Traveling from Islamabad to Mashkai, a town in the Awaran District of Balochistan, Pakistan, involves covering a significant distance through a combination of highways, local roads, and potentially unpaved routes. This journey can be undertaken by various means, including by road, air (partially), and potentially by rail (partially). Here, we'll explore all possible ways to travel from Islamabad to Mashkai, detailing the distance in kilometers and miles, routes, and travel duration.
By Road
Traveling by road is the most direct way to reach Mashkai from Islamabad. The distance between Islamabad and Mashkai by road is approximately 1,200 kilometers (746 miles). The journey typically involves several major highways and local roads. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the road route:
Route via N-5 and RCD Highway (N-25)
- Islamabad to Lahore (N-5): Start from Islamabad and take the National Highway 5 (N-5) south towards Lahore. The distance from Islamabad to Lahore is approximately 375 kilometers (233 miles), and it takes around 4-5 hours.
- Lahore to Quetta (N-25): From Lahore, you can continue on N-5 or take the M-2 motorway towards Multan. From Multan, switch to the N-70 highway towards Dera Ghazi Khan and then join the N-25 (RCD Highway) towards Quetta. The distance from Lahore to Quetta via this route is around 850 kilometers (528 miles), taking about 14-16 hours.
- Quetta to Mashkai: From Quetta, take the local roads towards Awaran and then to Mashkai. The distance from Quetta to Mashkai is approximately 375 kilometers (233 miles), and it takes around 7-9 hours, depending on the road conditions.
Total Distance and Duration: Approximately 1,600 kilometers (995 miles), with a total travel duration of 25-30 hours, considering stops and road conditions.
Route via N-55 (Indus Highway)
- Islamabad to Dera Ismail Khan (N-55): Take the N-5 south towards Peshawar and then switch to the N-55 (Indus Highway) towards Dera Ismail Khan. The distance from Islamabad to Dera Ismail Khan is about 300 kilometers (186 miles), taking around 4-5 hours.
- Dera Ismail Khan to Larkana (N-55): Continue on the N-55 through Bannu, Kohat, and Dera Ghazi Khan towards Larkana. The distance is approximately 600 kilometers (373 miles), with a travel time of 10-12 hours.
- Larkana to Mashkai: From Larkana, take local roads and provincial highways through Khuzdar towards Mashkai. The distance is around 400 kilometers (249 miles), taking about 8-10 hours.
Total Distance and Duration: Approximately 1,300 kilometers (808 miles), with a total travel duration of 22-27 hours.
By Air and Road Combination
For a faster and more comfortable journey, you can combine air travel with road travel. Here’s how:
Flight from Islamabad to Quetta:
- Several airlines operate daily flights from Islamabad to Quetta. The flight duration is approximately 1.5 hours.
- Distance: 600 kilometers (373 miles) by air.
Road from Quetta to Mashkai:
- From Quetta, you can hire a car or take a bus to Mashkai via the RCD Highway (N-25) and local roads.
- Distance: 375 kilometers (233 miles).
- Travel Duration: 7-9 hours by road.
Total Distance and Duration: Approximately 975 kilometers (606 miles) with a total travel duration of 9-11 hours, including flight time and road travel.
By Rail and Road Combination
Another option is to travel part of the way by train and then switch to road travel:
Train from Islamabad to Quetta:
- Take a train from Islamabad to Quetta. Pakistan Railways operates several trains on this route, including the Jaffar Express. The train journey takes around 22-24 hours.
- Distance: 1,400 kilometers (870 miles) by rail.
Road from Quetta to Mashkai:
- From Quetta, travel to Mashkai by road, as detailed above.
- Distance: 375 kilometers (233 miles).
- Travel Duration: 7-9 hours.
Total Distance and Duration: Approximately 1,775 kilometers (1,103 miles) with a total travel duration of 30-33 hours.
Considerations and Recommendations
- Road Conditions: The road conditions from Quetta to Mashkai can be challenging, with some sections being unpaved or in poor condition. It's advisable to travel in a sturdy, well-maintained vehicle, preferably a 4x4.
- Safety: Balochistan, including the Awaran District where Mashkai is located, can be sensitive in terms of security. It's crucial to stay updated on the security situation and follow local advice.
- Fuel and Supplies: Ensure you have sufficient fuel and supplies for the journey, especially for the stretch between Quetta and Mashkai, where services can be sparse.
- Navigation: Use GPS and reliable maps for navigation. Mobile network coverage can be intermittent, so having offline maps is recommended.
Conclusion
Traveling from Islamabad to Mashkai is a lengthy journey that requires careful planning. Whether you choose to travel by road, combine air and road travel, or use a mix of rail and road, each option offers a unique experience. The most direct and flexible method is by road, covering approximately 1,200 kilometers (746 miles) and taking around 25-30 hours. For a faster and more comfortable journey, combining a flight to Quetta with a road trip to Mashkai is recommended, reducing the total travel duration to about 9-11 hours. Regardless of the method chosen, it's essential to prepare adequately for the journey, considering road conditions, safety, and supplies.
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