Makran — Pakistan meets the Arabian Sea.

Balochistan

Pakistan meets the Arabian Sea.

Photo: Furqanlw / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Makran is the coastal region of Balochistan. The Makran Coastal Highway runs west from near Karachi through a landscape of eroded cliffs and empty beaches such as Kund Malir, with the Arabian Sea on one side and desert hills on the other.

The road passes through Hingol National Park, home to the rock formation known as the Princess of Hope and to the Hinglaj Mata shrine. The Hingol Cultural Landscape has been on Pakistan's UNESCO Tentative List since 2016. The highway ends at Gwadar, a port on a sandy headland reaching into the sea.

Coast: Arabian Sea
Hingol Cultural Landscape: UNESCO Tentative List, 2016
Province: Balochistan
Western terminus: Gwadar
Generally visited: November to March
Coordinates: 25.393° N, 65.457° EView on a map

Seasons are general guidance. Mountain roads and passes open and close with the weather; check locally before travelling.

Princess of Hope, Hingol National ParkAareez Asif, CC BY-SA 4.0

What draws people here

Makran Coastal Highway drive
Kund Malir beach
Hingol National Park
Princess of Hope
Gwadar

Planning a visit

Getting there: From Karachi, the Makran Coastal Highway reaches Kund Malir in Hingol National Park after about 240 km, four to five hours, and Gwadar in seven to nine hours. Fuel and food are scarce for long stretches. New Gwadar International Airport has a limited service from Karachi.
How long to allow: One to two days for Hingol and Kund Malir from Karachi, or four to five days if you continue to Gwadar.
Good to know: Foreign passport holders may need a No Objection Certificate and a security escort in Balochistan, and the rules are not published in one place. Arrange the trip through a licensed operator well ahead, and avoid travelling at night. Several governments currently advise against travel here, so check your own government's advice and your insurance before booking.

General guidance, checked in September 2026. Visa rules, permits, flights and mountain roads change; confirm with official sources or a licensed operator before you book. We do not sell travel.

Awards connected to places like this

Best Emerging Destination

Sources

Been to Makran?

Put forward the guide, stay or operator that made your trip. Nominations for 2027 are open. It takes about fifteen minutes, and anyone can nominate.

Start a Nomination

Next destination

Kalam