Kund Malir and Hingol from Karachi

Kund Malir is a long pale beach on the Makran coast, and Hingol National Park begins just inland. Both sit west of Karachi along the coastal highway, and most travellers see them over two days.

The route leaves Karachi and follows the Arabian Sea west through Balochistan. Hingol is Pakistan's largest national park by area, a dry landscape of mud volcanoes, carved sandstone and the Hingol river. Kund Malir is the beach stop nearby. The drive is long, the heat is serious outside winter, and the coast is best taken slowly with an overnight stop.

How the trip goes

1. Early morningLeave KarachiSet off before dawn to cover the coastal highway in cool hours. Fuel up in the city, as stations thin out beyond the turnoff.
2. Mid-morningHingol parkEnter Hingol National Park and stop at the mud volcanoes and the carved rock formations near the river.
3. MiddayKund MalirReach the beach for a walk and a rest. Shade is scarce, so carry water and keep out of the sun at its strongest.
4. AfternoonPrincess of HopeVisit the wind-carved rock known as the Princess of Hope, a short detour from the main road inside the park.
5. EveningOvernight stopStay near the coast or return part of the way. Night driving on the highway is best avoided.
6. Next dayReturn eastDrive back to Karachi in the morning, allowing time for checkpoints and a slower pace on the coast road.

Where it starts

The trip starts in Karachi, from where the coastal highway runs west into Balochistan. Most travellers drive their own vehicle or hire one with a driver. The park entrance and Kund Malir lie several hours west of the city.

The coastal road west

The drive from Karachi follows the Arabian Sea west along the Makran coastal highway. The road is paved and generally good, but the distance is long and services are sparse once the city is left behind. Fuel stations, workshops and food stops become rare, so leave with a full tank and supplies. The landscape shifts from flat coastal plain to dry hills and rocky ground.

Traffic is light compared with roads around Karachi, but heavy vehicles and occasional checkpoints slow the journey. Allow more time than a map suggests. The coast is at its most comfortable from October to March, when daytime heat eases. Summer brings high temperatures and humidity, and the beach offers little shade.

Checkpoints and permits

Police and levies checkpoints are common on the highway into Balochistan. Carry identification and be patient. Some districts can require a No Objection Certificate for foreign nationals or for certain routes. Rules change, so check current official advice before setting out and allow for delays.

Inside Hingol National Park

Hingol National Park stretches across dry hills, riverbed and coast. The Hingol river cuts through the park and supports scattered vegetation and wildlife. The park is known for its mud volcanoes, small cones of grey mud that bubble up from below. They sit close to the road and are easy to visit on foot.

Further in, wind and water have carved sandstone into pillars and arches. The best known is the Princess of Hope, a tall rock figure standing above the valley. A local guide or jeep can help find the tracks, which are rough in places. The park entrance charges a fee, and opening arrangements can vary, so plan to arrive in daylight.

Rock formations

The carved rocks of Hingol are best seen in low morning or evening light, when the shapes stand out. Tracks to some formations are sandy and may need a four-wheel drive. Travellers usually hire a local guide or jeep for the rougher sections rather than risk a standard car.

Kund Malir beach

Kund Malir is a broad, pale sand beach with shallow water and a backdrop of dry hills. It is a place for walking, sitting and watching the sea rather than for swimming, as currents can be strong and there are no lifeguards. Shade is almost absent, so a sunshade or umbrella helps. The beach is a short drive from the main coastal highway.

Facilities are minimal. A few simple stalls may open in season, but food and water should be carried. The beach is quiet on weekdays and busier at weekends and holidays. Litter is a growing problem, so take rubbish back with you. The light at sunrise and sunset is the reason many travellers time their visit.

Staying overnight

Overnight accommodation near Kund Malir is limited and basic. Some travellers stay in simple rooms along the coast, while others drive back towards Karachi or stop at a larger town. Nights are cool in winter and warm in summer. Carry a torch and cash, as card payment is not reliable.

Frequently asked questions