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Kharan – A Journey Through Kharan’s History and Beauty

Pakistan has some of the most breathtaking and magnificent locations on the planet. There are several fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Sites and undiscovered tourist attractions there. Balochistan, the largest province in the country, has exceptional geological features and a distinctive topography and is notable for its off-the-beaten-path tourist spots. Kharan Balochistan is one such captivating location. It is a deserted settlement in the Kharan District of Pakistan’s Balochistan province. This blog post will scour the enchanting beauty of Kharan Pakistan and explain why it is worth visiting. So Get ready to uncover the mysteries and immerse yourself in its breathtaking beauty.   

Location of Kharan Balochistan Pakistan 

Located in the northeastern region of Balochistan, Kharan District is 294.40 kilometers away from Quetta, the provincial capital. It has long been a caravan hub and continues to trade in carpets, baskets, dates, millet, wheat, and melons. The majority of the neighborhood is desert.  

About Kharan District 

It is a district in Pakistan’s Balochistan province. The city of Kharan serves as its capital. One tehsil, organized into nine union councils on an administrative level, is part of the Kharan district. The Rakhshan Division has its administrative headquarters here. This district shares borders with Nushki, Kalat, Chagai, Khuzdar, and Washuk communities. According to the 2017 census, it has an estimated population of just over 162,766 people, 84,631 of whom were men and 78,135 of whom were women. With a total area of 14,958 square kilometers, it remains the largest Balochi-speaking district in Balochistan. Kharan District ranked 110th out of 141 communities in Pakistan in the 2017 Pakistan District Education Rankings, based on a score index for educational quality. The literacy rate was 40.93%, with males having a higher rate than females (55.42% vs. 25.47%).

History of Kharan Pakistan 

Located in what is now the southwest Pakistani province of Balochistan, Kharan Pakistan was an independent princely state during British rule in Sub-continent. The ancient name of Kharan was Karan, which meant “desolate mountains,” according to an Arab scholar, Istakhari. Kharan is a Balochi term for “yellow color” (Yellow Mountain). The historical region has witnessed a variety of cultures and dynasties. As a vassal state of Kalat (formerly a princely state), the rulers of that time erected Kharan Balochistan in 1697. After the partition of the sub-continent, it joined Pakistan on March 17, 1948, and the Balochistan States Union on October 3, 1952. On October 14, 1955, when most of the districts in Pakistan’s western region came together to form West Pakistan, Pakistan abolished the Kharan District. 

Social Life and Culture of Kharan Pakistan 

Although several other ethnicities reside here, Balochi culture is the most prevalent, ingrained, and varied. Locals celebrate cultural folk music, dance, and storytelling. Wheat, grains, Millet, Lassi, Dates, Mutton, and Camel meat are among the people’s favorite foods. Their preferred clothing is a traditional straight and flowy Shalwar Kameez. The embroidery and small mirror artwork on women’s garments are trendy. People still reside in mud huts in some parts of Kharan Balochistan. The people are very hospitable. They welcome their visitors with open arms and make them feel at home. You will be able to immerse yourselves in their culture and learn about their way of life. The people are very religious and follow Islamic teachings closely. The Pashtoon, Balochi, and Brahvi tribes are notable for their generosity. The arrival of guests is greatly valued and seen as a God-given privilege. Even wealthier folks will sacrifice sheep or goats for their visitors.  

Weather in Kharan Balochistan Pakistan 

The climate is primarily dry and hot because of the ecology and topographical features. Storms of desert sand and dust frequently impact this region. Summers are typically oppressively hot during the day but cool and pleasant at night. The average daily temperature can exceed 42.5°C during the summer season. With an average temperature of 2.4°C, the winters are chilly and dry. The district receives 100 millimeters of rainfall on average each year.

Tourist Attractions in Kharan Balochistan: 

Pakistan is a blessed country having some of the most stunning and breathtaking landscapes on the planet. Kharan, Pakistan, is a remote tourist destination with many attractions and activities. Kharan Desert is the most popular one. Whether you want to unwind or explore mysterious places, it has something to offer everyone. So let’s look at tourist attractions in the hidden gem, Kharan Balochistan.

Kharan Desert 

The deserts in Balochistan are among the most stunning locations. In the middle of Balochistan’s tremendous stretches of aridness is the Kharan Desert, one of the most famous and largest deserts in Pakistan. The desert is well-known for having arid and hot weather. This hot climate makes the Desert one of the least populated deserts, with a population of only 0.23 million. Hilly plateaus about 3000 meters high cover the north, east, and west of the Kharan desert, reaching Iranian borders. In 1988, Pakistan used it as its second nuclear testing site since a sizable portion of it was unpopulated. Dunes, referred to as “Barchan” in the local language, can reach heights of more than 100 feet. This continuous length of dunes, which together make up the distinctive Kharan desert, is home to Hamun-i-Mashkel, the most significant dry lake in Balochistan. This desert receives significant sand deposits from solid winds far from Afghanistan.

Kharan Fort  

Azad Khan Nosherwani captured Kharan Balochistan in 1789. The Kharan fort was the creation of Azad Khan Nosherwani. He erected eleven fortifications around it to protect the District politically from Afghanistan. The Fort’s architectural design is according to Iranian-style patterns, with dome-shaped constructions erected around solid burnt bricks for stability. Along the Kharan fort’s southern wall is a three-chambered kitchen. On the east side of the Fortress, the architects built a stunning arcade-shaped mosque, which is still in use today.

Additionally, there is a well precisely in the Fort’s center. The architects built window embellishments around the Fort to keep an eye on the adversaries. The brilliantly fortified Kharan Fort has a commanding view of the entire Balochistan. The Fort tells the stories of ancient dynasties and battles in the Kharan District. The Fort is a fantastic site to visit if you are a history buff and love architectural details.  

Nausherwani Tombs  

Near Qila Ladgasht in Mashkel Tehsil, Kharan Balochistan, Pakistan, is the mysterious Nausherwani tombs. The nine graves, collectively known as the Nausherwani tombs, date back approximately 800 years. In the broad, treeless landscape of Kharan District, these nine historical tombs are visible from a great distance. Most of them are double-story structures constructed of charred bricks on square layouts. The largest of these tombs, hardly more prominent than 10 meters square, has three tombs on its first story. The chambers on the ground floor contain human remains. Some tiles feature geometric patterns like colored lines, pyramids representing mountains, geometrical patterns, etc. According to historical records, these tombs are the family graves of the Naushervani kings of the former Kharan state. But according to the 1906 Journal, one of the three burials on the first level originally had an inscription that read, “Mazar-e-Nikodar” — Tomb of NIKODAR. According to Legend, the enemies slaughtered the whole gang of Nikodar in the Kharan District. This story explains the presence of numerous burials and nine tombs. The gigantic architecture of these tombs will leave you amazed.  

Ras Koh Hills 

In the districts of Chagai and Kharan Balochistan, there is a mountain range called Ras Koh. In the Balochi language, Ras and Koh are words for “Gateway” and “Mountain,” respectively. Therefore, the term Ras Koh signifies “Gateway to the mountains.” Pakistan conducted its first nuclear test on May 28, 1998, in the Ras Koh Hills. Numerous channels have exquisitely cut out the granite that makes up the Ras Koh Hills. Since the Ras Koh Hills are standing in an arid region beyond the Moonson Belt, they are primarily dry. As a result, most locals live nomadic lifestyles, rearing camels, sheep, and goats. Loos is a valley located in the center of the Ras Koh hills. It is famous for its beautiful vegetation, fruit trees, and vegetable garden, attracting the attention of many local and foreign tourists in Kharan Balochistan. People in this region have built stone and date palm tree huts. It is a well-known picnic spot for locals in the summer and is roughly 46 kilometers from the district, a drive of about two hours. If you want to experience this place’s magnificent beauty, the recommended time to visit is during Autumn.  

Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Mosque Kharan 

The Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Mosque is one of the most prominent mosques in Kharan and is also known as the largest mosque in Balochistan. This mosque is an architectural masterpiece. The mosque has a large prayer hall accommodating up to 5,000 worshippers. The design is according to the principles of Islamic architecture, and the structure comprises materials that reflect the traditional style of construction in the region. The material used in its construction is white marble, ornately carved, and calligraphed. The most impressive feature of the mosque is its very high dome, visible from miles around. Every inch of this mosque tells a story, from the carved marble panels to the hand-painted ceilings. No wonder this mosque is one of the most beautiful spots in the district. The exquisite design and breathtaking surroundings make it a sight to behold. If you are ever here, be sure to make a stop and visit this architectural masterpiece. 

How to Get to Kharan Balochistan, Pakistan?  

From everywhere in the nation, you can quickly reach Kharan District by utilizing the facility of buses, trains, or private taxis to the city, where the tourist attractions like Kharan Desert and Ras Koh Valley await you. You can reach your destination via Sukkur-Multan Motorway or Quetta Taftan highway. Basima Kharan Road and National Highway N-25 link the District to the outlying towns. There are numerous transportation options available in this area for moving tourists from and to Kharan Balochistan. It is home to the little domestic airport known as Kharan Airport (ICAO Code: OPKN). Visitors can choose the mode of transportation that best suits their needs and preferences.

Facilities in Kharan Balochistan Pakistan 

Airports

There are many Airports situated near Kharan District for the convenience of travelers.  

  • Quetta International Airport
  • Turbat International Airport
  • Sukkur Airport
  • Sehwan Sharif Airport
  • Pasni Airport
  • Jinnah International Airport

Hotels and Restaurants 

Kharan Pakistan is home to several exciting hotels and restaurants for tourists. Here are some of the top choices:

  • Raskoh Hotel
  • Chief Hotel
  • ZamZam Tea Café
  • Ajmal Hotel and Restaurant
  • Madina Al Mehmood Siapad Hotel
  • Shandar Café

FAQs 

What is the most famous location in Kharan, Pakistan? 

It is famous for the majestic Kharan Desert and the beautiful and enchanting Loos Valley within the Ras Koh mountain Range.  

What are the languages spoken in Kharan Balochistan, Pakistan?  

The natives of Kharan Balochistan speak various languages, including Balochi, Persian, Urdu, and Brahuvi.

What is the temperature of the Kharan Desert? 

The Kharan Desert is famous for its scorching climate and near to no rainfall. In summer, the temperature in the Kharan Desert can exceed 43 degrees Celsius.  

Conclusion 

In conclusion, Kharan is a beautiful city in the Balochistan province of Pakistan, known for its natural beauty and rich history. It offers visitors a unique glimpse into the traditional way of life of the region. From exploring the majestic Kharan Desert and historical tombs to learning about the area’s rich cultural heritage, a visit will surely be an enchanting and memorable experience. Whether you’re a history buff, an adventurer, or simply looking to explore a new destination, it is a must-see destination in Pakistan.