When we talk about the Islands in Pakistan, people are amazed because there are so many places in Pakistan that so far are unexplored. One of them is Astola Island in Gwadar district of Baluchistan. Astola Island is a small uninhabited Island in Pakistan which is approximately 6.7 km (4.2 mi) long with a maximum width of 2.3 km (1.4 mi). It is also known as “Jezira Haft Talar Satadip” or “Island of the Seven Hills”.
Due to its remote location, the beauty of the Island has remained untarnished. There is a remainder of a lighthouse that had built by the government in 1983 and a small shrine of Pir Khawaja Khizar, except that there is no standing structure. The Island consists of only a few scrubs and bushes, due to the absence of freshwater it is mostly barren, and there is no tree.
15 June 2017 this was declared as Pakistan’s first Marine Protected Area which supports a huge variety of marine species. The sandy beaches provide nesting ground for the rare green turtle and hawksbill turtle, and also a home for many species of migratory birds and resident birds.
The Island comprises oddly- shape white cliffs which are about 246 feet above sea level, surrounded by crystal clear warm turquoise water standing in the middle of the sea. A beautiful white beach runs around the periphery of the island that almost like in the Mediterranean. People visit this island to enjoy camping at the beach, fishing, and deep-sea diving. It is also used as base for fishermen.
A light wind blows throughout the day and the pattern of the beach changes depending upon the tide. The water is so clear so the seabed is visible to about the depth of 20 feet.
The views from the Island are unforgettable, you can see the blue Ocean for miles, spectacular moments of sunset, flying birds, and bright sunshine and the cool gentle breeze leave the viewer spellbound. There are also several natural caves and coves. Every side of the island is very beautiful and different and it’s a great place for a nature lover.
Astola is considered the largest Island along the coast of Pakistan, Government needs to put some attention into promoting tourism on this charming spot and making the trip to the island more favorable so that more people could come to see. No doubt it’s a great tourist destination.
Location of Astola Island
Astola Island, located about 39 kilometers from Pasni, Baluchistan. Pasni is a sub district of the Gwadar District. It is a seven-hour drive to reach Pasni from Karachi, can be accessed the island via motorized boats with a time approximately three hours.
You may also be interested to read about “Hingol National Park” another wonder in Balochistan.
