Karachi to Chilas Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 

Travel Options from Karachi to Chilas

Traveling from Karachi to Chilas offers several options, each varying in terms of duration, convenience, and experience. Here’s a detailed look at the different modes of transportation available:

1. By Road

Distance and Duration:

• Distance: Approximately 1,400 kilometers (870 miles)
• Duration: Around 20 to 24 hours, depending on traffic conditions and route taken

Route: Traveling by road involves a journey through diverse landscapes and several major cities. The most common route is:

1. Karachi to Hyderabad: Start from Karachi and head northeast on the N-5 National Highway. This part of the journey covers about 150 kilometers (93 miles) and takes roughly 2 to 3 hours.
2. Hyderabad to Sukkur: Continue on the N-5 National Highway for another 220 kilometers (137 miles), which takes approximately 3 to 4 hours.
3. Sukkur to Multan: Follow the N-55 (Indus Highway) for around 280 kilometers (174 miles), taking about 4 to 5 hours.
4. Multan to Dera Ismail Khan: Proceed on the N-55 for about 200 kilometers (124 miles), which typically takes 3 to 4 hours.
5. Dera Ismail Khan to Peshawar: Continue on the N-55 and then transition to the N-80 for the final stretch of about 300 kilometers (186 miles), taking around 4 to 5 hours.
6. Peshawar to Chilas: Finally, take the N-35 (Karakoram Highway) to Chilas, covering approximately 250 kilometers (155 miles). This part of the journey can be the most challenging, as it traverses mountainous terrain and can take 5 to 6 hours.

Considerations:

• The route passes through several major cities, offering opportunities for rest and refueling.
• The journey can be physically demanding, especially in the mountainous regions, so be prepared for long hours of travel.
• Weather conditions can significantly impact travel time, particularly in the winter when snow and ice can make the Karakoram Highway treacherous.

2. By Train

Distance and Duration:

• Distance: Approximately 1,500 kilometers (932 miles)
• Duration: About 30 to 40 hours, depending on train schedules and connections

Route: Train travel requires multiple connections as there is no direct train from Karachi to Chilas. The general route is:

1. Karachi to Rawalpindi/Islamabad: Board a train from Karachi to Rawalpindi or Islamabad, a journey covering roughly 1,200 kilometers (746 miles). The most common trains for this route are the Green Line Express or the Pakistan Express. This leg of the journey takes around 20 to 24 hours.
2. Rawalpindi/Islamabad to Peshawar: From Rawalpindi or Islamabad, take a train to Peshawar. This route is about 150 kilometers (93 miles) and takes approximately 2 to 3 hours.
3. Peshawar to Chilas: From Peshawar, you will need to switch to a road transport option (bus or private vehicle) to cover the remaining 250 kilometers (155 miles) to Chilas. This final leg takes around 5 to 6 hours by road.

Considerations:

• Train travel offers a more relaxed and scenic experience compared to road travel but involves multiple transfers and longer total travel time.
• Reservations and schedules can be subject to change, so check in advance and be prepared for possible delays.
• Train services in Pakistan can vary in comfort and reliability, so choose your train and class accordingly.

3. By Plane

Distance and Duration:

• Distance: Approximately 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) by air
• Duration: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours of flying time

Route: Flying from Karachi to Chilas is the most efficient way to cover the distance, although there are no direct flights. The general route involves:

1. Karachi to Islamabad: Book a flight from Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport (KHI) to Islamabad’s Benazir Bhutto International Airport (ISB). This flight takes around 1.5 hours.
2. Islamabad to Chilas: From Islamabad, you need to travel to Chilas by road. There are no direct commercial flights to Chilas, so you will need to hire a vehicle or take a bus. The road distance from Islamabad to Chilas is approximately 250 kilometers (155 miles), taking around 5 to 6 hours by road.

Considerations:

• Flying significantly reduces the time spent in transit, but you will still need to account for travel to and from airports, check-in times, and security procedures.
• Air travel provides a quick and relatively comfortable option, but the lack of direct flights means you’ll need to combine it with road transport.
• Booking flights in advance is essential, especially during peak travel seasons or holidays.

Summary

By Road: The journey covers about 1,400 kilometers (870 miles) and takes 20 to 24 hours. It involves a diverse route through major cities and mountainous terrain.

By Train: Total distance of approximately 1,500 kilometers (932 miles) with a travel time of 30 to 40 hours. It requires multiple connections and ends with a road journey from Peshawar to Chilas.

By Plane: The air distance is around 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) with a flying time of 1.5 to 2 hours, but the trip includes additional road travel from Islamabad to Chilas.

Each mode of transportation has its own advantages and challenges, so choose the one that best fits your schedule, comfort preferences, and travel experience.