Quetta is the capital of Baluchistan, which is the largest province in Pakistan. Most of it is desert, and the Baluchi's look like true desert-dwellers: they have baggy trousers, big moustaches and they love their freedom.

Quetta lies 1692 metres above sea level at the mouth of Bolan...

Quetta is the capital of Baluchistan, which is the largest province in Pakistan. Most of it is desert, and the Baluchi's look like true desert-dwellers: they have baggy trousers, big moustaches and they love their freedom.

Quetta lies 1692 metres above sea level at the mouth of Bolan Pass. It has three large craggy mountains. Chiltan, Zarghun and Koh-e-Murdar,that seem to brood upon this pleasant town. There are other mountains that form a ring around it. Their copper red and russet rocks and crests that are powdered with snow in winters add immense charm to the town.

Quetta is an excellent base for further exploration of Balochistan. Kan Mehtarzai (2240 metres), the highest railway station in Asia, is a two-hour drive away. Loralai, the almond bowl of the country, is 265 kms away. Besides, there are numerous other valleys that are fascinating places to be in for explorers.

Quetta can rightly be called the fruit basket of Pakistan. Plums, peaches, pomegranates, apricots, apples, guavas (locally called zaitoon), some unique varieties of melon like 'Garma' and 'Sarda' and cherries, pistachios and almonds are all grown in abundance. Some pistachios also grow in Qila Saif Ullah also. Saffron grows very well on mountains around 5000 ft (1524 metres) high. It is being cultivated on a commercial scale here. Tulip is an indigenous flower of Pakistan. The yellow and red varieties of tulip grow wild around Quetta.

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