The nature spot Balochistan offers a diversified range of enchanting and alluring sites for tourists. Balochistan has no measure of beaches, mountains, deserts, and lakes that present breathtaking views. It is well said that Balochistan is a land of mysteries, some are explored and many are yet to be explored. This land holds invaluable heritage, civilization, tradition, and different other cultural aspects. All these aspects combine together and make Balochistan the most natural tourist spot.
However, one of its astonishing spots is that of Jhal Magsi which is no less than a natural paradise usually famous for desert safari. This place invites thousands of fans of the desert to rally in the pleasantness of nature when the sunsets are splendid, the weather is genial and the plain desert-like Safari accentuates the aura unique to Balochistan. This rally carter huge crowds, investors, and rally enthusiasts from all over Pakistan and round them up in one place to stay until the rally ends to explore the beauty and diversity of the desert. The safari in Jhal Magsi offers the best route in Pakistan for individuals who like to off-road.
The Desert of Safari in Jhal Magsi was a site unknown to all. In 2005, a rally was commenced where people came to know about this place and its nerve-wracking fascination. It has been going on for 14 years and has evolved with great and renowned racers taking part in it every year. Previously, the importance of Jhal Magsi was known only to archaeologists due to its key location during Arab rule and the Bhil dynasty of India. Now, Jhal Magsi is predominantly acknowledged for its colossal rally event.
Travelling Route
One can travel to Desert Safari in Jhal Magsi through three different routes; from Quetta, via Kolpur; the route that passes through the majestic Bolan valley, and Mach. The second route is suitable for travelers from Sindh, passing through Sibi, Sukkhur, Noutal, and Shaddad Kot, ultimately ending at sub-division Jhal and finally Dadar, the district headquarters of Bolan.
Desert Safari Rally
In the desert safari rally, innumerable cars compete. The 200km rallies were joined by people from across Pakistan. The motor race has been divided into 2 stages, where the starting point would be Stage 1, ending at 78 km and race drivers can take a break. Whereas the length of Stage 2 is 142 km. With more than 50 participants, the Jhal Magsi rally has 9 categories i.e. Category A, B, C, and D; Stock Category A, B, C, and D, and the Women Category. When the year is on the verge of ending, sunsets turn glorious and salmon-pink, the grand city of Jhal Magsi is admissibly roaring with joy and excitement. People especially young boys are fascinated by the range of vehicles arriving in town. Spectators come from every corner of Balochistan, mostly from the Naseerabad zone, and from other parts of Pakistan.
These people take out time from their busy schedules just to witness the adrenaline-rushing motor race. The Participants of the Jeep Rally are assorted and ever-increasing. Often jeep enthusiasts, motorsport fanatics, young generation from the local tribes who have a good understanding of their land, respectable tribal heads with a history of winning streaks, and professional off-road drivers zealous about cruising on dusty tracks take part.
Jhal Magsi desert is considered to have one of the best racing tracks in the whole country. From the muddy terrain to gravel and waterbed, Jhal Magsi gives a thrilling experience of rally driving. The rally is one of the most relentless and safest race tracks in the world, observing international standards.
Participation in the Rally
Burcu Cetinkaya, the female driver from turkey who took part in 2016 praised the tracks of desert Safari. It is the most adventurous experience where women have also given full participation which shows the positive side of this rally. In the recent rally events, many renowned international rally drivers; Abdo Feghali and his wife Roni Patel from Lebanon came to Pakistan to experience and witness the fascinating experience. In 2018, from 13 -19 December, National Motor Sports hosted the Jhal Magsi Desert Challenge where 4×4 SUV racers came to race from all over the country. Chief Minister Balochistan was the chief visitor in the last service of the Jeep Rally.
More than 60 drivers and globe-trotters from the country overtook interest in the Jhal Magsi Desert Jeep Rally. Nadir Khan Magsi, a local of the area remained victorious in the pre-period A-Category and won the rally. Babar Shah from KPK province was in the second position while Asif Faisal Chaudhary secured third place. Nadir Magsi, the gladiator of sport said, “With proper support from government, sponsors, and media we can organize even better events, as Pakistan has a topographical advantage which offers very diversified and challenging terrain”.
Furthermore, these cheap but entertaining events can have a refreshing impact on tourists not only from Pakistan but from all over the world. Such events can also portray a positive image of Pakistan on the international level. Thus, this place has a lot of potentials to become the best destination for tourism, as tourism in Balochistan is a developing industry.
We are indebted to Kainat Riaz a researcher for sharing all the above useful information with us. The purpose of editing this piece is to educate people more about our country. There are many more hidden treasures that need to be explored and need a sincere look from the high authorities to promote tourism inside our country.
