How to travel to Balochistan?
Balochistan is the least visited Pakistani province for tourists and for many years few foreigners were able to explore the region.
Much of its recent history has suffered from issues involving insurgency and an armed separatist’s movement.
However, things have improved and large parts of the area can now be reached more safely by visitors. Those who do book a trip to Balochistan will be richly rewarded, with areas of coastline, harsh desert, mountains and a fascinating cultural tapestry.
In this guide we will answer all the need-to-know questions before making a trip to Balochistan, so let’s get started…
Where is Balochistan?
Balochistan covers a vast area of south-western and western Pakistan, bordering parts of both Iran and Afghanistan.
It’s the largest province in the country, however, it’s also one of the least populated, stretching from the Arabian Sea up to the central part of the nation.
What is it like in Balochistan?
Balochistan has a hot and arid climate, with vast swathes of desert in the centre, along the border with Iran and Afghanistan.
There is also a considerable part of the province containing mountain ranges, which come down to the coast on the Arbian Sea.
Balochistan has a 760km coastline, which is dotted with small fishing communities, along with areas of remote beaches.
The largest city is Quetta, in the north of the province, near the border with Afghanistan. Here the elevation is higher and the temperature cooler as a result.
What is there to do in Balochistan? Why visit Balochistan?
The natural beauty of Balochistan is one of the area’s biggest selling points.
The Hingol National Park is the largest in Pakistan and is particularly stunning, with unique rock formations and mud volcanoes. The breathtaking Makran Coastal Highway is also an essential for any traveller to the region – it stretches 653km along the Arabian Sea, carving through mountains and areas of desert. From here you can take a quick boat trip to Astola Island, which is known for its pristine environment and diverse marine life.
Further inland, there are remarkable cave networks to uncover, including the Gondrani Caves, and continuing north you reach the lively city of Quetta, famous for its buzzing bazaars and historical landmarks. Nearby you can find the Bolan Pass, the southern sibling to the Khyber Pass, which features a picturesque train route through the hills, offering an unforgettable journey.
Another popular spot is the Ziarat Juniper Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site – it’s here you can find the Quaid-e-Azam Residency, where Pakistan’s founder spent his final days. The Moola Chotok ravine is another highlight, with clear blue rivers, large pools, and swimming spots.
This is just a small taste of Balochistan’s many attractions.
Can you fly to Balochistan?
Yes, you can fly to Balochistan. There are direct flights from Karachi and Islamabad to Quetta, which run regularly.
There are also direct flights from Dubai.
Where is the best place to cross by land into Balochistan?
There are two recommended routes to cross by land into Balochistan. One is to use the Makran Coastal Highway, travelling from Karachi into Balochistan along the Arbian Sea.
Our second recommend route is to cross from Multan, in the centre of Pakistan, to the city of Quetta, in the north of Balochistan.
Is there a border crossing between Balochistan and Afghanistan?
Yes, there is an open border between Balochistan and Afghanistan. The border crossing is between Spin Buldak (Afghanistan) and Chaman (Balochistan).
It’s a major entry point near Quetta, which continues on towards Kandahar in Afghanistan.
Is there a border crossing between Balochistan and Iran?
Yes, you can cross overland between Balochistan and Iran.
There are two main crossings – one is between Pishin (Iran) and Mand (Balcohistan), in the south of the province. The second is in the north, linking Mirijaveh (Iran) and Taftan (Balochistan).
Do you need a visa for Balochistan?
People travelling to any region of Pakistan, including Balochistan, require a standard Pakistan tourist visa. 191 different nationalities can apply using the country’s e-visa system, which you can access here:
Included in the e-visa process is the requirement for a Letter of Invitation. This can be sorted by your tour provider, such as Untamed Borders.
Along with a standard tourist visa, to access Balochistan, you will also need to apply for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) – this is a second document, separate to the standard tourist visa.
Officially the government says the visa process can take up to 10 working days, however, in our experience it can vary between a few days and much much longer.
Is the visa requirement for Balochistan the same as the rest of Pakistan?
The visa requirements for Balochistan and the rest of Pakistan are the same. However, people travelling to Balochistan require a second document called No Objection Certificate.
You can’t travel to Balochistan without an approved NOC certificate. The NOC can be arranged through your travel agency to Balochistan, such as Untamed Borders.
Is it safe to travel to Balochistan?
There are risks in travelling to Balochistan, including an insurgency and terrorism risk.
There is also an independence movement in the region and, as a result, a security escort is provided by the government for foreign visitors.
Even with your approved NOC, you can’t visit everywhere and you’re under strict guidance from the authorities.
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Untamed Borders offers both group and private tours to Balochistan. You can see recent photos here.
If you have any questions or require more information about travelling to Balochistan, please contact the Untamed Borders team on – info@untamedborders.com