Karachi to Mingora Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 

Travel from Karachi to Mingora: Detailed Travel Options by Road, Train, and Plane

Karachi, the largest city in Pakistan, and Mingora, the largest city in the Swat Valley of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, are two culturally and geographically distinct cities. Whether you're planning to visit Mingora for its scenic beauty or family reasons, knowing the best travel options is essential. Below is a comprehensive guide that discusses the different modes of travel available from Karachi to Mingora, including road, train, and plane options, with details on distance, travel duration, and route.

1. By Road: Karachi to Mingora

Distance

• Kilometers: Approximately 1,400 kilometers (1,393 km to be precise)
• Miles: About 865 miles

Route Overview

The journey by road from Karachi to Mingora is long but scenic, taking you through different terrains, from the coastal plains of Sindh to the rugged mountains of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The main route involves:

1. Karachi to Hyderabad (A1/M9): Start on the Super Highway (M-9) leading out of Karachi and head towards Hyderabad. This part of the journey is smooth, with well-maintained roads.
2. Hyderabad to Sukkur (N5): From Hyderabad, continue on the National Highway (N5). You will pass through cities like Nawabshah and Moro before reaching Sukkur, which lies along the Indus River.
3. Sukkur to Multan (N5): Proceed along the N5 through Rahim Yar Khan and Bahawalpur. Multan is a major city in southern Punjab and serves as a midway point.
4. Multan to Islamabad (M4 & M2): From Multan, take the M4 motorway towards Islamabad. This part of the journey is relatively fast as the road conditions are good, and it passes through cities like Faisalabad.
5. Islamabad to Mingora (N45): From Islamabad, head towards Mingora on the N45, also known as the Swat Expressway, which leads through the scenic regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Travel Duration

• Estimated Time: The travel time from Karachi to Mingora by road varies based on traffic conditions, rest stops, and speed, but it typically takes around 20-22 hours of non-stop driving.
• Rest Stops: It is advisable to take regular breaks during this long journey. Major cities like Sukkur, Multan, and Islamabad provide good options for overnight stays if needed.

Cost

• Fuel: Traveling by car or bus, the estimated fuel cost for a car with average fuel consumption (about 12 km per liter) will be around 14,000 to 18,000 PKR depending on fuel prices and vehicle efficiency.

Road Condition

• The Superhighway (M9) and the National Highway (N5) are generally in good condition, with multiple lanes. However, road conditions may vary in certain areas, particularly after leaving Islamabad as the route becomes more mountainous and winding.

Bus Travel

• Intercity Bus Services: Several long-distance bus services operate between Karachi and Mingora. Companies like Daewoo, Faisal Movers, and Skyways offer comfortable buses. These buses generally take a route through Islamabad before heading to Mingora, making travel convenient for those who prefer not to drive themselves.

2. By Train: Karachi to Mingora

Unfortunately, there is no direct train service from Karachi to Mingora as Mingora does not have a railway station. However, you can travel by train from Karachi to Peshawar or Rawalpindi and then continue the journey by road.

Distance

• Karachi to Rawalpindi (Train): Around 1,521 kilometers (945 miles).
• Rawalpindi to Mingora (Road): Around 229 kilometers (142 miles).

Route Overview

1. Karachi to Rawalpindi by Train: Several trains operate between Karachi and Rawalpindi, including Green Line Express, Tezgam Express, and Pakistan Express. The journey takes you from Karachi to Rawalpindi via major cities like Hyderabad, Sukkur, Multan, and Lahore.

2. Rawalpindi to Mingora by Road: Once you arrive in Rawalpindi, you will need to hire a car or take a bus to Mingora, following the N45 route through the scenic Swat Valley.

Travel Duration

• Train Travel Time: Karachi to Rawalpindi takes approximately 22 to 26 hours depending on the train service.
• Road Travel Time: Rawalpindi to Mingora by road takes about 4 to 6 hours.

Cost

• Train Fare: The train fare from Karachi to Rawalpindi varies depending on the class you choose. For instance:

  • Economy Class: Around 1,500 to 2,000 PKR.
  • Business Class: Around 5,000 to 7,000 PKR.
  • AC Sleeper: Up to 10,000 PKR.

• Bus/Taxi Fare: From Rawalpindi to Mingora, buses and taxis charge anywhere from 500 to 2,000 PKR, depending on the type of service.

Comfort and Facilities

• Trains offer various classes, from basic economy to more comfortable business and AC sleeper classes. The journey is relatively relaxing, and you can enjoy scenic views of rural Pakistan along the way.

3. By Plane: Karachi to Mingora

Mingora does not have an airport. The nearest airport is Saidu Sharif Airport, but as of now, it is not operational for commercial flights. Therefore, the best option is to fly from Karachi to Islamabad or Peshawar and then continue by road to Mingora.

Distance

• Karachi to Islamabad/Peshawar by Air: Approximately 1,150 kilometers (715 miles).
• Islamabad to Mingora by Road: Approximately 229 kilometers (142 miles).

Flight Route

1. Karachi to Islamabad or Peshawar by Air: Several airlines, including PIA, Serene Air, and Airblue, operate regular flights between Karachi and Islamabad or Peshawar.

2. Islamabad to Mingora by Road: From Islamabad, you will need to travel by car or bus to Mingora via the N45.

Travel Duration

• Flight Duration: The flight from Karachi to Islamabad or Peshawar takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.
• Road Duration: The drive from Islamabad or Peshawar to Mingora takes about 4 to 6 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Cost

• Flight Fare: The average cost of a one-way flight from Karachi to Islamabad or Peshawar ranges from 8,000 to 20,000 PKR depending on the airline, season, and how far in advance you book.
• Road Travel Cost: From Islamabad or Peshawar, the cost of hiring a taxi or taking a bus ranges from 1,000 to 3,000 PKR.

Comfort and Convenience

• Flying from Karachi to Islamabad is by far the quickest and most convenient option if you are looking to minimize travel time. The major airports offer all modern facilities, and the onward road journey to Mingora is scenic, though it involves navigating some hilly areas as you approach the Swat Valley.

Conclusion

Traveling from Karachi to Mingora can be an adventurous journey through diverse landscapes, from bustling urban centers to the serene valleys of Swat. By road, the journey can take over 20 hours, offering the flexibility to stop at major cities along the way. Train travel provides a comfortable alternative but requires a road trip from Rawalpindi. The fastest option is to fly to Islamabad or Peshawar and continue to Mingora by road, combining convenience with scenic beauty.