan-Iran border.The coastal tribes are as colourful as that of central and upper Balochistan. Their colourful costumes, songs and dances are equally fascinating. The whole area is rich with long unspoilt golden sunny beaches and a variety of sea fish. Because of the importance of this coast Pasni, Jiwani and Gwadar, the three important coastal towns, have been linked by air with Karachi and Quetta. Gaddani Beach near Karachi is an excellent seaside spot for picnic.

Gawadar

Gawadar derives its name from two Balochi words “GWAT” wind and “DAR” door. Gwadar district was created on 1st July 1977. It consists of two sub divisions viz Gwadar and Pasni. It is bounded on the north by Turbat (KECH) and Awaran districts, on the east by Awaran and Lasbela districts, on the south by Arabian Sea and on the west by Iran. Total area of the district is 15,216 sq.km and population is 172,948. The coast line of Gwadar is about 600 kms long. The climate of Gwadar is dry, arid and hot.Maximum temperature in June remains between 31C and 40C and coolest month of January varies form 18C to 19 C. Humidity prevails all over the district and average annual rainfalls is below 250 mm. The area is fast developing into an industrial zone based on fisheries. Three mega projects, Gawadar deep sea port, costal highway and 132 kv electricity line will be completed by December 2003. There are four airports: Gawadar, Jiwani, Pasni and Ormara. There are daily flights between Karachi and these places. Gwadar has two motels, two local hotels and restaurants with basic facilities.

Makran Coastal Highway

The Makran Coastal Highway is located primarily in Balochistan, Pakistan. It follows the Arabian Sea coast from Karachi to Gwadar. Previously there was a muddy track linking Karachi with the town of Gwadar. Journeys between the two could take several days as the safest route was to travel via Quetta. The journey time has now been reduced to six or seven hours with the construction of the new Makran Coastal Highway (National Highway N10). The highway was built as part of an overall plan to improve transport facilities in southern Balochistan; other parts of the plan include the new seaport and international airport at Gwadar and the construction of a road linking Gwadar to Khuzdar. PUNJAB Gardens Hiran Minar Hiran Minar is set in peaceful environs near Lahore. Hiran means deer. It used to be favorite hunting sport of all Muslim kings, especially of Moghals. Jehangir erected this minaret to commemorate the death of his pet deer (Maans Raaj). It served a double purpose as from it top the hunters could locate the habitations of deers. It is a beautiful picnic as well as a historic spot. A high Bara Dari Ghat is constructed right in middle of a Talab. A man made big lake, boating facility is also available. A good garden lay out is surrounding the place. Chhanga Manga is a man-made forest 68 kms from Lahore. There is a lake, and a miniature railway, which winds its way through its forest. Chhanga Manga has 12,510 acres of plantations. It is a popular picnic spot spread over 50 acres with a lake and rowboats, motorboats, children's park, swimming pool, cafeteria, canteen and rest houses. Chhanga Manga Bagh-e-Jinnah Bagh-e-Jinnah was formerly known as Lawrence Gardens. It is opposite to Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry. It is amongst the biggest gardens of Lahore. Jallo Park The Park is 28 kms from Lahore. It can be visited by road and by rail. A rail car leaves for Jallo Railway Station every half hour. Spread over an area of 450 acres it has expanses of lawns, a forest research center, a children's park, zoo, a small museum and a gift shop. Gulshan-e-Iqbal Park Gulshan-e-Iqbal park in Allama Iqbal Town. Iqbal Park Iqbal Park is around Minar-e-Pakistan. Model Town Park Model Town Park in Model Town. Race Course Park Situated on Jail Road, Race Course Park deservedly attracts not only town dwellers but visitors as well.   Museums