Quetta

Quetta The fruit bowl of Pakistan, Quetta is a scenic tourist destination. Perched above 5,500 ft above sea level, Quetta makes a wonderful tourist destination in Pakistan. Also known by its ancient name Shalkot, Quetta division was constituted in 1955.

It is a mountainous region bounded by The Solomon Range on the East and The TobaKakar Range at the North, thus separating it from Afghanistan. At the South-End of Chaman (near Afghan border) are the Khawaja Amran and Sarl Ath ranges. Across the former lies the famous Khojak Pass with the Shelabagh railway tunnel piercing 2.5 miles (4 km) of solid rock. From Nushki (Southwest of Quetta city) to Dalbandin (Southwest of Nushki), the division consists of a levelled sandy plain.

Amongst its chief rivers are Dalbandin and Pishin Lora. Rainfall is scarce in these parts of Pakistan therefore cultivation mostly depends upon irrigation from Karezes (underground channels) in the sub-mountainous region and springs and streams in the highlands. Wheat is the main Rabi (Spring) crop while Jowar (sorghum) is the chief Kharif (autumn) crop in the plains and Corn in the highlands. Apart from these crops Cooking coal is mined at the Khost Area in Sibi and in the Sor Range, east of Quetta.

Quetta is the capital and largest city of Balochistan, a province in southwestern Pakistan. It is a vibrant and diverse city that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and nature. Quetta is also a strategic hub for trade, tourism, and transportation, connecting Pakistan with neighboring countries like Afghanistan, Iran, and China. In this article, we will explore some of the reasons why Quetta is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience the best of Pakistan.

Quetta’s Rich History and Heritage

Quetta has a long and rich history that dates back to ancient times. It was once part of the Indus Valley Civilization, one of the oldest and most advanced civilizations in the world. It was also a major center of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Zoroastrianism, and witnessed the rise and fall of various empires, such as the Mauryans, the Kushans, the Sassanids, the Ghaznavids, the Mongols, the Mughals, and the British.

Quetta’s history and heritage are reflected in its diverse and colorful architecture, which ranges from ancient forts and temples to colonial-era buildings and modern skyscrapers. Some of the most notable historical landmarks in Quetta include:

• The Quetta Fort, also known as the Miri Fort, which was built by the British in the 19th century and served as a military base and a prison. It is now a museum that showcases the history and culture of Balochistan.
• The Hanna Lake, which is a scenic artificial lake that was created by the British in 1894. It is surrounded by green hills and pine trees, and offers a variety of recreational activities, such as boating, fishing, and hiking.
• The Ziarat Residency, which is a wooden bungalow that was used by the founder of Pakistan, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, as his summer retreat. It is now a national monument that preserves the personal belongings and memorabilia of Jinnah.
• The Quaid-e-Azam Museum, which is a modern museum that displays the life and achievements of Jinnah, as well as the history and development of Pakistan.

Quetta’s Vibrant Culture and Cuisine

Quetta is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines, as it is home to people from various ethnic groups, such as the Baloch, the Pashtun, the Hazara, the Brahui, the Punjabi, the Sindhi, and the Urdu-speaking. Quetta’s culture and cuisine are influenced by its geographical location, as it is situated at the crossroads of Central Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East.

Quetta’s culture and cuisine are characterized by their diversity and richness, as they offer a variety of flavors, colors, and aromas. Some of the most popular cultural and culinary attractions in Quetta include:

• The Quetta Bazaar, which is a bustling and lively market that sells everything from fruits and vegetables to clothes and handicrafts. It is a great place to experience the local culture and to buy souvenirs and gifts.
• The Quetta Food Street, which is a street that is lined with restaurants and stalls that serve a variety of delicious and authentic dishes, such as sajji, rosh, chapli kebab, pulao, and halwa. It is a great place to enjoy the local cuisine and to mingle with the locals.
• The Quetta Festival, which is an annual festival that celebrates the culture and traditions of Balochistan. It features various events and activities, such as musical concerts, folk dances, camel races, and handicraft exhibitions. It is a great place to witness the colorful and festive spirit of Quetta.

Quetta’s Stunning Nature and Adventure

Quetta is blessed with stunning nature and adventure, as it is surrounded by majestic mountains, lush valleys, and serene lakes. Quetta’s nature and adventure are ideal for those who love to explore and enjoy the outdoors, as they offer a range of opportunities, such as trekking, camping, skiing, and paragliding. Some of the most spectacular natural and adventurous attractions in Quetta include:

• The Chiltan National Park, which is a national park that covers an area of 225 square kilometers and hosts a variety of wildlife, such as leopards, wolves, foxes, and ibexes. It also features the Chiltan Mountain, which is the highest peak in Quetta and offers panoramic views of the city and the countryside.
• The Hazarganji Chiltan National Park, which is another national park that covers an area of 155 square kilometers and hosts a rare species of sheep, known as the Chiltan markhor. It also features the Hazarganji Cave, which is a natural cave that contains ancient paintings and inscriptions.
• The Urak Valley, which is a valley that is located 21 kilometers from Quetta and is known for its natural beauty and tranquility. It features orchards, waterfalls, and streams, and offers a refreshing escape from the city life.

Quetta is a city that has something for everyone, whether you are interested in history, culture, or nature. Quetta is a city that will surprise you with its charm and hospitality, and will make you fall in love with its beauty and diversity. Quetta is a city that you should not miss when you visit Pakistan

Quetta Popular Attractions:

For tourists traveling to Quetta, there are many attractions. Colorful bazaars of Quetta offer tourists a number of items to shop for. Some of the popular markets of Quetta include Shahrah-e-Iqbal or Kandahari Bazaar and Shahrah-e-Liaquat or Liaquat Bazaar. Some of the items that you can shop for include handicraft items like Balochi mirror work embroidery. The Balochi embroidery is famous world over. Carpet is another beautiful item that you can shop for in Quetta. This part of Baluchistan is not only popular for its bazaars but it is also quite well known for the Baluchi cuisine.

Your tour to Quetta is incomplete without getting a taste of Baluchi cuisine. There are a number of delicacies that you can try but the most popular are the ‘Sajji’, (leg of lamb), which is roasted to the degree of tenderness. The other dish worth trying is ‘Landhi’.

The Urak Valley, about 22 kilometers from Quetta seems to celebrate an eternal spring. This ideal picnic place is brimful of orchards; in April, cherry, apricot, apple and peach trees form a tunnel of blossoms over the road.

Some other tourist attraction in Quetta include the Archaeological Museum at Fifa Road, which has a wide collection of antique items like guns, swords and manuscripts. Those interested wildlife can head to Hazarganji Chiltan National Park, which is about 20 kilometres from Quetta. The park is home to leopards, wolves, hyena, hares, wild cats and porcupines. The park also has a large number of birds. Those in search of Fauna may find a wide variety of Mammals like Markhors, “Gad” (wild sheep), leopards, wolves, hyena, hares, wild cats and porcupines while Birds may contain species of partridge, warblers, shikras, blue rock pigeon, rock nuthatch, golden eagle, sparrows, hawks, falcons and bearded vultures etc. Coming to the Flora of Quetta, one may find about 225 species of some pretty exotic plants like; pistachios, juniper, wild olives, wild ash and wild almonds. Also found amongst such Flora are wide range of shrubs like; wild fig, barbery, wild cherry, makhi and herbs like; Ephedra intermadia, gerardiana etc. Apart from these wonders of nature travellers may also take some interesting excursions to places like Karkhasa, Urak Valley, Hanna Lake, Pishin, Ziarat, Chashma, Zindra etc.

Quetta Accessibility:

Quetta is well connected by rail and road with the rest of the country and by road with Iran and Afghanistan.The city is about 727 miles away from Lahore and 536 kilometres from Karachi. Domestic Air flights from Quetta is well connected to the rest of Pakistan.