Karachi to Kundal Shahi Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 

Traveling from Karachi, the bustling metropolis on the southern coast of Pakistan, to Kundal Shahi, nestled in the northern mountains, is a journey that offers a mix of diverse landscapes and cultural experiences. This article outlines the various travel options available by road, train, and plane, detailing the distances, routes, and travel durations.

By Road

Traveling by road from Karachi to Kundal Shahi is an adventurous and scenic route that takes you through several provinces of Pakistan, each with its unique landscape. The total distance by road is approximately 1,420 kilometers (882 miles). The journey can be broken down into several legs:

1. Karachi to Lahore:

   • Distance: 1,215 kilometers (755 miles)
   • Route: Starting from Karachi, you take the M-9 motorway, connecting to the N-5 National Highway. This major artery of Pakistan leads you northward, passing through Hyderabad, Sukkur, Rahim Yar Khan, and finally reaching Lahore.
   • Travel Time: Approximately 16-18 hours, depending on traffic and rest stops.

2. Lahore to Muzaffarabad:

   • Distance: 420 kilometers (261 miles)
   • Route: From Lahore, you take the M-2 motorway towards Islamabad. Upon reaching Islamabad, you switch to the Murree Expressway and continue towards Muzaffarabad, the capital of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
   • Travel Time: Around 6-7 hours.

3. Muzaffarabad to Kundal Shahi:

   • Distance: 74 kilometers (46 miles)
   • Route: The final leg of the journey takes you from Muzaffarabad along the Neelum Road, a scenic drive that follows the contours of the Neelum River, leading directly to Kundal Shahi.
   • Travel Time: 2-3 hours, depending on road conditions.

Total Road Travel Time: The entire road trip from Karachi to Kundal Shahi can take around 25-30 hours, depending on your driving speed, the number of breaks, and road conditions. It's advisable to break the journey into parts, with overnight stays in cities like Lahore or Islamabad, to ensure a comfortable and safe trip.

By Train

Traveling by train is another option, though it involves a combination of rail and road travel. Pakistan Railways offers several trains that connect Karachi to major cities in Punjab, such as Lahore and Rawalpindi. However, since there is no direct train service to Kundal Shahi, you will need to combine train travel with a road journey.

1. Karachi to Lahore or Rawalpindi by Train:

   • Karachi to Lahore:
     • Distance: Approximately 1,214 kilometers (754 miles)
     • Train Options: Trains like the Green Line Express, Karakoram Express, and Pakistan Express are popular choices for this route.
     • Travel Time: 18-20 hours.
   • Karachi to Rawalpindi:
     • Distance: Approximately 1,521 kilometers (945 miles)
     • Train Options: The Tezgam Express and Awam Express are reliable choices.
     • Travel Time: 24-26 hours.

2. Lahore/Rawalpindi to Muzaffarabad:

   • From either Lahore or Rawalpindi, you would then take a road journey to Muzaffarabad, following the same routes mentioned in the road travel section.

3. Muzaffarabad to Kundal Shahi:

   • As previously outlined, the road journey from Muzaffarabad to Kundal Shahi covers 74 kilometers (46 miles) and takes 2-3 hours.

Total Train and Road Travel Time: Combining train and road travel, the journey from Karachi to Kundal Shahi can take approximately 30-36 hours, including the time spent transitioning from train to road transport.

By Plane

For those looking to minimize travel time, flying is the fastest option. However, since there is no airport in Kundal Shahi or even Muzaffarabad, your flight journey will only take you as far as Islamabad or Lahore, from where you would continue the journey by road.

1. Karachi to Islamabad by Plane:

   • Distance: Approximately 1,140 kilometers (708 miles)
   • Flight Duration: Around 2 hours.
   • Airlines: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), AirSial, and SereneAir operate regular flights on this route.

2. Islamabad to Muzaffarabad:

   • Distance: 138 kilometers (86 miles)
   • Route: From Islamabad, you can hire a private car, take a taxi, or use public transport to reach Muzaffarabad. The drive takes around 3-4 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

3. Muzaffarabad to Kundal Shahi:

   • The final leg of the journey remains the same, with a 2-3 hour drive from Muzaffarabad to Kundal Shahi.

Total Plane and Road Travel Time: The combined travel time when flying from Karachi to Islamabad and then driving to Kundal Shahi is approximately 7-9 hours, making it the quickest option available.

Route and Travel Tips

• Scenic Route: The road from Muzaffarabad to Kundal Shahi is particularly beautiful, with the Neelum River accompanying you for most of the journey. The winding roads through the mountains offer breathtaking views, especially if you travel during the day.
• Weather Considerations: The region around Kundal Shahi can experience heavy snowfall in winter, which may affect road conditions. It is advisable to check the weather forecast and road conditions before embarking on your journey.
• Accommodation: While Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad offer numerous accommodation options, Muzaffarabad also has decent hotels where you can rest before continuing to Kundal Shahi. Kundal Shahi itself has basic guesthouses for those wishing to stay overnight.

Conclusion

Traveling from Karachi to Kundal Shahi offers a mix of convenience, adventure, and scenic beauty, depending on the mode of transport you choose. Whether you opt for the flexibility of a road trip, the comfort of train travel, or the speed of air travel, each route provides a unique experience. The journey may be long, but the serene beauty of Kundal Shahi and the surrounding Neelum Valley makes it all worthwhile.