Khuzdar – A Land of Stunning Oasis and Waterfalls

All You Need to Know About Khuzdar:

Khuzdar is often termed a secret paradise because of the oasis and cascading waterfalls that are located in this district’s hidden places although the beauty of Khuzdar has not been explored much, we are certain that you will fall in love with it the moment you enter it. Situated in Balochistan which is the largest province in Pakistan in terms of area, Khuzdar is the capital of Khuzdar District and the third-largest city of Balochistan. The south of Pakistan is traveled lesser than the north and this is one of the reasons that this gem of a place is often overlooked and so underrated. From different waterfalls that feature vary in color to breathtaking barren landscapes, Khuzdar will definitely make it to the top of your list once you give this beauty a chance.

Khuzdar, which means ‘place of silk’ in Persian, is situated at the apex of a narrow valley along the Kolachi River and is among the best places to visit in Pakistan. Despite its high altitude of 4000 feet above sea level, the weather here is dry and arid with limited rainfall. Khuzdar district shares a border with the Naushahro Feroze and Larkana districts of Sindh. Khuzdar also holds an important position because it is situated right on the National Highway which links Pakistan to Iran and Turkey. Khuzdar has a rich history that is visible by the ruins of various forts including Kohiar Fort, Halwai Peak Fort, and Khudadad Khan Fort. The area is filled with mountains with the city being surrounded by huge mountains from all sides that reflect sunlight and have hidden waterfalls that will make you fall in love with this city.

Another thing that Khuzdar is famous for is being the “learning center of Balochistan”. The title is due to the number of private and government colleges that are found here. The city is also the largest Brahui-speaking city with 95% of the population speaking it. But this is not all, Khuzdar has some amazing local cuisines and the serenity of the district that makes it a perfect spot for a weekend gateway where you can go to enjoy an open sky filled with millions of stars.

Places to Visit in Khuzdar:

There are many places that you must visit whenever you plan a visit to Khuzdar as each of these places feature the unmatched beauty of the waterfall and lush green landscapes that line this district:

• Moola Chotak:

Probably the most famous cascades or waterfalls that are found in Balochistan attract a lot of tourists from all over the country. Moola Chotak is located in Moola Tehsil of Khuzdar and exists between two mountains. The water is really cold in winter so try to plan a visit in summer or spring to enjoy and have fun in the fresh turquoise water. A lot of people also camp here at night by the waterside. You will need a 4×4 jeep to reach this hidden waterfall since the area is off-road.

• The Paradise Point – Pir Chattal Noorani:

A stunning oasis in Jal Magsi which is just a few hours away from Khuzdar, Pir Chattal Noorani Gandhawa is also known as The Paradise Pont. There is a 900-years old shrine of Pir Chattal here and the water is incredibly blue with thousands of rare fish breeds found in these waters. However, the legend associated with the place states that you cannot hunt and eat these fishes as they are poisonous and will get out alive even if you were to eat them. This is because these fish were Pir Chattal’s pet and no one is allowed to mess with them. This myth is a huge part of the reason why this place attracts so many tourists.

• Pir Ghaib Waterfall:

                             

Located in Bolan, a couple of hours’ drive away from Khuzdar, Pir Ghaib Waterfalls will simply take your breath away. The fresh blue water falls from the rocky terraneous mountains to the ponds that are lined with palm trees and serve as a beautiful spot that looks straight out from a fairytale. The government has also made efforts to increase tourism in this place and now it offers zip lining, a water slide, a walking track, and food points so that you can enjoy it to the max. The area also has a shrine of Pir Ghaib who is known to be worshipped by the local Hindus as Mahadev.

What to Eat in Khuzdar:

The local food of Balochistan is quite famous and you will find a lot of restaurants in Karachi that claim to serve authentic Balochi food but believe us when we say that they do not do justice to the real thing. Here are a few things you should try if you ever plan a visit to Khuzdar:

• Sajji:

           

A popular dish that is probably loved by people all over the country, Sajji is made with lamb or chicken. Sajji contains tenderized meat cooked to perfection with a very mild taste from spices such as cumin, ajwain, black pepper, coriander seeds, lemon juice, garlic paste, and vinegar. Sometimes it is also served along with rice as a sideline.

• Balochi Karahi:

Karachi is usually made by using lamb or chicken meat that comes with curry made from yogurt and spices. Balochi Karahi tastes amazing and will make you a fan of Karahis overall due to the flavorful curry and tender meat that it features. Balochi Karachi is served with hot rotis and salad.

• Khaddi Kebab:

One of the most famous dishes in Balochistan that you will not find anywhere else is Khaddi Kebab. It is a traditional dish that includes barbecuing a full lamb in a covered underground space wrapped with iron sheets and then lighting it with fire. It is served with rice and sometimes the rice is cooked along with the meat. Khaddi Kebab can be eaten by more than 12 people due to the large size although the dish is so delicious you would want it all to yourself.

Where to Stay in Khuzdar:

Khuzdar is not really that high on tourism yet which means there are no luxury 5-star hotels available here. However, you will find a lot of lodging options that have basic requirements and motels where you can stay to spend the night. If you are looking for high-class hotels then, unfortunately, you will have to stay in Quetta throughout your trip which means spending too many hours on road to reach the travel destinations near Khuzdar. Some of the reasonably good places to stay in Khuzdar are:

• SAARC Hotel:

Not a really great place to stay but since there are no other options available, SAARC Hotel is your best choice as it is situated right on the RCD Highway. The hotel offers basic amenities like clean water, electricity backup, free coffee, and Wi-Fi. However, if you are visiting in summer you should know that the rooms are not air-conditioned but according to reviews, the rooms are breezy and wide.

Price range: Starting from PKR 1500 per night.

Address: RCD Highway, Khuzdar, Balochistan.

• National Guest House Khuzdar:

A guest house that guarantees safe stays with comfortable rooms. National Guest House is lined with trees and you will love to spend your evening here to enjoy the fresh weather and leave your worries behind.

Price range: Starting from PKR 1500 per night.

Address: Near Al Aziz Petrol Pump, R.C.D Road koshk, Khuzdar, Balochistan.