Field guides / Balochistan / Quetta & Ziarat / Hazarganji-Chiltan National Park
Field guide · Nature
Quetta
Quetta District · Balochistan, Pakistan
Hazarganji-Chiltan National Park
A national park near Quetta set up in 1980 to protect the rare Chiltan ibex.
Hazarganji-Chiltan National Park lies about 20 km south-west of Quetta, between Koh-i-Chiltan to the west and Hazarganji to the east. It was set up in 1980 to protect the rare Chiltan ibex, around 800 of which live in the park.
Why go
- ✦The Chiltan ibex, about 800 in the park
- ✦Sulaiman markhor
- ✦Juniper and pistachio woods
- ✦An old route called “a thousand treasures”
About
The name Hazarganji, “a thousand treasures”, comes from the old route between the mountains, used over the centuries by Greco-Bactrians, Mongols, Scythians and migrating Baloch tribes. The park's juniper, pistachio, almond and ash woods and open desert are home to about 30 species of mammals, including Sulaiman markhor, urial, wolf, striped hyena and caracal, and some 120 species of birds, among them the houbara bustard and several vultures.
How to Reach
About 20 km south-west of Quetta.
Responsible Travel
Use Leave No Trace principles, carry out all rubbish, avoid disturbing wildlife and livestock, and respect private/community land.
Planning tip
Best Time to Visit, March to May and September to November; winters are cold and summers hot.
Getting there, About 20 km south-west of Quetta.
Allow, A day from Quetta.
What to Do
Nearby
Straight-line distance from Hazarganji-Chiltan National Park, within 5 km.
