Sialkot to Upper Chitral Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 

Traveling from Sialkot to Upper Chitral: Road, Train, and Plane Options

1. Road Travel

Distance & Duration:

• Distance: Approximately 500 kilometers (310 miles)
• Travel Duration: Around 12-14 hours

Route Description: Traveling by road from Sialkot to Upper Chitral involves traversing a variety of terrains, including plains, hills, and mountainous regions. Here’s a detailed route:

1. Sialkot to Gujranwala: Start your journey from Sialkot and head southwest towards Gujranwala. This segment is about 60 kilometers (37 miles) and should take around 1 hour.

2. Gujranwala to Lahore: Continue from Gujranwala to Lahore, traveling approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles). This drive usually takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.

3. Lahore to Islamabad: From Lahore, proceed towards Islamabad. This stretch covers around 275 kilometers (171 miles) and typically takes about 4 to 5 hours.

4. Islamabad to Peshawar: Head northwest from Islamabad to Peshawar, a distance of approximately 180 kilometers (112 miles), which usually takes around 3 hours.

5. Peshawar to Lower Dir: From Peshawar, drive towards Lower Dir, covering about 120 kilometers (75 miles). This segment can take around 2.5 hours.

6. Lower Dir to Upper Dir: Finally, from Lower Dir, proceed to Upper Dir, which is approximately 90 kilometers (56 miles). The travel time for this part of the journey is around 2 hours.

Road Travel Considerations:

• Road Conditions: The road conditions can vary significantly, with some segments being well-maintained highways and others being narrow, winding, and hilly roads.
• Weather: Weather conditions can affect travel time, especially in the mountainous areas where roads may be susceptible to landslides or snowfall in winter.
• Vehicle: A reliable vehicle with good clearance is recommended, as some sections may be rough or uneven.

2. Train Travel

Distance & Duration:

• Distance: Approximately 500 kilometers (310 miles)
• Travel Duration: 10-12 hours

Route Description: Traveling by train involves a combination of train and road transport. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

1. Sialkot to Lahore by Train: Board a train from Sialkot to Lahore. The distance is about 120 kilometers (75 miles), and the train journey usually takes around 2.5 to 3 hours.

2. Lahore to Rawalpindi/Islamabad by Train: From Lahore, take a train to Rawalpindi or Islamabad. This leg covers approximately 275 kilometers (171 miles) and takes about 4 to 5 hours.

3. Rawalpindi/Islamabad to Peshawar by Train: Travel from Rawalpindi or Islamabad to Peshawar by train. The distance is about 180 kilometers (112 miles), with a travel time of around 3 hours.

4. Peshawar to Lower Dir by Road: From Peshawar, take a road trip to Lower Dir, which covers about 120 kilometers (75 miles) and takes around 2.5 hours.

5. Lower Dir to Upper Dir by Road: Finally, drive from Lower Dir to Upper Dir, approximately 90 kilometers (56 miles), with a travel time of around 2 hours.

Train Travel Considerations:

• Train Services: Train services may vary, and availability of direct trains to intermediate stops might be limited.
• Comfort: Train travel offers comfort and the opportunity to relax, but it may involve changes and additional road travel.
• Booking: It is advisable to book train tickets in advance to ensure availability, especially during peak travel seasons.

3. Air Travel

Distance & Duration:

• Distance: Approximately 500 kilometers (310 miles)
• Travel Duration: Around 2.5 to 3 hours

Route Description: Air travel involves a combination of flight and road transportation:

1. Sialkot to Islamabad by Air: Board a flight from Sialkot to Islamabad. The distance is about 115 kilometers (71 miles), and the flight duration is approximately 1 hour.

2. Islamabad to Peshawar by Air: Alternatively, you can catch a flight from Islamabad to Peshawar. This flight covers a distance of about 180 kilometers (112 miles) and takes around 1 hour.

3. Peshawar to Lower Dir by Road: From Peshawar, travel by road to Lower Dir. The distance is about 120 kilometers (75 miles) and the journey takes around 2.5 hours.

4. Lower Dir to Upper Dir by Road: Continue from Lower Dir to Upper Dir by road, covering approximately 90 kilometers (56 miles) and taking about 2 hours.

Air Travel Considerations:

• Availability: Flights between smaller airports like Sialkot to Islamabad or Peshawar might be limited, so checking flight schedules in advance is essential.
• Airport Transfers: Airport transfers and road travel from the destination airport to Upper Dir should be planned ahead.
• Comfort: Air travel is the fastest and most comfortable option, reducing overall travel time significantly compared to road or train.

Summary:

• By Road: A long journey of around 500 kilometers (310 miles) taking approximately 12-14 hours, with varying road conditions and weather factors.
• By Train: A combination of train and road travel covering the same distance, with an overall duration of about 10-12 hours. Train services offer comfort but may require additional road transport.
• By Air: The quickest option, involving flights from Sialkot to Islamabad or Peshawar, followed by road travel to Upper Dir. The total travel time is about 2.5 to 3 hours, excluding waiting and transfer times.

Each travel option offers a different experience and level of convenience, allowing you to choose based on your preferences and schedule.