Karachi to Upper Kachura Lake Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 Travel Options from Karachi to Upper Kachura Lake

Upper Kachura Lake, a stunning alpine lake located in the Skardu district of Gilgit-Baltistan, is a remarkable destination for nature enthusiasts. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to travel from Karachi to Upper Kachura Lake, including road, train, and air travel options.

1. By Road

Traveling from Karachi to Upper Kachura Lake by road involves a long and scenic journey through several regions of Pakistan. Here's a detailed breakdown:

Distance: Approximately 1,200 kilometers (746 miles)

Route:

1. Karachi to Lahore: Start your journey from Karachi, heading north on the M-9 Motorway towards Lahore. The distance between Karachi and Lahore is around 1,200 kilometers (746 miles), and this leg of the journey takes approximately 14-16 hours.
2. Lahore to Islamabad: From Lahore, drive towards Islamabad via the M-2 Motorway. The distance is about 275 kilometers (171 miles), with a travel time of 3-4 hours.
3. Islamabad to Skardu: From Islamabad, continue on the N-15 National Highway to reach Skardu. The distance between Islamabad and Skardu is approximately 400 kilometers (249 miles). This portion of the journey can take around 10-12 hours, depending on road conditions.
4. Skardu to Upper Kachura Lake: Once you arrive in Skardu, drive to Upper Kachura Lake, which is about 30 kilometers (19 miles) away. This last segment of the journey typically takes around 1 hour.

Travel Duration: The total travel time by road is approximately 28-32 hours, depending on traffic, road conditions, and rest stops.

Note: The journey by road is long and may involve traversing mountainous terrain, particularly from Islamabad to Skardu. It is advisable to ensure your vehicle is well-maintained and suitable for mountainous driving.

2. By Train

Traveling by train is a more relaxed way to cover the distance between Karachi and Islamabad, after which you would need to continue by road.

Distance: Approximately 1,200 kilometers (746 miles)

Route:

1. Karachi to Islamabad: Board a train from Karachi to Islamabad. The Pakistan Railways operates several services between these two cities. The distance by rail is similar to that by road, around 1,200 kilometers (746 miles). The travel time is approximately 15-20 hours, depending on the train service and schedule.
2. Islamabad to Skardu: After reaching Islamabad, you will need to travel by road to Skardu as there are no direct trains to Skardu.
3. Skardu to Upper Kachura Lake: From Skardu, follow the road route to Upper Kachura Lake as described above.

Travel Duration: The train journey from Karachi to Islamabad takes around 15-20 hours. Adding the road travel from Islamabad to Skardu (approximately 10-12 hours) and from Skardu to Upper Kachura Lake (1 hour), the total travel time would be around 26-33 hours.

Note: While the train journey is comfortable, it is only part of the trip, and you will need to plan for road travel from Islamabad onwards.

3. By Plane

Flying is the most convenient way to cover the distance from Karachi to Skardu, followed by a short road trip to Upper Kachura Lake.

Distance:

• Karachi to Islamabad: Approximately 1,200 kilometers (746 miles) by air.
• Islamabad to Skardu: Approximately 400 kilometers (249 miles) by air.

Route:

1. Karachi to Islamabad: Book a direct flight from Karachi to Islamabad. Several airlines offer this route, and the flight duration is approximately 2-2.5 hours.
2. Islamabad to Skardu: From Islamabad, board a domestic flight to Skardu. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour.
3. Skardu to Upper Kachura Lake: Once you arrive in Skardu, drive to Upper Kachura Lake, which is about 30 kilometers (19 miles) away. This drive takes approximately 1 hour.

Travel Duration: The total flying time is around 3-3.5 hours, with an additional 1-hour drive from Skardu to Upper Kachura Lake. Including airport transfer times and potential delays, the total travel time is approximately 5-6 hours.

Note: Flights to Skardu can be subject to weather conditions, so it is important to check for any travel advisories or delays. Booking your flights in advance and checking for the latest schedules will help in planning your trip effectively.

Summary

• By Road: Approximately 28-32 hours (1,200 km / 746 miles)
• By Train: Approximately 26-33 hours (1,200 km / 746 miles by rail and road)
• By Plane: Approximately 5-6 hours (1,200 km / 746 miles by air and 30 km / 19 miles by road)

Each travel option offers a different experience, from the extensive road journey providing a chance to see diverse landscapes, the comfortable train ride, to the swift and efficient flight. Your choice will depend on your preferences for travel time, comfort, and the experience you seek on your journey to Upper Kachura Lake.