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Quetta (or sometimes-spelled kwatah) is
a city and provincial capital of Baluchistan. The name is a variation
of kwatkot, Meaning "fort" and the city is still locally known by its
ancient name of Shal or Shalkot. The city is the divisional and district
Headquarters and is an important marketing and communications center
at the north end of the Shal valley about 5500-ft (1675 m) above sea
level. It is the southern most point in a line of frontier posts and
in the system of strategic roads and railways near the Northwest (Afghanistan)
border. Commanding the Bolan and Khojak passes, Quetta was occupied
by the British in 1876; a residency was founded by Sir Robert Sandeman,
and the town developed around its strongly garrison army station. Incorporated
as a municipality in 1896, its Army commands and Staff College was open
in 1907. A violent earthquake partially destroyed the city in May 1935,
with a loss of 20000 lives. Now a market center for western Afghanistan,
eastern Iran, and part of Central Asia, its industries include cotton
mills, sulphur refinery, coke briquetting plants, a thermal power station,
and fruit canneries. The city is the site of a geophysical institute,
the geological survey of Pakistan, Sandeman, Library, and two government
colleges affiliated with the University of Peshawar. The University
of Baluchistan was established at Quetta in 1970.
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Quetta district is bounded
north by Pishin district, west by Afghanistan, east by district and
south by Kalat and Chagai districts. Physically, it comprises a series
of long valleys 4500 5500-ft above sea level enclosed by the Central
Brahui range in the south and drained by the Pishin Lora River and its
tributaries. Its climate is dry and temperate and suitable for valley
cultivation of grape peaches, plums, apricots, apples, almonds, pears,
and pomegranates. Wheat, barley and corn are common crops; juniper and
pistachio forests abound. Horse breeding is widespread. Felts, rugs,
silk embroidery and copper vessels are local handicrafts.
Quetta division constituted in 1955. It is mostly mountainous
and is bounded east by Solomon range and north by the TobaKakar range,
separating it from Afghanistan. South 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 sandy level plain; and Farther
west beyond Dalbandin, and Pishin Lora are the chief rivers. Rainfall
is scarce, cultivation depending mostly on irrigation From karezes (underground
channels) in the submontane area, springs and streams in the highlands,
and wells in parts of Sibi Plain. Wheat is the main Rabi (spring) crop;
jowar (sorghum) is the chief kharif (autumn) crop in the plains and
corn in the highlands. Potato growing is also increasing. Cooking coal
is mined at Khost in Sibi and in the Sor range east of Quetta City.
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Photo Gallery |
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Queta |
Queta |
Queta |
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| Hazar Ganji Chiltan National Park |
| Location |
20 km South East
of Quetta |
| Activities/Interest |
Wild Life, Nature, Ecotour,
Education |
| Accessibility |
Road |
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Hazar Ganji literally means "Of
a thousand treasures". In the folds of these mountains, legend
has it, that there are over a thousand treasures buried; reminders
of the passage of great armies down the corridors of history.
The Bactrain's, Scythians, Mongol's and then the great migrating
hordes of Baloch, all passed this way. In this Park Markhors have
been given protection. The park is spread over 32,500 acres, altitude
ranging from 2021 to 3264 meters
Hazar Ganji Chiltan National Park has given the protection to
the Markhor, which is the national animal of Pakistan. This is
endangered animal so this kept in HazarGanji Chiltan National
Park. Overnice markhor has been given protection it's numbered
has multiplied.
Other animal in the park are straight horned Markhors, "Gad" (wild
sheep) and leopards which occasionally migrate to the park from
other areas, wolves, striped hyena, wild cats and porcupines.
Many birds like partridge, warblers, shikras, blue rock pigeon,
rock nuthatch, red gilled choughs, golden eagle, sparrow, hawks,
falcons and bearded vultures are either found here or visit the
park in different seasons.
Reptiles like monitor and other wild lizards, geckos, Afghan tortoise,
and python, cobra, horned viper and levantine may also be seen
in the park.
Amongst the flora of the park are 225 species of plants. Prominent
is the pistachio's, Juniper, wild olive, wild ash and wild almond.
Many shrub's like wild fig, barbery, wild cherry, makhi etc; provide
food and shelter to the foraging animals, birds and other life
form. Many medicinal herbs are also there. There is a splash of
color ion spring when most of the plants are in bloom. Nature
lovers, students, scientists and researcher are welcome to visit
the park at any time of the year. Permit to visit the park can
be obtained from the Divisional Forest Officer, Spiny Road, and
Quetta.
Rest house facility is available for overnight stay. Park Rangers
help the visitors to see animals. Access trails have been developed
in the park for visitors.
Wildlife:
Mammals in the park include Chiltan wildgoat or Markhor, straight-horned
Markhor, wild sheep (Gad), Indian wolf, Stripped hyaena, Caracal
(unconfirmed), Jackal, Indian fox, Porcupine, Desert hare and
the Asiatic Leopard that ocassionally migrate from other areas.
Birds in the park are Houbara bustard, Griffon vulture, Honey
buzzard, Laggar falcon, Peregrine falcon, Kestrel, Indian sparrow
hawk, Egyptian vulture, Larks, Shrikes, Wheatears
Reptiles in the park are Monitor lizard, Russells viper, Indian
cobra, Saw scaled viper and Spiny tailed lizard.
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| Archaeological
Museum |
| Location |
Quetta. |
| Display |
Weapon, Ceramic, Manuscripts,
Mineral, & Paintings. |
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Located at Jinnah Road and close
from the city. It has five galleries, which consists of Weapon
Gallery, Ceramic Gallery, Manuscripts section, Mineral section
and Paintings section
This museum was started in Quetta as early as 1900 and it was
formally opened in 1906. However, this museum was severally damaged
during the devastating earthquake of 1935. Since then several
attempts to revive one of the earliest Museums of the country
could not mature for a long time.
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| Zhob |
| Location |
96 Kilometers North
East of Quetta |
| Elevation |
From 2273 meters to 3030 meters |
| Weather |
Weather is cold all around
the year |
| Tourist Season |
Best season to visit is Feb
to Mar to witness the snow and spring together. |
| Activities/Interest |
Trekking, Picnic, Photography,
Archaeology, Culture |
| Accessibility |
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| Other Facts |
Fruit orchards are in abundance
and the season of fruits is Aug to Oct |
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Zhob valley is the picturus valley
having the beautiful mountains, treks and archeological sites.
It starts from the Muslim Bagh (7500 feet) and ends at the Afghan
boarder Fort Sandeman (10000 feet). Where there is lot of beauty
in the valley and abundance of fruit orchards there is another
dangerous thing present in abundance and that is scorpions. In
the month of April the flowers bloom and you'll be able to see
and extraordinary site with flowers and snow together.
Places of Interest:
Muslim Bagh: Zhob valley starts from Muslim
Bagh, which is the center of Chromate Mines and is 3 hours drive
from Quetta. Coming to Muslim Bagh and not visiting the chromate
mines is a waste of your tour. The Muslim Bagh is known as an
Oasis of Orchards. Yet another place to see in Muslim Bagh is
the Asia's highest Railway Station Kanmehtarzai Pass, which is
on the road, which connects Fort Sandeman with Bostan.
Rana Ghundi: is an archeological site having
mounds from which remains of a culture have been found with affinities
to the Hisar culture of North East Iran around 3500 BC. A Red
Pottery is also found which is estimated that it belongs to a
period earlier than the Indus valley civilization.
Fort Sandeman: (10000 feet) above sea level
is the Afghan Pakistan boarder has the beautiful scenery all around
it. Sheen Ghar (Green Hill) at this height is covered with Pine
forest and is the best area in the valley to shoot Chokor.
Qila Saifullah: is the seat of the famous
Jogezai family located on the ancient Carvan routs, is famous
for its Apples, Pistachio Nuts, and the beautiful scenery spots.
Qila Saifullah is community is known to be the earliest agricultural
community in the Indo Pak Subcontinent, which was flourishing
at the beginning of 3000 BC. The climate here is heavy. |
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| Ziarat
Valley |
| Location |
133 Kilometers from
Quetta. |
| Elevation |
2449 meter above sea level. |
| Weather |
Cold snow falls in the winter
season. |
| Tourist Season |
May to October. |
| Activities/Interest |
History, Photography, Education,
Childern Tours, Senior Tours |
| Accessibility |
It takes three hours from Quetta
to reach Ziarat by road. |
| Other Facts |
1787
Hectors in and around Ziarat are under Apple orchards
which includes the most delicious black and red Kulu variety.
Black Cherries are also available from 1st to 15th of
June. |
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It is called Ziarat because of a
saint Kharwari Baba who came to this valley on preaching mission,
rested here and then buried here after his death. When he came
here climbed on a hill and uttered, "this land shall flourish"
with the saying he tapped the ground with his wand and water came
out from the spot which is still flourishing. His Shrine is 10
kms from Ziarat that's why this valley is called Ziarat.
Places of Interest:
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Quaid-e-Azam Residency |
A view of Ziarat Gate |
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Shrine of Kharwari Baba It is situated
in most picturesque surroundings having several hiking and
trekking peaks and of course the Shrine of Kharwari Baba
which is 10 kms from the valley. The water here is very
good for health. There are lots of springs and picnic spots
available here near Kharwari Baba's Shrine (Ziarat).
Juniper Forest: Juniper is said to be the slowest growing
trees in the world and Ziarat is the one place where you
can find them. This forest is the largest and oldest of
its kind some of the trees here are as old as 5000 years.
Juniper Road:Jeepable road is wending
through the hills, which are covered by the Kato Juniper
forest. The length of this road is 6 miles; the altitude
change from starting to end is over 1000 feet.
Quaid-e-Azam's ResidencyQuaid-e-Azam
Mohammad Ali Jinnah the founder leader and the first Governor
General of Pakistan spent his last days here in Ziarat.
The place where he stayed is a two-story building. From
the balcony of the upper floor the entire valley is laid
out for view. The furniture used by the father of the nation
is lying at its original position. It has a striking view
because of its lush green lawns and flower gardens.
Prospect PointThis place is situated
about three and a half miles (10 kms) from Ziarat to Kharwari
Baba road. Its altitude is 8,900 feet above sea level having
the beautiful landscape and from here you can see the juniper
forest in the valley which is 1000 feet below the point.
From the nearby cliff you'll be able to see the heights
peeks of these hills named Khilafat, this is 11,400 feet
in height.
Chashma walkThis is a lovely walk
to a spring, which supplies the water to town it starts
from the pool and goes along bank of deep ravine. On the
other side there are high mountains covered with Juniper.
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