Explored: Balochistan's mud volcanoes

Published August 4, 2014
First pitstop for brunch at a roadside cafe at Winder tehsil in Balochistan. — Photo by Ali Umair Jaffery
First pitstop for brunch at a roadside cafe at Winder tehsil in Balochistan. — Photo by Ali Umair Jaffery
A view of the Makran Coastal Highway while we were enroute to the Hingol National Park. — Photo by Ali Umair Jaffery
A view of the Makran Coastal Highway while we were enroute to the Hingol National Park. — Photo by Ali Umair Jaffery
A view of the flooded Hingol River over the Hingol bridge on our way to the Hingol National Park. The flooded river prevented us from reaching our intended destination. — Photo by Taimoor Hussain
A view of the flooded Hingol River over the Hingol bridge on our way to the Hingol National Park. The flooded river prevented us from reaching our intended destination. — Photo by Taimoor Hussain
Crossing the Hingol bridge on our way to Hingol National Park in Hingol Valley. — Photo by Ali Umair Jaffery
Crossing the Hingol bridge on our way to Hingol National Park in Hingol Valley. — Photo by Ali Umair Jaffery
Daihatsu Rocky going towards the Hingol National Park. — Photo by Taimoor Hussain
Daihatsu Rocky going towards the Hingol National Park. — Photo by Taimoor Hussain
The spirit of adventure saw us stuck in the flooded Hingol River and despite our best efforts we had to turn back. -Photo by Ali Umair Jaffery
The spirit of adventure saw us stuck in the flooded Hingol River and despite our best efforts we had to turn back. -Photo by Ali Umair Jaffery
After the disappointment of not being able to continue along our trail, we changed our destination to Buzi Park. — Photo by Ali Umair Jaffery
After the disappointment of not being able to continue along our trail, we changed our destination to Buzi Park. — Photo by Ali Umair Jaffery
A view of the Hingol valley. — Photo by Baber Kaleem Khan
A view of the Hingol valley. — Photo by Baber Kaleem Khan
A view of the Hingol landscape and surrounding areas from the Buzi pass. — Photo by Baber Kaleem Khan
A view of the Hingol landscape and surrounding areas from the Buzi pass. — Photo by Baber Kaleem Khan
The Kund Malir beach in the Uthal tehsil of Balochistan. — Photo by Ali Umair Jaffery
The Kund Malir beach in the Uthal tehsil of Balochistan. — Photo by Ali Umair Jaffery
Sunset at the Kund Malir beach in the Uthal tehsil of Balochistan. — Photo by Baber Kaleem
Sunset at the Kund Malir beach in the Uthal tehsil of Balochistan. — Photo by Baber Kaleem
On our way to the Chandragup mud volcano. — Photo by Taimoor Hussain
On our way to the Chandragup mud volcano. — Photo by Taimoor Hussain
According to some claims, Chandragup mud volcano in Jhal Jhao tehsil of Balochistan is the largest and highest volcano in the world. — Photo by Ali Umair Jaffery
According to some claims, Chandragup mud volcano in Jhal Jhao tehsil of Balochistan is the largest and highest volcano in the world. — Photo by Ali Umair Jaffery
The Hingol mud volcano is regarded sacred by members of the Hindu community and is moreover an important stop for pilgrims while undertaking a journey to Devi’s shrine. — Photo by Ali Umair Jaffery
The Hingol mud volcano is regarded sacred by members of the Hindu community and is moreover an important stop for pilgrims while undertaking a journey to Devi’s shrine. — Photo by Ali Umair Jaffery
Burned incense  sticks at the top of the Chandragup mountain which is  a holy site for Hindus. — Photo by Ali Umair Jaffery
Burned incense sticks at the top of the Chandragup mountain which is a holy site for Hindus. — Photo by Ali Umair Jaffery
A view of the Chandragup mud volcano in the 
Jhal Jhao tehsil of Balochistan. — Photo by Taimoor Hussain
A view of the Chandragup mud volcano in the Jhal Jhao tehsil of Balochistan. — Photo by Taimoor Hussain

In Pakistan there are more than 80 active mud volcanoes in Balochistan province. In the province's Miani Hor-Hingol Valley region, the heights of mud volcanoes range between 800 to 1,550 feet (243.8 to 472.4 m). The most famous is Chandragup. The biggest crater found at 25°33'13.63"N. 65°44'09.66"E is about 450 feet (137.16 m) in diameter.

Opinion

Editorial

Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...
Islamabad protest
Updated 20 Nov, 2024

Islamabad protest

As Nov 24 draws nearer, both the PTI and the Islamabad administration must remain wary and keep within the limits of reason and the law.
PIA uncertainty
20 Nov, 2024

PIA uncertainty

THE failed attempt to privatise the national flag carrier late last month has led to a fierce debate around the...
T20 disappointment
20 Nov, 2024

T20 disappointment

AFTER experiencing the historic high of the One-day International series triumph against Australia, Pakistan came...