IN THIS POST:
– About Moola Chotok, Balochistan
– Location of Moola Chotok
– Best Time to Visit
– Things to Do
– Travel Itinerary
– What to Carry?
– Cost of the Trip
Tourism in Balochistan has reached new heights, and explorers are discovering hidden gems that are motivating more and more travellers to add the province to their bucket list. Among these is Moola Chotok, in Khuzdar district of Balochistan. If you’ve seen images of the region peppering your Facebook wall, here’s all you need to know before you decide to embark on a trip to Moola Chotok, Balochistan, yourself.
About Moola Chotok, Balochistan
Firstly, let’s debunk the name of this hidden gem in Balochistan. Moola is the name of the closest village, while Chotok means ‘falling water’ (read: waterfall) in the local Brahui and Balochi languages. The area is famous for the tall cliffs that hide a cascading waterfall in their midst. The region lies at an elevation of around 4,000 feet (1,200 metres) above sea level.
The Moola Valley between the cliffs is home to the Moola River that flows year-round and is the source of the waterfalls. The region also contains salt mines, high mountains, and lakes. However, the area around Moola Chotok is generally isolated and peaceful, with few facilities, if any.
Moola Chotok commonly refers to the largest waterfall in the area, but there is also Chota Chotok (small waterfall) nearby that is known for its beauty. Chota Chotok is actually a collection of smaller falls with a small wading pool and amazingly lush green surroundings.
Where is Moola Chotok and How Do I Get There?
The ravine, with its beautiful waterfalls, is located in the middle of the Khuzdar district, around 106 kilometres from the city of Khuzdar to the northeast in the heart of the Kirthar Mountains. It is also about 8 to 10 hours away from Karachi.
You can easily reach Khuzdar from Karachi in about 5 hours, in any vehicle. The route to the waterfalls passes by fields of juicy mangoes, lemons, oranges, as well as olives, adding to the natural beauty of the region. Once you’re there, the rocky off-road track ahead will compel you to hire one of the local 4x4s for the drive ahead.
About 6 hours of off-roading will take you to a barren landscape that hides the oasis in its midst. You’ll be climbing small hills and crossing rivers on your route, sometimes even moving upwards on steep rocky terrain.
If you plan on moving from Moola Chotok to Chota Chotok, it’s a further 2 hours away. But, it can only be reached via hiking and climbing up the mountains, and only locals can take you to this lesser-known waterfall.
What is the Best Time to Visit Moola Chotok?
If you’re planning a trip to Moola Chotok, Balochistan, then you should be aware of the local climate. While summers are scorching in parts of Balochistan, winters can be just as cold. Thus, the best time to visit the falls is from September to November in the autumn and from February to March during the spring.
However, one unique feature of the water here is that it remains warm in the winter and cold in the summer, so you can visit Moola Chotok in any season, as long as the weather is stable and the route is passable.
Things to Do on Your Trip to Moola Chotok, Balochistan
Due to the lack of basic accommodation facilities, all excursions to Moola Chotok Waterfalls are overnight camping trips, with camps set up at a distance from the falls. But with the geographical diversity of the region, there are many things to do in Moola Chotok during your trip. Here are the top few:
Swimming
Take a dip in the refreshing streams and pools near the Moola Chotok Waterfalls and rejuvenate yourself after your travels. The temperature of the water is inviting all year round, becoming cold in the summer and hot in the winter.
Fishing
The water pools in the area are full of fish, and it is one of the favourite hobbies of the locals. Take your gear along if you would love to catch your next meal on your own.
Camping
Camp under the stars in the middle of nowhere with a bonfire to keep you warm and cosy. The journey also allows you to enjoy some amazing sunsets and sunrises.
Trekking
Hike from the camp to the falls and back, or if you’re in for more adventure, trek for 2 hours to reach Chota Chotok, which is rarely visited by anyone except the locals.
Planning a Trip to Moola Chotok Waterfalls
A number of tour operators offer readymade itineraries for Moola Chotok. Most will offer a 2-days and 2-nights package, inclusive of food, camping accommodation, and recreation. Here is the tentative itinerary, estimated cost of the journey, things to carry with you on the trip, and some extra tips for this hair-raising adventure:
Tentative Itinerary
Here is a tentative itinerary for Moola Chotok that most tour groups follow:
Friday
- Gathering at Meeting Point: 11:00 pm
Saturday
- Departure from Karachi: 12:00 am
- Tea Break at Winder: 2:00 am
- Reaching Khuzdar at Sunrise: 6:00 am
- Breakfast: 6:30 am
- Getting settled into 4x4s: 9:00 am
- Leaving Khuzdar: 9:30 am
- Reaching Kirk: 12:00 pm
- Reaching Moola Chotok Gorge: 3:00 pm
- Lunch: 3:30 pm
- Exploring the waterfalls: 4:30 pm
- Hiking back to basecamp: 7:00 pm
- Sunset: 7:30 pm
- Dinner: 9:00 pm
- Folk Music: 10:00 pm
You can choose to sleep or spend your time stargazing all night.
Sunday
- Waking up: 5:00 am
- Leaving Moola Chotok: 5:30 am
- Breakfast at Khuzdar: 8:30 am
- Leaving Khuzdar: 10:00 am
- Lunch: 3:00 pm
- Reaching Karachi: 7:30 pm
Services Offered by Tour Operators
All tour operators to the region will offer you:
- Transport (Coaster and 4×4)
- Camping tents (often shared by 3 people)
- Sleeping bag
- Blanket
- Bonfire at night
- Basic first aid kit
- All meals (snacks not included)
Stuff to Carry
Here is a list of the items to carry along with you to Moola Chotok:
- Comfortable shoes, preferably joggers or trekking boots
- Sandals/slippers
- Heavy-duty backpack
- Thermal wear
- Sweater or jacket
- Muffler or scarf
- Beanie & cap
- Spare socks
- Towels
- Swimsuit
- Sunglasses
- Flashlight
- Tissue roll
- A change of clothes
- Water bottle
Estimated Costs
Tour groups can charge anywhere between PKR 7,500 and 9,000 for a trip to this hidden paradise in the heart of Balochistan’s wilderness, depending on the facilities they offer and the duration of your trip.
Please note that while you can consider planning a solo or personalised trip to Moola Chotok, Balochistan, it is best to explore the region with professionals who are familiar with the local landscape and the local people. Most tour groups do offer group discounts, though.
Moola Chotok is located in a part of Balochistan where rough terrain, dry arid mountains, and long hikes can make the journey challenging for many. This trip is best for thrill and adventure seekers and is not suitable for the elderly or children under 15 years of age.
Support the development of tourism in Balochistan and embark on the journey of a lifetime to the hidden oasis that awaits you with crystal clear and inviting waters. You can also visit Kund Malir Beach or Gwadar in Balochistan as other alternatives.
Stay tuned to Zameen Blog for more tourism posts. You can also send us your views on the posts at blog@zameen.com.
*[Credit for Images: Facebook/Moola Chotok]
