Ziarat
The most famous recreational spot of Balochistan Province, Ziarat, is 2449 meters from sea level.
The weather is cold in Ziarat even in the summer season. It is snow falling in winter and the temperature drops down to -19.
Red and Black apples are produced in winters, while black cherry, apricot, and peach fruits are cultivated in the summer season in plenty.
Ziarat is well known for the Juniper Forests. Juniper forests of Ziarat spread over an area of 247000 acres and they had 5000 to 7000 years old trees. They are second after the oldest trees in California. UNESCO has declared them the “World Net of Biosphere Reserves”. Pakistan’s first Bio travel area is in Lal Sohanra is in Bahawalpur.
A PTDC guesthouse and other hotels are there with all the facilities.
15km from the Ziarat, a water dam is a good picnic spot. On the way from Ziarat to Kharwari Baba, stand on the top of the mountain and see the shrine of Kharwari Baba in the lowlands and Allah written naturally on the hill in front. To see this clearly, use a telescope. Means of Transportation can be availed from Quetta Bus Stand.
A brief history of Ziarat
Situated 133 km from Quetta at a drive of three hours, the old local name of Ziarat was “Koshki”. In 1866, it was named Ziarat after the saint Mian Abdul Hakeem shrine. His tomb is located 10km from the city.
Famous Places of Ziarat
1- Quid-e-Azam Residency
This building was established in 1882 by the British Government. Chief commissioner Balochistan, used this place as a summer headquarter. This building was also used as an army hospital.
Quaid -e- Azam came here when his illness got worse. He used to work there day and night. At last, the doctor suggested shifting Ziarat. He spent the last days of his illness here. On 7th January 1977, the Senate of Pakistan named this residency “Quaid -e Azam” house.
His belongings are also exhibited there. Residency is constructed from fine-quality wood and it is a great construction masterpiece. Surrounded by lush green lawns, poplar trees, and plants with loaded flowers, this building has been given the status of National Heritage.
Ziarat residency’s picture is available on a 100 rupee note.
2- Chashma Walk
A spring is located 2km away from PTDC Hotel. The spring’s water is used for irrigation. This 2km long way surrounded by mountains and valleys makes you feel fresh and glad.
3- Sandeman Tangi
At this place, 4 miles from, clear water flows from the top of a small cave inside the sky-high craggy cliff. The water freezes in winter and it becomes an avalanche. It breaks as the winter season ends. It sounds so loud that Ziarat residents recognize that it’s time to say goodbye to the cold. In summer, travelers flock here.
4- Fern Tangi
A road direct to Fern Tangi 8 km from the highway leads to Quetta from Ziarat. 2km from this point, a cascade falls from the mountain. It has become the best recreational spot because of the scenery and the surrounding area.
Kohen Tangi and Quas Tangi are also beautiful picnic points.
5- Zindara
This splendid place “Zinadara” is 14 km from Ziarat. Besides this, zarri (16km from Ziarat) and Mana Dam (20 km from Ziarat) are also worth-watching places.
6- Choteer Valley
This beautiful valley is located on Loralai Road,14 km from Ziarat. The local people of this area live in wood houses. These wood houses are unique as compared to other wood houses in Balochistan. This distinctiveness attracts vacationers to this place. There are a lot of picnic spots in the valley. Rest houses are also existing.
7- Tangi Chotiyari
Tangi is a local word that means “pass”. This place is at a drive of half an hour on the highway directing Ziarat to Loralai. Stay in the resthouse for some days and enjoy your vacation.
8- Prospect Point
The steep path from residency goes to prospect. At this point, the most appealing and beautiful scenes of the valley can be viewed. 89000 feet high from sea level, prospect point has Balochistan’s highest mountain peak (3485 meters) in its south.
From this place, the word “Allah” can be seen naturally written on a mountain. Mian Abdul Hakeem Khurwari’s tomb is located 3km from this place. 35 km from Ziarat Minhar(Munna) lake is a worth-viewing place.
Wind up Lines
This city holds significant importance in the History of Pakistan. Furthermore, it is famous for the production of fruits. UNESCO has declared this place on the list of World Heritage sites. A tour to Balochistan Province without Ziarat is incomplete.
