Things To Do
in Surab
Surab is a remote town in southern Balochistan, Pakistan, tucked between arid plains and rugged hills. The town exudes hospitality, with busy bazaars, traditional houses, and a slower pace that invites strolling and chatting with locals. Its surrounding landscapes offer quiet desert sunsets, starlit skies, and opportunities to experience Balochi culture firsthand.
Visitors typically use Surab as a gateway to nearby valleys and hikes, as well as to sample hearty desert cuisine in a welcoming setting.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day by wandering through the lively Surab Bazaar, where vibrant stalls offer local handicrafts and fresh produce. The morning light casts a warm glow on the traditional mud-brick architecture that lines the streets. Engage with friendly vendors and sample freshly brewed kahwa to start your day authentically.
After lunch, visit nearby artisan workshops to observe the intricate handcrafting of Baluchi embroidery and pottery. Learn about the cultural significance behind each design and maybe try your hand at creating a small souvenir. Take a leisurely stroll to the old town area, capturing photographs of the historical buildings and everyday life.
As the sun sets, enjoy a traditional Baluchi dinner at a family-run restaurant, savoring rich flavors of Sajji and rice. The evening air is filled with the gentle sounds of local musicians playing folk tunes. End your day with a peaceful walk along the outskirts of Surab, where the desert sky reveals a blanket of stars.
Start early with a guided trek into the hills surrounding Surab, where rugged landscapes meet sparse greenery. The crisp morning air and panoramic views of the valley below create a perfect setting for nature photography. Spot native birds and unique desert flora along the well-trodden paths.
After a picnic lunch amid the hills, explore hidden caves and ancient rock formations that tell stories of the region’s geological history. Local guides share legends and folklore connected to these natural wonders. Take time to relax near a small spring before beginning your descent back to town.
Return to Surab for a quiet evening, perhaps visiting a local tea house where residents gather to share stories. The cool desert breeze provides relief as you sip on green tea infused with cardamom. Reflect on the day’s adventures while watching the vibrant hues of sunset over the hills.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-8 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $0.5-2 |
| 🏨1 night in a budget hotel | $15-30 |
| 🚍Local transportation per ride | $0.5-2 |
| 🧺Groceries for a day | $5-12 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Warm hospitality and a slower pace of life
- Access to quiet desert landscapes and clear night skies
- Authentic Balochi culture and crafts
- Low crowds compared with more touristy regions
- Limited infrastructure in rural areas
- Fewer dining and entertainment options after dark
- Occasional travel advisories and security considerations
- Limited connectivity and mobile internet in remote spots
- "السلام عليكم" - Hello/Peace be upon you
- "کیا آپ انگریزی بولتے ہیں؟" - Do you speak English?
- "براہ کرم" - Please
- "شکریہ" - Thank you
- "مجھے مدد کی ضرورت ہے" - I need help
- "میں بھوکا ہوں" - I am hungry
- "یہ کتنے کا ہے؟" - How much is this?
Places to Visit in Surab
Visit one of these nice places.
Soft light, early risers, and colorful stalls provide vibrant street photography moments.
Open desert vistas with golden hues during sunrise and sunset; ideal for wide landscape shots.
Ruins and traditional houses offer characterful textures and silhouettes against the sky.
Easy trails along the foothills yield panoramic views of Surab and the surrounding plains.
Food in Surab
Surab Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Slow-roasted lamb or chicken skewers served with rice or bread, a signature Balochi dish widely available in town eateries.
Must-Try!
Hard, thick stone bread baked in clay ovens, perfect for dipping into stews and chaat and commonly found in bakeries and stalls.
Simple, hearty vegetarian-friendly stews served with hot bread, often available at local teashops.
Strong spicy tea accompanied by roasted and salted nuts or dried apricots; a staple refreshment in the market areas.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Main market where fresh produce, bread, and street snacks are sold; try fresh-squeezed juice and roadside chaat.
A trading hub for grains, pulses, and dried fruits; ideal for sampling local flour breads and snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Respect local norms by covering shoulders and knees, especially in mosques and rural areas.
Always request permission before photographing people or private spaces.
Respond to offers of tea and food with gratitude; it is polite to share in conversations and accept local customs.
Safety
Tipping in Surab
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. In eateries, leaving small change or rounding up is common; for guides and drivers, 5-10% is typical.
Cash (PKR) is widely used in Surab. Cards are less common in rural areas; mobile wallets are growing but may not be universally accepted.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Very hot days with dry heat; carry plenty of water, wear sun protection, and schedule outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon.
Cool to cold nights with mild to warm days; bring warm layers and a windproof jacket for early mornings.
Occasional dusty conditions and potential flash floods in low-lying areas; check local weather and stay on established paths.
Surab at Night
Hiking in Surab
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Historic mountain pass with rocky outcrops and scenic views along the Bolan region.
Gentle to moderate hike with panoramic views of Surab and surrounding plains.
Airports
How to reach Surab by plane.
The closest major gateway to southern Balochistan with flights to major Pakistani cities and connections.
A smaller regional airport serving the Sibi region and nearby towns; limited but useful for quick hops.
A coastal gateway further away, offering regional connections and a broader travel option for coastal excursions.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominant ethnic group in the region, with distinct language and customs.
Smaller but present in border areas, contributing to cultural diversity.
Migrant groups and traders who bring diverse goods and traditions.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across Pakistan, widely played in towns and schools.
Common in informal leagues and street play; easy to join with locals.
A traditional sport in some Balochi communities with equestrian events nearby.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Surab.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian travelers can enjoy lentil, chickpea, and potato stews, naan or Kaak bread, and fresh vegetable curries. Ask for Sabzi and dal-based dishes and confirm no ghee if avoiding animal fats.