Quetta, the capital of Balochistan, 1692 metres above sea level, lies at the mouth of Bolan Pass. It has three large craggy mountains.

The name Quetta is derived from the word "Kuwetta" which means a fort and, no doubt, it is a natural fort surrounded as it is by imposing hills on all sides. The encircling hills have the re-sounding names of Chiltan, Takatoo, Mordar and Zarghun, that seem to brood upon this pleasant town. There are other mountains that form a ring around it. Their copper red and russet rocks and crests that are powdered with snow in winters add immense charm to the town.

The main thoroughfare and the commercial centre of Quetta is Jinnah Road, where the Tourist Information centre of Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation, as the banks restaurants and handicraft shops are located.