It is situated 133 kms (3 hours by car) from Quetta in the province of Baluchistan at an altitude of 2449m (8200 feet) above the sea level. Ziarat is a holiday resort in the Sibi district amidst one of the largest and oldest juniper forests in the world. It is said that some of the juniper trees are as old as 5,000 years. Ziarat is also known as the Juniper Valley.
The name Ziarat means 'shrine'. A local saint, Kharwari Baba is believed to have rested in the valley and blessed it. After his death, he was buried here. People visit the saint's shrine, which is 10 kms by jeep from Ziarat town.
Extensive research is being made in the forest unrseries to replace the forest with other fast growing trees as the regeneration of the juniper is very slow. But that is also persued with great care.
All the year round, particularly from May to October.
Ziarat is a hill station in the Sibi district of the province of Baluchistan. It remains quite cool during summer and receives enough snowfall during the winter. Light woollen clothing for the summer and heavy for the winter are recommended.
The inhabitants are mainly Muslim. There are Pathans, Baluchis and Brahuis. Nomadic tribesmen also pass through the valleys around during spring and autumn with their families, herd of sheep and camels.
Pushto, Persian, Baluchi and Brahui are the local languages. Urdu and English are also spoken.
The women wear shalwar (baggy trousers) and long skirted shirts with a chadar or Dopatta having embroidered and mirror work. The men wear Shalwar, long shirts and waist coat with a turban on the head.
Quaid-i-Azam residency with its lush green lawns, chinar trees and flower gardens commands a striking view of the whole valley. It is of historical importance, as the Quaid-i-Azam, Muhammad ALi Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, stayed there during his last illness. It houses the relics of the Father of the Nation. The residency was built in 1882 by the British and used by the Agent of the Governer General as his summer headquarters. Now it is known as the "Quaid-i-Azam Residency."
Ziarat and the Juniper valleys around offer good opportunity of hiking and trekking. Various gorges also offer adventure and fun during the summer. It is also becoming popular for the taste of snow-fall during the winter. Besides, the town itself offers hiking and trekking opportunities.
Between the ever ascending hills and the deep ravine, there is a mile-long stretch of flat ground ideal for a peaceful walk. This is the 'Chashma Walk' which leads to the springs or 'Chashma' that provide water for the town. It is only 2 km from PTDC Complex.
The view from the Prospect Point is rewarding. It lies at a height of 2713m (8,900 feet) above the sea level and is some 6 km from Ziarat. The road is jeepable, but an invigorating walk is recommended.
Once on the peak, with wind whistling through the forest, one can see the valley stretched out in undulating slopes in front. From a nearby cliff, one can clearly see the highest peak of these hills, known as Khalefat, which rises to a height of 3487 (11,400 feet). There is a small rest-house situated nearby. Prior reservation may be made through the office of the Dupty Commissioner of Sibi at Ziarat.
Baluchistan is an arid land which receives very low rainfall annually. But innumberable natural springs known as "Karez" and streams provide enough wter for drinking and cultivation of fruits and crops in most of the area.
There are more than half a dozen gorges around Ziarat formed by natural 'Karez' - spring water falling through narrow openings amongst the mountain rocks producing a dramatic effect. The sound of the waterfalls singing to the tune of solid rocks while passing through narrow gorges gives a mystic atmosphere. The famous gorges along the road to Ziarat are Chautair Tangi, Kahn Tangi, Kawas Tangi, Fern Tangi and the Sandeman Tangi. One can approach easily to these gorges by diverting from the main road to have a picnic, adventure and fun.
10 km (20 minutes by jeep) from Ziarat, off the main road to Quetta, lies Fern Tangi or Fern gorge. A small waterfall formed by the mountain spring flows down. It is 2 km walk from the main road to the waterfall and is an ideal place for picnics.
Sandeman Tangi is just 4 km from Ziarat. It is a dramatic waterfall cascading down the rocks and provides fun to the visitors.
About 13 km from Ziarat on way to Loralai is the beattiful Chutair Valley. It takes about 30 minutes to drive by road to Chutair from Ziarat. There are green picnic spots in the interioe of the valley. There is also a rest-house in case one wants to stay longer. The crude and rustic huts made with the bark of juniper trees in which the inhabitants of the area live, are strikingly different from dwellings in other villages. Nearby is the Chutair Tangi which is worth visting.
Fourteen kilometers from Ziarat is Zindra. Zindra derives its name from the Pushto word 'Ziranda' meaning 'flour grinding mills'.
The shrine of Baba Kharwari is 8 km from Ziarat twon. He was a member of Sarang Zai, his name was Tahir. He became a disciple of Nana Sahib and a number of miracles are ascribed to him. He is buried in the valley about eight kms from Ziarat. A large number of people visit his shrine and offer sacrifices in his memory. During Eid, traditional festival of the Muslims, the tribe gathers around the shrine and holds wrestling and marksmanship competitions.
Sibi is famous for its Horse and Cattle Show which is held in February-April every year. There is also a fort built by the legendary Mir Chakar Khan, a redoubtable warrior of old tribes.
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