Islamabad to Dasht Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 

Traveling from Islamabad to Dasht in Balochistan is an adventure that spans diverse landscapes, from bustling cities to serene rural areas. Here’s a comprehensive guide on all possible ways to travel this route, including distance, routes, travel duration, and transportation modes.

By Road

Route 1: Islamabad to Dasht via National Highways (N-5, N-25)

Distance:

• Kilometers: 1,060 km
• Miles: 659 miles

Travel Duration:

• By Car: Approximately 16-18 hours
• By Bus: Approximately 20-22 hours

Route Description:

1. Islamabad to Karachi: Start on the N-5 Highway from Islamabad, passing through key cities such as Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore, and Multan. This segment covers around 1,200 km and takes approximately 14-16 hours by car. Overnight stays or rest stops in Lahore or Multan are advisable.
2. Karachi to Dasht: From Karachi, take the N-25 Highway towards Quetta. This route passes through Hub, Bela, Uthal, and Khuzdar before reaching Dasht. This segment covers approximately 860 km, taking around 10-12 hours by car.

Route 2: Islamabad to Dasht via the Makran Coastal Highway (N-10)

Distance:

• Kilometers: 1,200 km
• Miles: 746 miles

Travel Duration:

• By Car: Approximately 18-20 hours
• By Bus: Approximately 22-24 hours

Route Description:

1. Islamabad to Karachi: Follow the same route as Route 1 until Karachi.
2. Karachi to Dasht: From Karachi, take the N-10 Makran Coastal Highway, a scenic route that passes through coastal towns like Ormara, Pasni, and Gwadar. This route covers about 650 km and takes 10-12 hours by car.

By Air

Air Route: Islamabad to Quetta, then by road to Dasht

Distance:

• Islamabad to Quetta (Air): 690 km (429 miles)
• Quetta to Dasht (Road): 370 km (230 miles)

Travel Duration:

• By Air: Approximately 1.5 hours
• By Road: Approximately 6-8 hours

Travel Description:

1. Flight: Book a flight from Islamabad to Quetta. The flight duration is around 1.5 hours.
2. Road Journey from Quetta to Dasht: Upon reaching Quetta, hire a taxi, rent a car, or take a bus for the 370 km road trip to Dasht. This journey takes approximately 6-8 hours, passing through rugged terrains and scenic landscapes.

By Train

Train Route: Islamabad to Quetta, then by road to Dasht

Distance:

• Islamabad to Quetta (Train): 1,250 km (777 miles)
• Quetta to Dasht (Road): 370 km (230 miles)

Travel Duration:

• By Train: Approximately 20-24 hours
• By Road: Approximately 6-8 hours

Travel Description:

1. Train Journey: Board a train from Islamabad to Quetta. Pakistan Railways operates several trains on this route, such as the Bolan Mail and the Jaffar Express. The journey takes around 20-24 hours.
2. Road Journey from Quetta to Dasht: Continue from Quetta to Dasht by road, similar to the air route described above.

By Bus

Bus Route: Islamabad to Karachi, then Karachi to Dasht

Distance:

• Islamabad to Karachi (Bus): 1,200 km (746 miles)
• Karachi to Dasht (Bus): 860 km (534 miles)

Travel Duration:

• Islamabad to Karachi: Approximately 20-24 hours
• Karachi to Dasht: Approximately 12-14 hours

Travel Description:

1. Islamabad to Karachi: Several bus companies operate on this route, such as Daewoo Express, Faisal Movers, and Bilal Travels. The journey takes around 20-24 hours.
2. Karachi to Dasht: From Karachi, buses to Dasht are less frequent. You may need to take a bus to Quetta and then another bus to Dasht. The total travel time from Karachi to Dasht is approximately 12-14 hours.

Important Tips for Travelers

1. Preparation: Ensure your vehicle is in good condition if traveling by car. Carry necessary supplies like water, food, and a first aid kit.
2. Rest Stops: Plan your rest stops, especially if traveling long distances by road. Cities like Lahore, Multan, and Quetta are ideal for breaks.
3. Safety: Check the local security situation before traveling, as some areas in Balochistan may have travel advisories.
4. Accommodation: Book accommodations in advance, particularly in major cities along the route.
5. Navigation: Use GPS or reliable maps for navigation. Some remote areas may have limited mobile coverage.
6. Fuel: Ensure you refuel regularly, as petrol stations can be sparse in certain stretches, especially in Balochistan.

Scenic and Cultural Highlights

1. Makran Coastal Highway: This route offers breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea, rugged mountains, and pristine beaches. Stops at Ormara and Gwadar are highly recommended.
2. Cultural Experiences: Experience the diverse cultures and cuisines along the way. From the Punjabi heartland to the Baloch traditions, the journey is a cultural mosaic.
3. Historical Sites: Visit historical sites like the Khewra Salt Mines near Islamabad, the Mughal-era Lahore Fort, and the coastal city of Gwadar with its strategic port and scenic beaches.

Final Thoughts

Traveling from Islamabad to Dasht is an enriching experience, offering a blend of modern highways, scenic coastal routes, and rugged terrains. Whether you choose to travel by road, air, or a combination of both, planning and preparation are key to a safe and enjoyable journey. Embrace the adventure, soak in the diverse landscapes, and make lasting memories on this unique journey across Pakistan.