Hanna Lake

Hanna Lake was built in 1894 by the British administration as a water supply for Quetta, damming a valley in the bare hills east of the city, and it has been the town's favourite outing ever since. The setting is stark, with grey and ochre slopes rising directly from the water and no vegetation beyond the planted trees at the shore, and the colour of the lake against that backdrop is what draws people: greenish-gold in strong light, darker under cloud. Boats and pedalos work the water, there is a small island reached by boat, and stalls sell tea, corn and the dried fruit that Balochistan is known for. The Urak valley continues beyond the lake into orchard country, attractive in blossom season. Water levels have fluctuated severely with drought years, and the lake has run nearly dry more than once.

What you actually see

• The reservoir - golden-green water against bare grey hills.
• The island - a small rock island reached by boat.
• Boating - pedalos and rowing boats from the shore.
• Urak valley orchards - fruit country continuing beyond the lake.

When to go

March to October, with spring best when the Urak orchards blossom. The lake is at its fullest after winter rains and can be badly depleted by late summer in a dry year. Weekends and holidays bring crowds from Quetta.

Honest expectations

In drought years the lake shrinks dramatically and can be a mudflat, which visitors do not expect. Facilities are basic stalls and the shore gets littered on busy days. There is no shade. Travel arrangements around Quetta should be checked locally before setting out.

Nearby

Quetta is fifteen minutes west; Ziarat and the juniper forest lie northeast.