Islamabad to Barkhan Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 

Traveling from Islamabad to Barkhan involves a journey through diverse landscapes and regions. Barkhan is located in the Balochistan province of Pakistan, while Islamabad is the capital city situated in the northern part of the country. Here’s a detailed guide on all possible ways to travel from Islamabad to Barkhan, including distances, routes, and travel durations.

1. By Car

Traveling by car is one of the most flexible and adventurous ways to get from Islamabad to Barkhan. Here’s a detailed description:

Route 1: Islamabad - Dera Ghazi Khan - Barkhan

• Distance: Approximately 730 kilometers (454 miles)
• Duration: 12-14 hours

Directions:

1. Start from Islamabad and head southwest on the M-2 Motorway.
2. Continue on M-2, passing through Chakwal and then take the exit for Mianwali on the M-14 Motorway.
3. From Mianwali, continue to Bhakkar and then to Dera Ismail Khan.
4. From Dera Ismail Khan, head towards Dera Ghazi Khan via N-55.
5. After reaching Dera Ghazi Khan, take the N-70 highway which leads directly to Barkhan.

Pros:

• Scenic route with diverse landscapes.
• Flexibility to stop and explore different cities and towns.

Cons:

• Long driving hours.
• Road conditions in some areas may be challenging.

2. By Bus

Traveling by bus is a common and cost-effective way to travel long distances in Pakistan.

Route: Islamabad - Dera Ghazi Khan - Barkhan

• Distance: Approximately 730 kilometers (454 miles)
• Duration: 14-16 hours

Steps:

1. Board a bus from Islamabad’s Faizabad or Pirwadhai bus terminals heading to Dera Ghazi Khan. Major bus companies like Daewoo Express and Faisal Movers operate on this route.
2. Once in Dera Ghazi Khan, transfer to a local bus or van service that travels to Barkhan.

Pros:

• Economical.
• No need to worry about driving or navigation.

Cons:

• Longer travel time due to multiple stops.
• Less comfortable compared to personal car travel.

3. By Train and Bus Combination

Combining train and bus travel can provide a comfortable and scenic experience.

Route: Islamabad - Multan (Train) - Barkhan (Bus)

• Distance: Approximately 800 kilometers (497 miles) in total
• Duration: 18-20 hours (including transfers)

Steps:

1. Take a train from Islamabad Railway Station to Multan. Several trains, including the Green Line Express and Pakistan Express, operate on this route.
2. From Multan, take a bus to Dera Ghazi Khan.
3. Finally, from Dera Ghazi Khan, take a local bus to Barkhan.

Pros:

• Comfortable train journey for a significant part of the trip.
• Scenic views during the train ride.

Cons:

• Longer travel time.
• Multiple transfers required.

4. By Air and Road Combination

For a faster but more expensive option, you can combine air travel with road travel.

Route: Islamabad - Multan (Flight) - Barkhan (Bus)

• Distance: Approximately 780 kilometers (485 miles) in total
• Duration: 8-10 hours (including flight and transfers)

Steps:

1. Take a flight from Islamabad International Airport to Multan International Airport. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) operates flights on this route.
2. From Multan, take a bus to Dera Ghazi Khan.
3. From Dera Ghazi Khan, take a local bus to Barkhan.

Pros:

• Significantly reduced travel time.
• Comfortable and convenient.

Cons:

• Expensive due to flight costs.
• Multiple modes of transportation required.

5. By Motorcycle

For the adventurous, traveling by motorcycle can be an exhilarating way to reach Barkhan.

Route: Islamabad - Dera Ghazi Khan - Barkhan

• Distance: Approximately 730 kilometers (454 miles)
• Duration: 15-18 hours (including rest breaks)

Directions:

1. Follow the same route as the car journey: Islamabad to Dera Ghazi Khan via Mianwali and Bhakkar.
2. From Dera Ghazi Khan, take N-70 to Barkhan.

Pros:

• Full control over the journey.
• Exciting and adventurous experience.

Cons:

• Physically demanding.
• Vulnerable to weather conditions and road safety issues.

Points to Consider

1. Safety and Security: Certain areas in Balochistan can be sensitive. It’s important to stay updated on the security situation and take necessary precautions.
2. Road Conditions: The condition of roads, especially in remote areas, can be poor. Ensure your vehicle is well-maintained and equipped for long-distance travel.
3. Fuel and Supplies: Carry extra fuel, water, and food supplies, especially when traveling by car or motorcycle, as fuel stations and restaurants may be sparse in certain stretches.
4. Accommodation: Plan your overnight stops if the journey extends beyond a single day. Cities like Dera Ghazi Khan have accommodation options.

Summary

Traveling from Islamabad to Barkhan offers several options, each with its own set of advantages and challenges. Whether you prefer the flexibility of driving, the cost-effectiveness of bus travel, the comfort of train journeys, or the speed of air travel, there’s a method to suit every traveler’s needs. Plan your trip carefully, considering factors such as travel time, budget, and personal comfort to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey to Barkhan.