Gujranwala to Karak Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

Travel Options from Gujranwala to Karak

Karak, a district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, is known for its rich cultural heritage and scenic landscapes. If you're planning to travel from Gujranwala to Karak, there are several travel options available, including road, train, and air travel. This article covers these options in detail, providing information on distances, routes, and travel durations to help you plan your trip efficiently.

By Road
The distance from Gujranwala to Karak is approximately 600 km (373 miles).

Route: Gujranwala → Lahore → Islamabad → Kohat → Karak.
Duration: The journey by road typically takes around 9 to 10 hours, depending on traffic, road conditions, and the stops along the way.
Tips: The most common route involves traveling from Gujranwala via Lahore, then continuing on the M-2 motorway towards Islamabad. From Islamabad, you head towards Kohat and then proceed towards Karak. The roads are generally in good condition, but you should expect to travel through some mountainous terrain as you approach Karak.
Private cars and taxis are the most convenient modes of travel, offering flexibility in terms of departure time and stops along the route. Public transport, such as buses, is also available but can be less comfortable and may take longer. Be prepared for potential traffic jams, especially near larger cities like Lahore and Islamabad.

By Train
While there is no direct train from Gujranwala to Karak, you can take a train to Islamabad or Rawalpindi and then continue by road.

Route: Gujranwala → Lahore → Islamabad → Rawalpindi → Kohat → Karak (train to Islamabad or Rawalpindi, road to Karak).
Duration: The train ride from Gujranwala to Islamabad or Rawalpindi takes about 4 to 5 hours. From there, you can take a taxi or private car for the 4 to 5-hour road journey to Karak, making the total travel time around 9 to 11 hours.
Cost: The train fare from Gujranwala to Islamabad is approximately PKR 300 to 800, depending on the class of travel. The road journey from Islamabad to Karak costs around PKR 4,000 to 5,000 for a taxi or private car.
Tips: While the train ride is relatively comfortable, the transfer from Islamabad to Karak by road can be time-consuming. The roads between Islamabad and Karak are well-maintained but can become crowded, especially near major towns like Kohat. If you prefer comfort, you may choose a private car or taxi for the road journey.

By Air
Karak does not have its own airport, so the nearest airport is in Peshawar. You would need to fly to Islamabad first and then travel by road to Karak.

Route: Gujranwala → Lahore (flight) → Islamabad → Peshawar → Kohat → Karak (by road).
Duration: The flight from Lahore to Islamabad takes about 1 hour, while the road journey from Islamabad to Karak takes an additional 4 to 5 hours. The total travel time, including airport procedures, is around 6 to 7 hours.
Cost: Flights from Lahore to Islamabad typically range from PKR 6,000 to 12,000, depending on the airline and class. The road journey from Islamabad to Karak costs around PKR 4,000 to 5,000.
Tips: While flying can save time compared to a long road trip, the additional road journey from Islamabad to Karak means that this option is not much faster than traveling by road directly. However, it may be a preferred option for those who are already in Islamabad or for those who prefer air travel.

Conclusion
The most practical and efficient way to travel from Gujranwala to Karak is by road. The 600 km (373 miles) journey takes around 9 to 10 hours, making it the quickest and most straightforward option. The route via Lahore, Islamabad, and Kohat is generally well-maintained, though some mountainous areas may slow you down. Train travel requires a transfer at Islamabad or Rawalpindi, which adds time to the journey, making it less convenient than traveling directly by road. Air travel is possible but not particularly time-saving, as the road journey from Islamabad to Karak is still lengthy. Overall, road travel offers the best combination of comfort, speed, and cost for most travelers making the journey from Gujranwala to Karak.