Gujranwala to Kumrat: Travel Options by Road, Train, and Plane
Kumrat, a serene valley located in the Upper Dir District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, is known for its lush green meadows, snow-capped peaks, and picturesque landscapes. The journey from Gujranwala to Kumrat takes travelers through diverse terrains, offering a blend of mountains, forests, and rivers along the way. Here's a comprehensive guide on the travel options available to reach Kumrat from Gujranwala:
- By Road: 450 km (280 miles)
- By Train: 440 km (273 miles)
- By Plane: 350 km (220 miles)
Each travel mode offers different experiences and timeframes, depending on the route, comfort, and scenic beauty you wish to experience. Below, we discuss each mode in detail.
1. Travel by Road
Traveling by road from Gujranwala to Kumrat is the most common and accessible option, allowing you to enjoy the scenic beauty of the journey. The total distance by road is approximately 450 kilometers (280 miles), and it typically takes 8 to 10 hours to complete the journey, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Route:
The most straightforward route from Gujranwala involves taking the Gujranwala-Lahore Motorway (M-2) towards Islamabad. After reaching Islamabad, you continue on the M-1 Motorway towards Peshawar, and from Peshawar, head towards Chakdara. From Chakdara, you will follow the road toward Upper Dir and eventually reach Kumrat Valley.
The journey through the Swat Valley is incredibly scenic, offering lush greenery, rivers, and mountains along the way. However, as you approach the Kumrat Valley, the road becomes narrower and more winding, especially after Chakdara.
Duration:
The total travel time by road from Gujranwala to Kumrat is around 8 to 10 hours, depending on traffic conditions, the time spent on breaks, and road conditions in the mountainous areas. The winding roads near Kumrat Valley can sometimes add extra time to the trip, especially during the monsoon season when landslides are more frequent.
2. Travel by Train
Traveling by train from Gujranwala to Kumrat is possible but less convenient due to the lack of a direct rail connection to Kumrat. The total distance by train is approximately 440 kilometers (273 miles), and the journey involves several transfers, which can make it a bit cumbersome.
Route:
The train journey starts from Gujranwala Railway Station, where you will take a train to Rawalpindi. From Rawalpindi, you can board a train to Peshawar. Once you reach Peshawar, you would have to switch to a local bus or hire a private taxi to reach Kumrat. The road journey from Peshawar to Kumrat is about 130 kilometers (81 miles).
While the train ride itself is comfortable and offers scenic views, especially as you travel from Rawalpindi to Peshawar, the transfer to road transport can be time-consuming.
Duration:
The total time for train travel will vary, but typically the train ride from Gujranwala to Peshawar takes around 8 to 9 hours. After reaching Peshawar, it will take an additional 3 to 4 hours to drive from Peshawar to Kumrat. In total, the journey could take around 12 to 14 hours, depending on waiting times for transfers.
While train travel can be enjoyable for those who prefer the journey itself, the multiple transfers and the overall length of the trip make it a less popular option for those in a hurry.
3. Travel by Plane
Flying from Gujranwala to Kumrat is the fastest way to reach this beautiful valley. However, there are no direct flights to Kumrat, so travelers will need to fly to Islamabad or Peshawar and continue by road. The total air distance from Gujranwala to Kumrat is approximately 350 kilometers (220 miles).
Route:
To begin your flight journey, you will need to head to Sialkot International Airport (the nearest airport to Gujranwala) and take a flight to either Islamabad or Peshawar. Both destinations are well connected by flights from Sialkot. Once you arrive in Islamabad or Peshawar, you will need to drive to Kumrat, which is about 280 kilometers (174 miles) from Islamabad or 130 kilometers (81 miles) from Peshawar.
Flights to Islamabad or Peshawar take approximately 30 to 40 minutes, but the journey by road from either city to Kumrat will take an additional 4 to 5 hours.
Duration:
The total time for air travel is around 30 to 40 minutes from Sialkot to Islamabad or Peshawar. After accounting for travel time to the airport, security checks, and the road trip from the airport to Kumrat, the total journey time is around 5 to 6 hours, which makes it the quickest option compared to road and train travel. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the lack of a direct flight to Kumrat requires additional travel time by road.
Conclusion
In conclusion, each travel option has its own advantages and challenges when it comes to reaching Kumrat from Gujranwala. If you're seeking a leisurely and scenic route with flexibility, traveling by road is your best option, with a total distance of 450 kilometers (280 miles) and a journey duration of 8 to 10 hours. For those who enjoy the charm of train travel and don't mind transfers, the train journey from Gujranwala to Peshawar followed by a road trip to Kumrat is an alternative, though it takes 12 to 14 hours. Finally, flying is the fastest option, with a total duration of about 5 to 6 hours, but it requires connecting flights and a road trip.
Ultimately, the choice of transport depends on your preferences for speed, comfort, and the kind of travel experience you're seeking. Road travel offers the most flexibility, while flying is the quickest but involves multiple transfers. Train travel offers a unique experience but can be less direct and longer in duration.
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