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Hanna Lake

About

A reservoir lake set in a rocky gorge in the hills east of Quetta, fed by the Hanna stream and surrounded by barren but dramatic Balochistan ridgelines. The lake's vivid blue-green water contrasts strikingly with the pale limestone hills, and the shaded picnic grounds and paddle boats make it one of the most popular leisure destinations for Quetta's residents.

History

Hanna Lake was constructed as a reservoir during the British colonial period to supplement Quetta's water supply, following the catastrophic 1935 Quetta earthquake which destroyed much of the city and killed over 40,000 people. The area around the lake had long been used as a recreation ground by British officers stationed at the Quetta cantonment - the Staff College Quetta, one of the British Empire's premier military academies, was established here in 1905 and remains one of Pakistan's finest military institutions today. The lake and its surroundings were developed as a public park in the post-independence period.

Nearby Places

Viewpoints, food, and stops nearby (approximate distances).

Park0.5 km
Hanna Lake Picnic Grounds
Shaded lawns and terraced gardens along the lake shore - the main family picnic area, with paddle boats, a small restaurant, and views over the water.
Landmark8.0 km
Staff College Quetta
One of the world's premier military staff colleges, established 1905 - the campus grounds contain a museum open to visitors.
Landmark10.0 km
Quetta City
The capital of Balochistan - its bazaars, particularly Liaquat Bazaar and the Afghan Carpet Market, are among the most colourful in Pakistan.
Viewpoint15.0 km
Urak Valley
A famous orchard valley southwest of Quetta, fragrant with apple, cherry, and apricot blossoms in spring - the natural companion to a Hanna Lake visit.
Viewpoint25.0 km
Chiltan Peak
The prominent 3,264m peak southwest of Quetta - the highest point in the Quetta range and habitat of the critically endangered Chiltan wild goat.