Islamabad to Shakargarh Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 

Traveling from Islamabad to Shakargarh offers several routes and modes of transportation, each with its own distance, travel duration, and scenic highlights. Here’s a comprehensive guide covering the various ways you can make this journey:

By Road:

Route 1: Via Grand Trunk Road (GT Road)

• Distance: Approximately 240 km (149 miles)
• Travel Duration: About 4.5 to 5 hours (depending on traffic)
• Route Description:
  1. Start from Islamabad and head east on the Islamabad Expressway.
  2. Continue on the Expressway until you reach Rawat.
  3. Merge onto Grand Trunk Road (N-5) and continue straight.
  4. Pass through Gujranwala and Gujrat.
  5. From Gujrat, head north towards Shakargarh.
  6. Enter Shakargarh after crossing the Chenab River.
• Highlights: This route passes through bustling towns and offers glimpses of rural Punjab.

Route 2: Via M2 and Sargodha-Lahore Road

• Distance: Approximately 300 km (186 miles)
• Travel Duration: About 5 to 6 hours (depending on traffic)
• Route Description:
  1. Start from Islamabad and head east on Islamabad-Lahore Motorway (M2).
  2. Take the exit towards Sargodha.
  3. Continue on Sargodha-Lahore Road (N-60) towards Sargodha.
  4. From Sargodha, head north towards Shakargarh.
• Highlights: This route offers a mix of highways and rural landscapes, with Sargodha being a major city on the way.

Route 3: Via GT Road and Kharian

• Distance: Approximately 240 km (149 miles)
• Travel Duration: About 4.5 to 5 hours (depending on traffic)
• Route Description:
  1. Start from Islamabad and head east on the Islamabad Expressway.
  2. Merge onto Grand Trunk Road (N-5).
  3. Pass through Gujranwala and Gujrat.
  4. Turn north towards Kharian.
  5. Continue on Kharian-Shakargarh Road to reach Shakargarh.
• Highlights: This route offers a slightly different approach, passing through Kharian, a notable military city in Punjab.

By Rail:

Currently, there is no direct railway connection from Islamabad to Shakargarh. Travelers can take a train from Islamabad to nearby cities like Lahore or Gujranwala, and then proceed by road to Shakargarh.

By Air:

There are no direct commercial flights from Islamabad to Shakargarh. The nearest airports are in Lahore and Sialkot, from where travelers can continue by road.

Travel Tips:

• Road Conditions: The roads are generally in good condition, but traffic congestion can occur, especially around major cities.
• Weather Considerations: Check weather conditions, especially during monsoon season, as heavy rains can affect road travel.
• Rest Stops: Plan for rest stops along the way, as the journey can take several hours.
• Local Cuisine: Explore local food joints along the route for traditional Punjabi cuisine.

Conclusion:

Traveling from Islamabad to Shakargarh offers a journey through the heartlands of Punjab, with multiple route options catering to different preferences. Whether you choose the faster GT Road route or the scenic M2-Sargodha Road route, each path promises a unique travel experience with its own set of sights and landscapes to enjoy. Plan your journey considering travel time, distance, and the mode of transportation that suits your preferences best.