Road trip to Khuzdar in Balochistan

Road trip to Khuzdar in Balochistan

This is a guest post by Dr Myda Tahir.

Balochistan , the largest province of Pakistan in terms of area, is a paradise that is less traveled and less explored. But for the traveler who is looking for breathtaking landscapes or wants to submit himself/herself to the grandeur and magnificence of nature, Balochistan is the place to go.

Whether one travels by car or opts for the train, soon after the border of Sindh, the welcoming mountains of different textures and colors, winding roads with blind turns and jaw-dropping palm trees will keep one mesmerized for ages. The nauseous sensations and earache are part and parcel of the journey as most of the areas lie above sea level - when traveling from the port city of Karachi.

The skyline-touching mountain ranges look like a King with his cloak spread out as far as the eyes can see. Occasional golden wheat fields on both sides of the road add beauty to the scene. A group of people chatting under the shade of the only tree in the fields are enough to fuel our wanderlust.

As mine was purely an educational visit to the Balochistan University of Engineering and Technology Khuzdar, my travel-addicted soul wanted to analyze it with a tourist's eye. Khuzdar, the second largest city, lies in the heart of Baluchistan at an altitude of 4058 ft. on the N-25 National Highway, extending from Karachi to Chaman – and connecting Pakistan to Iran and Turkey.

This is also one of the main routes of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor(CPEC) which strategically raises the location of Khuzdar. Its western tributary connects Larkana(Sindh) to Khuzdar (Balochistan).

The best time to arrive at Khuzdar is in the evening as the weather is pleasant at night. During the months of March and April, one can also witness the orange, yellow and crimson hues of the sun setting over the distant peaks during the journey. We took our first refreshing break after travelling for 2.5 hours.

If you are travelling with kids, it is better to keep them occupied with toys or games. It is also recommended to keep pacifiers for little babies and bubble gum for older kids in order to avoid earache during travel. Keep enough snacks and drinks to feed them as a hungry kid is an angry (hangry) kid. Also keep a first aid bag in case of a medical emergency.

The City of Khuzdar is a fort city walled by mountains from all sides. The former college, now the University, is located on a hill away from the main city. Both the mornings and evenings are peaceful, quiet and serene, creating a calm and clean environment for the researchers and academics. Bird watchers will have a great time too as different species of birds inhabit the area. 

The Baloch people have been mysterious because of their inaccessibility and lack of communication. There are a lot of misconceptions about them. In reality, they have a great respect for the culture that their forefathers left them with. They have a sharp sense of dressing. Most of the men wear wide turbans and multi-pleated trousers whereas the women wear a particular frock-style loose shirt full of delicate embroidery which is a hallmark of Baloch Culture.

The Balochi hand-knitted shawls are a masterpiece of delicate artisan work easily available at the local market at reasonable rates. The shops at the main market are mostly owned by the Hindu merchants who have been residents of Khuzdar for generations.

Sajji and Namkeen Roast are traditional dishes served to guests. Sajji is a mouth-watering lamb prepared around the fire. Namkeen Roast is also a type of mutton roast dish.

Visiting Khuzdar was an amazing cultural experience with the opportunity of getting to knowing the Balochi people. We found them to be generous, humble and simple people who love to adhere to their values and culture.

Although, I have received a degree from medical school, I still think that travel is the best form of education I have ever received.

About Dr Myda Tahir

I am a medical doctor and have also been a published author for more than three years and have written in a number of fields including health, parenting and travelling. I have been published in magazines and Blogs including Hiba, Health TV, ARY and Muslimah Bloggers.

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Would you like to guest post on my blog? Content must be original and unpublished and must not contain any commercial links. Less traveled destinations are preferred. Contact me with your ideas.

Sara Essop

Sara Essop is a travel blogger and writer based in South Africa. She writes about family travel and experiences around the world. Although she has been to 50 countries thus far, she especially loves showcasing her beautiful country and is a certified South Africa Specialist.