Islamabad: There is one place in Pakistan that surprisingly looks a lot like Mars. Many have undoubtedly seen images of the extraordinary rock formations, perfectly circular mud volcanoes and sandy terrain but few people know that all these spectacular sights are located inside the less-travelled and least known Hingol National Park.
Spread across three districts of Balochistan province – Lasbela, Awaran, and Gwadar – the park covers around 6,200 square kilometres (61,9043 hectares). It is located on the Makran Coast, in southwestern Balochistan about 190 km west of Karachi. The road leading to the national park offers a panoramic view of the rocky ridge and blue beaches. The path is smooth but getting to the park as much of an adventure as the destination itself.
Beauty of Hingol National Park
Hingol National Park’s historical, cultural and environmental significance has made it one of the natural wonders of Pakistan. The park is a wildlife sanctuary, covered with arid sub-tropical forest with 250 plant species, and home to several natural and religious sites such as an ancient Hindu temple and the country’s famous rock statues, Princess of Hope and Sphinx. Nearly 109 kilometres long part of the coastal highway runs through the national park.
What attracts the tourists is the park’s unique landscape and diverse ecosystem where they can experience outdoor activities such as nature trails, relaxing on sandy beaches, sailing on crystal clear water, rock climbing, bird watching and visiting cultural, religious and archaeological sites, all within a few miles.
Wildlife at Hingol Park
The region was declared a national park in 1988. The park is named after the Hingol River which flows through it, forming an estuary as it enters the Arabian Sea. The river nurtures crocodiles, olive ridley, green marine turtles and dolphins and also supports a significant diversity of bird and fish species.
Hingol Park is home to some 35 species of mammals, 65 kinds of amphibians and reptiles, 185 species of birds and 250 species of plantations. The park harbours important wildlife species including ibex, urial, chinkara gazelle, marsh crocodile, turtle, a variety of marine life and numerous local and migratory birds. “The Houbara Bustard, Dalmatian and spot-billed Pelican and about 13 species of falcon are regular visitors to the park,” Tahir Rasheed, director wildlife at WWF Pakistan, told Gulf News
There are a number of threatened species and the park ecosystem is getting stressed due to “climate change, tightening budget and unavailability of staff for the park management,” says Tahir Rasheed who has spent a few years working at the park. “Fluctuations in temperatures due to climate change is impacting the park, especially drought may lead to wildfires and could wipe out or stress certain species of plants and animals,” he warned. Rasheed urged the Balochistan government to ensure sustainable financial resources to conserve the forest and wildlife as well as the natural and cultural wonders and take measures to boost the ecotourism potential of the park.
Hinglaj Mata Mandar – famous religious site
Besides those who come to the park for natural retreat and good old fresh air, there are many who visit the park for the sacred journey. Thousands of Hindus, from within Pakistan and across the border from India, travel every year to visit the Hinglaj Mata Mandir (also known as Nani Mandir) located inside the park. On their pilgrimage, worshippers walk on rock ridges and between steep cliffs, and take a ritual bath in the sacred Hingol River before finally approaching the temple – believed to be one of the oldest in the world.
The completion of Pakistan’s Makran Coastal Highway in 2004 connected the remote regions, allowing devotees to easily access the site which led to exponential growth in tourist traffic. The oldest documentation of the sacred trip dates to the 14th century. The famous shrine is located in one of these natural caves on the banks of the Hingol River. “There is no temple structure, just a low mud altar and a small stone worshipped as the goddess” according to UNESCO’s description of the temple. Hinglaj is the historical monument of Sindhu civilisation and Hinglaj devi was the last mother queen of the matriarchal era of the Indus Valley, locals say.
Mud volcanoes at Hingol National Park
The park also features several fascinating mud volcanoes that emit methane and mud instead of lava. These volcanoes also attract a number of Hindu worshippers. There are about 10 locations in Hingol having clusters of mud volcanoes. The most famous and sacred to the Hindus, is known as Chandragup, which is the highest, rising 300 feet above sea level. Worshippers pay their respects at the volcano while en-route for their pilgrimage at Nani Mandir.
Princess of Hope and Balochistan Sphinx
Perhaps the most astonishing and appealing feature of the park is its natural rock statues. One of the rock formations resembles a woman with folded arms looking beyond horizons. The statue is called the ‘Princess of Hope’ – a name given by Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie during her visit to the park. Another flawless rock formation beautifully crafted by nature over centuries is the ‘Balochistan Sphinx’ – a natural formation that looks like the Great Sphinx of Giza (a mythical creature with a lion’s body and a human head). Both the natural statues are believed to be around 700 years old. Princess of Hope and the Balochistan Sphinx are among the most favourite photography spots for tourists.
Kund Malir Beach
Kund Malir is considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches of Pakistan. The sparkling aqua blue water, golden sand and the backdrop of beautiful rock formations make it the most Instagrammable spot in Balochistan. However, the lack of basic visitor facilities at the beach deters many from visiting the beach which is about 3.5 hour’s drive away from Karachi city. “There’s no doubt that Kund Malir is the most gorgeous beach in Pakistan. I have been there with my friends. But I don’t think I will take my family to a place that lacks basic tourism services,” said Hamza Akbar, a Karachi-based adventurist.
Planning a visit to Balochistan is never an easy decision due to security issues but tourism companies say that the Makran Coastal Highway is the safest way to get to the park while appreciating all the natural scenery along the way. Experts and tourists have urged the government to adopt ecotourism strategy to improve park conservation, boost local economic growth and provide jobs to the community.
