Gujranwala to Balakot Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 Travel Options from Gujranwala to Balakot

Balakot, a scenic town located in the Mansehra District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, lush greenery, and proximity to the Kaghan Valley and Naran. As a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts, Balakot offers a variety of outdoor activities, including trekking and sightseeing. Traveling from Gujranwala to Balakot involves multiple options, such as road, train, and air travel. Here’s a detailed look at the various travel options, covering distance, routes, and travel duration.

By Road
The distance from Gujranwala to Balakot is approximately 400 km (249 miles).

1. Route: Gujranwala → Lahore → Rawalpindi → Abbottabad → Balakot.
2. Duration: The total travel time by road is around 7 to 9 hours, depending on traffic conditions and the route you take.
3. Details:
   • Route Overview: The most commonly used route is from Gujranwala to Lahore, followed by the M-2 motorway to Rawalpindi. From Rawalpindi, you continue on the N-35 towards Abbottabad and eventually reach Balakot. This route offers a smooth drive on highways until you reach Abbottabad, after which the road becomes more winding and narrow as you ascend towards Balakot.
   • Road Conditions: The motorway section (M-2) is in excellent condition, providing a smooth and fast journey. Once you pass Rawalpindi and enter the hilly terrain of Abbottabad, the road becomes narrower, and drivers need to be cautious, particularly during the monsoon season or foggy weather.
   • Vehicle Options: The most convenient option is to travel in a private car or hire a taxi. For larger groups or families, renting a minivan or a larger vehicle is advisable. Public transport options, such as buses or minibuses, can take you from Gujranwala to Rawalpindi, but you would need to arrange a separate vehicle to travel to Balakot from there.

By Train
Although there is no direct train route from Gujranwala to Balakot, you can travel via Rawalpindi by taking a train and then continuing by road.

1. Route: Gujranwala → Lahore → Rawalpindi (train) → Abbottabad → Balakot (by road).
2. Duration:
   • The train ride from Gujranwala to Rawalpindi typically takes about 4 to 5 hours.
   • From Rawalpindi, it will take approximately 2.5 to 3 hours to reach Abbottabad by road, and the final leg from Abbottabad to Balakot is about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
   • The total travel time, including waiting time for the train and road travel, would be around 8 to 10 hours.
3. Cost: The cost of a standard train ticket from Gujranwala to Rawalpindi can range from PKR 400 to 1,000, depending on the class of travel. After reaching Rawalpindi, the taxi fare to Balakot will cost around PKR 4,000 to 5,000.
4. Tips: While the train ride offers comfort, you will need to take a separate road journey from Rawalpindi to Balakot, which increases overall travel time. However, the train ride offers a relaxing travel experience and the opportunity to enjoy the landscape along the way.

By Air
While there is no direct airport in Balakot, the nearest major airport is Islamabad International Airport. From Islamabad, you can travel by road to Balakot.

1. Route: Gujranwala → Lahore (flight) → Islamabad → Abbottabad → Balakot (by road).
2. Duration:
   • The flight from Lahore to Islamabad takes about 1 hour.
   • After landing in Islamabad, the drive to Abbottabad takes around 2 to 2.5 hours, and from Abbottabad to Balakot, it takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
   • The total travel time, including flight time and road travel, is approximately 4.5 to 5 hours, excluding any waiting times at the airports.
3. Cost: Flights from Lahore to Islamabad typically cost between PKR 6,000 to 12,000 one way, depending on the booking time and airline. The road journey from Islamabad to Balakot will cost around PKR 3,500 to 5,000 in a taxi.
4. Tips: Flying is the fastest option, but you need to consider the additional waiting time at airports and potential traffic delays in Islamabad. It is a good choice if you want to save time and are comfortable with flight schedules.

Conclusion
The most convenient and cost-effective way to travel from Gujranwala to Balakot is by road, with a travel time of approximately 7 to 9 hours. The journey takes you through the motorway and scenic hills, offering a relaxing drive. Train travel is another option, but it adds extra travel time due to the road transfers, with an estimated total travel time of 8 to 10 hours. Flying from Lahore to Islamabad and then continuing by road is the quickest option, taking around 4.5 to 5 hours in total. However, it may not be the most cost-effective option. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your preferences for comfort, time, and budget.