IN THIS POST:
– How to Reach Quetta?
– Best Time to Travel to Quetta
– Places to Visit in Quetta
Quetta is the capital of Balochistan and is also one of the top spots to enjoy snowfalls and winter-centric activities in Pakistan. The city is surrounded by steep mountains on all sides, protecting the city like a fort. The most famous mountains here are Koh-e-Murdar, Chiltan, and Zarghun. Travellers from all over Pakistan come to visit this winter wonderland, but what if you want to visit Quetta during the spring or autumn season? Is there anything worthwhile to keep you busy? Let us answer the question with this comprehensive travel guide to Quetta.
There are many things to do in Quetta round-the-year, and we’ll use this traveller’s guide to bring them to your notice. Let’s begin.
How to Reach Quetta?
If you want to visit Quetta, the first concern is getting there. Luckily, the city is well connected to the rest of the country via road and rail networks and has an airport as well. Quetta International Airport is just 15 minutes from the central part of the city, and daily trains are also available from most major cities. The highways connecting Quetta to the rest of Pakistan are well-maintained, and a lot of people consider a trip from Karachi to Quetta by road.
Best Time to Travel to Quetta
While many people travel to Quetta for the snowfall, the best time to visit the region is actually between March and November, when you can explore the beauty of the surrounding valleys in pleasant weather. While the city remains cool all year, summer temperatures can hit the 30s, as in other parts of the province, during June, July, and August.
Places to Visit in Quetta
When you travel to Quetta, know that you’ll not only be visiting the city, but also a number of attractions in the surrounding areas. A few of the most popular sites to see include:
Hanna Lake
This is one of the most famous attractions near Quetta. The lake was built alongside a reservoir in 1894, and it is also the starting point of the Urak Valley. The area provides boating opportunities for tourists, with several boats available for hire. A lakeside restaurant also caters to the visitors’ hunger pangs while the Hayat Durrani Water Sports Academy nearby is the only training centre for water sports in the province. The area is well maintained and trees have been planted to beautify the area further while also protecting the environment. Families often head here for day trips and picnics, but hikers can also explore the surroundings to their heart’s content.
Urak Valley
Located a little over 20 kilometres from Quetta, the Urak Valley is also known as the ‘Land of Orchards’. Tourists can find a wide diversity of locally grown fruits, such as apples, peaches, and pomegranates. Wildflowers and roses dot the valley, and while a few people do live here, the natural beauty of the Urak Valley attracts travellers from across Pakistan throughout the year.
Hazarganji Chiltan National Park
Wildlife enthusiasts visiting Quetta should not miss a day’s trip to Hazarganji Chiltan National Park. Established in the 1980s, the name of the park means ‘of a thousand treasures’, referencing the legendary treasures that got buried here over the years. While there is abundant wildlife to see here, the most famous are the Chiltian Ibex and the Sulaiman Markhor. The park is full of hiking trails, and there is also a small natural history museum located near the park’s entrance.
Ziarat
Located around 125 kilometres from Quetta, Ziarat is a hilltop town with juniper trees and sloping valleys. Some trees in the nearby forest are said to be more than 1,000 years old and are well worth a visit. Other produce of the area includes cherries, apples, walnuts, and almonds.
The area is most famous for the Quaid-e-Azam Residency, which was the last home of the founder of the nation and one of his 5 homes in Pakistan. Quaid-e-Azam spent the last two months of his life here. The residence is a national monument, but was actually built in 1892 during the British rule and was known as the Ziarat Residency. The place is a must-visit due to its historical importance. Its location places it in the middle of green lawns, orchards, and gardens, coupled with scenic views of the surrounding valleys. Check out our travel guide to Zairat for more activities to enjoy in the region.
Pishin Valley
About 50 kilometres away from Quetta, travellers can find the Pishin Valley, which is home to fruit orchards and a man-made lake named Bund Khushdil Khan, where tourists can spot ducks and other wildlife. The region is known for its festivals, and tourists can enjoy horse riding, while also getting the chance to perform tricks on horseback.
Quetta’s Bazaars
Exploring the local bazaars is mandatory for people who visit Quetta, as local handicraft is not just excellent as a souvenir but also as a unique gift for loved ones back home. Baluchi mirrorwork embroidery is a regional speciality and is done on carpets, clothes, sandals, jackets, and a range of other apparel. The best bazaars for shopping for local crafts are Liaqat Bazaar, Suraj Gang Bazaar, and Kandahari Bazaar.
Now you know all about the places to visit in Quetta during your trip. Use this travel guide to Quetta to plan an off-peak season trip to the region and make the most of the scenic wonders and glorious weather on offer.
Stay tuned to Zameen Blog for more travel guides from around Pakistan. We can be reached via email at blog@zameen.com.
