“Princess of Hope”, sounds like an ancient Greek mythology character, right? Perhaps a deity that gives people hope and strength in tough times. Well, hold your wild imaginations right there you dreamer! Even though its name makes us romanticize Princess of Hope as an imaginary character from ancient myths, it is far from it.

But do not be disappointed, because Princess of Hope has its own interesting story and background.

So what is Princess of Hope?

Crafted and perfected for centuries by the sea breezes blowing from Arabian sea, Princess of Hope is a rock formation in southern part of Baluchistan, Pakistan. Heavy rainfall in the region and winds blowing from the ocean have shaped the mountainous rock into beautiful, natural sculptures. One of these figures looks like a lady standing tall, looking over the horizons. This figure is called Princess of Hope, depicting a princess standing tall, looking for something, probably hope as they say.

Why is it Called Princess of Hope?

The statue was named by none other than Angelina Jolie, the famous Hollywood star, on her visit to Pakistan in 2002. Angelina Jolie visited Hingol National Park as UN’s Ambassador of Goodwill. Quite a poetic name she gave it, isn’t it?

Where is Princess of Hope?

Princess of Hope, among other naturally formed statues such as the Lion of Baluchistan or the Baluchistan Sphinx is located in Hingol National Park in Baluchistan, which is Pakistan’s biggest national park alongside the Makran Coastal Highway. Hingol Park is at a distance of 190 kilometers from Karachi and 359 kilometers from Gwadar. It is a popular tourist attraction in Baluchistan, opposite to the Kund Malir beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Pakistan.

How to Get to Princess of Hope

Located at just a distance of 4 hours from Karachi, Princess of Hope and Hingol National Park is a place worth visiting for a weekend getaway.

Here’s your guide and everything you need to know about Princess of Hope.

There are two ways you can go to Hingol national park; 1. By booking your trip with a travel operator and 2. By driving yourself.

If you book your trip with a travel operator, the average per head cost to visit Hingol National Park from Karachi would be Rs. 3,500. This comprehensive package offered by different travel operators includes the cost of traveling (both sides) in an air conditioned, comfortable vehicle, lunch, breakfast, drinks, refreshments and mineral water, professional photography and a tour guide who will make your visit worthwhile.

But if you choose to drive yourself, make sure you pick a powerful and comfortable ride that doesn’t tire you, as it is a 4 hour long drive.

Way to Princess of Hope

So the journey starts from Karachi. Once you reach Hub, you will head towards Zero Point, from where you will be on the driving on Makran Coastal Highway. Makran Coastal Highway is a neatly constructed highway that passes along the Arabian sea, offering you scenic views on the road trip and making it all worthwhile. You will also get to see active mud volcanoes along the way, with a change in landscape as you get closer to your destination. Soon, you will reach Hingol National Park before you even realize.

Be aware though, there are not much facilities on the highway or anywhere on the road to Kund Malir. That is because people only recently started visiting this region. So it’s better that you take the necessary items such as food, drinks, first aid kit, extra fuel and any other necessary items to avoid any mishaps. There also are not any mechanics or auto-shops, so make sure you take a well-maintained vehicle that won’t break down.

Things to Do in Hingol National Park

Baluchistan has been long ignored by tourists because of no facilities and security concerns in the region, therefore all of its beautiful spots were hidden from the world, until just a few years ago.

Thanks to a few explorers who revealed this hidden gem, people now pour in from every corner of the country to visit the beautiful Baluchistan, that was once stereotyped as a dry desert. Despite being a dry and sandy region, Baluchistan has the most beautiful beaches with bioluminescent waves, straight out of a fairy tale. However, some of its remote beaches are still unreachable because of no proper roads and facilities, and some have not even been named yet.

Biggest Natural Park of Pakistan

It also has deserts that meet the sea, national parks and rivers. Hingol National Park is one of these parks, and the biggest in Pakistan. It offers a live experience of watching wildlife in their natural habitat. These include around 35 species of mammals such as foxes, hyenas, urials, Sindh ibex and 65 of reptiles and amphibians including turtles, crocodiles, geckos and more. The park also houses the famous statues of Princess of Hope and the Lion of Baluchistan, as well as the cone shaped mountains that have been perfected by the winds.

Just opposite to Hingol National Park is the famous Golden beach, or also known as Kund Malir beach. This beautiful beach has the bluest water you’ll find in Pakistan. It is also very clean and the sand is so gold that it perfectly complements the blues of the sea. You will often find the beach empty in most of the days because of its remote location.

However, be sure to pack ample food, drinks, fuel and necessary items as there aren’t much facilities for tourists in the area. There are also a few huts and cabanas in Kund Malir beach with minimal facilities, so you can choose whether to camp under the stars or book a hut.

Already thinking about visiting this astonishing wonder of Baluchistan?

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