Quetta, the capital of Balochistan, stands 1,692 meters above sea level at the mouth of the Bolan Pass. Three great craggy mountains — Chiltan, Zarghun and Koh-e-Murdar — brood over this pleasant town, and a ring of copper-red and russet peaks, powdered with snow in winter, adds immense charm.
Quetta is an excellent base for exploring Balochistan. It can rightly be called the fruit basket of Pakistan: plums, peaches, pomegranates, apricots, apples, melons, cherries, pistachios and almonds are all grown in abundance.
The name comes from “kuwatta”, meaning fort — and Quetta is indeed a natural fort, surrounded by hills on all sides.
Is Quetta right for you?
- Suggested time
- 2 days
- Activity level
- Easy sightseeing
- Best for
- Orchards, bazaars and the base for Ziarat
- When to go
- Spring, summer and autumn are pleasant, with orchards in blossom in spring and fruit in late summer. Winters are cold, often with snow.
Combines well withZiaratBolan Pass
Compare Quetta with another destination →Places to see
Hazarganji Chiltan National Park
20 km south-west of Quetta, a 32,500 acre park between 2,021 and 3,264 meters where the markhor is protected.
Hanna Lake
10 km from Quetta, with terraced benches and pavilions; goldfish swim right up to the water’s edge.
Urak Valley
21 km from the city, full of apple and apricot orchards, ending in a waterfall that makes a lovely picnic spot.
Pir Ghaib
70 km along the Sibi road, a waterfall cascading down the mountainside into streams and pools among shady palms.
Karkhasa
A recreation park 10 km west of Quetta — a 16 km long narrow valley rich in wild plants.
Pishin Valley
About 50 km away, orchards watered by traditional “karez” channels, with the lake of Bund Khushdil Khan nearby.
Good to know
- The people
- Mainly Pashtun, Baloch and Brahui, alongside Uzbeks, Tajiks and Turkmen — hardy, resilient and known for their hospitality.
- Bazaars
- Kandahari Bazaar, Liaquat Bazaar and Suraj Ganj Bazaar sell Balochi mirror-work embroidery, carpets, fur coats, jackets and sandals. Don’t miss “sajji” — slow-roasted leg of lamb.
- Museums
- The Archaeological Museum on Fifa Road has rare antique guns, swords and manuscripts; the Geological Survey on Sariab Road has rocks and fossils.
- When to go
- Spring, summer and autumn are pleasant, with orchards in blossom in spring and fruit in late summer. Winters are cold, often with snow.
Header photo: Hanna Lake — Aysafaran, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons