Travel Options from Karachi to Zidi
Zidi is a village located in the Balochistan region of Pakistan, relatively lesser known but important due to its position in the Makran Coastal Region. Traveling from Karachi to Zidi offers a unique experience of coastal landscapes and rural life, with limited but exciting travel options available. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the travel routes from Karachi to Zidi via road, train, and air.
By Road:
The most common and practical way to travel from Karachi to Zidi is by road. This route offers travelers scenic views of the coastal areas of Balochistan and the Makran Coastal Highway.
Distance:
The distance between Karachi and Zidi is approximately 620 kilometers (around 385 miles).
Route:
- Starting from Karachi, you’ll take the M-9 Motorway (commonly known as Karachi-Hyderabad Motorway).
- From Hyderabad, connect to N-25 or RCD Highway, which leads towards Quetta but diverges towards Makran Coastal Highway near Hub.
- Continue on the Makran Coastal Highway (N-10), passing through locations like Ormara and Gwadar.
- Zidi is located along this route, just past Gwadar.
Duration:
The journey takes approximately 10 to 11 hours depending on the road conditions and traffic.
Highlights:
- You’ll pass by some of the most beautiful coastal landscapes in Pakistan, including Hingol National Park, Kund Malir Beach, and Ormara Beach.
- The Makran Coastal Highway is known for its smooth roads and relatively less traffic, making the journey enjoyable.
Facilities:
Fuel stations and rest stops are available at major points, such as Hub, Ormara, and Gwadar, but fewer services are available between these towns. It’s recommended to carry extra supplies of water and food due to the remote areas you’ll cross.
By Train:
Currently, there are no direct train services connecting Karachi to Zidi. The nearest train station is located in Gwadar. For travelers who prefer taking a train for part of the journey, they can consider traveling to Quetta or Gwadar by train and then taking a bus or car to Zidi.
Step 1: Karachi to Quetta
There are regular train services from Karachi to Quetta, with the most prominent being the Jaffar Express and Bolan Mail.
Distance:
Karachi to Quetta is around 700 kilometers (435 miles).
Duration:
The train journey takes approximately 18 to 20 hours due to multiple stops.
Step 2: Quetta to Gwadar by Road
From Quetta, travelers can hire a bus or private transport to travel to Gwadar via the N-25 highway and then take the Makran Coastal Highway towards Zidi.
While this route is lengthy, it offers an opportunity to explore Quetta and Gwadar before reaching the final destination of Zidi.
By Air:
Since Zidi is a smaller village, it does not have its own airport. However, travelers can fly to Gwadar or Ormara, which are the nearest airports, and then take a road trip to Zidi.
Flight from Karachi to Gwadar:
There are regular flights operated by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) between Karachi and Gwadar.
Distance (by air):
The distance between Karachi and Gwadar is about 415 kilometers (258 miles).
Duration:
The flight duration is roughly 1 hour 15 minutes.
From Gwadar to Zidi by Road:
Once you land in Gwadar, you can continue the journey by road. The distance from Gwadar to Zidi is around 50 kilometers (31 miles), and it takes about 1 hour to drive there along the Makran Coastal Highway.
Flight from Karachi to Ormara:
Another option is to fly to Ormara. Flights to Ormara are limited but may be available through military-operated or charter flights due to the naval base there.
From Ormara to Zidi by Road:
If you choose Ormara, the road journey to Zidi takes around 3 to 4 hours along the Makran Coastal Highway, covering a distance of about 200 kilometers (124 miles).
Summary:
For those looking to travel from Karachi to Zidi, the road trip along the scenic Makran Coastal Highway is the most feasible and adventurous option. The train option is limited and requires switching to road transport for the last leg of the journey, while flying to Gwadar or Ormara offers a quicker alternative for the first part of the trip. Each mode of transport has its own charm, offering a balance of adventure and convenience based on your preferences.
- By Road: 620 km (385 miles), 10 to 11 hours
- By Train: Not available directly, but can travel to Gwadar or Quetta by train, then road.
- By Air: Flights to Gwadar (1 hour 15 minutes) or Ormara, followed by a road trip.
Whether you’re looking to experience the raw beauty of Balochistan's coastline or take a faster route by air, Zidi is a hidden gem in the region, offering a mix of cultural and natural wonders that are worth the journey.
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