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ZIARAT Ziarat is a holiday resort and headquarter of the Ziarat district. Situated about 130km from Quetta is one of the world’s largest and oldest juniper valleys. The Ziarat valley is at an altitude of 2449 meters, (8200 feet) above the sea level. The original name of the place was Ghuski, which was changed to Ziarat after the neighboring shrine of Kharwari baba. One of the most popular holiday resorts of Pakistan. Its healthy atmosphere and serene environments earned it the honour of association with the father of nation Quaid-e-Azam Muhammat Ali Jinnah. Ziarat’s attractions for the naturalists and hikers are immense as it provides wonderful walks amidst picturesque surroundings, for hunters interesting games and for devotees the shrine of Kharwari Baba. The whole juniper valley of Ziarat and the town offer, good opportunity for hiking and rekking. Various gorges also provide challenge of adventure and fun during the summer. There are many lovely walks through the wooden glades. The hill sides are covered with natural juniper vegetation. Huge gorges and defiles constitute a feature of the scenery. Ziarat is very pleasant and enjoyable place for spending a holiday delightfully cool.
JUNIPER FOREST The juniper only grows in hilly country and is generally found at altitudes form 6,500 feet to 8,500 feet but in greater abundance from 8,000 to 8,5000 feet. The wood is light and though not strong withstands the impact of moisture to a remarkable degree. In the highlands the bark of the tree is largely used for roofing huts, and temporary shelters known as manhas. The trees have extremely slow growth and do not hills around Ziarat are covered with juniper tress thickest on the north south and east sides. It is said that some of the juniper trees are old as 5,000 years.
CLIMATE Ziarat is supposed to be the coolest place among the hill stations of Pakistan. The climate during the short summer is delightful and the air is crisp. The valley receives enough snowfall during the winter. Living in Ziarat during the snow time is a fun when log fire burns brightly in the grates. TOURIST SEASON All the year round specially during the season which commences in May and ends in September, the valley welcomes the tourists. LANGUAGES Pashtu is the local language Urdu and English are also spoken.
PEOPLE The inhabitants are mainly Pashtun, the principal clans in the valley are the Panezai, Sarangzai, and Dumar. Nomadic tribesman pass through the valley with herds of sheep and camels and heir assorted wares for sale during spring and Autumn. The people of the Ziarat are known for their friendliness and hospitality. Agriculture is the main occupation of the people. As it is a mountainous region, the terraced slopes are used for agricultural purposes. The valley is so fertile that fruit trees grow by themselves and are in abundance. It must be understood that the lives of the people are very simple and they are not only very easy going but also very hard working and vigorous.
QUAID-E-AZAM RESIDENCY The Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah had great liking for Ziarat and he spent the last days of his life in this enchanting valley. On account of this attachment the small double storied Ziarat Residency has won the position of being a national monument. It has some of the loveliest lawns and beautiful flowers in the country. From the balcony of the upper floor, as well as from the lawn down below, the entire valley appears to be nicely laid down for panoramic view.
KHALIFAT HILLS To the north of Harnai valley the most prominent peak is khalifat, with an altitude of 11,440 feet a magnificent mountain having a sheer drop of 7,000 feet on to the shahrig plain. The route is comparatively more difficult from the summit a fine view is obtained to the south Sibi beyond can be see and on a fine day in the farthest distance may be observed the white outline of Shikarpur more than a hundred and fifty miles distant. ZRANDA 14 kilometer from Ziarat is the scenic Zranda that shines with fruit laden orchards. It derives its name from the Pashto word, “Zranda” meaning “Flour grinding mill” KOWAS Kowas is situated on Kach road 16km from Ziarat town. In former days it formed one of the stages on the main caravan route between India and Persia. All along the road there are apple orchards in terraces. The faces of which are carefully riveted with stone, forming a scene of rustic beauty.
CHUTAIR VALLEY About 13km from Ziarat on way to Sanjwani is the picturesque and charming Chutair valley. This valley is noted for its dotted with many green picnic spots. The crude rustic huts made with the bark of juniper trees in which the inhabitants of the area live are strikingly different from the dwelling in other villages. Nearby is the Chutair Tangi which is worth visiting. There is also a rest house for those who want the stay overnight. PROSPECT POINT The view from prospect point is rewarding. This place is situated some 6km from Ziarat town on the Kharwari Baba road. It lies at a height of 2713 meters (8,900 feet) above sea level. The road is jeep-able but an invigorating. Walk is recommended for those who found of beautiful landscape in calm surroundings. With wind whistling through the forest, one can see from the peak the valley stretched out in undulating slopes in front. From there one can clearly see the highest peak of Khalefat Hills which rises to a height of 3487 meters (11,440 feet). There is a small rest house in which one can stay overnight. Prior reservation may be made through the office of the DCO Ziarat.
SHRINE OF BABA KHARWARI The shrine is situated in the valley below the “Prospect Point” about 8km south of Ziarat town. The real name of the saint was Mulla Tahir. He became disciple of Nana sahib. A number of miracles are attributed to him. A large number of people visit his shrine and offer sacrifices in this place. During Eid, traditional festival of the Muslims the Tribes gather around the shrine and hold wrestling contests and marksmanship competitions. ZIZREE On the foothills of Khalifat Mountain, some 16km from Ziarat is another interesting place Zizree. During the rainy season the clouds spread down the spot and the Juniper trees suffuse the air with sweet scents.
THE GORGES There are more than half a dozen gorges around Ziarat formed by natural spring. The water of these springs falling through narrow openings amongst the mountain rocks produces a spell –binding effect. The sound of water falls singing to the tune of solid rocks while passing through narrow gorges creates a mystic atmosphere. The famous gorges or Tangis along the road to Ziarat are Kawas Tangi, Karbi, Fern Tangi, Shaista Tangi, Karbi Tangi and the Sandeman Tangi. One can approach easily to these gorges by diverting from the main road to have a picnic, adventure and fun. FERN TANGI 10km from Ziarat off the road to Quetta lies the Fern Gorge. It is 2km walk from the main road to the waterfall and is a lovely place for picnic. A small waterfall formed by the mountain spring flows down the rocks.
SHAISTA TANGI It is just 12km from Ziarat. Fascinating hanging boulders and fast cool breeze join to produce an idyllic atmosphere. Cool and clear water of mountain spring flows down and one can spend a very relaxing day here. SANDEMAN TANGI The famous Sandeman Tangi lies just before Ziarat. A track leads to a narrow gorge with a small waterfall and can be explored at leisure. The more adventurous can climb the 60ft high limestone rocks that tower around the resting point. KARBI TANGI The scenic narrow gorge of Karbi Tangi lies on Ziarat-Loralai road. Karbi Tangi is a lovely picnic spot where a spring gushes out of the rocks in the from of a silvery, sweet and ice cold stream.
CHASHMA WALK There is a mile long stretch of flat ground ideal for a peaceful walk. Only 2km away from Ziarat town between the ever ascending hills covered with Juniper trees and the deep ravine, this is the “Chashma Walk” which leads to the springs that provide water for the town. HOW TO GET THERE Ziarat is connected by 133km road from Quetta. Regular coach, bus and wagon services ply between Quetta and Ziarat. CUISINE All the hotels and rest houses serve Pakistani Cuisine, Sajji, Roasted leg of lamb is a typical delicacy of Balochistan which may be served on order. Fresh and dried fruits are also available. OTHER FACILITIES A number of Hotels, Motels, Rest Houses as well as Bank, Hospital, Telephone, Post Office and Taxi facilities are available in Zairat Town.
