Pakistani Province Baluchistan is gifted with a diverse landscape. Among many geological wonders here, one big attraction is the presence of numerous mud volcanoes. Baluchistan has more than 80 active mud volcanoes in the Miani Hor-Hingol Valley region. Chandragup Mud Volcano is the most famous mud volcano, also called Chandar-Gup or Chandrakup.
The highest Concentration is just three hour drive from Makran Coastal highway towards the North in Hingol National Park, Baluchistan, Pakistan. Instead of lava, ash, and sulfur dioxide, these volcanoes spew mud and methane. On rare occasions, the gas plumes spontaneously ignite, shooting flames high into the sky.
The Chandragup Mud Volcano’s height is between 800 to 1500 feet. Mud volcanoes hold clues to underground mineral resources, not to mention important geological and seismic information. It is considered the holy place of Hindu devotees who like to stay here for pilgrims on their way to the shrine of Devi Hinglaj. This is also a potential tourist attraction for adventure junkies.
Another word that locally mentions this group of volcanoes is ‘Chandra coop’ which means Volcanoes of the Moon. Mud volcanoes have roots that go several kilometers underground and act as safety valves for high underground pressure. Mud volcanoes are generally not considered to be hazardous. Azerbaijan has the largest concentration of mud volcanoes in the world.
Scientific studies in this area find the presence of huge deposits of methane underneath the surface. Unfortunately, the gas deposits are in a solid form called methane hydrates. Perhaps in the future, the mud volcanoes might answer Pakistan’s energy needs. Dirt tracks lead to Chandragup Mud Volcano, only navigable in 4×4 vehicles. It is extremely hard to track here due to tiny sand flies. Winged gnats seek exposed skin and their bites leave large, red itchy bumps that may turn into a rash. According to some claims, the Chandragup mud volcano in Jhal Jhao tehsil of Balochistan is the largest and highest volcano in the world.
Moreover, keep in mind that these sandflies are notorious to carry a host of viruses and people are known to have died from complications arising from sandfly bites. The individual should be fit enough as far as physical condition and vehicles are well equipped. This is an extremely remote location and isolated from civilization, so no chance of rescue if required. Make sure, no mobile service is available within 50 kilometers in any direction. Another famous Mud volcano “Jabl-ul-Ghurab” is very close to Chandragup.
Moreover, the ancient Hindu temple ‘Hinglaj temple’ or ‘Nani Temple’ is also located near Chandragup Mud Volcano. It is reported that during the infamous 8.1 intensity earthquake of Balochistan which occurred on May 31, 1935, a mud volcano erupted Northwest of Quetta, near the town of Surab, and kept spewing out mud for 9 hours continuously.
Also Read:
- Mud Volcano that has Supernatural Resemblance to a Massive Human Eye
- Yanar Dagh The “Burning Mountain” in Azerbaijan
