Astola Island Trip part 2 with Carrie Patsalis 516 Likes

 I’m taking you to Astola Island, a breathtaking but fragile paradise off the coast of Balochistan. Known as the Island of Seven Hills, it’s a place of pristine beauty—but one that’s facing some serious challenges from tourism and environmental neglect.

Astola is one of those magical places that feels almost untouched, with steep cliffs, pristine beaches, and the enchanting sight of nesting turtles. But behind the beauty, there’s a worrying issue: unregulated tourism. As we explore the island, I can’t help but wonder—are we unknowingly ruining this paradise?

Climbing the Cliffs for the Perfect Sunset

We start by climbing the cliffs of Astola, trying to capture the perfect sunset. It’s a little nerve-wracking, as the drop is steep, and the rocks are jagged. But the views from the top? Absolutely breathtaking. You feel on top of the world, with the clear blue ocean stretching for miles. (Although, to be honest, I kept half an eye on the horizon in case a wave decided to surprise me! 😂)

The Delicacies of Astola Island

Once safely back down, it’s time to savor some of the local delicacies. In Balochistan, food is more than just sustenance; it’s a celebration of the region’s rich culture. I had a chance to try Saji and Rosh, traditional Balochi dishes. Both were delicious, with the tender meat and rich spices. Saji is particularly special because it’s often prepared for big family gatherings. It’s like a slow-cooked feast, and trust me, it’s worth the wait!

Turtles and the Island’s Fragile Ecosystem

One of the most unforgettable moments was witnessing the turtles coming onto the beach to lay their eggs. Astola is home to one of the last major nesting sites for turtles in this region, and seeing these ancient creatures in action was humbling. But this beautiful island is also in danger. It’s not a marine-protected area, and the delicate balance between tourism, local livelihoods, and conservation is at risk.

I had a heart-to-heart with Sardiq, a local fisherman who’s trying his best to protect the turtles while still making a living. His efforts are inspiring, but as we all know, this kind of work needs much more support. If we don’t start taking steps to protect places like Astola, they could be gone before we know it. And here’s the kicker: banning tourists might be a temporary solution, but what happens when the locals need those tourist dollars to survive?

The Rough Seas and a Funny Boat Story

As I reflect on the island’s challenges, we hit a bit of a snag. Our boat engine fails, leaving us stranded on the island—an unplanned adventure! The sea got rough, and I was starting to feel the early signs of seasickness. As if that wasn’t enough, we had to assist another fisherman whose boat was having issues too. I don’t know about you, but helping someone when you’re already fighting the waves yourself is a whole new level of “adventure”.

In the midst of all this, I started wondering: What if Astola’s nickname, Haft Talar (meaning “Seven Hills”), is because the island makes you climb seven hills to reach peace… and seven more to get back to solid ground? (I swear, if I see another hill, I might just be tempted to rename it myself!)

In the end, this adventure was not just about the beauty of Astola Island, but also about how we all share the responsibility of preserving such treasures. While I’m all for exploration, it’s important to ask: can we explore responsibly? Can we be part of the solution rather than the problem?

And with that, I’ll leave you with this thought: While a ban on tourists may seem like the right answer, there’s no easy solution. Maybe the real question is: What can we do to help save Astola Island and similar places before they disappear?

Until next time—stay curious, travel smart, and always respect the places you explore. 🌍✨