Pakistan is blessed with a number of incredibly beautiful highways that go through some of the most scenic locations in the country. These highways not only connect different cities but they also lead to some of the most breathtaking destinations along the way.
Whether it’s the wondrous Karakoram Highway or the Hazara Motorway, Pakistan is home to a diverse set of highways, each with its unique features and picturesque views. The network of highways is what keeps the country moving.
Graana.com has prepared a guide on the Makran Coastal Highway along with its history, length, and more.
An Overview
Makran Coastal Highway has firmly established itself as one of the most beautiful highways in Pakistan. Running along the coastline of the Arabian Sea, this highway provides travellers with breathtaking views.
It showcases the beauty of Balochistan, which is popular for its rugged landscape. The highway traverses through numerous impressive rocky structures carved over hundreds of years by the winds from the Arabian Sea.
Along the way, travellers can witness pristine beaches and small villages. Every corner and turn opens up a new world of impressive hills and structures, each showcasing its unique features as if competing for the most remarkable structure in the area. The Makran Coastal Highway feels like entering a different world, where travellers can fully immerse themselves in the environment around them.
History of the Makran Coastal Highway
The Makran Coastal Highway, also known as the National Highway 10, was constructed over a period of three years, from 2002 to 2004. The maintenance and monitoring of the highway is currently under the supervision of the National Highway Authority (NHA), which is the main government authority for most highways in the country.
The highway was constructed with the objective of connecting different economic zones and port cities along the coastline. The highway has not only increased economic activity along the coast but it has also provided a boost to the tourism industry.
Length of the Makran Coastal Highway
According to the National Highway Authority, the total length of the Makran Coastal Highway is 653 kilometres. In terms of the length, this makes the highway one of the longest in Pakistan. The whole length of the highway falls within the Balochistan Province. The highway originates in Lyari city, about 110 kilometres from Karachi, and goes all the way to the Iranian border.
Main Cities Along the Makran Coastal Highway
The highway runs through three main coastal cities in Balochistan: Ormara, Pasni, and Gawadar. All three are port cities with significant economic activity. These cities mainly derive their economic activities from fishing and ship-breaking.
Attractions Along the Makran Coastal Highway
Makran Coastal Highway is blessed with numerous attractions along the way. The 653-kilometre-long highway presents a dramatic drive that is filled with excitement and rich history. Along the way, travellers can witness spectacular sand structures and hills, pristine beaches, religious sites, geological wonders, and small villages. Here are some of the most visited attractions on the highway,
Princess of Hope
The highway is full of incredibly artistic rock formations, all carved over hundreds of years by the winds from the ocean. While there are countless rock formations along the highway, one particularly impressive natural rock formation located in the Hingol National Park is called the Princess of Hope.
This peculiar rock formation resembles a skirted princess, commandingly looking over the ocean. The structure was named by the Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie when she visited Pakistan in 2002. The structure is popular among visitors from across Pakistan who come to appreciate the beauty of this area and to muse over the forces of nature which are capable of creating such exceptional structures.
Hingol Mud Volcanoes
Along the Makran highway, travellers have the opportunity to witness a number of natural wonders and geological phenomena, which are rare in other parts of the country. One particular geological phenomenon which is unique to this region is the presence of mud volcanoes, which release mud rather than lava.
There are a number of big and small ones which have remained active for hundreds of years. The biggest of all is called the Chandragup. This active volcano holds a lot of religious significance for Hindus in the region, who make a pilgrimage to this volcano every year.
Apart from its religious significance, tourists from all over the country visit this site to witness the rare geological marvel. The volcano is about 100 metres in elevation, making it a tough climb for some.
Beaches
The Makran coastal highway leads to some of the most impressive and pristine beaches in Pakistan. Along the way, travellers have the opportunity to visit some of these beaches and admire the beauty of the coastal region.
Each beach has its unique features where visitors can indulge in a number of activities, such as fishing, boating, and snorkelling. These beaches are an impressive feature of the coastline. The highway is the main road that connects all these beaches to neighbouring cities such as Karachi and Quetta. Some of these beaches are completely empty, while others have hotels and beach huts. Most of the beaches along the coast are accessible from the highway. Here is a list of the most popular beaches along the highway,
Kund Malir Beach
Kund Malir Beach is the first major beach along the Makran highway. The beach is a fascinating experience for all those who visit. While strolling along the shoreline, it’s impossible not to be entranced by the boundless horizon, where the sky and ocean appear to merge into one. The Kund Malir beach is sprawling with visitors from across Pakistan. The beach offers multiple resorts and huts to the visitors.
Ormara Turtle Beaches
Another popular beach on the highway is Ormara Beach. About 5 hours drive from Karachi, this beach offers some of the most stunning views of the ocean. It is also called the turtle beach because of the presence of a large nest of marine turtles in the area.
The beach is located in Ormara city, which makes it a major attraction to many tourists because it is easy to find accommodation here. It is the midpoint between Karachi and Gawadar.
Gwadar Port City
The Gwadar Port City is the most popular port city on the highway. It is a strategically important port which is currently undergoing major development. The port is famous for fishing and other recreational activities, such as boating and scuba diving.
The port’s hammerhead shape is breathtaking from the air, making it a popular destination for aerial photography. Gwadar Port City is not just a vital hub for trade and commerce; it is a place where the natural beauty of the sea converges with urban development and progress.
It offers a fascinating blend of recreational activities, maritime heritage, and stunning aerial landscapes, making it a destination that caters to a wide range of interests and passions.
FAQs
1. What is the Makran Coastal Highway?
The Makran Coastal Highway is a scenic road in Pakistan that runs along the coastline of the Arabian Sea, connecting Karachi in Sindh to Gwadar in Balochistan.
2. How long is the Makran Coastal Highway?
The highway spans approximately 653 kilometres (405 miles) along the coast, making it one of the longest coastal roads in the world.
3. What are the major cities and destinations along the Makran Coastal Highway?
The highway passes through or near major cities and towns, including Ormara, Pasni, Hingol National Park, and Gwadar, providing access to beautiful beaches and natural attractions.
4. What is the significance of the Makran Coastal Highway?
The highway is strategically important, as it connects the deep-water Gwadar Port to the rest of Pakistan and facilitates trade and development in the region.
5. Is the Makran Coastal Highway a safe road to travel on?
While the highway offers breathtaking views, travellers should be cautious, especially during monsoon season, as heavy rains can cause landslides and flooding in certain areas.
6. Are there any notable attractions along the Makran Coastal Highway?
Yes, there are several attractions, including the pristine beaches of Kund Malir and Astola Island, as well as the unique rock formations in Hingol National Park.
7. What is the best time to visit the Makran Coastal Highway?
The best time to visit is during the winter months (November to February) when the weather is pleasant. Monsoon season (July to September) should be avoided due to potential road hazards.
8. Are there accommodations and services available along the highway?
Yes, there are hotels, guesthouses, and rest areas along the route to cater to travellers’ needs.
9. Can I travel on the Makran Coastal Highway by public transportation?
Yes, there are bus services that operate on this route, offering an affordable way to explore the coastal region.
10. What precautions should I take while travelling on the Makran Coastal Highway?
It’s advisable to check weather conditions before your trip, carry sufficient water and supplies, and drive carefully.
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