Makran
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Positives
- Constant monsoon swell
- Mellow right pointbreaks
- Discovery potential
- No disease or bugs
Negatives
- Short surf season
- Onshore winds
- Military restrictions
- Very hot, windy and dusty
Makran surf travel guide
In June 2001 a crew of 12 people including four surfers explored the Makran Desert’s coast looking for rideable surf in the Baluchistan province, its desert vistas containing formidable mountain ranges of amazing rock formations. However, they found that the deserted Arabian Sea coastline has shallow inshore sandbanks, especially around reefs and capes, which dissipate rather than focus the swell power. Subsequently the events of 9/11/2001 made any foreign travel in this region impossible and in more recent times huge infrastructure investment by China has resulted in a double edged sword. While the creation of the Makran Highway has cut travel times between the limited spots dramatically, dredging and harbour construction has changed or destroyed several potential setups.
Surf spots in Makran
Research the 9 surf breaks in Makran and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 9 breaks in Makran.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Makran
- jan
- feb
- mar
- apr
- may
- jun
- jul
- aug
- sep
- oct
- nov
- dec
Library
Helpful surf travel videos and articles featuring Makran.
Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 966,000
- Population
- 220,892,340
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- PKR
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 60.675 PKR PKR
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +92
- Dialing out
- 00
- Language
- Urdu, English (both official), Punjabi, Sindhi, Hindko, Brahui and many others.
Electricity
- Plug Type
- cd
Visas
It is strongly advised to get your visa before arriving in Pakistan although some countries can get visa on arrival. Visa costs and visas requirements vary across Europe and other countries so check things well in advance of a trip. You can calculate the visa cost here.
Getting There
Karachi is the main int'l airport reached by increasingly less airlines but it is the hub for PIA, the national airline. Domestic flights are busy Fokker 70s, which can’t carry boards over 7’6”. Gwadar can be reached from Mosqat with larger airplanes (Oman Air). Flying over the Makran Coast will offer the best views.
Getting Around
Apart from a few tar roads around towns, there are mostly beat up dirt tracks and huge potholes. Average speed is 20km/h (12mph) under extremely hot and dusty conditions, providing you have your NOC. A coastal road is being built in the next few years. A 4WD rental in Gwadar costs 4000 Rps ($dollar price!!!) daily.
Accommodation
Some foreigners have access to the Marjan Resort up on the Gwadar Hammerhead providing A/C rooms (40$/dble w breakfast), excellent food (800 Rps/meal) ($dollar price!!!) but a cheaper option is the Rest House, facing West Bay but very basic (600 Rps /dble) ($dollar price!!!). Dhal, Nan, fish and dates (300 varieties) will be your food.
Activities
Gwadar is a huge chunk of rock 10km (6.5mi) long, 2km (1.5mi) wide and 200m (600ft) high, linked by a narrow stretch of sand of 20km (12mi) long. The white clay cliffs are unreal. Don’t miss the shipyards, the harbour, mud volcanoes and the lively Bazaar at night. It’s incredibly cheap. Islamic beliefs are strong but more liberal than neighbouring countries.
Hazards & hassles
A ‘No Objection Certificate’ is required by the Deputy Commissioner to travel around and will entitle the holder to an armed guard escort, as protection from potential smugglers. Apart from dozens of coastguard checks, the intense heat and dust, occasional sea and land snakes (garr) and rare sharks, it’s pretty cool.
Handy Hints
The Makran was closed to foreigners till a short time back so most trips are of an exploratory nature as tourist infrastructure is non-existent. Hire TRANSPAKISTAN services to organise transport, food, translation and guidance. Bring everything you need and let them take you to the surf spots.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.