Hingol National Park, renowned as one of Pakistan’s largest national parks, is situated in Gwadar, Balochistan. Travelers to Hingol National Park usually start in Karachi, about 243 kilometers away. The drive via the Makran Coastal Highway (N-25) takes about 3.5 hours. We offer organized tours to Hingol National Park and provide logistical support for visitors.
Hingol National Park, on the Makran Coast in southwestern Balochistan, Pakistan, covers over 6,100 square kilometers (2,400 square miles), making it the country’s largest national park. It lies 190 kilometers from Karachi and spans the districts of Gwadar, Lasbela, and Awaran. The park is known for its striking landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and abundant wildlife, attracting nature enthusiasts, adventurers, and researchers.
Hingol National Park was designated in 1988. It takes its name from the southern part of the Hangul River, which flows alongside the Arabian Sea and provides habitat for many waterfowl and marine species. The park includes six distinct ecosystems, such as deserts and plains, setting it apart from other national parks in Pakistan.
Lush forests dominate the northern region, contrasting with rugged mountains to the south. The park borders the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. The Makran Coastal Highway, completed in 2004, has made the park’s unique rock formations a major tourist attraction.
Hingol National Park in Gwadar, Balochistan, offers insights into ancient cultures. It features rock carvings that document life in the region thousands of years ago, testifying to the civilizations that once flourished here.
Hingol National Park is a sanctuary for threatened species in Pakistan. It supports about 257 plant species and 289 animal species, including 35 mammals, aquatic organisms, amphibians, reptiles, and many rare birds. Notable wildlife includes the Balochistan bear, Indian wolf, Sindh leopard, and marsh crocodile.
Hangul Bay hosts a variety of marine life, including Indo-Pacific dolphins and green and olive turtles. These turtles come ashore nightly in August to lay eggs. However, rising plastic pollution on beaches has made nesting difficult, leading to a decline in turtle populations along the coasts of Sindh and Balochistan.
Hingol National Park is renowned for its notable natural and cultural landmarks. The following are some of the prominent sites within the park:
One notable geological formation in Hingol National Park is the Princess of Hope, a rock structure resembling a tall woman gazing into the distance. During a 2004 United Nations mission to Pakistan, Angelina Jolie named it ‘Princess of Hope.’ Despite its sculptural look, natural forces like heavy rainfall and ocean winds shaped it over time.
Shinghar is a prominent rock formation shaped by natural geological processes. It rises dramatically from the landscape, illustrating erosion and other forces that have shaped the park over thousands of years.
Rock formations in Hingol National Park have been shaped by wind and rain over time. A notable example is the Lion of Balochistan, or Balochistan Sphinx, which resembles Egypt’s sphinx. Unlike the Egyptian sphinx, this formation is entirely natural.
Hingol National Park houses the Hinglaj Devi Mandir, a temple inside a cave on a mountain in the Makran desert. This site holds great religious and spiritual importance for Pakistan’s Hindu community. Each year, devotees from across the country make a four-day pilgrimage to the temple.
Throughout the park, many sources of clean water—lakes, streams, and ponds—are surrounded by lush vegetation. These oases are vital for supporting wildlife in Balochistan’s harsh desert environment.
Kund Malir Beach is one of Pakistan’s most pristine beaches, known for its clear waters. Visitors should bring enough water, food, and fuel for their vehicles, as facilities in the area are limited.
Hingol National Park has three mud volcanoes in the remote Mid-Hor region of Lasbela District. The Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) installation is a major landmark nearby. One mud volcano, Chandracup, is geologically significant and holds religious importance for the Hindu community. The mud volcanoes range from 800 to 1,500 feet in height.
The Hingol River flows through Hingol National Park, contributing to the park’s scenic landscape and serving as a primary water source for its flora and fauna.
Hingol National Park has designated camping areas where visitors must bring their own equipment.
Kund Malir, a nearby town, offers guest houses and beach huts for accommodation.
Hingol National Park offers numerous opportunities for photography, including striking landscapes, unique rock formations, and diverse wildlife.
The best time to visit Hingol National Park is during the cooler months from October to March, when temperatures are moderate. Summer temperatures can reach 40 degrees Celsius. Check the weather forecast before planning your visit.
Hingol National Park remains open to visitors at all hours throughout the year. A permit must be obtained from the District Forest Office in Lasbela or the Hingol National Park Office in Kund Malir before entry. Payment of an entry fee is also required.
In March 2021, two adventurous comrades and I embarked on a thrilling escapade with the esteemed “Pakistan Tours.” Our destination was the majestic Hingol National Park in the Lasbela district of Balochistan, traveling along the mesmerizing Makran Coastal Highway. Words cannot fully capture the wonder of this expedition; you must feel it to comprehend its splendor truly.
Picture this: a highway carved through formidable mountains, which are a testament to nature’s artistic prowess, boasting shapes and rock formations that will leave you astounded. Take the “Princess of Hope,” a natural rock formation resembling a girl standing tall like the Statue of Liberty. And then there’s the Sphinx – yes, a Sphinx! But here’s the kicker: I witnessed something so extraordinary that people find hard to believe. On a sheer mountainside, I spotted an enormous human foot imprint. I kid you not!
But the adventure didn’t stop there. We made our way to the breathtaking Kund Malir Beach, a true gem. We spent the night gazing at the star-studded sky while the pristine beach stretched before us, with waters as blue as the heavens. We camped and enjoyed mouthwatering barbecue. There were also plenty of beach activities to keep us entertained.
There’s more. A mere 125 kilometers from Kund Malir Beach lies the enchanting Ormara Beach. It’s still on my bucket list, but I’ve heard it surpasses Kund Malir in beauty. On the way, you’ll encounter a mud volcano worth visiting.
The distance between Kund Malir Beach and Karachi is 240 kilometers. So, if you’re up for the journey, the Makran Coastal Highway, the Princess of Hope, Kund Malir Beach, and the mud volcano are all part of the splendid Hingol National Park experience.
But my wanderlust doesn’t end there! A mere 280 kilometers further from Ormara Town lies Gwadar, a place I’m itching to explore soon.
Our group tour cost 3,500 PKR in March 2021, roughly 11.95 USD. This covered dinner, breakfast, transportation, and camping. The group was top-notch, and their professionalism was commendable. Special kudos to our group leader, Huzaifa, who took great care of us throughout the journey.
While public buses ply this route, don’t expect them to take you to the beach or the Princess of Hope. They mainly shuttle between Karachi and Gwadar and cost no more than 3,000 PKR (10.24 USD). A stopover at Ormara is included, but for the full Hingol National Park experience, I recommend joining a dedicated tour.
In conclusion, dear fellow wanderers, I implore you to embark on this remarkable adventure. It’s a journey that will leave you spellbound and yearning for more.
We, a group of friends packed into two cars, left Karachi late in the evening for Hingol National Park, one of Pakistan’s largest national parks, covering about 1,650 sq km along the Makran Coast Highway, offering one of the most scenic drives.
We reached the Mud Volcanoes late at night. The mud volcanoes are named Chandragup1, Chandragup2, and Chandragup3. Chandragup1 is 300 feet high and fun to climb. It is a sacred annual pilgrimage site for Hindus. We camped at the base of the volcanoes under a full moon. You must be fully prepared for camping as there are no shops or facilities nearby.
After breakfast at a tea shop in Agor, we headed to Kund Malir Beach and Golden Beach, known for dolphins and clear blue water. Next, we drove to Buzzi Pass, where mud mountains look like Mars on Earth. On the way back from Buzzi Pass is the Princess of Hope, a natural rock formation resembling a princess looking beyond the horizon, standing high in the mountains.
The next stop on the way back was Hingol National Park, home to animals such as ibexes, urials, and chinkara, as well as migratory and resident birds. Hinglaj Mata/Nani Mandir is a Hindu temple in the middle of the park, located in a mountain cave. Here, we saw an ibex munching on leaves.
The best time to travel is from November to March. If you don’t want to camp, you can start the journey at night and arrive early morning to witness the sunrise at Buzzi Pass. The sunset at Hingol River Bridge is very scenic.
Hingol National Park in Gwadar features many notable attractions, including the Princess of Hope, Lion of Balochistan, Hingol River, Shinghar, natural oases, Kund Malir Beach, and Hingol Mud Volcanoes. These sites offer visitors opportunities for exploration, adventure, and tranquility.
