Traveling from Karachi to Rawalakot involves different modes of transportation: road, train, and air. Each option has its unique route, duration, and travel experience. Let's explore each of these modes, considering the distance in kilometers and miles, routes, and estimated travel durations.
1. By Road (Car/Bus)
Distance:
- Karachi to Rawalakot: Approximately 1,600 kilometers (995 miles)
Route:
The journey from Karachi to Rawalakot by road is quite long and covers a variety of landscapes. Here’s the suggested route:
- Start: Karachi
- Highway: M-9 Motorway (Super Highway)
- Destination 1: Hyderabad (150 km/93 miles from Karachi)
- Highway: Continue on the M-9 Motorway until you merge onto M-5 Motorway
- Destination 2: Sukkur (approximately 550 km/342 miles from Karachi)
- Highway: Merge onto N-5 National Highway
- Destination 3: Multan (800 km/497 miles from Karachi)
- Highway: Follow N-5 and M-2 Motorway towards Islamabad
- Destination 4: Islamabad (1,400 km/870 miles from Karachi)
- Road: From Islamabad, take the Murree Expressway (N-75) towards Rawalakot via Kotli.
- Destination: Rawalakot, Azad Jammu & Kashmir (Approximately 1,600 km/995 miles from Karachi)
Travel Duration:
Traveling by road from Karachi to Rawalakot can be a long journey, considering the varying road conditions, weather, and traffic. On average, the total drive could take around 22 to 26 hours, depending on breaks, traffic, and driving speed. However, if you plan on making stopovers or exploring cities along the way, the duration can be longer.
Key Stops Along the Way:
- Hyderabad – A brief stop to refuel and take a rest.
- Sukkur – A historical city on the banks of the Indus River, where travelers often take a break.
- Multan – A city known for its shrines and rich cultural heritage.
- Islamabad – A major city where you can relax before heading to Rawalakot.
Travelers may also consider stopping overnight at these locations to break up the journey and make the trip more comfortable.
Scenic Views:
As you approach Rawalakot from Islamabad, the mountainous terrain and scenic views begin to take over. The winding roads through the Murree hills offer some breathtaking landscapes.
2. By Train and Road (Karachi to Islamabad by Train, Islamabad to Rawalakot by Road)
While there is no direct train connection between Karachi and Rawalakot, travelers can take a train from Karachi to Islamabad (or Rawalpindi) and then continue the journey by road.
Karachi to Islamabad (by Train)
- Distance: 1,521 kilometers (945 miles)
- Train Service: Several train services operate between Karachi and Islamabad, including:
- Green Line Express (one of the fastest and most comfortable options)
- Tezgam Express
- Awam Express
Travel Duration (Train):
- The train journey from Karachi to Islamabad takes around 22 to 26 hours. This varies based on the train you select, as well as possible delays.
Islamabad to Rawalakot (by Road)
Once you reach Islamabad (or Rawalpindi), you will need to take a car, bus, or taxi to Rawalakot.
- Distance: 130 kilometers (81 miles) from Islamabad to Rawalakot.
- Route: Follow the Murree Expressway (N-75) and take the Rawalakot road via Kotli.
- Travel Duration: The road journey from Islamabad to Rawalakot takes approximately 3 to 4 hours.
Total Travel Duration (Train + Road):
- The total journey time, including the train and road portions, is approximately 26 to 30 hours.
- Train: 22-26 hours
- Road (Islamabad to Rawalakot): 3-4 hours
Scenic Views:
The journey by train offers views of the rural heartland of Pakistan, with glimpses of farmlands, rivers, and mountains. Once you get on the road from Islamabad to Rawalakot, the terrain becomes more mountainous, and the picturesque valleys of Azad Jammu & Kashmir begin to unfold.
3. By Air and Road (Flight to Islamabad, then by Road to Rawalakot)
This is the fastest option, combining a flight from Karachi to Islamabad and then a road journey from Islamabad to Rawalakot.
Flight: Karachi to Islamabad
- Distance: 1,145 kilometers (711 miles)
- Airlines: Multiple airlines operate daily flights between Karachi and Islamabad, including Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Airblue, and Serene Air.
Travel Duration (Flight):
- The flight from Karachi to Islamabad takes approximately 2 hours.
- When factoring in check-in, security clearance, and airport transfers, the total airport time could be around 4 to 5 hours.
Road: Islamabad to Rawalakot
Once you arrive at Islamabad International Airport, you can take a car or taxi to Rawalakot.
- Distance: 130 kilometers (81 miles)
- Route: Via the Murree Expressway (N-75) and Kotli road.
- Travel Duration: The road journey from Islamabad to Rawalakot will take around 3 to 4 hours.
Total Travel Duration (Air + Road):
- The combined travel duration for flying and driving is approximately 7 to 8 hours.
- Flight: 2 hours
- Airport time: 4-5 hours
- Road: 3-4 hours
Cost Comparison (Flight vs. Road vs. Train):
- By Air: Flights from Karachi to Islamabad range from PKR 10,000 to PKR 25,000 (USD 35 to 85) depending on the airline, booking time, and class.
- By Train: Train tickets range from PKR 2,000 to PKR 10,000 (USD 7 to 35), depending on the class of travel (economy, AC sleeper, etc.).
- By Road: Traveling by car or bus is relatively affordable, with fuel costs and tolls adding up to approximately PKR 10,000 to 15,000 (USD 35 to 50), depending on the vehicle and stops along the way.
Which Option to Choose?
Fastest: If time is of the essence, flying from Karachi to Islamabad and then driving to Rawalakot is the best option. The total travel time of 7 to 8 hours makes it ideal for those who want to minimize travel time.
Most Scenic: For those who want to enjoy the natural beauty of Pakistan’s landscape, a road trip might be the most rewarding. The trip from Islamabad to Rawalakot, in particular, offers stunning views of the mountains.
Economical: The train journey is the most cost-effective method, although it requires a lot of time. If you’re not in a hurry and would like to save on costs, this is a good option.
Summary:
| Mode of Travel | Distance | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| By Road | 1,600 km (995 miles) | 22-26 hours | PKR 10,000-15,000 |
| By Train + Road | 1,651 km (1,026 miles) | 26-30 hours | PKR 2,000-10,000 |
| By Air + Road | 1,275 km (792 miles) | 7-8 hours | PKR 10,000-25,000 |
Each mode offers different benefits based on budget, time, and travel preferences. Whether you choose to drive, take the train, or fly, your journey from Karachi to Rawalakot promises adventure and beautiful vistas along the way.
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