Gujranwala to Malakand Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 

Travel Options from Gujranwala to Malakand

Malakand is a region located in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan, known for its breathtaking natural beauty and scenic landscapes. It is a popular destination for nature lovers and tourists looking to experience the lush greenery and peaceful environment of the area. Below, we outline the travel options from Gujranwala to Malakand, including distances, routes, and estimated travel durations.

By Road

The road distance from Gujranwala to Malakand is approximately 520 km (323 miles).

1. Route: Gujranwala → Lahore → Rawalpindi → Islamabad → Peshawar → Malakand.
2. Duration: The journey by road typically takes around 12 to 14 hours, depending on road conditions, stops, and traffic.
3. Details:
   • Route Overview: Starting from Gujranwala, the journey heads towards Lahore and then on to Rawalpindi and Islamabad. From Islamabad, the route continues towards Peshawar, and then heads into Malakand.
   • Road Conditions: Major highways connecting Gujranwala to Rawalpindi and Islamabad are in good condition, and the roads from Islamabad to Peshawar are generally well-maintained. However, as you approach the Malakand region, the roads become more mountainous, requiring careful driving.
   • Vehicle Options: Traveling by private vehicle is the most flexible option for this long journey. Although buses are available to major destinations like Islamabad or Peshawar, having a private car is preferable for more comfort, especially for the mountainous regions.

By Train

There is no direct train service from Gujranwala to Malakand, so you would need to take a train to Rawalpindi or Islamabad and then travel by road.

1. Route: Gujranwala → Lahore → Rawalpindi (train) → Islamabad → Peshawar → Malakand (by road).
2. Duration:
   • The train ride from Gujranwala to Rawalpindi takes about 4 to 5 hours.
   • After reaching Rawalpindi or Islamabad, the road journey to Malakand will take approximately 7 to 8 hours.
   • The total travel duration combining train and road travel is about 11 to 13 hours.
3. Cost: A train ticket from Gujranwala to Rawalpindi ranges from PKR 300 to 1,000, depending on the class. The road journey from Rawalpindi to Malakand will cost about PKR 3,000 to 5,000 for a taxi or private car.
4. Tips: The combination of train and road travel can be quite tiring, especially the long road journey from Peshawar to Malakand. However, it offers an opportunity to rest during the train ride before continuing on the challenging road trip.

By Air

There are no direct flights to Malakand, but you can fly to Islamabad or Peshawar and then travel by road.

1. Route: Gujranwala → Lahore (flight) → Islamabad → Peshawar → Malakand (by road).
2. Duration:
   • The flight from Lahore to Islamabad or Peshawar takes about 1 hour.
   • The road journey from either Islamabad or Peshawar to Malakand takes around 5 to 6 hours.
   • The total travel time combining both flight and road travel is approximately 6 to 7 hours.
3. Cost: The flight from Lahore to Islamabad or Peshawar costs between PKR 6,000 and 12,000. The road journey from Islamabad or Peshawar to Malakand costs around PKR 3,000 to 5,000 for a taxi or rental car.
4. Tips: Flying can shorten the overall travel time significantly. However, the road journey from Islamabad or Peshawar to Malakand is still quite long, so make sure to plan for sufficient breaks during the trip.

Conclusion

The journey from Gujranwala to Malakand, covering a distance of approximately 520 km (323 miles), can be completed by road, train, or air. Traveling by road is the most convenient option, though the mountainous terrain towards the end of the journey can make it quite challenging. While there is no direct train to Malakand, combining a train ride to Rawalpindi or Islamabad with a road trip is a feasible option. Flying to Islamabad or Peshawar and continuing by road offers the fastest route, though the road travel remains lengthy. Despite the challenges of the journey, the stunning natural beauty of Malakand makes it a worthwhile destination for adventurous travelers.