Quetta

{{warningbox|Quetta is in the midst of violence targeted against the Hazara minority and Shia Muslims. During January and February 2013, a string of bombings and attacks took place all over Balochistan and Quetta, killing hundreds. The terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Jhangvi is very active in the area and has been threatening more attacks.

Quetta (Urdu: کوئٹہ, Balochi: کویته, Pashto: کوټه) is the capital of Balochistan province in Pakistan. If you are taking the Istanbul to New Delhi over land|overland route from Istanbul, Türkiye to Delhi, India without going through Afghanistan you will have to pass through Quetta.

Quetta is an excellent base for exploration of Balochistan. Kan Mehtarzai, which at 2224 m above sea level was the highest train station in Pakistan until the line closed in 1986, is a two-hour drive away. Loralai and the almond bowl of the nation, is 265 kilometers away. Besides and there are numerous other valleys that are fascinating places for explorers.

Quetta Halal Travel Guide

The name Quetta is derived from the Pashto word "Kwatta" which means a fort possibly because it is a natural fort surrounded by imposing hills on all sides. Three large craggy mountains — Chiltan, Zarghun and Koh-e-Murdar — seem to brood upon this town, and there are other mountains that form a ring around it. Their copper red and russet rocks and crests are powdered with sin winters add immense charm to the town.

Strategically, Quetta is an important city due to its proximity to borders with Iran and Afghanistan. There is a huge military base just outside the city. Historically, Quetta owes much of its importance to the Bolan Pass which links it to Kandahar, Afghanistan.

Excavations in the Quetta valley have proved that humans have lived there since pre-history. Modern day Quetta is a growing centre of excellence.

The population of Quetta neighborhood is roughly two million, and the city has an area of 2653 km².

How is the Climate in Quetta

Quetta is 1,680 m (5,500 feet) above sea level and enjoys a healthy climate. The temperature drops a few degrees below the freezing point in winter following a typical autumn when the leaves turn golden and then a wild red.

Quetta is known as the fruit basket of Pakistan. Plums, peaches, pomegranates, Apricots, apples, guavas (locally called zaitoon), some unique varieties of melon such as "Garma" and "Sarda" and cherries, pistachios and almonds are all grown in abundance. Some pistachios also grow in Qila Saif Ullah. Saffron grows very well and is being cultivated on a commercial scale. Tulips are an indigenous flower of Pakistan. The yellow and red varieties of tulip grow wild in the area.

People and culture

The inhabitants of Quetta are mainly Pashtuns. The tribes include Kakar, Ghilzai Tareen, Mandokhel, Sherani, Looni, Kasi and Achakzai. Since Quetta is the capital of Baluchistan one might think the Balochs would be in the majority, but the Pashtuns are actually the largest group and the Pashto language is widely spoken.

Besides Pashtuns and Balochis you can also find Punjabis, Hazaras, Uzbeks, Tajiks and Turkomen rubbing shoulders with the other inhabitants. They are known to be hospitable to visitors because hospitality is an important element of their cultures.

Nomadic tribesmen, mainly Balouchi, pass through Quetta Valley during spring and autumn with their herds of sheep and camels and their assorted wares for sale. This seasonal movement adds colour to the life of the city.

The Pashtuns pride themselves on their tradition of hospitality to guests (milmastia in Pashto). Just a greeting of Salaam Alaykum will get you far in endearing yourself to people. The rugged terrain has made the people of the area hardy and resilient. They are known for their friendliness and hospitality. To make a visitor comfortable is part of their tradition. The people inhabiting this land are proud, robust and fiercely independent.

Travel to Quetta

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Quetta

Quetta International Airport GPS 30.2479,66.94703 is about 15 minutes by taxi from the downtown. Flights with Pakstan International Airlines will take you here from most major cities in Pakistan such as; Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad. There are no international flights available (2022).

Muslim Friendly Rail Holidays in Quetta

Pakistan Railways runs daily train connections with most major cities in Pakistan. The overnight sleeper Bolan Mail departs Karachi daily at 6PM, arriving afternoon the next day. Another sleeper train, Akbar Express starts in Lahore and runs via Faisalabad and several other cities in Punjab_(Pakistan) | Punjab, travel duration for the full journey is about 24 hours. Coming from Afghanistan and there is a train departing the border town of Chaman every day early afternoon, arriving later that evening just after 7:30PM.

In theory and there is one international train from Zahedan in Iran. However, over the last few years service has been interrupted several times due to security concerns. Inquiring about the current status before travelling is crucial. The train is supposed to depart Zahedan the 3rd and 17th of every month at 10AM, supposedly arriving the next day at 8:30PM. Delays are the norm and the actual arrival time is usually between 3-6 hours after schedule. On some occasions this train might be cancelled and replaced by a bus. An improved service is supposed to start in September 2023, with a fortnightly service from either Qom or Mashhad is expected to launch.

All trains arrive at Quetta train station GPS 30.191528,67.000936 just off Zarghun Road, a few blocks west of the downtown.

By road

The highway connects eastward to Karachi and westward via Koh-e-Taftan to Tehran, Iran, 1,435 kilometers away. The road to Sibi connects it with Punjab and upper Sindh. The road via Loralai - Fort Monro -D.G. Khan and Multan is a shorter route for Punjab. The Chaman Road is a link between the nation and the Afghan border.

How to get around in Quetta

GPS 30.1883|67.0036

Halal Friendly Walking Tours in Quetta

The downtown is small enough that a visitor can reach most places by foot. It is a place of ancient monuments, wide tree-lined boulevards and sterling British architecture. Even more compelling, Quetta has a dramatic setting, with a mountainous backdrop on all sides. Most sights can be easily seen in a day: the impressive Archaeological Museum of Baluchistan and the fort or the city’s many colourful bazaars—great places to pick marble, onyx, and some of the finest carpets in Pakistan.

The main thoroughfare and the commercial centre of Quetta is Jinnah Road, where the Quetta Tourism Board Centre of Pakistan's Tourism Development Corporation is located as well as the banks, restaurants and handicraft shops. Shahrah-e-Zarghun, a tree-lined boulevard, runs parallel to Jinnah Road, here many important buildings like the Governor's House, Post and Telecommunication Offices are located.

By auto-rickshaw

Auto-rickshaws give Quetta polluted air, and are the most popular and the cheapest way to get around the city but they are rapidly being replaced by more environmentally friendly 4-stroke CNG rickshaws.

From the airport - When you arrive at the airport you will likely be besieged with agents offering you taxis and rooms. It's wise not to book anything through them and arrange a taxi yourself to the hotel of your choice. Some of the mid-range and most top-end hotels offer a courtesy shuttle from the airport.

What to see in Quetta

Hanna Lake

If you want to enjoy an excursion near the city, you can visit to Hanna Lake. It is in the hills overlooking Quetta, roughly 10 kilometers from the city and very close to the Urak, where benches and pavilions on terraces have been provided. Golden fish in the lake come swimming right up to the edge. A little distance away and the waters of the lake take on a greenish blue tint. Right where the water ends, pine trees have been planted on the grass filled slopes. The turquoise water of lake is a stark contrast to the brownish-green hills that surround the area.

Wagon service operates from city bus station at Circular Road. The transport can be hired through the PTDC Quetta Tourism Board Centre, Muslim Hotel, Jinnah Road Quetta.

Hazarganji Chiltan National Park

Hazarganji means "of a thousand treasures". In the folds of these mountains, legend has it, that and there are over a thousand treasures buried, reminders of the passage of great armies down the corridors of history. The Bactrian, Scythians, Mongols and then the great migrating hordes of Pashtuns, all passed this way.

In the Hazarganji Chiltan National Park, 20 kilometers southwest of Quetta, Markhors, have been given protection. The park is spread over acre 38,437, altitude ranging from 2,000 to 3,200 m.

Nature lovers, students, scientists and researchers are welcome to visit the park at any time of the year. For overnight stay, accommodation is available at the Forest Department Rest House located five kilometers inside the park.

Park Rangers help the visitors to see animals. Access trails have been developed in the park for visitors. A small museum of natural history is located near the park entrance.

Pir Ghaib

It is a waterfall and picnic point located 70 km from the downtown on Sibi Road.

Kharkhassa

Located 10 km west of Quetta

Museums

• Archaeological Museum Fifa Road Opening Hours: daily 09:00-15:00 Has a collection of rare antique guns, swords and manuscripts. It has a display of Stone Age tools, prehistoric pottery and articles found from Mehrgarh. There are also coins, manuscripts and photos of Quetta before 1935 earthquake.

• Geological Museum Sariab Road 30.1675, 66.9923 near Balochistan University - Has a collection of rocks and fossils found in Balochistan. The Command and Staff College Museum is worth a visit for those interested in British military history. It is housed in the former bungalow of Field Marshal Montgomery.

Amusement and recreation

The Askari Park at the Airport Road and Liaquat Park on Shahrah-e-Iqbal offer amusement and recreational facilities. Balochistan Arts Council Library is located on Jinnah Road. The Chiltan Hill viewpoint on Brewery Road offers a panoramic view of Quetta.

Karkhasa is a recreation park situated at distance of 10 kilometers to the west of Quetta. It is a 16-km long narrow valley having a variety of flora like Ephedra, Artemisia and Sophora. One can see birds like partridges and other wild birds in the park. Limited recreational facilities are provided to the visitors through the Forest Department, Spinney Road, Quetta.

Best things to do in Quetta

Festivals

There are religious and social festivals celebrated by the people of Quetta. Two major religious festivals are Eid-ul-Azha and Eid-ul-Fiter. On these festivals people adorn their houses, wear new dresses, cook special dishes and visit each other. Eid-Meladun-Nabi is another religious festival. It is a celebration of the birth day of the Muslim prophet, Muhammad.

Numerous colourful social festivals are also source of jubilation. Sibi festival that traces its roots to Mehrgarh, an archeological site of ancient human civilization, attracts people from across the nation. It is attended by common folk, ministers and other government officials. Folk music performances, cultural dances, handicrafts stalls, cattle shows and a number of other amusing activities. Buzkashi is a peculiar festival showing the valor of Pashtun people. It is celebrated on horseback by two teams that use their skills to snatch a goat from each other.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Quetta

Local handicrafts, specially green marble products, mirror work and embroidered jackets, shirts, and hand bags, pillow covers, bed sheets, dry fruits, etc.

The main bazaar is on Jinnah Road. Prominent bazaars of Quetta are located on Shahrah-e-Iqbal (Kandahari Bazaar) and Shahrah-e-Liaqat (Liaqat Bazaar and Suraj Gang Bazaar). Here you can find colourful handicrafts, particularly Balochi mirror work and Pashtun embroidery. The Pashtun workers are expert in making fine Afghani carpets, with their pleasing and intricate designs, fur coats, jackets, waist-coats, sandals and other creations of traditional Pashtun skills.

Balochi carpets are made by the nomadic tribes of this area. They are generally not nearly as fine or expensive as the Persian city products, or even the Turkoman tribal rugs from further North, but they are generally better than Afghan carpets and more authentic than the bad copies of Turkoman and Persian designs that the cites of Pakistan produce. They definitely have a charm of their own. They range from relatively crude rugs that can, with some bargaining, be had be purchased for very reasonable prices to fine and valuable pieces. Many are small enough to be carry.

Halal Restaurants in Quetta

Sajji cooking - |Sajji being cooked

In the old bazaars are old tea-shops, which are the local social clubs. There are also many popular eating houses offering different types of delicacies. Among the popular delicacies is Sajji (leg of lamb), which is tender and is not very spicy. It is a whole leg of lamb marinated in local herbs and spices and barbecued beside an open fire. It is very popular among the local residents and is offered with great insistence to the guests. The Pathan tribesmen of the valley also enjoy Landii (whole lamb) and Khandi Kebab. Landhi s a whole lamb which is dried in shade and kept for the winters. Kebab shops are very popular and the best being Lal Kebab, Tabaq, Cafe Farah and Cafe Baldia. They serve (Pakistani) and Continental food. The Chinese restaurant that is one of the oldest in town is Cafe China. Some of the finest mutton in the nation is raised around Quetta. It has a delicious smell which can be sampled in the 'Pualao that most of the eating houses.

There is famous Lehri Sajji house and Mir Afzal Karahi at Jinnah Road. The most famous is the Khadi y- Halal Kebab kebab which is just behind the street at Liaquat Bazaar

The Pashtun people are also known for their refreshing green tea and Dood Pati shops

Very few places can compete with Quetta valley in having wide range of tasteful fruits, exported to all parts of the nation as well as abroad. There you can find plums, peaches, pomegranates, Apricots, apples, olives, different types of melon, water-melon, cherries, pistachios, almonds and other dry fruits. Saffron and tulip are also grown and cultivated on a commercial scale. The fruits heaven is Urak, called Samaristan meaning the land of fruits in Persian.

• Being an Islamic country, Alcohol is banned but is available for non Muslims. None of the hotels have restaurants, although at some alcohol can be ordered as room service.

There is a stores on the main street though it's difficult to find (it's best to ask your hotel, which should be able to provide directions).

• Quetta is well known for its Kawa (Green Tea) and Shere Chai commonly called Dood Pati Chai. Kawa has a unique flavour, and is usually served sweet, lemon and ginger powder are optional additions.
• Sharbat-e-Sandal is a sweet, non-carbonated drink unusually found in markets in summer. It has a good taste and a yellowish-green transparent colour - look out for the black seeds. Served ice cold.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Quetta

Quetta - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Quetta, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Quetta. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Quetta and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Quetta. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Quetta. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inQuetta: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Quetta.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Quetta: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Quetta, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Quetta.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Quetta, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Quetta, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Quetta and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Quetta, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Quetta, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Quetta without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Quetta is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Quetta.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Quetta is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Quetta, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Quetta Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

• Shees Hotel M.A. Jinnah Road, 823015 30.193558, 67.009825 - Centrally located. The rooms are a good value, and the manager is helpful.

• Armani Hotel | Airport Road Airport Road towards Afghanistan ☎ +92 300 380 0976 Check-in: 20:00 / Check-out: 11:30 Variety of accommodation for all travellers. Friendly environment for all guests, with an international clientele.

• Bloom Star Hotel | 8 Stewart Road 30.188903, 67.004917 in a side street of Jinnah Road near train station ☎ +92 81 283-3350 - camping Rs300, Single with bathroom Rs600 Checkout: 12:00 Clean hotel with two gardens where you can pitch a tent. Also has a parking area.

Mid-range

• Hotel Four Season - On Abdul sattar Road ☎ +92 81 2827496
• Quetta Serena Hotel - 30.203778, 67.012574 In Cantonment area, crossing of Zarghoon Road and Hali Rd. ☎ +92 81 2820073 +92-81-2820070 Prices start at US$170 per day One of the best hotels around, centrally located and offers lots of service.

Stay Safe

Quetta is firmly planted on the overland to/from Iran route and sees its fair share of travelers, and most don't run into problems. Balochistan gained some media attention as a hideout and winter home for the Taliban and Al Qaeda, and some high-profile wanted men have been captured here. While this may invoke fear in some, you're unlikely to be bothered here, as they're more in hiding and trying to blend in than out starting trouble.

In 2009 and the general level of safety for foreigners deteriorated as the Head of the UNHCR office in Quetta was kidnapped and taken to Afghanistan. If you are on an official mission or high-profile business some caution should be exercised.

All in all the people of Quetta are friendly but don't question their religion, culture and tradition. The Pashtuns pride themselves on their tradition of hospitality (milmastia in Pashto) to guests. Just a greeting of Salaam Alaykum will get you far in endearing yourself to people.

Cope

FM100 Pakistan is the state-run radio channel with local news and other information. FM105 is an ew private radio channel which in a short time have captured the young audience of Quetta valley due to its modern and open approach to songs and current affairs.

All regional languages are represented at local TV-stations including Pashto, Brahui, Baluchi, Punjabi, Persian, drama and current/youth affairs are the main trends.

Travel Next

Urak Valley

Driving through wild roses and fruit orchards, you may reach the Urak Valley at a distance of 21 km.

Pishin valley

Filled with numerous fruit orchards and the Pishin Valley is 50 kilometers away from Quetta. These orchards are irrigated by ‘karez’. There is the attraction of cool waters, i.e. man-made lake with Bund Khushdil Khan (Tareenan).

Ziarat

A visit to Quetta May be considered incomplete without a trip to Ziarat (133 kilometers from Quetta, 3 hours by car), a hill town 8000 feet above sea-level, where the founder of Pakistan Quiad-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah spent his last days. Air-conditioned coach and taxis take anything between an hour or two from Quetta, an ideal and relaxing summer retreat with rows of juniper trees and ever green slopes.

While Ziarat abounds in tall chinar trees and juniper grows wild as does walnut and a variety of other trees and the area west of this hill station leading up to the Afghan border is rocky and barren. The drive through this unfriendly terrain provides one the grim reminder of the fierce tribes who roamed free in the region and kept the British weary and fearful. The border village of Chaman is also a major trading centre for a variety of fruit, a large quantity of which is still brought in from Afghanistan.

Khojak Pass

This pass will lead you directly to the Chaman Border of Afghanistan, 153 kilometers from Quetta. The scenic beauty is simply enthralling. The border journey is to be materialized through Khojak Sheela, a 4 km long tunnel, at an elevation of more than 1945 metres above sea level.

Bolan Pass

Over the centuries several armies from Central Asia and north intruded into the lands of India through this pass. It is a picturesque hilly road, although you may encounter member of Al-Qaeda.

Lak Pass

While cruising through the hilly tract between Quetta and Kalat, you cansee the route to Zahidan, Iran. Koh-e-Taftan and Saindak copper mines are en route.

Harnai Pass

The entire population of Kharwari Baba and for that matter of the entire Ziarat, migrates to Harnai in extreme winter. Harnai Pass, about an hour's drive from Loralai, is just as spectacular as the Khyber Pass near Peshawar.

Mehrgarh, ancient civilization

A lot has been done to explore the culture and civilization of ancient people. An important site near Quetta is Mehrgarh; people there had farming by 7000 BCE and the earliest known in India or Pakistan.

Copyright 2015 - 2024. All Rights reserved by eHalal Group Co., Ltd.
To Advertise or sponsor this Travel Guide, please visit our Media Kit and Advertising Rates.