Hingol National Park – Adventure Awaits: An Explorer’s Paradise In Pakistan

Location and Overview

Hingol National Park is a unique national park, located in the province of Baluchistan and situated on the southern coast of Pakistan called the Makran coast. It spans over three districts namely Lasbela, Gwadar and Awaran. The Hingol National Park is easily accessible through road links, and the nearest major cosmopolitan city is Karachi, the largest city in Pakistan, which is located at a distance of about 192 kilometers. It was established in 1988 and is managed by the Wildlife Department of the Baluchistan province.

History and Geography

The Hingol National Park covers a vast expanse of land topping at an impressive 6,100 square kilometers. The park can be classified as a semi-coastal desert. The climate is dry and mild rainfalls in the seasonal monsoon months of July and August are an exception. The River Hingol serves as the primary source of water for wildlife in the Hingol National Park, which also features many oases and mountain openings. It is a popular destination not only for trekking and safari but also camping and hiking with pastures, springs, and streams all making this relatively small park a thorough hub of exploration.

Habitat and Biodiversity

The Hingol National Park is home to a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna. An initial survey has identified over 250 species of plants in the protected area of the park. It provides an excellent habitat for the Sindh Ibex, the Urial and also the Chinkara gazelle which roams freely through the massive stretches of the park. Exotic and wild species of common mammals like mice, mongoose, cats and goats can also be found here. A large variety of birds can also be spotted at the Hingol National Park including pelicans, eagles, vultures, falcons, partridges, woodpeckers and owls. In addition to this, the Hingol River is famous for nurturing a large population of Marsh Crocodiles whereas green marine turtles, and different types of chameleons and lizards, including the desert monitor lizards, can also be found.

Threats and Conservation

The Hingol National Park provides a dwelling ground for the critically endangered sociable lapwing and the saker falcon. The park served as a popular game reserve in the past and overhunting decimated the wildlife population in the park. As a result, the management has outright suspended hunting of wild animals and birds for recreational purposes. It is a criminal offense to poach or hunt down a wild animal, and this conservative measure has helped to support and let the populations of threatened predators like the Sindh leopard and rare species like the honey badger and Indian fox to thrive. The Hingol National Park provides a phenomenal habitat for wildlife and nature can be witnessed in all its grim magnificence.

Tourism

The blue-stoned mountains of the Hingol National Park are a sight to behold. They are joined by the “Princess of Hope” rock formation which the tourists encounter on the way to the protected areas of the park. The ancient Hinglaj Temple hosts numerous Hindu pilgrims every year. The presence of mud volcanoes is also an attraction for some visitors whereas, for the others, nature offers a serene environment and picturesque beauty in the form of Hingol River. A large variety of wildlife can be viewed in their natural habitat here. The main attraction of Hingol National Park is its undeniable adventure and the thrilling wild safari which is a roadster’s dream. The irregular and rugged terrain offers a challenge very few adventure enthusiasts can turn down.

Written By: Bilal A. Usman, Pakistan