Astola Island Haft Talar Island of Seven Hills Pasni Balochistan
Astola Island also known as Haft Talar or Island of Seven Hills is Pakistans largest offshore uninhabited island and first Marine Protected Area in the Arabian Sea near Pasni.
ExploreZiarat Valley and Ancient Juniper Forest Balochistan
Ziarat, Balochistan
Overview
Situated approximately 130 kilometers northeast of Quetta at an elevation of 2400 meters 8000 feet above sea level Ziarat Valley is Balochistans premier high-altitude hill station and a globally significant ecological treasure. Home to the worlds second largest and ancient Juniper Forest ecosystem with living trees estimated to be over 2000 to 5000 years old Ziarat is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Characterized by crisp mountain air apple orchards rugged limestone gorges serene hiking trails and historic landmarks like the Quaid-e-Azam Residency Ziarat offers an extraordinary year-round eco-tourism retreat featuring lush summer greenery and white winter
Highlights
- Home to the worlds second largest ancient Juniper Forest ecosystem declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
- Premier high-altitude hill station in Balochistan situated at 2400 meters 8000 feet above sea level
- Features living Juniperus excelsa trees estimated to be over 2000 to 5000 years old
- Site of the historic Quaid-e-Azam Residency where Founder of Pakistan Muhammad Ali Jinnah spent his last days
- Surrounded by lush red apple orchards towering limestone peaks and dramatic mountain gorges
- Year-round tourist destination featuring cool pleasant summers and stunning white winter snowfall
Things To Do
- Hike through ancient 5000-year-old Juniper Forest trails and photograph unique gnarled trees
- Visit the historic Quaid-e-Azam Residency museum and heritage gardens
- Explore dramatic limestone mountain passes including Prospect Point Chashma Walk and Sandeman Tangi gorge
- Visit local organic apple orchards to taste fresh Ziarat red apples and cherry crops
- Enjoy winter snow sports snow camping landscape photography and high-altitude mountain trekking
Local Transportation
Located along N-70 Highway / Quetta-Ziarat Road 130 km northeast of Quetta city center 2 to 2.5 hours drive. Accessible via private car sedan SUV 4x4 or local coaster buses from Quetta.
Accommodation
Mountain tourism hub. Government rest houses PTDC motel luxury private boutique resorts guest houses and budget hotels are widely available across Ziarat town and valley slopes.
Food & Cuisine
Mountain hospitality hub. Enjoy local Balochi and Pashtun specialties including Shinwari Mutton Karahi Dumpukht Sajji fresh mountain trout local cherries and organic Ziarat red apples alongside hot green tea.
Safety Information
Highly secure, peaceful family hill station protected by local police and Frontier Corps FC. Carry original CNIC cards, wear sturdy hiking boots for rocky trails, carry warm heavy winter clothing during winter months, and drive carefully on winding mountain passes.
Travel Tips
Carry warm woolens even in summer evenings as temperatures drop rapidly, bring physical cash, use snow chains on vehicle tires during peak winter snowstorms, avoid damaging fragile ancient juniper branches, and buy fresh local apples directly from orchard growers.