Ziarat

Ziarat's Minaret and the Juniper Forest

Ziarat is the capital of Ziarat District, Pakistan. It is a famous holiday resort of Balochistan and nearly every trip from Karachi to Quetta stops at Ziarat. Ziarat, literally [an Islamic] shrine, was the summer residence of the chief commissioner of Baluchistan, and sanatorium for the European troops at Quetta: 8850 ft. above the sea and 33 m. by cart-road from the railway. There is a good water supply, and the hills around are well-wooded and picturesque. Ziarat is also very famous for its juniper trees. The juniper forest in Ziarat is the world's second largest. The junipers are considered to be the real treasure of Ziarat. There are trees in the valley which are more than 7000 years old. In Ziarat a herb called Ephedra sinica is found in abundance from which a chemical called ephedrine is extracted, an important constituent of various medicines, especially cough syrups. When the snow falls in Ziarat's winter the juniper valley is at its most beautiful. In the winter season there is no business but with summer the charm returns. The local dish of Ziarat is "saji" although it is a cultural thing but it has a great taste for everyone. The common languages spoken in the valley are Pashtuns living here from centuries pashto. More tourists visit the place in summer.

Ziarat residency jinnah lived in that residency people come to visit this place . there is a dam and the valley is full of fruits in summer and winter cherry in summer and apple in winter . the honey of ziarat is very much famous . Tthe famous tribes of Pashtuns living in valley from centuries are KAKAR ,TAREEN etc the most famous of sub tribes of Kakar are Essakhel , sanzar khel ,sarangzai etc

The Residency was constructed in 1892. It is an important building, the whole building is actually a wooden structure beautifully designed and has great architectural importance. It was originally meant to be a sanatorium, and it was converted into the summer residence of the Agent of the Governor General. It is now a National Monument. The residency catches the tourists' attention due to its unique location and the wonderful hilly surroundings. The weather is really pleasant during summer time and the local people are hospitable, but in winter the weather is severe and it is more difficult to survive. During summer time the apple and cherry gardens provide a pleasant view for tourists.

SHRINE OF BABA KHARWARI: The shrine of Baba Kharwari is 8 Km from Ziarat town. A member of Sarang zai tribe, his name was Tahir. He became a disciple of Nana Sahib and a number of miracles are attributed to him. He is burried in a valley about 8km from Ziarat. A large number of people visit his shrine and offer sacrifices in his memory. During the Eid fesitival, the tribesmen gather around the shrine and hold wrestling and marksmanship competitions.

THE GORGES: Balochistan is an arid land which receives very low rainfall annually. But innumerable natural springs known as KAREZ and streams are found in most of the areas. There are more than a half dozen gorges around Ziarat formed by natrul karez spring water falling through narrow opening amongst the mountain rocks producing a dramatic effect. The famous gorges along the road to Ziarat are Chutair Tangi, Kahn Tangi, Kawas Tangi, Faran Tangi and the Sandeman Tangi.

FARAN TANGI: It lies 10km from Ziarat,off the main road to Quetta.A small waterfall formed by the mountain spring flows down, It is 2km walk from the main road to the waterfall and is ideal place for a picnic.

SANDAMEN TANGI: It is just 4km from Ziarat. it is a dramatic water fall cascading down the rocks and provides fun to visitors.

Towns of Ziarat

Kach Mangi Ahmadun Gogi Spezadie Kala Cheena Wahm Mana Masuri Mana Zargi

Kahn Wurchum Kawas Zandra Cheena Pechi Chautair Sasanak Suri

See also

• Ziarat District