Gujranwala to Kalam: Travel Options by Road, Train, and Plane
The journey from Gujranwala to Kalam, a scenic hill station in the Swat Valley of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, is an adventure in itself, offering travelers breathtaking views of the mountains, rivers, and lush greenery. Kalam is known for its cool climate, stunning valleys, and historical significance, making it a popular tourist destination. Here's a detailed guide on the travel options available to reach Kalam from Gujranwala:
- By Road: 550 km (342 miles)
- By Train: 540 km (335 miles)
- By Plane: 460 km (286 miles)
Each mode of transport offers a unique travel experience, and your choice will depend on the time, comfort, and scenic enjoyment you seek during your journey.
1. Travel by Road
Traveling by road from Gujranwala to Kalam is the most practical and flexible way to reach this picturesque destination. The total distance by road is approximately 550 kilometers (342 miles), and it usually takes 10 to 12 hours to complete the journey, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Route:
The most common route begins from Gujranwala, heading through Lahore and taking the M-2 Motorway toward Islamabad. After Islamabad, continue on the M-1 Motorway and drive toward Peshawar, passing through Swabi and Mardan. Once in Mardan, head toward Fiza Ghat and follow the road to Saidu Sharif. From here, the journey continues to Kalam, where the final stretch of the trip takes travelers through beautiful mountain roads.
This route is well-maintained, although the last part, especially near the Swat Valley, includes winding, narrow roads through steep mountainous terrain. However, the scenic views make the trip worthwhile.
Duration:
The travel time by road typically ranges from 10 to 12 hours. Road conditions are generally good for most of the journey, but the roads in Swat can be challenging, particularly during the winter months when snow and landslides may cause delays. The winding mountain roads as you approach Kalam can take additional time, so travelers should be prepared for a more leisurely pace in these areas.
2. Travel by Train
Traveling by train from Gujranwala to Kalam involves several transfers and is not the most direct route, but it can be an interesting and scenic way to travel for those who enjoy train journeys. The total distance by train is about 540 kilometers (335 miles).
Route:
Start your journey by taking a train from Gujranwala Railway Station to Rawalpindi, and then continue your journey to Peshawar. From Peshawar, you will need to take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Kalam, which is approximately 130 kilometers (81 miles) away.
The train ride from Gujranwala to Rawalpindi and onward to Peshawar offers a comfortable journey, with good facilities onboard. However, the transfer from Peshawar to Kalam can take a few more hours due to the road distance involved.
Duration:
The train travel portion, from Gujranwala to Peshawar, takes about 8 to 9 hours, followed by an additional 3 to 4 hours of road travel from Peshawar to Kalam. In total, the journey by train will take approximately 11 to 13 hours, depending on the time it takes to transfer between train and road connections.
While the train journey itself can be comfortable, the combination of train and road travel can be a long and tiring experience.
3. Travel by Plane
Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to reach Kalam from Gujranwala. However, there are no direct flights to Kalam, so the journey involves flying into Islamabad or Peshawar, and then continuing by road. The distance by air is approximately 460 kilometers (286 miles).
Route:
The nearest airport to Gujranwala is Sialkot International Airport, from where you can take a flight to Islamabad or Peshawar. A flight to Islamabad takes about 30 to 40 minutes, while a flight to Peshawar is around the same duration. After reaching either of these airports, you will need to hire a vehicle or take a bus to continue your journey to Kalam. The drive from Islamabad to Kalam is about 300 kilometers (186 miles), while from Peshawar, it is about 130 kilometers (81 miles).
Duration:
The flight time is around 30 to 40 minutes. However, considering the time it takes to reach the airport, security checks, and the subsequent road trip, the total travel time will be around 4 to 5 hours from Gujranwala to Kalam. While flying is the quickest option, the lack of a direct flight to Kalam means that additional travel time by road must be factored in.
Conclusion
In conclusion, each mode of transportation from Gujranwala to Kalam offers a different set of advantages. By road, the journey is the most flexible and allows you to enjoy the stunning landscapes of northern Pakistan, with a travel time of 10 to 12 hours. By train, the journey is longer and more complex, requiring a combination of train and road travel, but it offers a unique experience for those who enjoy train rides. By air, flying is the fastest way to travel, with a total time of around 4 to 5 hours, though it requires a connection and road transfer to reach Kalam.
For those who are short on time and prefer comfort, flying is the best option. However, for travelers seeking a more scenic and immersive experience, traveling by road is ideal, allowing for stops at beautiful locations along the way. Ultimately, the choice of travel depends on your preferences for speed, comfort, and the kind of journey you wish to experience.
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