Best 5 Things to Do on Astola Island Before the Season Ends

The place has a panoramic view of the island when you are at the top. It feels like we are standing on the edge of the world, with the whole coastline lying in front, a strip of sandy yellow merging into the blue of the Arabian Sea. It is possible to look as far as one’s eyes can see in all directions where the blue of the sky meets the blue of the sea leaving us breathless. Here we will see 5 things to do on Astola Island.

Approaching the top is quite tiresome and the trail is quite steep with sharp rocks and thick vegetation but the views are breathtaking. The best part of the experience though, is when you get to the top as the view is incredibly breathtaking. It is a time to stop, to catch our breath, and be reminded of how magnificent and strong nature is and how lucky we are to be alive. It is something that makes people remember that in many cases, the most exciting and wonderful trips are those that need some effort.

The heat was stifling as we crowded into a jeep the Makran Coastal Highway was laid before us like a strip of tarmac snaking through the heart of Pakistan. My friends and I are a group of friends who cannot sit still and always seek new adventures, and this time, we were going to Astola Island Pakistan, which is an isolated island that can only be heard in a hush among adventure seekers.

Being an old traveler, I am always in search of the best and unknown places, and Astola with its unexplored beaches and marine life and the rumors of the ancient history attracted me.

Okay, get ready for a ride I am going to introduce you to Astola Island Pakistan!

Our journey began in Karachi and we began our touring on the Makran Coastal Highway. It is somewhat similar to the Karakoram Highway of Pakistan passing along the coastal line with marvelous mountain sceneries, beautiful beaches, and small coastal cities. Just driving through that was an adventure in itself.

We finally reached the Astola island area and set up camp. You know, it’s a pretty basic setup, no fancy hotels or anything like that. But the island itself is so beautiful, it didn’t matter.

5 Things to Do on Astola Island

1. Snorkeling/Diving

The underwater environment of Astola is mind-blowing. It is even as if we are walking into a living and breathing aquarium. You will be able to view beautiful corals of various shades of colors and live with various forms of life. Scal-less fish swim through the reefs, their bodies glistening in the sun while the boss fish such as groupers and snappers guard the reefs. And if you are a little lucky then you might even get to see a sea turtle or two swimming around gracefully in the water, it feels like magic is being performed.

The water is quite clear and you can easily go snorkeling or even diving in the water. It is so bright; you can see the coral to the finest detail, the fish to the finest detail, and the water to the finest detail. It is a realistic experience that will make you hold your breath in amazement and leave you bewildered. It is a great lesson on how much there is out there in the world that is still unexplored and how precious our oceans are.

2. Hiking to the Summit

The birds-eye view of the island is a sight to behold. It is as if you are standing at the edge of the world and before you are the whole sandy coast of the Arabian Sea. In all directions, you can for miles, and the blue of the sky merges with the blue of the sea, making the sight that will leave you breathless.

To get to the top it is a little steep and the terrain is a combination of rocks and plants but the view is worth the climb. The climax of success is the view that you get at the top which makes you feel so special and proud. It is a time to take a break, to get some fresh air, and to contemplate the forces and the marvel of the world out there. It is a message that people need to work and strive to achieve what they want in life and sometimes the best thing is not easy to get.

3. Exploring the Beaches

The beaches are untouched and ideal for sunbathing, swimming, or simply for having a feel of the Island. The sand is fine and white as powdered sugar and the water is clear, and when you wish to test the water you can easily walk into it and feel the water touching your feet. We strolled for hours on the sand line with the cool wind blowing sea smells of seaweed. We gathered shells, shells are the precious things that you can find on the seashore, we also did remember our time on this wonderful island.

We basked in the sun and did not care about anything else, we were so much in tune with the world. This was a beautiful opportunity to leave behind all the problems and worries of everyday life and get closer to nature and to ourselves. It is a location that makes you feel that time is an enemy, where all you can hear is the gurgling of water and the screeching of birds. It’s a place to be, to take a breath, and to look at the world as it is and not through the screen of a device.

4. Visiting Historical Sites

Astola is historically developed; thus, numerous temples and shrines remain on the island. It is rather an interesting look at the past. During one of our walks, we dedicated a whole afternoon to wandering around these ruins and trying to picture the lives of the inhabitants of this place hundreds of years ago. What we saw that impressed me the most was an Astola Island temple of the Hindu deity Shiva.

The temple is a gorgeous building even in a state of ruins, and there are numerous carvings on the walls that depict stories from the Hindu epics. It was thus possible to easily visualize the temple in its filled state, with people praying and chanting. It was a great history lesson in the history of the island and its people.

It is as if the visitors, the trees, and the waves are whispering and calling out to each other. It is a historical site that also offers natural scenery and makes for a very memorable destination.

5. Witnessing Turtle Nesting

At times you may be privileged to witness sea turtles that come on the shore to lay their eggs. It is a sight of wonder – a view into the prehistoric cycle of life and a living proof of the earth’s ability to heal itself. Fortunately, we were able to see this amazing spectacle and it was one of the high points of our vacation. Witnessing a huge sea turtle, slowly crawling on the sand with her heavy burden of years was a wonderful and at the same time a rather submissive experience.

We sat for hours in complete silence as she made a hole in the sand and put her eggs, each one of them could be a new life. It was a gentle reminder of the flora and the fauna and how we should ensure that such great animals are preserved. This is something that will always remain with us and it is something to remember of the wonders of nature.

The island is just incredible. It is like a home to the animals. Snorkelling we got to see a great variety of exotic fish and the coral reefs and even witnessed the sea turtles laying their eggs at the shore. The park is a heaven for any nature enthusiast.

History of Astola Island

You know what’s cool? Astola has this history that just takes the whole experience to another level of magic. It is said that Alexander the Great visited the island and there are still temples and shrines around the island that are very old making it even more interesting. There is nothing like that, it gives us a feeling of the kind of life that was being experienced in those houses centuries ago. I mean, you can almost sense that they are still around, the whispering wind in the trees and the sound of the sea.

But you gotta be prepared. There are no such things as running water and gourmet meals since it is a deserted island. As for food and water, we had them with us, and we slept in tents, basic ones, at that. But hey, that is what the journey is all about, isn’t it? It is all about the basic life, the natural scenery, and the desire to be free from any kind of daily stress.

It is an opportunity to become closer to ourselves and the environment in which everyone lives. I wish I could express how it feels to wake up to the sound of the waves and the smell of the sea, believe me, it is all worth it.

When to Go and How to Get There

It is best to visit the island during the dry season which is from October to April. It is sunny and warm and the sea is rather smooth. It is accessible by boat from Pasni and there are always group tours that are conducted to this island. However, it will be ending soon, so better grab the chance! Check out this link to find the best deals.

It is a very sensitive area and that is why we must be very careful with the way we go about things. We are not allowed to throw litter on the ground or disturb the animals, and we should obey the directions given by the tour operators.

Responsible Tourism Tips for Astola Island

• Plan your trip during the winter months (October to April) for the best weather.
• Book a tour or arrange transportation from Pasni, a bustling fishing port on the Makran Coastal Highway.
• Pack light clothing, swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes.
• Bring your food and water, as there are no restaurants or shops on the island.
• Be prepared for basic facilities and limited amenities.
• Respect the island’s fragile ecosystem by avoiding littering and staying on marked trails.
• Do not disturb wildlife and observe them from a distance.
• Bring a camera to capture the stunning scenery and wildlife.
• Enjoy the unique experience of exploring a remote and pristine island.
• Share your experiences and promote responsible tourism to protect this natural wonder.

The Departure

All in all, we can hardly find a better experience. The walk, the place, the animals, and the history – everything was in harmony and made this wonderful trip. It was a trip that changed us, enlightened us, and gave us the love and respect for nature that we never thought we could have. 

If you want something different and quite unusual, Astola Island is the place you should go to! This is a place that will remain imprinted in our mind once we are out of it, this is a place that will give us a feeling of wonder and in the blink of an eye, we will be yearning to be back on its unfolded sandy beach. It is a message that implies that it is worthwhile to travel and go out of our comfort zone even when it seems to be unbearable.

FAQs

What should I pack for a trip to Astola Island?

Pack light clothing, swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes. Remember to bring your food and water, as there are no restaurants or shops on the island.

Is Astola Island suitable for families with children?

Astola Island can be a great destination for families, but it’s important to be aware that it is a remote and rugged island. The facilities are basic, and there are no organized activities for children. However, the island offers a unique opportunity for families to connect with nature and experience a different way of life.

What are some things to keep in mind when visiting Astola Island?

Astola Island is a fragile ecosystem, so it’s important to be respectful of the environment. Avoid littering, stay on marked trails, and do not disturb wildlife. It’s also a good idea to bring your supplies, as there are no shops or restaurants on the island.