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Quetta

Travel Guide Asia Pakistan Balochistan Quetta

Introduction

Quetta, Pakistan

Quetta is located in the state of Balochistan on the western side of Pakistan. It is western Pakistan's largest and most substantial city with a population of about 1 million.

It is home to many diverse cultures. Peoples from around Pakistan, and neighbouring Iran and Afghanistan have all settled here making it quite the melting pot. Yet because of its geographical location, it remains fairly isolated from the other main cities.

It is a common stopover for over land travellers.

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Neighbourhoods

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Sights and Activities

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Events and Festivals

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Weather

Quetta is at an altitude of about 1700m, making it quite cool compared to the rest of eastern and southern Pakistan. It can get quite dusty during the dry season.

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Getting There

By Plane

By Train

As of 2007/08 there is only a cargo train linking Quetta with Iran or Taftan at the border.

While Quetta is linked to all areas of Pakistan through the rail network. The main train route heads due south through the Bolan pass to Jacobabad before continuing south or heading back up north.

Direct trains to all major cities are available, but you might have to sit in a carriage for quite some time due to the route.

By Car

Driving to Quetta is possible from the border town of Taftan, but the road dissapears for large sections and is very rough in parts.

By Bus

Bus routes are readily available to every destination in Pakistan.

IMPORTANT: As of 2007 it is not possible for a tourist to take a bus legally through the North-West Frontier Province (NFWP), meaning the link from Quetta to Peshawar is not feasible.

A bus company will still sell you a ticket. But at the many police checkpoints you will be asked to leave the bus and go back.

This is due to terrorist activities in the NWFP area.

By Boat

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Getting Around

By Car

Driving is possible but it becomes quite congested in the city centre.

By Public Transport

Buses are everywhere and cheap, but often times very crowded.

There are many taxis serving the city.

By Foot

From the city centre it's possible to walk most of Quetta.

By Bike

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Eat

Usmania Tandoori Restaurant, mid way along Jinnah, off Jinnah Road by a turning near a pink bakery. Wide ranging menu at a reasonable cost. Great mutton leg. Air conditioning and good service.

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Drink

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Sleep

Budget

Hotel Bloomstar, 8 Stewart Road. Wide range of rooms at different qualities and prices. Rs400 for a double ensuite with heater. Nice Courtyard Restaurant with good food. Walkable from the railway station.