Quetta

Quetta (Urdu: کوئٹہ, Balochi: کویته, Pashto: کوټه) is the capital of Balochistan province in Pakistan. If you are taking the overland route from Istanbul, Turkey to New Delhi, India without going through Afghanistan you will have to pass through Quetta.

Quetta is an excellent base for exploration of Balochistan. Kan Mehtarzai, which at 2224 m above sea level was the highest railway station in Pakistan until the line closed in 1986, is a two-hour drive away. Loralai, the almond bowl of the country, is 265 km away. Besides, there are numerous other valleys that are fascinating places for explorers.

Understand

The name Quetta is derived from the Pashto word "Kwatta" which means a fort possibly because it is a natural fort surrounded by imposing hills on all sides. Three large craggy mountains — Chiltan, Zarghun and Koh-e-Murdar — seem to brood upon this town, and there are other mountains that form a ring around it. Their copper red and russet rocks and crests are powdered with snow in winters add immense charm to the town.

Strategically, Quetta is an important city due to its proximity to borders with Iran and Afghanistan. There is a huge military base just outside the city. Historically, Quetta owes much of its importance to the Bolan Pass which links it to Kandahar, Afghanistan.

Excavations in the Quetta valley have proved that humans have lived there since pre-history. Modern day Quetta is a growing centre of excellence.

The population of Quetta district is approximately two million, and the city has an area of 2653 km².

Climate

Quetta is 1,680 m (5,500 feet) above sea level and enjoys a healthy climate. The temperature drops a few degrees below the freezing point in winter following a typical autumn when the leaves turn golden and then a wild red.

Quetta is known as the fruit basket of Pakistan. Plums, peaches, pomegranates, apricots, apples, guavas (locally called zaitoon), some unique varieties of melon such as "Garma" and "Sarda" and cherries, pistachios and almonds are all grown in abundance. Some pistachios also grow in Qila Saif Ullah. Saffron grows very well and is being cultivated on a commercial scale. Tulips are an indigenous flower of Pakistan. The yellow and red varieties of tulip grow wild in the area.

People and culture

Quetta is the most diverse city of Balochistan but the largest ethnic groups found in Quetta are Balochs and Pashtuns while a minority of Hazaras also lives here... Languages spoken include Brahui, Balochi, Pashto, Hazarigi, Urdu, Punjabi, etc.

Get in

As of January 2024, you require permission from the police to travel to Quetta due to the poor security situation and high risk of kidnapping. The terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Jhangvi is very active in the area.

By plane

• 1 Quetta International Airport (UET  ^IATA) (is about 15 minutes by taxi from the city center). Flights with Pakstan International Airlines will take you here from most major cities in Pakistan such as; Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad. There are no international flights available (2014).  

By train

Pakistan Railways runs daily train connections with most major cities in Pakistan. The overnight sleeper Bolan Mail departs Karachi daily at 6PM, arriving afternoon the next day. Another sleeper train, Akbar Express starts in Lahore and runs via Faisalabad and several other cities in Punjab, travel time for the full journey is about 24 hours. Coming from Afghanistan, there is a train departing the border town of Chaman every day early afternoon, arriving later that evening just after 7:30PM.

In theory, there is one international train from Zahedan in Iran. However, over the last few years service has been interrupted several times due to security concerns. Inquiring about the current status before travelling is essential. The train is supposed to depart Zahedan the 3rd and 17th of every month at 10AM, supposedly arriving the next day at 8:30PM. Delays are the norm, the actual arrival time is usually between 3-6 hours after schedule. On some occasions this train might be cancelled, sometimes replaced by bus. As of early 2023 local information suggests this service is only being used for freight for now.

• 2 Quetta railway station (Off Zarghun Road, a few blocks west of the city centre.). (updated Jan 2020)

By road

The highway connects eastward to Karachi and westward via Koh-e-Taftan to Tehran, Iran, 1,435 km away. The road to Sibi connects it with Punjab and upper Sindh. The road via Loralai - Fort Monro -D.G. Khan and Multan is a shorter route for Punjab. The Chaman Road is a link between the country and the Afghan border.

Get around

On foot

The city centre is small enough that a visitor can reach most places by foot. It is a place of ancient monuments, wide tree-lined boulevards and sterling British architecture. Even more compelling, Quetta has a dramatic setting, with a mountainous backdrop on all sides. Most sights can be easily seen in a day: the impressive Archaeological Museum of Baluchistan, the fort or the city’s many colourful bazaars which are great places to buy marble, onyx and some of the finest carpets in Pakistan.

The main thoroughfare and the commercial centre of Quetta is Jinnah Road, where the Tourist Information Centre of Pakistan's Tourism Development Corporation is located as well as the banks, restaurants and handicraft shops. Shahrah-e-Zarghun, a tree-lined boulevard, runs parallel to Jinnah Road, here many important buildings like the Governor's House, Post and Telecommunication Offices are located.

By auto-rickshaw

Auto-rickshaws give Quetta polluted air, and are the most popular and the cheapest way to get around the city but they are rapidly being replaced by more environmentally friendly 4-stroke CNG rickshaws.

From the airport - When you arrive at the airport you will likely be besieged with touts offering you taxis and rooms. It's wise not to book anything through them and arrange a taxi yourself to the hotel of your choice. Some of the mid-range and most top-end hotels offer a courtesy shuttle from the airport.

See

• 1 Quetta Archeological Museum. Daily 9AM-3PM. Has a collection of rare antique guns, swords and manuscripts. It has a display of Stone Age tools, prehistoric pottery and articles found from Mehrgarh. There are also coins, manuscripts and photos of Quetta before 1935 earthquake. (updated Jan 2020)
• 2 Geological Museum, Sariab Road (near Balochistan University). Has a collection of rocks and fossils found in Balochistan. The Command and Staff College Museum is worth a visit for those interested in British military history. It is housed in the former bungalow of Field Marshal Montgomery. (updated Jan 2020)
• Hanna Lake. Overlooking Quetta, approximately 10 km from the city and very close to the Urak, where benches and pavilions on terraces have been provided. Golden fish in the lake come swimming right up to the edge. A little distance away, the waters of the lake take on a greenish blue tint. Right where the water ends, pine trees have been planted on the grass filled slopes. The turquoise water of lake is a stark contrast to the brownish-green hills that surround the area. Wagon service operates from city bus station at Circular Road. The transport can be hired through the PTDC Tourist Information Centre, Muslim Hotel, Jinnah Road Quetta. (updated Jan 2020)
• Hazarganji Chiltan National Park. Hazarganji means "of a thousand treasures". In the folds of these mountains, legend has it, that, there are over a thousand treasures buried, reminders of the passage of great armies down the corridors of history. The Bactrian, Scythians, Mongols and then the great migrating hordes of Pashtuns, all passed this way. In the Hazarganji Chiltan National Park, 20 km southwest of Quetta, Markhors, have been given protection. The park is spread over 38,437 acres (15,555 hectares), altitude ranging from 2,000 to 3,200 m. Nature lovers, students, scientists and researchers are welcome to visit the park at any time of the year. For overnight stay, accommodation is available at the Forest Department Rest House located five kilometres inside the park. Park Rangers help the visitors to see animals. Access trails have been developed in the park for visitors. A small museum of natural history is located near the park entrance. (updated Jan 2020)
• Pir Ghaib. Waterfall and picnic point located 70 km from the city centre on Sibi Road. (updated Jan 2020)
• Kharkhassa. recreation park situated at distance of 10 km to the west of Quetta. It is a 16-km long narrow valley having a variety of flora like Ephedra, Artemisia and Sophora. One can see birds like partridges and other wild birds in the park. Limited recreational facilities are provided to the visitors through the Forest Department, Spinney Road, Quetta. (updated Jan 2020)

• Askari Park (Airport Road). (updated Jan 2020)
• Liaquat Park (Shahrah-e-Iqbal). (updated Jan 2020)
• Balochistan Arts Council Library, Jinnah Road. (updated Jan 2020)
• Chiltan Hill viewpoint, Brewery Road. Offers a panoramic view of Quetta. (updated Jan 2020)

Do

• 1 Hazarganji-Chiltan National Park. (updated Dec 2022)

Festivals

There are religious and social festivals celebrated by the people of Quetta. Two major religious festivals are Eid-ul-Azha and Eid-ul-Fiter. On these festivals people adorn their houses, wear new dresses, cook special dishes and visit each other. Eid-Meladun-Nabi is another religious festival. It is a celebration of the birth day of the Muslim prophet, Muhammad.

Numerous colourful social festivals are also source of jubilation. Sibi festival that traces its roots to Mehrgarh, an archeological site of ancient human civilization, attracts people from across the country. It is attended by common folk, ministers and other government officials. Folk music performances, cultural dances, handicrafts stalls, cattle shows and a number of other amusing activities. Buzkashi is a peculiar festival showing the valor of Pashtun people. It is celebrated on horseback by two teams that use their skills to snatch a goat from each other.

Buy

Local handicrafts, specially green marble products, mirror work and embroidered jackets, shirts, and hand bags, pillow covers, bed sheets, dry fruits, etc.

The main bazaar is on Jinnah Road. Prominent bazaars of Quetta are located on Shahrah-e-Iqbal (Kandahari Bazaar) and Shahrah-e-Liaqat (Liaqat Bazaar and Suraj Gang Bazaar). Here you can find colourful handicrafts, particularly Balochi mirror work and Pashtun embroidery. The Pashtun workers are expert in making fine Afghani carpets, with their pleasing and intricate designs, fur coats, jackets, waist-coats, sandals and other creations of traditional Pashtun skills.

Balochi carpets are made by the nomadic tribes of this area. They are generally not nearly as fine or expensive as the Persian city products, or even the Turkoman tribal rugs from further north, but they are generally better than Afghan carpets and more authentic than the copies of Turkoman and Persian designs that the cities of Pakistan produce. They definitely have a charm of their own. They range from relatively crude rugs that can, with some bargaining, be purchased for very reasonable prices to fine and valuable pieces. Many are small enough for easy transport.

Eat

Sajji being cooked

In the old bazaars are old tea-shops, which are the local social clubs. There are also many popular eating houses offering different types of delicacies. Among the popular delicacies is Sajji (leg of lamb), which is tender and is not very spicy. It is a whole leg of lamb marinated in local herbs and spices and barbecued beside an open fire. It is very popular among the locals and is offered with great insistence to the guests. The Pathan tribesmen of the valley also enjoy Landii (whole lamb) and Khandi Kebab. Landhi s a whole lamb which is dried in shade and kept for the winters. Kebab shops are very popular, the best being Lal Kebab and Cafe Baldia. They serve Pakistani and Continental food. The Chinese restaurant that is one of the oldest in town is Cafe China. Some of the finest mutton in the country is raised around Quetta. It has a delicious smell which can be sampled in the 'Pualao that most of the eating houses.

There is famous Lehri Sajji house and Mir Afzal Karahi at Jinnah Road. The most famous is the Khadi kebab kebab which is just behind the street at Liaquat Bazaar

The Pashtun people are also known for their refreshing green tea and Dood Pati shops

Very few places can compete with Quetta valley in having wide range of tasteful fruits, exported to all parts of the country as well as abroad. There you can find plums, peaches, pomegranates, apricots, apples, olives, different types of melon, water-melon, cherries, pistachios, almonds and other dry fruits. Saffron and tulip are also grown and cultivated on a commercial scale. The fruits heaven is Urak, called Samaristan meaning the land of fruits in Persian.

Drink

• Being an Islamic country, Alcohol is banned but is available for non Muslims. None of the hotels have bars, although at some alcohol can be ordered as room service.

There is a liquor store on the main street though it's difficult to find (it's best to ask your hotel, which should be able to provide directions).

• Quetta is well known for its Kawa (Green Tea) and Shere Chai also known as Dood Pati Chai. Kawa has a unique flavour, and is usually served sweet, lemon and ginger powder are optional additions.
• Sharbat-e-Sandal is a sweet, non-carbonated drink unusually found in markets in summer. It has a good taste and a yellowish-green transparent colour - look out for the black seeds. Served ice cold.

Sleep

Budget

• 1 Shees Hotel, M.A. Jinnah Road, 823015. Centrally located. The rooms are a good value, and the manager is helpful. +92 81 2823015 
• Zulfiqar Hotel, Prince Rd (Airport Road towards Afghanistan), ☏ +92 81 2822720. Breakfast. Rs 1642 (Mar 2022). 
• 2 Bloom Star Hotel, 8 Stewart Rd (in a side street of Jinnah Rd near train station), ☏ +92 81 283-3350. Check-out: 12:00. Clean hotel with two gardens where you can pitch a tent. Also has a parking area. Rs 4015 (Mar 2022). 

Mid-range

• Jan Luxury Hotel (Faiz Muhammad Road), ☏ +92 81 2875500. Rs 8212. 

Splurge

• 3 Quetta Serena Hotel (In Cantonment area, crossing of Zarghoon Rd and Hali Rd.), ☏ +92 81 2820073, fax: +92-81-2820070. One of the best hotels around, centrally located and offers lots of service. Prices start at US$170 per night. 

Stay safe

Quetta is firmly planted on the overland to/from Iran route and sees its fair share of travelers, and most don't run into problems. Balochistan gained some media attention as a hideout and winter home for the Taliban and Al Qaeda, and some high-profile wanted men have been captured here. While this may invoke fear in some, you're unlikely to be bothered here, as they're more in hiding and trying to blend in than out starting trouble.

In 2009, the general level of safety for foreigners deteriorated as the Head of the UNHCR office in Quetta was kidnapped and taken to Afghanistan. If you are on an official mission or high-profile business some caution should be exercised.

All in all the people of Quetta are friendly but don't question their religion, culture and tradition. The Pashtuns pride themselves on their tradition of hospitality (milmastia in Pashto) to guests. Just a greeting of Salaam Alaykum will get you far in endearing yourself to people.

Cope

FM100 Pakistan is the state-run radio channel with local news and other information. FM105 is an ew private radio channel which in a short time have captured the young audience of Quetta valley due to its modern and open approach to songs and current affairs.

All regional languages are represented at local TV-stations including Pashto, Brahui, Baluchi, Punjabi, Persian, drama and current/youth affairs are the main trends.

Go next

Urak Valley

Driving through wild roses and fruit orchards, you may reach the Urak Valley at a distance of 21 km.

Pishin valley

Filled with numerous fruit orchards, the Pishin Valley is 50 km away from Quetta. These orchards are irrigated by ‘karez’. There is the attraction of cool waters, i.e. man-made lake with Bund Khushdil Khan (Tareenan).

Ziarat

A visit to Quetta May be considered incomplete without a trip to Ziarat (133 km from Quetta, 3 hours by car), a hill town 8000 feet above sea-level, where the founder of Pakistan Quiad-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah spent his last days. Air-conditioned coach and taxis take anything between an hour or two from Quetta, an ideal and relaxing summer retreat with rows of juniper trees and ever green slopes.

While Ziarat abounds in tall chinar trees and juniper grows wild as does walnut and a variety of other trees, the area west of this hill station leading up to the Afghan border is rocky and barren. The drive through this unfriendly terrain provides one the grim reminder of the fierce tribes who roamed free in the region and kept the British weary and fearful. The border village of Chaman is also a major trading centre for a variety of fruit, a large quantity of which is still brought in from Afghanistan.

Khojak Pass

This pass will lead you directly to the Chaman Border of Afghanistan, 153 km from Quetta. The scenic beauty is simply enthralling. The border journey is to be materialized through Khojak Sheela, a 4 km long tunnel, at an elevation of more than 1945 metres above sea level.

Bolan Pass

Over the centuries several armies from Central Asia and north intruded into the lands of India through this pass. It is a picturesque hilly road, although you may encounter member of Al-Qaeda.

Lak Pass

While cruising through the hilly tract between Quetta and Kalat, you cansee the route to Zahidan, Iran. Koh-e-Taftan and Saindak copper mines are en route.

Harnai Pass

The entire population of Kharwari Baba and for that matter of the entire Ziarat, migrates to Harnai in extreme winter. Harnai Pass, about an hour's drive from Loralai, is just as spectacular as the Khyber Pass near Peshawar.

Mehrgarh, ancient civilization

A lot has been done to explore the culture and civilization of ancient people. An important site near Quetta is 1 Mehrgarh, near the Bolan Pass south of Quetta; the nearest modern town is Sibi. Mehrgarh shows evidence of continuous settlement from circa 7000 BCE up to 500 BCE. The earliest known evidence of farming and animal husbandry in South Asia is from the ancient 7000-5500 BCE layers of this site. Around 2500 BCE, Mehrgarh has relics of the Indus Valley Civilization.