Gujranwala to Nathia Gali Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 

Travel Options from Gujranwala to Nathia Gali

Nathia Gali, located in the Abbottabad district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, is a charming hill station known for its pleasant weather, lush greenery, and scenic landscapes. The journey from Gujranwala to Nathia Gali offers several travel options, including road, train, and air, each with its own set of advantages. In this article, we will explore these options, providing details on distance, travel durations, routes, and more.

By Road
The distance from Gujranwala to Nathia Gali is approximately 325 km (202 miles).

1. Route: Gujranwala → Lahore → Rawalpindi → Abbottabad → Nathia Gali.
2. Duration: The journey by road generally takes around 6 to 8 hours, depending on traffic and weather conditions.
3. Details:
   • Route Overview: To travel by road, you will first head towards Lahore, then take the motorway to Rawalpindi, and from there, proceed to Abbottabad before reaching Nathia Gali. The journey through Rawalpindi and Abbottabad offers stunning views of the mountains and greenery, especially as you approach Nathia Gali, which is situated in the foothills of the famous Galyat range.
   • Road Conditions: The roads connecting Gujranwala to Rawalpindi and Islamabad are well-maintained, and the motorway is a smooth ride for the most part. However, once you move towards Abbottabad and Nathia Gali, the roads become more winding and can be a bit narrow. During the winter, it’s essential to be cautious as snowfall and fog can impact visibility and road conditions.
   • Vehicle Options: The most common way to travel by road is in a private car, taxi, or using public transport. Buses or minibuses are available for intercity travel, though they may take longer due to multiple stops. Traveling by private car or taxi offers a more comfortable and flexible experience, especially for family trips or group tours.

By Train
There is no direct train service from Gujranwala to Nathia Gali, but you can take a train to Rawalpindi and continue your journey by road.

1. Route: Gujranwala → Lahore → Rawalpindi (train) → Abbottabad → Nathia Gali (by road).
2. Duration:
   • The train ride from Gujranwala to Rawalpindi takes approximately 4 to 5 hours.
   • From Rawalpindi, you can take a taxi or bus to Abbottabad, which takes about 2 to 2.5 hours.
   • After reaching Abbottabad, it’s a short 45-minute to 1-hour drive to Nathia Gali.
   • The combined travel time, including train, road transport, and waiting times, would total 7 to 9 hours.
3. Cost: The cost of a train ticket from Gujranwala to Rawalpindi typically ranges from PKR 400 to 1,000, depending on the class and service chosen. The taxi fare from Rawalpindi to Abbottabad can be around PKR 3,000 to 4,000, and from Abbottabad to Nathia Gali, a taxi ride can cost about PKR 1,000 to 1,500.
4. Tips: If you prefer train travel, it is an option to avoid long hours of driving. However, you will need to arrange transport from Rawalpindi to Abbottabad, and then from Abbottabad to Nathia Gali, which adds to the total travel time. It’s a good idea to plan the connections carefully to avoid long waits.

By Air
While Nathia Gali does not have its own airport, the nearest major airport is in Islamabad, from where you can travel by road to Nathia Gali.

1. Route: Gujranwala → Lahore (flight) → Islamabad → Nathia Gali (by road).
2. Duration:
   • A flight from Lahore to Islamabad typically takes around 1 hour.
   • Once you land in Islamabad, it will take approximately 2.5 to 3 hours to reach Nathia Gali by road.
   • The total travel time, including airport security, check-in, and the road trip, is generally around 4 to 5 hours, excluding potential delays.
3. Cost: A flight from Lahore to Islamabad generally costs around PKR 6,000 to 12,000 for a standard economy class ticket. The taxi fare from Islamabad to Nathia Gali is approximately PKR 3,500 to 5,000 depending on the vehicle and number of passengers.
4. Tips: Flying is an excellent option for those who want to minimize their travel time, but it’s important to consider the waiting times at airports. Once you arrive in Islamabad, the drive to Nathia Gali is relatively smooth but can be tiring, especially if you are traveling during the summer months when there is more traffic heading towards hill stations.

Conclusion
The most common and practical way to travel from Gujranwala to Nathia Gali is by road, with the journey typically taking 6 to 8 hours over a distance of 325 km (202 miles). This option offers flexibility and convenience, particularly for families or groups. Train travel via Rawalpindi is also an option, but it involves additional time for road transport, making the total duration closer to 7 to 9 hours.
For those seeking a faster journey, flying from Lahore to Islamabad and then continuing by road can reduce travel time to 4 to 5 hours, but the need to account for airport time and traffic congestion in Islamabad must be considered. Each travel mode offers its own benefits, so the choice depends on personal preferences for speed, comfort, and cost.