Gwadar Port

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AttractionType

View Point, Other, Beach

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District

Gwadar

City

Gwadar

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   Photo Credit:
    Zeeshan Shahzad

Attraction Type

View Point
Other
Beach

Description

Gwadar Port, a deep-sea port on the Arabian Sea in Balochistan, is a cornerstone of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), designed to link Pakistan with global trade routes and China’s Xinjiang region. Located 629 km from Karachi, near the Strait of Hormuz, it was inaugurated in 2007 and is operated by the China Overseas Port Holding Company since 2013. Despite slow progress, security challenges, and local grievances over water scarcity and fishing restrictions, its strategic location, natural harbor, and proximity to beaches like Kund Malir make it a growing tourism and trade hub. The port’s hammerhead promontory and ongoing developments, like the New Gwadar International Airport, enhance its appeal for visitors.

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What To Do

  • Viewing port operations and docked ships from designated areas
  • Photographing the hammerhead-shaped Gwadar Promontory and Arabian Sea
  • Visiting nearby Marine Drive for scenic walks along the coast
  • Exploring Sad-e Kandag (Koh-e-Batil) via 500+ steps for panoramic views
  • Enjoying water sports like jet skiing or boating at West Bay
  • Visiting GDA Beach Model Park or Padizer Park for relaxation
  • Exploring Zalzala Jazeera, an island formed by a 2013 earthquake
  • Fishing or learning about local fish-processing at nearby harbors
  • Shopping for Balochi handicrafts in Gwadar town markets

What To Buy

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What is Around

  • Hammerhead-shaped Gwadar Promontory with rocky cliffs at 560 ft
  • Arabian Sea views and fishing boats along the coastline
  • Marine Drive, a scenic road with streetlights and parks
  • Sad-e Kandag (Koh-e-Batil), a hill with 500+ steps for city views
  • GDA Beach Model Park and Padizer Park for coastal relaxation
  • Fish-processing factories and small fishing harbors
  • No food, water, or toilet facilities at the port itself
  • Pishukan and Surbanden mini fish harbors for local culture
  • Markets in Gwadar town (5 km) with Balochi embroidery and snacks
  • Sunset Park at Hammerhead for Arabian Sea sunset views

Nearby Tourist

  • Kund Malir Beach (392 km): A pristine beach with golden sand.
  • Buzi Pass (360 km): A scenic pass with sea and mountain views.
  • Ormara Beach (296 km): A long beach with green waters and huts.
  • Princess of Hope (368 km): A rock formation in Hingol National Park.
  • Chandragup Mud Volcano (445 km): A sacred mud volcano for pilgrims.
  • Hinglaj Mata Mandir (417 km): A Hindu cave temple and Shakti Peetha.
  • Astola Island (153 km by boat): Pakistan’s largest island with diving.
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Best Season to visit

April
December
February
January
March
November
October
September

Spring (March - April)

  • Spring offers mild temperatures (20-30°C), ideal for sightseeing and water sports. The desert landscape is stable, but winds may carry dust. Roads are accessible, though protests may occur during the Hinglaj Yatra (April). Good for avoiding peak crowds.

Summer (May - June)

  • Summer brings extreme heat (35-45°C), making outdoor activities uncomfortable. Monsoons (July-June) cause flash floods and muddy tracks, disrupting travel. High waves deter boating. Not recommended due to harsh weather.

Monsoon (July - August)

  • Monsoon overlaps with summer (25-35°C), bringing heavy rain, humidity, and flood risks. Coastal roads may close, and port access is limited. Avoid visiting due to unsafe conditions and potential unrest.

Autumn (September - October)

  • Autumn provides pleasant temperatures (20-30°C) and clear skies, suitable for photography and exploration. Roads are stable, and crowds are minimal. A good alternative to winter for calm visits.

Winter (November - February)

  • Winter is the peak season (15-25°C), with cool, pleasant weather ideal for port visits, water sports, and day trips from Karachi. The sea is calm, and roads are accessible. Crowds increase in December-January. Highly recommended.
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How to Reach


  • By Air: Fly into Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport (KHI), 647 km from Gwadar Port. The New Gwadar International Airport (36 km from Gwadar) opened in 2023 but has limited domestic flights. From Karachi, hire a taxi or certified – licensed tour operator through portal’s booking section and drive via Makran Coastal Highway (N-10) to Gwadar Port (8-9 hours). Use “Gwadar Port” as the destination. Ample parking near Marine Drive; avoid blocking port access.
  • By Road from Major Cities:
    • From Karachi: Take Makran Coastal Highway (N-10) to Gwadar Port (269 km, 8-9 hours), passing Hingol National Park and Kund Malir.
    • From Quetta: Follow N-25 to N-10 via Turbat to Gwadar (938 km, 14-15 hours).
    • From Lahore: Use M-2 to Karachi, then N-10 to Gwadar (1837 km, 24-26 hours).
  • By Train: Travel to Karachi Cantt Railway Station (637 km from Gwadar) via trains like the Bolan Mail or Jaffar Express from Lahore or Quetta. From Karachi, hire a taxi or certified – licensed tour operator through portal’s booking section to Gwadar Port (8-9 hours). Use “Gwadar Port” as the destination. No direct rail to Gwadar exists.
  • By Public Transport: From Karachi’s Al-Asif Square or Yousuf Goth Terminal, take a bus to Gwadar via N-10 (8-9 hours), alighting at Gwadar town. From there, hire a taxi to the port (5 km). Buses run frequently; book early for winter. Check for roadblocks due to protests. Carry cash for fares and rentals.
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Where to Eat / Stay

Where to Eat:

  • Bring your own food and water for picnics, as no restaurants exist at Gwadar Port. Small eateries in Gwadar town (5 km) offer Balochi sajji, biryani, and seafood. Turbat (163 km) and Karachi (629 km) provide diverse dining options. Pack snacks like dates or nuts for convenience.

Where to Stay:

  • No lodging is available at the port; camping is possible in designated areas (tent rentals, bring your own for reliability). Guest houses and budget hotels are available in Gwadar town (5 km). Karachi (629 km) offers a range of accommodations. 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:
    • Gwadar District Hospital: (5 km away)
    • Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi: (642 km away)
  • Ambulances:
    • Edhi Ambulance Service: 115
    • Rescue 1122: 1122 (Balochistan Emergency Service, limited coverage)
  • Police Station:
    • Gwadar Police Station: (5 km away)
    • Emergency Police Helpline: 15

Note: Verify contact numbers before visiting, as they may change.

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Location on Google Map

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Youtube Video