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Gwadar is located on the shores of the Arabian Sea and is regarded as one of the most picturesque cities of Pakistan. Gwadar is also a major sea-port of Pakistan and is a part of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor. The Coastline of Gwadar and Makran is home to some of the most beautiful beaches of Pakistan.
What a Gwadar coastal tour package includes?
Gwadar coastal tour packages cover the cost of transport and stay in Gwadar, attractions along the coast of Gwadar and the Makran Coastal Highway. Other packages also cover Hingol National Park.
Astola island is the largest island of Pakistan and is located in the Arabian Sea, it can be accessed by boat from Pasni.
To cover all the places along the Coastal Highway and other beautiful places along the route, like Kund Malir and Hingol, many travelers take the Coach from Karachi to Gwadar and then return by flight.
As of now, there are no international flights to/from Gwadar. There are, however, a few domestic flights from/to Gwadar, and the number is increasing. The flight time from Karachi to Gwadar is roughly 60 minutes. Just a few years ago, the only way to travel from Karachi to Gwadar was to take a 2 day long journey by land. Now, many people take the Gwadar-bound flight and leave very early in the morning.
You should confirm with your airline of choice about the exact flights from/to Karachi, and Gwadar, and how frequent they are. Also, be sure to double check your flight times, as schedules are known to change.
To get to Gwadar by land, you'll have to take the Makran Coastal Highway. This route connects Gwadar and Karachi. The drive along this route typically takes 2 days. The first day you'll have to drive 7-8 hours to Ormara or Pasni, and spend the night there. The second and final day of driving will take another 7 hours to reach Gwadar.
There are many beautiful and scenic coastline views along this route. This highway was constructed in the early 2000s, so it's relatively new, and gives access to the previously inaccessible and remote coastline of Pakistan. Keep in mind, the drive can be long and tedious. It is recommended that you have a higher clearance vehicle, especially if you wish to visit beaches that are not on the main highway. The main highway, however, can be driven in a standard vehicle.
Gwadar is located at the end of a long, narrow, house-shaped peninsula. The city's deepwater port is along the bay on the eastern side of the peninsula. The beaches on the western and northern side of the peninsula are cleaner and good for walking.
Pishukan Beach is the beach closest to the city that is good for swimming. It is cleaner than the city beaches and has a better scene with the cliffs and the open ocean.
Fishing is the main source of livelihood in Gwadar and the fish harbor is the center of this activity. Boats from the fish harbor leave in the early hours and return with the day's catch which is then sorted. This gives a good opportunity to see the Balochi fishing community.
The fish harbor, along with the old part of the city, gives a good example of Gwadar before the development of the port and other projects. It is best to visit in the very early hours.
Hammerhead or Sar Bandan is the name of the headland at the end of the Gwadar peninsular. From there you can see a large portion of the Arabian Sea and the Gwadar port development. The coastal headlands of Gwadar have unique features compared to other places along the coast of Pakistan. These features include the steep rocky cliffs which meet the sea. The 300-kilometer long coast of Makran is unlike other regions of Sindh and Baluchistan which are very flat.
Kund Malir beach is located near the town of Gwadar and the famous Hingol National Park. The beach is very scenic as it is bounded by the Makran hills and the clay cliffs in the rear. The Makran Coastal Highway is very long and very remote. Kund Malir is the most convenient location along the route for travelers to break up their long journey. A stay at the beach is the perfect getaway from the city. Travelers can break up their journey by camping at Kund Malir.
B) Ormara
The Makran Coastal Highway connects Karachi and Gwadar, with Ormara located roughly halfway between the two cities. Many take a stop over at Ormara, as there are a few places to stay, as well as fisheries and beaches. Beaches on both sides of a headland give views of the water, especially if traveling from Karachi to Gwadar.
C) Hingol National Park
The Hingol National Park runs along a good portion of the Makran Coast and is home to Kund Malir beach and Buzi Pass. The Princess of Hope, which is also known as the Sphinx of Balochistan, is along this stretch of the Park and coastal highway. This park is home to the Hingol River Delta, where the river empties into the Arabian Sea. Birds and other coastal and riverine wildlife can be found in this area.
October through April is the off-season for the tourism industry along the Makran coast of Balochistan and Gwadar. With mild weather conditions, pleasant sea conditions, and calm winds along the coast of Balochistan, visitors can venture to coastal areas like Astola Island (which is usually only accessible during the cooler months from October to April) for swimming, snorkeling, and bird watching.
You can rent a boat in Pasni to take you to Astola Island for a trip. The rough journey takes between 2 to 4 hours each way depending on the condition of the sea. Day trips to Astola Island can only be made when the sea is very calm.
The Astola Island crossing is only safe to be made during the off season from October through April, and particularly from November through February when the temperatures are the most mild along the coast of Balochistan.
Winter is the best season to experience the coast of Balochistan because humidity levels are very low making the coast very comfortable to explore. Winter also brings the clearest waters and sunrises and sunsets along the coast of Balochistan.
June through October, commonly referred to as summer, brings incredibly hot and humid weather to the Makran Coast and United Nations World Heritage sites along Balochistan. The coast of Balochistan does not get monsoon rains like the rest of the province. Most tourists prefer to visit the sites of Balochistan and Sindh during the monsoon season, but as mentioned previously, the hot and humid weather of the coast limits outdoor activities and excursions.
Waves along the coast become rougher and larger beginning in the summer. From May to September, the conditions of the beaches and the crossing to Astola Island become hazardous and are not recommended for sailing.
B) Local operator and guide requirements
It is beneficial to hire a local operator for Gwadar who is well-informed about the latest developments and conditions along the Makran Coast. From roads and camping locations to boat operators and the security situation and the kind of accommodations available in the city, the situation is in a state of flux. An operator who last did a trip to the Makran Coastal Route more than a year back is not working with up-to-date information.
A. Ask before confirming
Is your last coastal tour of Makran was less than 04-05 months back? The answer to this question is an assurance about the condition of the roads leading to camping sites and the level of accessibility.
Have you cross checked recent security situation and advisories for the area and the route?
What is the condition of the sea and is the Boat Operator of Astola Island licensed?
What camping arrangements are done at Kund Malir and other places? Are foods and water arranged?
B) Check these before traveling
Look up your country's latest travel advice for Balochistan. It's best to check this a week before traveling, as conditions can change.
Is the main road between Ormara and Karachi open? This road can be closed due to flooding or other conditions.
Can you take your planned flight to Gwadar? This flight may not be operating due to changed plans by the airline. Check the status of your booking closer to the date of your planned travel.
Use an operator that does not have recent, first-hand information about the condition of the Makran coast. Travel to this area requires up to date information. Old information will not be of any help.
Travel to Astola Island from Pasni between March and September, as the sea conditions will not be safe to cross.
Drive the Makran Coastal Highway without the proper information and supplies. There are long, remote, uninhabited stretches of this highway. You need sufficient food, water and fuel for the entire day.
Gwadar is a port city in the region of Balochistan, Pakistan. The city is located at the end of the Makran coast. Gwadar is also known for being the Western terminus of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Gwadar International Airport (GWD) provides air service to and from Karachi.
The Makran Coastal Highway connects the cities of Karachi and Gwadar along the coastal region of Balochistan. The highway is about 650-700 kilometers long. The highway passes through the Hingol National Park and Kund Malir, and ends at the Port of Gwadar.
Astola Island (Haft Talar) is the largest of all the islands located off the coast of Pakistan in the Arabian Sea. It is uninhabited and is part of the Chгарє-Farah Marine National Park. Boats from the city of Pasni provide tourists with an opportunity to go to the island for water activities and bird watching. The best time to visit Astola Island is between October and April.
Kund Malir is a beautiful beach located in Hingol National Park. The beach is known for its rich colors, and is considered to be one of the most picturesque beaches of Pakistan. Visitors can stay at a camp run by a local guide.
E) How safe is Gwadar for tourists?
It is suggested that you check your country’s official travel advisories, as recent incidents in the region may pose a risk to travelers of your nationality. Most organizations regard the Makran Coastal Highway and Gwadar as relatively safe, but because of the rest of Balochistan’s insecurity, this region should only be visited with up to date, specific information and an appropriate, licensed, local guide.
F) What is the most recommended time to visit Gwadar?
The best time to visit Gwadar is from October through April. The best months for camping and crossing Astola Island are November through February, as the sea and weather conditions are calmer.
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