Travel Options from Karachi to Khaplu Palace
Introduction
Khaplu Palace, nestled in the stunning Skardu Valley of Gilgit-Baltistan, is a breathtaking destination steeped in history and natural beauty. This former royal residence, now a beautifully restored hotel, offers a glimpse into the region's rich cultural heritage alongside spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Traveling from Karachi to Khaplu Palace can be an adventure in itself, with various options available to make your journey enjoyable.
Traveling by Road
Distance: Approximately 1,600 kilometers (994 miles)
Travel Duration: About 30-35 hours (with breaks)
Route Details:
Karachi to Hyderabad (164 km / 102 miles) - Begin your journey on the M-9 motorway, leading to the bustling city of Hyderabad. This stretch typically takes about 2-3 hours.
Hyderabad to Sukkur (220 km / 137 miles) - Continue north via the N-5 National Highway. You’ll drive through towns like Tando Adam and Sanghar, taking roughly 3-4 hours to reach Sukkur.
Sukkur to Jacobabad (56 km / 35 miles) - A short drive north on N-5, approximately 1 hour.
Jacobabad to Quetta (300 km / 186 miles) - Head northwest towards Quetta via the N-65. This leg of the journey can take around 5-6 hours, depending on road conditions.
Quetta to Skardu (620 km / 385 miles) - This is the most challenging yet scenic part of the trip. You’ll take the N-50, which leads to Ziarat and then connects to the road towards Skardu. The drive can take up to 15-20 hours. Be prepared for winding roads and stunning landscapes, including glimpses of the famed Hazarganji Chiltan National Park.
Skardu to Khaplu (100 km / 62 miles) - From Skardu, a scenic drive takes you to Khaplu, which will take about 2-3 hours.
Total Travel Time by Road: The entire journey can take around 30-35 hours, depending on traffic, road conditions, and breaks.
Traveling by Train
Distance: Approximately 1,600 kilometers (994 miles)
Travel Duration: About 30 hours (train to Rawalpindi) + 12 hours (road to Skardu) + 3 hours (road to Khaplu)
While there are no direct train services to Khaplu, you can take a train from Karachi to Rawalpindi, followed by a road trip to Khaplu.
Karachi to Rawalpindi (train) - Pakistan Railways operates several trains, including the Green Line Express, which can take approximately 20-25 hours. You’ll cover around 1,400 kilometers (870 miles).
Rawalpindi to Skardu (road) - After reaching Rawalpindi, you can hire a private vehicle or take a bus to Skardu. This journey will take around 12 hours, covering roughly 400 kilometers (248 miles).
Skardu to Khaplu (road) - From Skardu, the final leg to Khaplu will take about 2-3 hours.
Total Travel Time by Train: Considering the train journey and road travel, the total time can be around 30-35 hours.
Traveling by Plane
Distance: Approximately 600 kilometers (373 miles) direct to Skardu
Travel Duration: 1 hour (flight) + 3 hours (road to Khaplu)
Flying is the quickest option to reach Skardu from Karachi, although flights can be subject to weather conditions.
Karachi to Skardu (flight) - Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) operates flights from Karachi to Skardu. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour. However, ensure to check flight availability as they may not operate daily.
Skardu to Khaplu (road) - Upon landing in Skardu, you can rent a car or take a taxi for the scenic drive to Khaplu. This journey will take about 2-3 hours.
Total Travel Time by Plane: The total travel time, including the flight and drive, is around 4-5 hours, making it the fastest option.
Conclusion
Traveling from Karachi to Khaplu Palace offers various options tailored to different preferences. For those seeking adventure and stunning landscapes, the road journey provides an unforgettable experience, albeit a lengthy one. The train route, while requiring more time, offers a blend of scenic views and the comfort of train travel.
On the other hand, flying is the quickest and most convenient method, especially for travelers short on time. Regardless of the mode of transportation, the journey to Khaplu Palace is sure to be filled with breathtaking views and cultural richness, making it a worthwhile adventure. Remember to check the weather and road conditions before embarking on your journey to ensure a safe and pleasant trip!
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