Karachi to Murghzar Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 

Travel Options from Karachi to Murghzar: A Comprehensive Guide

Murghzar, located in the scenic Swat Valley of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, is a popular destination known for its lush green meadows, the Murghzar White Palace, and the surrounding majestic mountains. If you are planning to travel from Karachi to Murghzar, there are various travel options available by road, train, and plane. This article will provide a detailed overview of the different modes of transportation, distances in kilometers and miles, route details, and travel durations to help you plan your trip efficiently.

1. Traveling by Road

Traveling from Karachi to Murghzar by road can be an exhilarating experience, as you pass through varying landscapes, from the arid plains of Sindh to the mountainous terrain of Swat Valley. This option allows for flexibility, as you can make stops along the way to rest or explore other cities.

Route Details

• Distance: The road distance between Karachi and Murghzar is approximately 1,450 kilometers (about 901 miles).
• Travel Duration: The journey takes around 18 to 20 hours, depending on traffic, weather conditions, and rest stops.

Route Overview

1. Karachi to Hyderabad: Start your journey by taking the M-9 Motorway from Karachi to Hyderabad, a major city in Sindh. This stretch covers around 165 kilometers (103 miles) and typically takes about 2 hours.
2. Hyderabad to Sukkur: From Hyderabad, continue on the National Highway (N-5) towards Sukkur, which is about 340 kilometers (211 miles) away. This leg of the journey will take around 4 to 5 hours. Sukkur is a good stop for a meal or rest.
3. Sukkur to Multan: Continue on the N-5 towards Multan, covering a distance of 387 kilometers (240 miles). This stretch can take another 5 to 6 hours, with major towns like Rahim Yar Khan along the way.
4. Multan to Islamabad: From Multan, take the M-4 Motorway and connect to the M-2 Motorway, leading towards Islamabad, covering about 570 kilometers (354 miles) in 6 to 7 hours.
5. Islamabad to Murghzar: After reaching Islamabad, you will take the M-1 Motorway towards Mardan and then follow the route to Mingora in Swat Valley. The distance from Islamabad to Murghzar is approximately 210 kilometers (130 miles) and can take 4 to 5 hours, considering the mountainous terrain.

Travel Tips

• Ensure your vehicle is in good condition, as parts of the road, particularly in Swat Valley, can be challenging.
• Carry sufficient food and water, especially for the longer stretches between major cities.
• Plan for overnight stays in cities like Multan or Islamabad if you want to break the journey into two days.

2. Traveling by Train

Although there are no direct train services from Karachi to Murghzar, the train journey can be broken down into two parts: Karachi to Peshawar (the closest major railway station) and then Peshawar to Murghzar by road.

Train Route Details

• Distance: The train distance from Karachi to Peshawar is about 1,548 kilometers (962 miles).
• Travel Duration: The train journey from Karachi to Peshawar takes approximately 28 to 30 hours, depending on the specific train service.

Train Services

1. Karachi to Peshawar: Several trains operate between Karachi and Peshawar, including the Khyber Mail, Awam Express, and the Green Line Express. These trains depart from Karachi Cantt Railway Station and arrive at Peshawar Cantt Railway Station.
2. Peshawar to Murghzar by Road: From Peshawar, you will need to travel by road to reach Murghzar, which is around 260 kilometers (162 miles) away. This part of the journey can take around 5 to 6 hours. You can hire a private taxi or use public transport like buses from Peshawar to Mingora, Swat Valley, and then to Murghzar.

Travel Tips

• Book your train tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
• Choose a sleeper cabin for more comfort on the long journey from Karachi to Peshawar.
• Consider breaking the journey in Peshawar, exploring the city before continuing to Murghzar.

3. Traveling by Plane

Flying is the fastest way to travel from Karachi to Murghzar. Although there is no direct flight to Murghzar, the closest airports are in Islamabad and Saidu Sharif (Swat). You can fly to either city and then continue your journey by road to Murghzar.

Flight Route Details

• Distance (Karachi to Islamabad): The aerial distance from Karachi to Islamabad is approximately 1,100 kilometers (684 miles).
• Distance (Karachi to Saidu Sharif): The aerial distance from Karachi to Saidu Sharif, the main airport serving Swat, is about 1,200 kilometers (746 miles).
• Flight Duration: Flights from Karachi to Islamabad take around 2 hours, while flights from Karachi to Saidu Sharif take approximately 2.5 hours.

Flight and Road Route Overview

1. Karachi to Islamabad by Plane: Several airlines, including Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and Serene Air, offer daily flights from Jinnah International Airport, Karachi, to Islamabad International Airport. From Islamabad, you can drive or take a bus to Murghzar, which is around 210 kilometers (130 miles) away, requiring around 4 to 5 hours of travel by road.
2. Karachi to Saidu Sharif by Plane: PIA operates limited flights from Karachi to Saidu Sharif Airport. After landing at Saidu Sharif, Murghzar is just 15 kilometers (9 miles) away, which can be covered in 30 to 40 minutes by car or taxi.

Travel Tips

• Book your flight early, as limited seats are available, especially for flights to Saidu Sharif.
• If you land in Islamabad, consider taking a rest before continuing your journey to Murghzar by road.
• Public transport options from Islamabad and Saidu Sharif are available, but hiring a private car offers more flexibility and comfort.

Conclusion

Traveling from Karachi to Murghzar offers an array of experiences, depending on the mode of transport you choose. If you prefer scenic landscapes and flexibility, road travel allows you to explore other cities along the way. The train journey is a more budget-friendly option, with the opportunity to experience the beauty of Pakistan’s vast railway network. For those looking for the fastest way to reach Murghzar, flying to either Islamabad or Saidu Sharif followed by a short drive is the best option. Whether you’re seeking adventure or convenience, your journey to Murghzar will surely be a memorable one.