Ziarat
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Ziarat is the capital of Ziarat District in Balochistan. It is a famous holiday resort - refreshingly cool in summer and snow-clad in winter. It is 8,850 ft above sea level, and is about 125 km from Quetta. Ziarat is also a handy base for exploring the surrounding gorges and balding hills of juniper.
The hills around are well-wooded and picturesque. Khilafat Hills are the highest peak with an altitude of 11.400 feet (3.475 m). Ziarat and the juniper valleys offer hiking and trekking. Various gorges also offer adventure during the summer. The valley is full of fruits and cherries in the summer, and apples in the winter. The old British hill station of Ziarat was founded as a retreat from Quetta’s summer heat. It nestles in its valley, surrounded by ancient juniper forests at an altitude of 2,600m. With a residency, offices and even a sanatorium, it served as the administration’s summer capital, and now carries a slightly worn (though attractive) ‘end of empire’ feel. |
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Ziarat is the location of the Ziarat Quaid-e-Azam Residency where Jinnah lived and spent the last days of his life. It is now a national monument, and attracts tourists due to its unique location and wonderful hilly surroundings.
how to get there
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Fly:
Fly to Quetta International Airport from any domestic or international location. Then you may take the bus from Ziarat. |
Train:
Take a train to Quetta railway station from almost all Pakistani cities and towns. Travel time varies on train's speed and stops. Railway Schedule. Then take the bus from Ziarat. |
Bus:
Bus takes 2 hrs from Quetta Bus services: Al-Aziz Coach. |
Drive:
Take the N-25 highway from Quetta and then merge on to N-55 near Kuchlak, Balochistan. Then after 55km turn on the Ziarat Road. |
Sights
Quaid-e-Azam Residency is located in Ziarat, Balochistan. Quaid-e-Azam, Muhammad Ali Jinnah spent the last two months and ten days of his life here.
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Prospect Point is the highest point of Ziarat which can be reached by car. It lies at a height of 2,713 m above sea level.
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According to the legend, this forest (or zangal) was once so dense with juniper that sunlight scarcely reached the forest floor.
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Sandeman Tangi is just 4 km from Ziarat. It is a dramatic waterfall cascading down the rocks and provides fun to the visitors.
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After 13 km from Ziarat on way to Loralai is the beautiful Chutair valley. It is a 30 minutes drive to Chutair from Ziarat.
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Another beautiful Place in Ziarat is Dumiara which is a water fall. Dumiara is 13 km away from Ziarat city.
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There are more than a half dozen gorges around Ziarat formed by natural karez spring water falling through narrow opening amongst the mountain rocks.
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Ziarat has the distinction of having the second largest area of juniper forests in the world. Its total forest area is 51,335 hectares which is 54% of the district's total geographical area.
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This is the second highest peak in the province – 3,488 m high. For climbers it presents a real challenge.
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The shrine (Ziarat) of Baba Kharwari is one of the most well known places in the district. Baba Kharwari rendered great services to the cause of Islam in the early 18th century.
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Zizri valley, situated on the southern edge of the district, possesses a breathtaking beauty. The road leading to the valley is kacha, rough, and tractable mainly by four wheel drive vehicles.
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This lush green valley with its apple orchards and scintillating blue lake is a popular tourist site.
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Karbi Kach Reserved Forest is a forest reserve and is located in Balochistan. The estimate terrain elevation above seal level is 2659 metres.
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Ziarat Gate
Main entrance to Ziarat
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Chashma Walk
Between the ever-ascending hills and the deep ravine, there is a mile-long stretch of flat land ideal for a peaceful walk. This is the "Chashma Walk" which leads to the spring or a “Chashma" that provide water for the town.
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Khandi Sar is the name given to the top of the eastern mountain near Ziarat town. It is accessible by road or by means of a hiking trail, the latter route taking about an hour.
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