The Hingol National Park is Pakistan’s largest nature reserve in terms of the sheer land area that it covers. Made up of wind-eroded rock structures and valleys with dried riverbeds where water flows seasonally or as a result of sudden rain, it definitely makes the comparison to Mars seem just. To add to this, the area is home to over 250 types of flora and fauna. Moreover, there are 300+ species of animals including a population of more than 3000 ibex and a significant number of the endangered houbara bustard bird.
The road leading up to the Buzi Pass, the highest point of the coastal highway, passing through the national park
The terrain and natural structures within Hingol often call for comparisons. One of these is the Princess of Hope, given its name by Angelina Jolie during her visit to the area during the 2000s. Similarly, there is the ‘Lion of Balochistan’ also otherwise referred to as the Sphinx since it resembles the sphinx structures in Egypt.
The Princess of Hope
The Sphinx, 88 kilometers from Ormara and twenty minutes from Kund Malir beach
Hingol does not have a native human population due to its harsh environment and the lack of food and water availability, however, herders do move through the area with their animals, feeding on the plants that exist in such an environment.
With most visitors being those passing through heading to another destination, most at most would get out of their vehicle to obtain a better view of the surrounding terrain. However, adventurers and enthusiasts may come to Hingol for overnight camping under a gorgeous starry sky, surrounded by towering rock structures and silence. The Hingol National Park also serves as the junction for three separate districts of Balochistan – Lasbela, Gwadar and the non-coastal district of Awaran.
Setting sun over the canyons of Hingol
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