Karachi to Shangla Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 

Traveling from Karachi to Shangla involves covering a significant distance across Pakistan, and you have a few different options depending on your preference for speed, comfort, and budget. Here’s a detailed breakdown of each travel option: road, train, and plane.

1. Travel by Road

Distance and Duration:

• Distance: Approximately 1,150 kilometers (about 715 miles)
• Travel Duration: Around 14 to 18 hours, depending on traffic, route, and driving speed.

Route:

• Route Overview: The most common route involves driving from Karachi to Shangla via the National Highway N-5 and the Grand Trunk Road (GT Road).
• Detailed Route:
  1. Karachi to Hyderabad (Approx. 160 km / 100 miles): Start from Karachi and take the M-9 Motorway towards Hyderabad.
  2. Hyderabad to Multan (Approx. 460 km / 285 miles): Continue on the N-5, passing through cities like Shikarpur and Larkana.
  3. Multan to Lahore (Approx. 350 km / 220 miles): Proceed north on N-5 through cities such as Sahiwal and Okara.
  4. Lahore to Islamabad (Approx. 290 km / 180 miles): Follow the N-5 or M-2 Motorway towards Islamabad.
  5. Islamabad to Shangla (Approx. 250 km / 155 miles): From Islamabad, drive through the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region, taking the route via M-1 and then the roads leading into the Shangla District.

Notes:

• The journey can be long and tiring, so it’s recommended to make stops for rest and refueling.
• Ensure that your vehicle is in good condition and consider carrying spare tires and extra fuel.

2. Travel by Train

Distance and Duration:

• Distance: Approximately 1,150 kilometers (715 miles)
• Travel Duration: Typically 18 to 24 hours, depending on the train service and delays.

Route:

• Route Overview: The train route does not directly connect Karachi to Shangla; you will need to make a combination of train and road travel.
• Detailed Route:
  1. Karachi to Rawalpindi/Islamabad (Approx. 1,150 km / 715 miles): Board a train from Karachi’s City Station to Rawalpindi or Islamabad. Pakistan Railways offers several options including the Green Line Express and the Karakoram Express. The journey by train can take between 18 to 24 hours.
  2. Rawalpindi/Islamabad to Shangla (Approx. 250 km / 155 miles): From Rawalpindi or Islamabad, you’ll need to hire a car or take a bus to Shangla. This leg of the journey typically takes about 5 to 7 hours by road.

Notes:

• Trains can be a comfortable option with sleeper accommodations, but they may not always run on schedule.
• Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak travel seasons.

3. Travel by Plane

Distance and Duration:

• Distance: Direct flights are not available between Karachi and Shangla; the nearest airports are in Islamabad and Peshawar.
• Flight Duration: Approximately 2 to 3 hours from Karachi to Islamabad or Peshawar. The total travel time including road transfer to Shangla is around 7 to 10 hours.

Route:

• Route Overview: You will first fly from Karachi to either Islamabad or Peshawar and then travel by road to Shangla.
• Detailed Route:
  1. Karachi to Islamabad/Peshawar: Flights from Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport to Islamabad International Airport or Peshawar’s Bacha Khan International Airport are frequent. This journey takes about 2 to 3 hours.
  2. Islamabad/Peshawar to Shangla (Approx. 250 km / 155 miles from Islamabad; 180 km / 112 miles from Peshawar): After arriving at either airport, you will need to arrange for a road transfer to Shangla. The drive from Islamabad takes approximately 5 to 7 hours, while from Peshawar it takes about 4 to 6 hours.

Notes:

• Booking flights in advance is crucial, especially during busy travel periods.
• Check the latest flight schedules and availability, as these can vary.

Summary

• By Road: The most flexible option but requires a significant amount of driving, taking about 14 to 18 hours. The route involves major highways and can be long but offers the freedom to stop and explore.
• By Train: Offers a unique travel experience but requires additional road travel to reach Shangla, making the total journey longer at around 18 to 24 hours.
• By Plane: The quickest mode to get close to Shangla but involves a combination of flying and driving, totaling about 7 to 10 hours.

Choosing the best mode of travel will depend on your priorities such as time, budget, and comfort. If you prefer a faster journey, flying is ideal, while road travel offers more flexibility. Train travel can be a more relaxed experience but requires additional logistics.