The Untouched Beauty Of Gwadar Beaches

Everyone is familiar with the beauty of Pakistan’s northern areas, but only a few have taken the time to discover the mesmerizing charm of the country’s coast in the south.

Since decades, whenever people in Pakistan talk about local traveling, the main idea that pops up in their mind is a trip to northern areas. Along with northern areas, Balochistan is full of opportunities and beauty with beautiful beaches, golden sand, and mountains. Balochistan has a geographical and strategic location connecting many areas of Balochistan with a coastline. Gwadar; a treasure discovered, located on the southwestern coast of Balochistan, Pakistan.

When it comes to natural beauty, Gwadar has its own unmatchable place. And one of the biggest reasons for this attraction is Gwadar beaches.

A small Gwadar town is now transforming into a new international port city.

Most roads are freshly carpeted and buildings are extending around the Gwadar. There are various attractions in Gwadar, such as the hammerhead, Omani Fort, the boatyard and Gwadar Port beaches. Gwadar port is unique in that it has two large bays. The East Bay is where the Deep Sea Port is situated. The city is exposed to the sea from three different directions. Gwadar has two hills, the Koh-e-Mehdi, and the Koh-e-Batil.

Here are some of the mesmerizing beaches of Gwadar:

1. Astola Island

Astola Island located 35 km away from Pasni, through a boat ride gives a mesmerizing view of turquoise water with an oddly shaped large mountain in the middle. Astola is also known as Jazeera Haft Talar (Seven Hills Island), because of the small, rocky mountains that stretch across the 15 sq km island. The color of the water and pattern of the beach changes throughout the day depending upon the tide. The seabed is visible to about the depth of 20 feet. There is no standing structure on the island except for the remnants of a lighthouse the government had built in 1983.

Astola is a tough destination for camping because there are no facilities on the island.

Vegetation on the island is sparse and consists of shrubs and large bushes that come to life when it rains. The island has no source of fresh water of its own. Keekar is the only tree that can survive the harsh conditions. People usually set up camp at the beach and go snorkeling, deep sea diving and even hunt fish under water. As Astola receives more recognition, the number of tourists will increase. Let’s hope that this doesn’t damage the island’s beauty.

2. Daran Beach

Daran is a picturesque sandy beach on the Makran Coast near Iran, with towering cliffs, clear blue waters and not a plastic bag in sight. Jiwani is a town and commercial port that is located along the Gulf of Oman in the Gwadar District. Daran beach has a special hut maintained by coastguards that were built for Queen Victoria on her orders during the world war II. This ancient hut is a treat for visitors in this area along with the most beautiful known feature of Jiwani; amazing sunsets.

Daran Beach is a protected beach, where WWF-Pakistan has been working to conserve green turtles, an endangered species, for over 10 years now.

They come in their hundreds during the hatching season (which starts in July), lumbering out of the water and onto the soft sand to lay their eggs and digging deep to protect their eggs.

3. Kund Malir Beach

According to ‘ The World’s Best Beaches For 2018 ‘ list, Kund Malir Gwadar Beach is one of the most exotic beaches and one of the country’s top tourist attractions. It is located at the bottom of Hingol National Park, the untouched shoreline lies between desert, mountain, and sea, offering a breathtaking view. It is a beautiful desert beach with palm trees on the shoreline. As this place has gained popularity recently, Kund Malir is a clean beach with clear, shiny water.
Credits: Hammad Shakil

4. Hammerhead Beach

The Hammerhead is a mesmerizing merge of desert land with the seashore. The ‘Hammerhead’ name derives from its resembles the head of a hammer and is known for its uniqueness. It is visible from an airplane above, the 1,700 foot-high cliff has a distinct hammer-like appearance as it is surrounded by the sea on three sides. On the south, there is the view of the beautiful deep Arabian sea whereas to the north the whole Gwadar port city is located.

5. Gwadar Beach

The Gwadar beach is home to astonishing wind-carved rock formations on them on one side and pristine beaches on the other side. Gwadar port beach mostly famous due to the construction of CPEC by China. It connects Pakistan to all major trading spots, providing it with major strategic importance for business as well as for tourism. It is the main place that attracts tourists and investors. Gwadar is one of the highest deep harbors in Pakistan and the world.

6. Pasni Beach

Pasni beach is located in a small port city Pasani located in the Gwadar District. It is a small city and a fishing port. Its population is about 33,000. In recent years it has emerged as a famous picnic point on the Makran Coastal highway. It is well known for its beautiful sunset and clean blue sea water.

7. Pishukan Beach

Pishukan is a scenic place with beautiful beaches of golden sand and green water. It is located about a half hour drive from Gwadar and is a small town along the sea, where the population depends on fishing. The crystal clear waters and vibrant fishing boats make for a sight. On the other side of the road is a desert landscape.

It is said that in the following years Gwadar port beaches are going to be a very famous attraction not only for people of Pakistan but for people worldwide. In this summer, lets not only plan trips to northern areas but also to Balochistan.

cover image via zameen.com

Alveena Jadoon