Islamabad to Jhal Magsi Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 

Traveling from Islamabad to Jhal Magsi can be an exciting journey as you pass through diverse landscapes, from urban centers to rural areas and then into the rugged terrain of Balochistan. Below is an in-depth guide on the possible ways to travel from Islamabad to Jhal Magsi, including distances, routes, and travel durations.

By Road

Distance: Approximately 875 kilometers (544 miles)
Travel Duration: 12-15 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions

Route Options:

1. Route 1: Islamabad - Multan - Sukkur - Jhal Magsi

   • Islamabad to Multan:
     • Distance: 420 kilometers (261 miles)
     • Duration: 5-6 hours
     • Route: Take the M2 Motorway from Islamabad to Lahore, then switch to the M3 Motorway towards Multan.
   • Multan to Sukkur:
     • Distance: 320 kilometers (199 miles)
     • Duration: 4-5 hours
     • Route: From Multan, continue on N5 and then transition onto the M5 Motorway towards Sukkur.
   • Sukkur to Jhal Magsi:
     • Distance: 135 kilometers (84 miles)
     • Duration: 2-3 hours
     • Route: From Sukkur, take the N65 Highway towards Shikarpur, then turn onto local roads towards Jhal Magsi.

2. Route 2: Islamabad - Dera Ghazi Khan - Loralai - Jhal Magsi

   • Islamabad to Dera Ghazi Khan:
     • Distance: 490 kilometers (304 miles)
     • Duration: 6-7 hours
     • Route: Travel on M2 Motorway from Islamabad to Lahore, then follow N5 and N70 towards Dera Ghazi Khan.
   • Dera Ghazi Khan to Loralai:
     • Distance: 220 kilometers (137 miles)
     • Duration: 4-5 hours
     • Route: Take N70 from Dera Ghazi Khan towards Fort Munro, continuing to Loralai.
   • Loralai to Jhal Magsi:
     • Distance: 165 kilometers (103 miles)
     • Duration: 2-3 hours
     • Route: Proceed from Loralai on local roads heading southwest to Jhal Magsi.

By Air and Road Combination

Distance: Varies based on the selected flight path and road distance
Travel Duration: 5-8 hours (including flight time and road travel)

Route Options:

1. Islamabad to Sukkur by Air, then by Road to Jhal Magsi

   • Islamabad to Sukkur:
     • Distance: 800 kilometers (497 miles) by air
     • Duration: 1.5 hours flight
     • Airlines: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and other local carriers offer flights from Islamabad to Sukkur.
   • Sukkur to Jhal Magsi:
     • Distance: 135 kilometers (84 miles)
     • Duration: 2-3 hours by road
     • Route: From Sukkur, take the N65 Highway towards Shikarpur, then use local roads to reach Jhal Magsi.

2. Islamabad to Quetta by Air, then by Road to Jhal Magsi

   • Islamabad to Quetta:
     • Distance: 690 kilometers (429 miles) by air
     • Duration: 1.5 hours flight
     • Airlines: PIA and other local carriers provide flights from Islamabad to Quetta.
   • Quetta to Jhal Magsi:
     • Distance: 345 kilometers (214 miles)
     • Duration: 5-6 hours by road
     • Route: From Quetta, travel on N25 towards Mastung, then turn onto N65 Highway and local roads to reach Jhal Magsi.

By Train and Road Combination

Distance: Varies based on the selected train route and road distance
Travel Duration: 16-20 hours (including train travel and road journey)

Route Options:

1. Islamabad to Sukkur by Train, then by Road to Jhal Magsi
   • Islamabad to Sukkur:
     • Distance: Approximately 950 kilometers (590 miles) by train
     • Duration: 14-16 hours by train
     • Trains: Pakistan Railways operates several trains such as the Green Line Express, which travels from Rawalpindi (near Islamabad) to Sukkur.
   • Sukkur to Jhal Magsi:
     • Distance: 135 kilometers (84 miles)
     • Duration: 2-3 hours by road
     • Route: From Sukkur, take the N65 Highway towards Shikarpur, then use local roads to reach Jhal Magsi.

Important Considerations

1. Road Conditions:

   • The condition of roads in Pakistan can vary significantly. Major highways like the M2, M3, and N5 are generally well-maintained, but local roads, especially in Balochistan, can be less predictable. Always check current road conditions before traveling.

2. Fuel and Rest Stops:

   • Ensure your vehicle is well-fueled before setting off, especially when traveling through less populated areas where fuel stations may be scarce. Plan rest stops at major cities or towns along the route to avoid fatigue.

3. Safety:

   • Balochistan, in particular, can have security concerns. It’s advisable to check the latest travel advisories and, if possible, travel in daylight hours. Informing local authorities or family members about your travel plans can also enhance safety.

4. Navigation:

   • Having a reliable GPS system or a detailed map is essential for this journey, especially when navigating through rural and less-developed areas. Mobile network coverage can be inconsistent in remote regions, so having offline maps can be useful.

5. Weather:

   • The climate can vary significantly along the route. Islamabad experiences moderate weather, but as you travel towards Jhal Magsi, you may encounter hotter and drier conditions, especially in summer. Check weather forecasts and prepare accordingly.

Summary

Traveling from Islamabad to Jhal Magsi can be done via multiple routes and modes of transportation. By road, the journey spans approximately 875 kilometers (544 miles) and takes about 12-15 hours, passing through major cities like Multan and Sukkur or Dera Ghazi Khan and Loralai, depending on your chosen route. Combining air and road travel can significantly reduce travel time, with flights available from Islamabad to Sukkur or Quetta, followed by a shorter road journey. Train travel is another option, with a train ride to Sukkur followed by a road trip to Jhal Magsi. Regardless of the chosen method, travelers should consider road conditions, safety, navigation, weather, and necessary preparations for a comfortable and safe journey.