Ziarat Valley and Ancient Juniper Forest Balochistan
Ziarat Valley in Balochistan is a historic high-altitude hill station famous for harboring the second largest ancient UNESCO-recognized Juniper Forest ecosystem in the world.
ExploreHazarganji Chiltan National Park Quetta
Quetta, Balochistan
Overview
Situated approximately 20 kilometers southwest of Quetta city along the N-25 National Highway Hazarganji Chiltan National Park is a premier wildlife conservation sanctuary and national eco-tourism landmark in Balochistan. Spanning over 32000 acres across the rugged Chiltan mountain range Hazarganji meaning Of a Thousand Treasures was established in 1980 primarily to rescue and conserve the rare endangered Chiltan Wild Goat Markhor. Featuring majestic limestone peaks natural mountain springs juniper forest ecosystems a high-altitude wildlife museum trekking trails and species like Houbara bustard wild sheep wolves and leopards Hazarganji offers an essential eco-tourist experience near Quetta.
Highlights
- Premier wildlife conservation national park spanning over 32000 acres in the Chiltan mountain range
- Established in 1980 to protect the critically endangered Chiltan Wild Goat Capra aegagrus chialtanensis
- Located just 20 kilometers southwest of Quetta city along the N-25 National Highway
- Features a dedicated Natural History Wildlife Museum detailing regional flora fauna and geology
- Home to diverse wildlife including wild sheep leopards hyenas Houbara bustard and desert raptors
- Mountain hiking trails scenic picnic lawns natural water springs and high-altitude mountain views
Things To Do
- Spot the rare Chiltan Wild Goat Markhor and wild sheep along the upper mountain crags with binoculars
- Visit the on-site Natural History Wildlife Museum to learn about Balochistans high-altitude ecosystems
- Hike along designated mountain trekking trails through wild pistachio and juniper trees
- Enjoy family picnics photography and birdwatching amidst serene mountain natural surroundings
- Explore scenic natural water springs and high-altitude mountain vistas overlooking Quetta Valley
Local Transportation
Located along N-25 National Highway RCD Highway 20 km southwest of Quetta city center 30 minutes drive. Accessible via private car sedan SUV taxi or local Quetta-Mastung transit buses.
Accommodation
Capital city hospitality hub. Luxury hotels including Serena Hotel Quetta boutique guest houses and budget stays are widely available in Quetta city center 30 minutes drive away. Basic forest department rest houses exist near park entrance.
Food & Cuisine
Bring your own picnic supplies and fresh water. Basic tea stalls dhabas near main entrance serve local Baloch green tea Doodh Patti chai and snacks. Full Baloch cuisine Sajji Landhi and Shinwari Karahi are available in Quetta city.
Safety Information
Managed and protected by Balochistan Wildlife Department and park rangers. Stay on designated hiking trails, do not wander off alone into deep mountain gorges, follow wildlife observation rules, avoid disturbing animals, and carry physical CNIC cards.
Travel Tips
Visit early in the morning for maximum wildlife visibility, carry binoculars for Markhor spotting, wear sturdy hiking boots, bring warm layers in autumn and winter, carry sufficient drinking water, and keep all trash in bags.