Hingol National Park

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AttractionType

National Park, Beach

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District

Awaran

City

Awaran

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   Photo Credit:
    Adeel

Attraction Type

National Park
Beach

Description

Hingol National Park, Pakistan’s largest national park, spans 6,100 square kilometers along the Makran coast in Balochistan, established in 1988 and accessible since the 2004 Makran Coastal Highway., Named after the Hingol River, it features six ecosystems—deserts, mountains, forests, plains, mud volcanoes, and marine habitats—supporting 257 plant and 289 animal species, including endangered Sindh ibex and marsh crocodiles., Iconic attractions include the Princess of Hope rock formation, named by Angelina Jolie in 2004, the Balochistan Sphinx, and Hinglaj Mata Mandir, a major Hindu pilgrimage site., Despite plastic pollution and underdevelopment, the park’s surreal landscapes, Kund Malir Beach, and cultural heritage make it a must-visit for adventurers and nature lovers.,

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What To Do

  • Hiking and trekking through rugged canyons, gorges, and desert trails
  • Wildlife watching, spotting Sindh ibex, Balochistan urial, and marsh crocodiles
  • Bird-watching, observing rare species like Houbara bustards and Egyptian vultures
  • Camping under starlit skies at Kund Malir Beach or near mud volcanoes
  • Photography of rock formations like Princess of Hope and Balochistan Sphinx
  • Visiting Hinglaj Mata Mandir, a sacred Hindu temple in a cave
  • Exploring active mud volcanoes, including Chandragup, a Hindu pilgrimage site
  • Beach activities like swimming and dolphin-watching at Kund Malir and Golden Beach
  • Desert safaris to explore oases, rock art, and tombs from 712 AD
  • Rock climbing on cliffs and mountain ranges with prior permission

What To Buy

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What is Around

  • Hingol River, the longest in Balochistan, with an estuary supporting migratory birds
  • Kund Malir Beach and Golden Beach, known for clear waters and dolphin sightings
  • Princess of Hope and Balochistan Sphinx, natural rock formations along the highway
  • Hinglaj Mata Mandir, a cave temple and Hindu pilgrimage site
  • Chandragup mud volcanoes, active geological sites with religious significance
  • Natural oases with freshwater streams, ponds, and greenery
  • Ancient rock art and tombs of Muhammad bin Qasim’s soldiers from 712 AD
  • Coastal mudflats and rocky shores hosting green sea turtles and Indo-Pacific dolphins
  • Limited food stalls near Kund Malir offering snacks like pakoras and chai
  • Rugged Makran Coastal Range and Hinglaj Gorge for scenic views

Nearby Tourist

  • Ormara Beach (137 km): A serene coastal spot for sunsets and fishing.
  • Astola Island (215 km via Ormara): A marine-protected island for snorkeling.
  • Gondrani Cave City (236 km): Ancient cave dwellings near Bela.
  • Pir Ghaib Waterfall (756 km): A scenic cascade in Bolan Valley.
  • Moola Chotok (503 km): A hidden valley with waterfalls and greenery.
  • Gwadar Port (417 km): A developing port city with beaches and markets.
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Best Season to visit

April
August
December
February
January
March
November
October
September

Spring (March - April)

  • Spring offers mild temperatures (20-30°C) and clear skies, ideal for hiking, wildlife watching, and beach activities. The park’s oases bloom, and migratory birds are active, making it a vibrant time to visit.

Summer (May - June)

  • Summers are scorching (35-45°C), with high humidity near the coast. Early mornings are best to avoid heat stress. The arid landscape remains striking, but bring ample water and sun protection.

Monsoon (July - August)

  • Monsoon season brings occasional rain, increasing Hingol River flow but making trails slippery and roads challenging. Turtle nesting peaks in August, though plastic pollution disrupts this. Carry rain gear and check forecasts.

Autumn (September - October)

  • Autumn provides clear skies, moderate temperatures (20-30°C), and low humidity, perfect for trekking, camping, and photography. The park’s geological formations and beaches are particularly scenic.

Winter (November - February)

  • Winters are cool (10-20°C) and dry, the best time for outdoor activities like rock climbing and desert safaris. Nights can be cold, so bring warm clothing. Fewer crowds enhance the experience.,
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How to Reach


  • By Air: Fly into Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport (KHI), 263 km from Hingol National Park. From the airport, hire a 4x4 taxi or book a (verified/licensed) tour operator from tour operator booking section to reach the park via the Makran Coastal Highway (N-25), a 3.5-5 hour drive. Use “Hingol National Park” or “Kund Malir Beach” as the destination. Limited parking is available.,
  • By Road from Major Cities:
    • From Karachi: Travel via the N-25 Makran Coastal Highway for 240 km (3.5-5 hours). The scenic route passes Kund Malir and Buzzi Pass. A 4x4 vehicle is recommended for park trails.,
    • From Quetta: Take the N-25 south (approximately 716 km, 10-12 hours) to the park, passing Uthal and Bela.
    • From Gwadar: Use the N-10 Highway to Ormara, then N-25 to the park (approximately 411 km, 5-6 hours).
  • By Train: Travel to Karachi Railway station (249 km from the park) via trains like the Bolan Mail or Jaffar Express from Karachi, Quetta, or Lahore. From Station, hire a 4x4 taxi or book a (verified/licensed) tour operator from tour operator booking section to Hingol National Park via the N-25 (4-5 hours). Use “Hingol National Park” as the destination. Check Pakistan Railways’ schedules for availability.
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Where to Eat / Stay

Where to Eat:

  • Limited refreshment points near Kund Malir Beach offer snacks like pakoras and chai. Visitors should bring their own food and water for picnics or camping, as facilities are scarce. Nearby towns like Uthal and Ormara have eateries serving traditional Pakistani cuisine like biryani and sajji.

Where to Stay:

  • No accommodations exist within the park, but camping is popular with proper gear. Nearby towns like Kund Malir and Ormara offer basic guest houses, while Karachi provides a range of luxury hotels, budget lodges, and mid-range options. For bookings, explore luxury, budget hotels, and guest houses through the booking section of the National Tourism Portal.,
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Emergency Contact Numbers


  • Hospitals:
    • Civil Hospital Uthal: (153 km away)
    • Aga Khan University Hospital (Karachi): (249 km away)
  • Ambulances:
    • Edhi Ambulance Service: 115
    • Chippa Ambulance Emergency: 1020
  • Police Station:
    • Uthal Police Station:  (153 km away)
    • Emergency Helpline: 1122

Note: Verify contact numbers before visiting, as they may change, and connectivity may be limited in remote areas.

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Location on Google Map

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