SORO GHARA

Herbert Daniel Gebauer - 06/01/2018

A modified natural cave with two potholes 5 m apart. Most likely an initially water-formed feature that has been artificially enlarged by man, possibly in search of water (note 1). SITUATION: Approaching from Quetta the town of Nushki (29°33'N: 66°01'E), a large garage / fuel station is reached on the outskirts of town (29°32'35.7”N: 66°02'43.6”E). Continue along the main road for 10.2 km (note 2) on bearing of approximately 210° (south-west), turn left of the road at this point (position unknown) and drive 600 m across desert to reach one of the obvious ridges of low hillocks (Brooks, S J 2000.10.14 Mss). CAVE DESCRIPTION: The principal entrance lies in a small depression and slopes steeply (-42°) downwards to enter a 1 m wide and 1.5 m high passage that runs for 6.1 m. Leading off to the right a second passage arrives at the base of a 3 m diameter and 5.5 m deep shaft that is the second entrance (Brooks, S J 2000.10.14 Mss). TACKLE: A short rope or ladder with several stout riends to act as belay are useful when descending the second entrance (Brooks, S J 2000.10.14 Mss). CULTURAL HISTORY - Human use: The cave is suspected to be artificially enlarged by man, possibly in search of water. On 2000.10.14 the second entrance held a notched log-ladder. Initial rumors suggested a large cave associated with bad air and a report of someone having entered the cave had died (note 3). For the cave explored a death would most likely be caused by a collapse of the soft mud-walls with a real risk of being buried alive.riends to act as belay are useful when descending the second entrance (Brooks, S J 2000.10.14 Mss). CULTURAL HISTORY - Human use: The cave is suspected to be artificially enlarged by man, possibly in search of water. On 2000.10.14 the second entrance held a notched log-ladder. Initial rumors suggested a large cave associated with bad air and a report of someone having entered the cave had died (note 3). For the cave explored a death would most likely be caused by a collapse of the soft mud-walls with a real risk of being buried alive.