Pidark is a small yet beautiful village nestled in the heart of Balochistan....
Travelogue
Pidark is a small yet beautiful village nestled in the heart of Balochistan. Surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery and peaceful landscapes, the village is home to nearly 8,100 residents and proudly boasts a literacy rate of around 95 percent. Life in Pidark presents a unique blend of tradition and modernity, where agriculture remains the main source of livelihood for most people while tourism has also grown steadily over the past few years. The simplicity of village life, combined with the warmth and hospitality of its people, makes Pidark a truly remarkable place.
The village is admired for its welcoming atmosphere and calm environment. With pleasant weather and scenic surroundings, it has become a favourite destination for visitors seeking peace and relaxation. Although deeply rooted in tradition, Pidark has gradually embraced modern development, with increasing access to mobile technology and improving economic conditions over the past decade. The village beautifully preserves its cultural values while moving steadily towards progress and modern infrastructure.
Join me as a traveller from Turbat as I embark on a journey to my own village of Pidark. As I left Turbat behind and travelled towards Pidark, I was struck by the beauty of the natural surroundings. What touched me even more was the feeling of comfort, peace and happiness that washed over me during the journey. Being a native of Pidark, I felt a deep emotional connection to my hometown and immense joy at returning to my roots. The thought of reuniting with my family filled me with excitement and warmth. I looked forward to sharing laughter, stories and precious moments with them.
As we continued our journey, I admired the pleasant atmosphere of the village, with its gentle breeze and cool climate. Along the way, we passed through Basol Khor, a small settlement with a modest population, a small school and farmers tending to their gardens and livestock. After passing through this area, we reached Aapband, a river with fresh running water. Here, people, mostly men, come to wash, collect water and socialise.
Aapband is also considered a popular picnic spot, especially for the citizens of Turbat who often visit with their families. The river’s fresh water and serene surroundings make it an ideal place for relaxation and recreation. Notably, Aapband marks the beginning of the Darmakol area.
Darmakol is an important part of the village. Notable landmarks include a higher secondary school for girls and a middle school for boys. People, especially from Jamak and Gwarkop, often stop at the roadside shops to purchase necessities and refuel their vehicles before continuing their journey.
However, our journey continued further as we moved ahead. Leaving the main road behind, we took a detour through a rugged path that had not been officially constructed. This makeshift road, created by the locals who frequently travel on it, led us through beautiful scenic routes. Finally, we arrived at our home area, Kalikot.
Kalikot is a special place inhabited exclusively by my family members, including my uncles, aunts and grandmothers. It holds immense emotional value for me and my loved ones. Behind our homes lies a forest where our goats roam freely after being released in the morning to graze. Nearby stretches my grandfather’s field, reflecting our family’s deep connection to the land.
Since the entire area is inhabited only by my relatives, Kalikot feels intimate, peaceful and deeply personal. As I reached Kalikot with my parents and siblings, we received a warm and heartfelt welcome from our family members. Although Kalikot is only a small part of the larger village, it remains incredibly special to me. The village itself is quite vast, with many residents living in areas situated far from Kalikot.
There are several other areas within the village, such as Khandadhum, Jalla Bazar, Pezg, Shoora Pad and Gorasar. Although I am not familiar with all these places because I have never visited them, I have still developed a deep appreciation for the natural beauty and charm of my village. One of the most popular picnic spots in the village is Peeri. Although it is an exceptionally beautiful location and loved by everyone, reaching Peeri requires a ten-minute trek because there is no proper road leading to it. However, the breathtaking scenery and tranquillity of the place make the effort completely worthwhile. To sum up, Pidark village may appear to be only a small dot on the map, but its impact on my heart has been immense.
It is a place where time seems to stand still and where my heart always finds peace and comfort. As I reluctantly bid farewell, I know that a part of my heart will forever remain connected to the beauty and charm of my beloved village. Whenever an opportunity for a picnic arises, do not miss the chance to visit Pidark, for you will never regret experiencing its beauty and serenity.
