Karachi to Kel Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 

Travel Options from Karachi to Kel

Kel, located in the picturesque Neelum Valley of Azad Kashmir, is known for its breathtaking landscapes and serene environment. Traveling from Karachi to Kel offers a chance to explore some of Pakistan’s most beautiful scenery. Here, we’ll outline the various travel options available by road, train, and plane, along with details on distance, routes, and estimated travel durations.

1. By Road

Distance: Approximately 1,150 kilometers (715 miles)

Estimated Travel Duration: 20-24 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Route: The most common road route from Karachi to Kel is as follows:

1. Karachi to Hyderabad (approx. 165 km / 102 miles)

   • Start your journey on the M-9 motorway, which connects Karachi to Hyderabad. This is a well-maintained highway and typically takes about 2-3 hours.

2. Hyderabad to Sukkur (approx. 240 km / 149 miles)

   • From Hyderabad, take the N-55 (Indus Highway) towards Sukkur. This segment usually takes around 3-4 hours.

3. Sukkur to Multan (approx. 350 km / 217 miles)

   • Continue on the N-55 towards Multan. The journey from Sukkur to Multan takes about 5-6 hours.

4. Multan to Lahore (approx. 350 km / 217 miles)

   • From Multan, take the M-4 motorway towards Lahore, which will take approximately 4-5 hours.

5. Lahore to Muzaffarabad (approx. 150 km / 93 miles)

   • From Lahore, head towards Muzaffarabad via the N-75. This part of the journey takes about 3-4 hours.

6. Muzaffarabad to Kel (approx. 100 km / 62 miles)

   • The final leg from Muzaffarabad to Kel is through the scenic Neelum Valley Road, which offers stunning views of the mountains. This drive takes about 2-3 hours.

Road Conditions: Most of the roads are paved and well-maintained, particularly the highways. However, as you approach Neelum Valley, the road may become narrower and more winding. Ensure your vehicle is in good condition, and be cautious while driving, especially in hilly areas.

2. By Train

Distance: The train route does not take you directly to Kel, so you will need to combine it with road travel.

Estimated Travel Duration: Train travel plus road travel could take about 18-22 hours total.

Route:

1. Karachi to Lahore by Train

   • The Pakistan Railways offers several train services from Karachi to Lahore. The distance is approximately 1,520 kilometers (944 miles), and it takes about 17-20 hours depending on the service.

2. Lahore to Muzaffarabad by Road

   • After arriving in Lahore, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Muzaffarabad. This journey takes about 3-4 hours.

3. Muzaffarabad to Kel

   • As mentioned earlier, this road trip takes another 2-3 hours.

Train Services: You can choose from various train services like Pakistan Express, Karakoram Express, or Green Line. Each has different schedules and comfort levels, so it’s wise to book in advance.

3. By Plane

Distance: Approximately 1,050 kilometers (652 miles) to the nearest airport.

Estimated Travel Duration: Flight duration is about 2 hours, plus additional time for transfers.

Route:

1. Karachi to Islamabad by Plane

   • Several airlines operate daily flights from Karachi to Islamabad, with a flight time of around 2 hours. Major airlines include Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Airblue, and Serene Air.

2. Islamabad to Muzaffarabad by Road

   • Upon landing in Islamabad, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Muzaffarabad, which is about 140 kilometers (87 miles) away and takes approximately 3-4 hours.

3. Muzaffarabad to Kel

   • Finally, travel from Muzaffarabad to Kel via road, which takes around 2-3 hours.

Airport Information:

• Jinnah International Airport (KHI) in Karachi is the main airport, while Islamabad International Airport (ISB) serves as your stopover before heading to Muzaffarabad.

Conclusion

Traveling from Karachi to Kel presents various options, each with its unique experiences. If you prefer a scenic journey filled with breathtaking landscapes, traveling by road will allow you to witness the beautiful countryside of Pakistan. For those looking for a quicker route, flying to Islamabad and then driving to Kel can save time, while the train offers a comfortable and scenic travel experience.

Regardless of the option you choose, visiting Kel is sure to provide you with an unforgettable experience filled with nature’s beauty and tranquility. Make sure to plan your trip according to your preferences, and enjoy your journey to this stunning destination!