Moving along the Arabian Sea coastline, Makran Coastal Highway is one of the most spectacular coastal highways in the world. Any adventure lover must be aware of the Makran Coastal Highway, a famous highway in Pakistan. There will be hardly any point on this highway where anybody would not take a picture.
If you are more of a visual person, then please watch the following video, which summarizes my Makran Coastal Highway trip:
The advantage of a world-class highway is also bringing people to these areas, now ascending onto these sandy volcanoes in large numbers. Some preservation is required to preserve these natural wonders; otherwise, the invasion of tourists will damage natural beauty.
It spreads primarily through Balochistan province between Karachi and Gwadar, crossing near Ormara and Pasni. The road is a symbol of pride for all Pakistanis. Earlier, there was a muddy path connecting Karachi with the town of Gwadar. The distance before the construction of this highway was of two days.
The official and technical designation of the Makran Coastal Highway is N10, which is the abbreviation for National Highway 10.
It is 650 kilometers long highway. The project of Makran Coastal Highway started in 2002 and ended in 2004. Makran Coastal Highway is among the beautiful routes of Pakistan.
Places to Visit on Makran Coastal Highway
Let’s know some of the essential points which come while crossing the Makran Coastal Highway.
1. Mud Volcanoes
At different points on the Makran highway, these mud volcanoes exist. Hot sand emerges from these volcanoes, which is also called volcanic ash. Pakistan is among some of those countries where these mud volcanoes exist. They are around 100 in number in Balochistan province. At the same time, they range from small to big sizes in the region.
These volcanoes are sacred for the people belonging to the Hindu religion. It is because they believe in getting spiritual power and comfort after applying sand to their body.
2. Sapat Beach
This sapat beach is near the mud volcanoes, which have caves as well. These caves are very cold. Therefore, Sapat Beach is among the most attractive beaches in Balochistan.
This beach is at a distance of half an hour from the Chandergup mud volcano.
A rock named Buji Koh also exists on sapat beach.
3. Kund Malir
The beach of kund malir was among the most beautiful beaches in Asia in 2018. It is at a distance of 240 kilometers from Karachi. It is a settlement of fishermen. People usually come from Karachi to spend weekends for a picnic here.
Now hotels in an enormous number of have opened here. A unique golden beach is also here. The graves of the soldiers of Muhammad Bin Qasim are also near Kund Malir. Just opposite these graves, the road goes towards Nani Mandir.
4. Hingol River
Just before kund malir, a road goes towards the Hingol River. The same highway leads towards Nani Mandir, which has spiritual importance for the people belonging to the Hindu religion. Hingol is the longest river in Balochistan, which is 350 miles long. The river has water throughout the year.
5. Princess of Hope
After crossing Kund Malir, this statue of the Princess of Hope comes. It is a natural rock formation. The name Princess of Hope was given by Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie when she came here in 2002 as a UN Ambassador. Another statue next to it resembles the great sphinx of Egypt.
Hingol has a lot of such places where beautiful landscapes can exist. The natural beauty of hingol is because of such mountains. According to experts, these naturally formed shapes are due to the airflow from the sea.
6. Pasni Beach
Pasni is the biggest tehsil of Gwadar in terms of area. It is an old settlement of fishermen. Whenever you come here, you must spend some time on the beach of pasni.
I was lucky that I got some sand artists who made my journey memorable. Near pasni beach, a desert is also there which attracts anybody who comes here.
7. Gwadar
Gwadar is the talk of the town these days. There are many places to visit here. The most famous is Gwadar Cricket Stadium these days. Gwadar Beach Library is also a worthy place to stay. The old city of Gwadar includes Karemuk Hotel and Oman Fort. After Jiwani, the sunset of Gwadar is very famous and beautiful.
8. Gunz Village
Among all the beaches on Makran Coastal Highway, Gunz Beach is the most beautiful and unique. People say that the Portuguese came here due to which this town name Gunj became gunz. One can also see stunning views of dolphins here. The taste of fish in gunz is also delicious.
9. Jiwani
Jiwani is the last seaport of Pakistan. The airbase of jiwani was used by the British in the second world war. Jiwani is famous worldwide due to its sunset, which is mesmerizing.
10. Victoria Hut
People say that Queen Victoria planned to come to Jiwani to watch the sunset. Whether she came here or not has different views. But a hut was constructed for her, which is still known as Victoria Hut.
The control of Victoria Hut is under the Coast Guard.
These are all places that anyone should visit during his journey on Makran Coastal Highway.
Hopefully, this blog will inspire you to visit makran highway. Also, if you have any questions on Balochistan or my experience traveling on a bicycle/motorbike, please comment below or email me. I’ll try to reply to you as soon as possible.
