Karachi to Jhalkhad Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 

Travel Options from Karachi to Jhalkhad: Road, Train, and Plane

Jhalkhad, located in the scenic Kaghan Valley of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, is a serene, picturesque destination, perfect for nature lovers and adventurers. Situated at an elevation of approximately 10,200 feet, it is known for its alpine meadows, lush greenery, and stunning views of snow-capped mountains. Traveling from Karachi to Jhalkhad offers a rewarding journey with multiple modes of transportation. Here’s a comprehensive guide to getting from Karachi to Jhalkhad by road, train, and plane, along with distances, routes, and travel durations.

By Road

Distance:

• Approximate Distance: 1,375 kilometers (854 miles)
• Travel Duration: Around 20 to 24 hours (depending on road conditions and stopovers)

Route:

The road journey from Karachi to Jhalkhad takes you through diverse landscapes, ranging from the urban sprawls of Sindh to the rolling hills of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The recommended route is as follows:

1. Karachi to Islamabad:

   • Take the M-9 Motorway from Karachi and connect to the M-5 Motorway toward Multan.
   • From Multan, continue on the M-4 Motorway until you reach Pindi Bhattian.
   • Join the M-2 Motorway, which will take you directly to Islamabad. The total distance between Karachi and Islamabad is about 1,150 kilometers (715 miles).

2. Islamabad to Mansehra:

   • From Islamabad, head north on the Hazara Motorway (M-15) toward Abbottabad and Mansehra. This part of the journey covers approximately 150 kilometers (93 miles) and takes around 2-3 hours.

3. Mansehra to Jhalkhad:

   • Once you reach Mansehra, continue on the N-15, the main road that passes through Balakot, Naran, and Kaghan. This leg covers about 75 kilometers (47 miles) and takes around 3-4 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
   • After passing Naran, follow the road toward Jhalkhad, which is about 35 kilometers (22 miles) further along. This portion of the journey will take another hour.

Road Travel Experience:

Traveling by road gives you the freedom to explore different places along the way, such as Balakot, Naran, and Saiful Muluk Lake. These scenic stopovers are part of the overall experience, especially as you venture deeper into the Kaghan Valley. While the roads are generally well-maintained, the stretch from Naran to Jhalkhad can be challenging due to narrow paths and sharp turns. It’s advisable to travel in a sturdy vehicle, such as an SUV, especially during the monsoon or winter months.

By Train

While there is no direct train route to Jhalkhad, a combination of train and road travel offers an efficient and comfortable alternative for long-distance travelers.

Route:

1. Karachi to Rawalpindi:

   • You can take a train from Karachi to Rawalpindi, which is the closest major city to Jhalkhad. Popular train options include the Green Line Express, Karachi Express, and Pakistan Express. The train journey from Karachi to Rawalpindi covers approximately 1,521 kilometers (945 miles) and takes around 22 to 24 hours, depending on the train’s schedule and stops.

2. Rawalpindi to Mansehra:

   • Upon reaching Rawalpindi, you can hire a private taxi or use public transport to reach Mansehra. The road journey from Rawalpindi to Mansehra covers approximately 165 kilometers (102 miles) and takes about 3-4 hours via the Hazara Motorway (M-15). Alternatively, you can also board buses or vans from Pirwadhai Bus Station in Rawalpindi.

3. Mansehra to Jhalkhad:

   • From Mansehra, you can hire a local taxi or jeep to drive the final leg of the journey to Jhalkhad. The distance from Mansehra to Jhalkhad is around 110 kilometers (68 miles), and the drive takes approximately 4-5 hours, considering the mountainous terrain and road conditions.

Train Travel Experience:

Taking the train from Karachi to Rawalpindi allows for a relaxed journey, with comfortable sleeping berths and dining options available on certain trains. The long ride offers the chance to enjoy the passing landscapes of Sindh, Punjab, and northern Pakistan. After arriving in Rawalpindi, the road journey through the Kaghan Valley provides an exciting change of pace, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

By Plane

If you’re looking to save time, traveling by plane is the fastest option for reaching Jhalkhad. While there are no direct flights to Jhalkhad, the nearest airport is Islamabad International Airport, from where you can continue your journey by road.

Route:

1. Karachi to Islamabad:

   • Several airlines, including Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Airblue, and SereneAir, operate daily flights from Jinnah International Airport (KHI) in Karachi to Islamabad International Airport (ISB). The flight duration is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. The distance covered is around 1,136 kilometers (706 miles).

2. Islamabad to Mansehra:

   • After landing in Islamabad, the most convenient option is to hire a car or taxi for the road trip to Mansehra. The distance from Islamabad to Mansehra is around 150 kilometers (93 miles), and the drive takes 2-3 hours via the Hazara Motorway (M-15).

3. Mansehra to Jhalkhad:

   • From Mansehra, you’ll continue by road to Jhalkhad, which is approximately 110 kilometers (68 miles) away. This scenic drive through the Kaghan Valley takes around 4-5 hours.

Air Travel Experience:

Flying from Karachi to Islamabad offers the most time-efficient option, reducing your total travel time to around 8-10 hours, including the road journey from Islamabad to Jhalkhad. It’s an ideal choice for travelers who wish to avoid long-distance road or train travel and prioritize comfort. Once in Islamabad, the drive to Jhalkhad takes you through some of Pakistan’s most beautiful landscapes, including the Hazara region and the Kaghan Valley.

Best Time to Visit Jhalkhad

Jhalkhad is best visited between May and September, as the area is inaccessible during the winter months due to heavy snowfall. The spring and summer seasons bring lush greenery, and the weather is pleasant, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking and sightseeing.

Final Thoughts

Traveling from Karachi to Jhalkhad offers an array of experiences, whether you choose to journey by road, train, or plane. Each mode of transportation has its advantages, from the scenic routes and cultural experiences of road and train travel to the convenience and speed of air travel. Whichever option you choose, the journey to Jhalkhad promises to be an unforgettable adventure, leading to one of Pakistan’s most breathtaking and serene destinations.