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Hingol National Park is situated along the coast of Balochistan and covers a large expanse of land. The park boasts a beautiful beach, unique rock formations, active mud volcanoes, and the delta of the Hingol river. The river is home to a rare species of crocodiles that are native to the area. Hingol National Park is home to a variety of plant and animal life as well as archaeological sites and places of religious importance.
A tour of Hingol National Park starts and ends on the Makran Coastal Highway, and takes visitors to the main attractions of the park from Karachi. The tour allows visitors to camp out and enjoy the sunset at Kund Malir beach, view the Princess of Hope, and other rock formations, witness mud volcanoes, and experience the biodiversity of the area first hand. Tours usually last 2-3 days and give visitors ample time to experience everything the area has to offer.
An adventure of 2 to 3 days from Karachi covers the main attractions of Hingol and Kund Malir. Longer packages that cover Astola Island and Gwadar also cover the Hingol section of the Makran Coastal Highway.
Getting to Hingol National Park from Karachi
A. Driving to Hingol
The coast of Balochistan is connected to Karachi via the Makran Coastal Highway. The major attractions of the park and the beach are located 190 to 200 kilometers from Karachi. It takes approximately 3 to 4 hours to reach Kund Malir beach from Karachi.
From Karachi to Kund Malir, the Coastal Highway is in relatively good condition. The side tracks that lead to different beaches and mud volcanoes are rough. A off-road vehicle is better suited for the coastal highway and the side tracks.
B. What to Expect on the Journey
Between Karachi and the Hingol National Park area, the Makran Coastal Highway winds through the coastal mountains and provides a number of scenic views, including a portion that descends to the coast through a series of hairpin turns.
Services are limited between towns along this highway. For long stretches, particularly in the interior of the park, travelers should be self-reliant for fuel, food, and water.
Makran Coastal Highway connects Pakistan with Iran and is home to pristine beaches. In Hingol Park, Kund Malir Beach is the most famous and draws thousands of Pakistanis each year. The coast is lined with tall, eroded, cliffs, and the water is clear, not like the beaches near Karachi.
There are no hotels on the beach; camping is the only option. Many groups from Karachi camp on the weekends from November to March. It's best to go in the morning or at sunset because that is when the beach is least crowded.
B) Princess of Hope
The Princess of Hope rock formation is named for its resemblance to a humanoid figure. Located along the side of the road in the park, it requires very little time to visit and photograph. The wild clay hills surrounding the formation are also eroded by wind and water. Other rock formations in the area add to the picturesque and unique scenery of the park.
This rock formation has also been referred to as the Sphinx of Pakistan. Both titles are popular with travel writers. The area continues for several kilometers along the highway.
C) Mud Volcanoes
Hingol National Park is also home to numerous active mud volcanoes. The Chandragup mud volcanoes are located near the Hinglaj shrine and are considered important by many Hindus as well as those of other religious faiths.
Mud volcanoes are relatively flat features in comparison to other volcanic formations. Several of the more prominent mud volcanoes in the area have been active for a substantial amount of time. Geologists attribute the formation of mud volcanoes in the area to recent geologic activity, particularly along the Makran coast.
D) Crocodiles of the Hingol River
The Hingol River provides some of the only permanent freshwater within the park and is home to a population of Marsh (or Mugger) Crocodiles. Usually, a crocodile population this far inland would be supported by a freshwater river system in a more tropical climate. The Hingol River is the last large river before the arid climate of the Thar Desert.
Crocodiles are known to inhabited areas of the Hingol River within the park. Locally, guides are knowledgeable of the best areas to look for the crocodiles. Guides will also let visitors know the safest distanced from the river's edge.
Thousands of religious travelers from all over South Asia participate in the Hinglaj Yatra every year. Border restrictions between India and Pakistan allow visitors from both countries to take part in the pilgrimage. Devotees take part in the journey during the time of the annual Hindu festival of Chaitra Navratri, which is observed in late March or in the early months of April. In order to know the exact dates of the annual festival, travelers are suggested to contact their travel operators or the local Hindu Panchayat.
There are a large number of religious travelers during the pilgrimage season; therefore, the access roads to Hinglaj and the Makran Coastal Highway experience heavy traffic. Traveling during the pilgrimage season is different from regular travel; arrangements for food and shelter need to be preplanned.
The main attraction of the Hinglaj area is the temple and the scenic Hingol river canyon and gorge. The area is quite empty and less crowded during the off season.
The lagoon can be reached via the park or the coastal track. The lagoon is a good location to view birds and other coastal ecology subjects. The combination of fresh water, salt water, mangroves and the open sea, makes the lagoon system an attractive habitat for various species.
A) Mammals
Sindh Ibex and Chinkara are some of the mammals found in the park. The park is also home to wild cats and crocodiles.
B) Birds and Coastal Species
The park's location along the coast, rivers and delta, offers a variety of habitats. The coastal wetlands provide feeding and resting areas for migratory birds. Other animals, including sea turtles, also use the park.
Most tour operators base their camps at Kund Malir beach. The more comfortable option for a camping trip is to book through an operator. Travelers can expect a tent and a cook at each camp site. Booking.com has a review process for camps to help travelers assess the quality of tents and sleeping bags. Meals are provided by the camp cook. Each camp site has various facilities for customer use. Confirm the details of the camp sites prior to booking.
Self-sufficient campers can camp at any of the designated camping areas along the beach. Water must be brought from Karachi or other areas outside the park. Campers must remove all waste from the park.
Basic accommodation is available outside the park.
B) Time of travel
Hinglaj pilgrimage requires special mention. Plan your travel in late March or early April. During this time the Hinglaj Mata temple sees a huge inflow of pilgrims and the area gets very crowded. The roads and other approaches to the temple and the nearby accommodation facilities need prior preparation and booking. It is advisable to avoid staying at temple during this time, as the atmosphere is not very serene and quiet.
C) Best time to visit
The best time to visit the park is in winter. Summers are very hot. The coast of Makran has no trees and other vegetation to provide shade. Just the thought of camping at Kund Malir beach in July is risky and presents a challenge of enduring extreme heat.
When was the last time your operator ran a Hingol/Makran Coast trip? The ever-changing conditions along this route require recent firsthand knowledge to provide the best information to travelers.
Is your Hingol guide a park licensed guide? A park licensed guide is more knowledgeable about Hingol turtles, Nesting, and Crocodile locations.
Do they have a Hingol Park Guide License? What is the License number? A licensed park guide is more knowledgable about Hingol restricted zones.
What is the status of the camps at Kund Malir? Are the camps set up? Some operators only set up camps if they have a confirmed booking. Be sure to check the condition of the tent and the sleeping bag to see if it’s rated for cold conditions. Confirm if meals and drinks are provided.
Will the access track to Hinglaj be open?
Are there any recent official government travel advisories? Check within a week of your departure.
Are there any issues with the Makran Coastal Highway? Are there any conditions with the tracks leading to the interior of the park? Is your operator’s route clear?
What is the schedule for the Hinglaj Yatra?
What we’re trying to do with this A.B.C. of travel is provide you the information to ask the right questions.
A) What is Hingol National Park?
Hingol National Park is located on the Makran Coast of Balochistan, Pakistan. It is 190-200 km west of Karachi, and is along the Makran Coastal Highway. Hingol National Park contains a major part of the coastal mountain ranges, beaches, the Delta of the Hingol River and the Miani Hor lagoon.
B) When is the best time to go to Hingol National Park?
The best time to visit is between November and March. December and January are the best months for camping on the beaches of Kund Malir. Weekdays are much less crowded, so campers from Karachi usually take off on weekdays. The Hinglaj Yatra, a religious pilgrimage, in March or April is another good time to go.
Yes. The river supports a population of marsh crocodiles (mugger crocodiles) and is located in a desert environment. They are generally found near the middle and lower sections of the river. The best chance to view the crocodiles is with a local guide as they are aware of the locations where they are found. Approach and view the crocodiles from a distance and listen to the guide for instructions.
Princess of Hope is a large naturally formed rock structure located in the park that is shaped by the effects of erosion. The area is part of the Makran coastal highway and is one of the more photographed sites in Balochistan.
Hinglaj Mata is a important pilgrimage site for the Hindu community and located in Hingol National Park. It is accessible the rest of the year and visitors of all faiths are allowed to visit. During March and April, the site is visited by hundreds of thousands of Hindu devotees during the Hinglaj Yatra.
There are no hotels or lodges located in Hingol National Park. There are campsites located at Kund Malir and other sites in the park. Camping equipment and supplies can be arranged by local tour and trek operators. Lodging is available along the Makran Coastal Highway outside the park.
The team at HospitalityTours.com.pk will take care of all the logistics for your tour to cover Kund Malir, the Princess of Hope, the crocodile-infested river, Hinglaj Mata, and the entire Makran Coastal region. Tell them your preferred dates and the sites you are interested in. They will arrange safety and security for your tour, a licensed park guide, and arrange a campsite at Kund Malir. No money changes hands until you approve of the plan.
For reservations contact:
WhatsApp: +92 341 111 3777
Email: info@hospitalitytours.com
Website: www.hospitalitytours.com.pk