During the scorching days of July, while local guides around the world celebrated Connect’s Birthday, a group of local guides from Karachi had a different celebration in mind. Yes, that was me who planned this for the celebration of Connect’s 7th birthday. I set my eyes on a hidden gem, Damb Beach or Damb Desert, located a short drive away from Karachi in Balochistan.
What makes Daam Beach/Desert so exceptional is its awe-inspiring landscape. Here, a vast desert stretches and meets the gentle waves of the Arabian Sea, creating a surreal scene where the desert merges with the ocean. This phenomenon is rare, especially in South Asia, home to the vast Thar Desert, which spans both India and Pakistan but never touches the sea.
The journey began in the early morning from Hussainabad Food Street, long before sunrise. Departing from Karachi, We reached Winder as the first light of day broke. A beautiful mosque was their first stop, a place for our morning prayers. With excitement and curiosity, we continued our journey towards the mysterious Damb Desert.
In recent years, Karachi residents have explored the beaches along the Makran Coastal Highway. However, hidden like a treasure, Damb Desert/ Beach, also known as Daam Balochistan, remains undiscovered. Just a two-hour drive from Karachi, this destination promises desert dunes, clear sea waters, and captivating sunsets.
Damb is a fishing community, accessible via the Damb Road from Winder City, which is reached through the N25 highway from Karachi. Damb Beach is located near Sonmiani Beach.
Across the water lies Miani Hor, a swampy lagoon in Lasbela District, Balochistan. The journey from Karachi takes roughly three hours, primarily due to the road conditions on the Damb Road. Despite lacking facilities like hotels and guesthouses, visitors are encouraged to bring their tents, sleeping bags, and food.
During our trip, we had a remarkable experience of witnessing dolphins playing in the open sea, a serene and unforgettable sight. It was a moment of pure joy that would stay with us from our adventure.
For Karachi residents seeking a seaside getaway, Damb Beach offers a quieter alternative to the bustling Seaview. In addition to savoring the natural beauty, visitors can embark on boating adventures to Miani Hor. Nearby fishing boats are available for hire, allowing tourists to explore the mangroves of Miani Hor or even camp on the island-like lagoon surrounded by the sea. Fishing is a popular activity for those looking to make the most of their time at this exotic beach.
In recent years, tour operators have recognized the appeal of Damb Beach and offer trips tailored to different seasons. During the summer, journeys commence from Karachi at night, aiming to arrive at the destination just before sunrise. In the winter, tours are scheduled to reach in time for the captivating sunset. Viral photos and videos have attracted more visitors to this hidden paradise.
However, the increased number of tourists has posed challenges, with growing pollution affecting the beach’s environment. While tour package prices may vary, the average cost is around Rs. 5,000 (20 USD) per person, inclusive of meals.
Despite not having the same attractions as nearby destinations like Kund Malir, such as the mud volcano and Princess of Hope, Damb Beach’s vast dunes, untouched beachfront, and tranquil surroundings make it an ideal picnic spot, especially for Karachi’s residents.
Damb enjoys a desert climate, with warm to hot daytime temperatures and cooler nights. Rainfall is rare, with an average annual temperature of 33°C and minimal precipitation. The area remains dry for most of the year, making it a perfect escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Spending nearly six hours exploring Damb Beach, we concluded our adventure with a delicious breakfast of fried eggs, parathas (fried flatbreads), and doodh patti chai (strong tea with milk) at a roadside Cafe.
After breakfast, An attempt to hire a boat for a voyage through the mangrove forests faced a hiccup as the boat’s engine malfunctioned upon starting.
The journey to Daam Beach was not just a trip for us, it was an adventure filled with surprises, natural beauty, and the discovery of a hidden paradise.
We returned to Karachi with memories of, beautiful sunrise, dolphins and the mesmerizing meeting of the desert and the sea, nature’s wonder in its purest form.
Here are my Google Maps Reviews about Damb Desert & Damb Bandar (Beach) separately.
so soon you will get more stories by me on connect