Kund Malir is one of the many crystal-clear water beaches dotting Makran Coastal Highway or N10. Being the closest almost-unexplored beach from Karachi, Kund Malir is a hotspot for picnickers who are in the mood for a long drive. Here is all you need to know about visiting Kund Malir from Karachi and the activities you can enjoy there.
Reaching Kund Malir from Karachi
Makran Coastal Highway passes right beside Kund Malir beach, leading onwards to Ormara, Pasni, and Gwadar. However, the beach itself is part of the Hingol National Park, where the road winds amid cliffs and a barren landscape to reach a flat stretch where Kund Malir is located.
The route from Karachi begins from the Sindh Industrial Trading Estate (S.I.T.E.) area, where the Karachi Northern Bypass or M-10 takes you to the outskirts of the city. You can reach the Northern Bypass via the Lyari Expressway, irrespective of the starting point of your journey. The M-10 merges onto the N25 at the toll plaza before Hub in Balochistan.
Take the N25 and continue on it, passing Winder on the way. The N25 will take you to Zero Point, which is the starting point of Makran Coastal Highway or N10. The road will take you straight to Hingol National Park, where the smooth sands and clean waters of Kund Malir await you. The drive takes around 4 hours at a stretch, but we’d recommend stopping somewhere near Winder for a tea and bathroom break, especially if you’re heading to Kund Malir with the kids. There are small dhaabas built along the road splendidly suited for this purpose.
A Word of Caution: The N10 is a straight road with very few turns to lead you amiss, but once you enter Hingol National Park, you will probably lose all cellular and internet signals, as the park is a nature preserve where cellular towers cannot be erected without damaging its rugged charm and glorious panoramic views.
Additionally, carry food, water, and fuel for the entirety of your trip as most of the drive will be surrounded by barren landscape with only a few small roadside dhaabas available at regular intervals.
When Should You Go to Kund Malir?
Karachites usually head towards beaches in the summer season, but with high tide season from June to August, it is ideal to visit Kund Malir during the low tide season, between October to February. The beach is a lot safer during this time.
There is another very good reason for visiting Balochistan during this time, as you will find the weather to be fairly pleasant or mildly chilly in the winter months, as compared to the heatwave in the summer. This will make your drive pleasant but do bundle up! Nights in Hingol National Park can be bitterly cold during the peak winter season.
Things to Do at Kund Malir Beach
While there was a time when Kund Malir was nothing but an empty stretch of beach, its recent popularity has resulted in the creation of both private as well as government-owned resorts where you can conveniently spend the night. Once you arrive at your destination, here are some things to do at Kund Malir beach:
Swimming
The crystal clear waters at Kund Malir beach are tempting, and you might want to dive right in, but remember that unless you have booked a room in a nearby resort or are willing to head to one of the roadside restaurants, there are no huts, rentals, or changing rooms available on the beach itself. However, the water is clear, cool, and inviting.
Stargazing
Living in the city of lights might give you very few opportunities to actually see the stars, but this is where Kund Malir excels. Since the beach itself is unlit, the night sky is glorious, and if you know what’s what, it’ll be a pure joy to be able to identify all the constellations in the velvety black sky above.
Camping
Roughing it on the beach? You’ll be joined by plenty of others with the same idea, as camping at Kund Malir is a favourite weekend getaway for many. You can pitch a tent or join one of the many tour groups that can take you to your destination in an air-conditioned vehicle and help you set up camp with a bonfire and barbeque dinner.
Exploring Hingol National Park
Most people visit Kund Malir from Karachi as a day trip or a weekend getaway, staying overnight for one night, before heading back home. However, if you are in the area for a day more, consider exploring the Hingol National Park. You can find the Princess of Hope and the Sphinx, both of which are popular attractions, at a short drive from Kund Malir on the N10.
Visiting Kund Malir from Karachi can be a treat, especially if you’re looking for clean and clear beaches in the area. However, it is requested that you take a trash bag along and leave the beach as clean as you found it upon your departure so that the beauty of the region can be maintained for future travellers as well. Enjoy your picnic!
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