Gujranwala to Qasar e Noor Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 Gujranwala to Qasar e Noor: Travel Options by Road, Train, and Plane

Qasar e Noor is a quaint town located in the Sargodha District of Punjab, Pakistan. Known for its serene surroundings and agricultural significance, Qasar e Noor is a destination that offers a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of urban life. With its proximity to Gujranwala, traveling to Qasar e Noor can be done through several modes of transportation including road, train, and air travel. This article will explore each of these options in detail, providing insights into distances, routes, travel durations, and costs.

By Road

Traveling by road from Gujranwala to Qasar e Noor is one of the most convenient and flexible options. The journey is comfortable and offers the chance to experience the picturesque rural landscape of Punjab.

1. Route:

   • Begin your journey by heading south from Gujranwala towards Lahore via the Grand Trunk Road (N-5).
   • From Lahore, you will take a right turn towards the Sargodha District. The road signs guide you through the smaller roads leading to Qasar e Noor.
   • The final leg of the journey is through local roads that bring you to Qasar e Noor.

2. Distance: Approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles).

3. Travel Duration: The road trip from Gujranwala to Qasar e Noor typically takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on the traffic conditions and road quality.

4. Costs:

   • Private Car: If you are traveling in your own vehicle, the fuel cost for this journey is typically between PKR 1,500 to 2,000, depending on the type of car and its fuel efficiency.
   • Public Bus Service: The cost for bus travel is generally lower, with fares ranging from PKR 400 to 700 per person depending on the bus operator and class of service.

5. Vehicle Options:

   • Private Car: Ideal for those who prefer flexibility, comfort, and a private travel experience.
   • Public Bus: A more affordable option but with less flexibility, as buses operate on fixed schedules and routes.

6. Recommended Stops:

   • Sargodha: Sargodha, a major city en route, is famous for its citrus fruits. It’s a great place to stop for a quick break and enjoy local food or fresh fruit.
   • Bhera: Another small town on the way to Qasar e Noor, Bhera offers a few charming roadside spots to explore before continuing the journey.

By Train

For travelers who enjoy the comfort of trains, there is an option to travel by rail, although direct train services to Qasar e Noor are not available. Instead, you can take a train to Sargodha and then cover the remaining distance by local transport.

1. Route:

   • Take a train from Gujranwala to Sargodha. Several trains pass through Gujranwala, bound for Rawalpindi, Lahore, or Sargodha. Choose a train that has a stop at Sargodha.
   • Once in Sargodha, take a local taxi, rickshaw, or bus to reach Qasar e Noor, which is about 20 kilometers (12 miles) away.

2. Distance:

   • Train distance: From Gujranwala to Sargodha, the train journey covers approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles).
   • Local transport distance: From Sargodha to Qasar e Noor is an additional 20 kilometers (12 miles).

3. Travel Duration:

   • Train ride: The train journey from Gujranwala to Sargodha typically takes around 2 to 2.5 hours.
   • Local transport: The journey from Sargodha to Qasar e Noor by local transport will take around 30-40 minutes.
   • Total travel time: Approximately 3 to 3.5 hours.

4. Costs:

   • Train fare: Train tickets from Gujranwala to Sargodha typically cost between PKR 150 and 500 depending on the class of travel (economy, business, or first class).
   • Local transport: A taxi or rickshaw from Sargodha to Qasar e Noor generally costs around PKR 500 to 1,000.

5. Recommendation:

   • Trains provide a comfortable and affordable option for traveling to Sargodha. Once there, you can complete the journey by local transport, which might be a bit less convenient but still effective.

By Plane

Since Qasar e Noor does not have an airport, travelers cannot reach the town directly by air. However, for those coming from distant locations or those with time constraints, a flight to Sialkot or Lahore can be a convenient starting point, followed by a road journey.

1. Route:

   • Fly from the nearest major airports, such as Lahore or Sialkot, to your destination. From Lahore, take the M-2 motorway toward Sargodha, and then take the local roads to Qasar e Noor.
   • Alternatively, a flight to Sialkot, followed by a drive to Qasar e Noor, is also possible.

2. Distance:

   • Flight distance: The flight from Sialkot to Lahore typically covers about 120 kilometers (75 miles), but air travel is not directly relevant for this route unless coming from outside Punjab.
   • Road distance: From Lahore or Sialkot, the road journey to Qasar e Noor is approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles).

3. Travel Duration:

   • Flight time: Flights from Sialkot or Lahore to Islamabad usually last around 45 minutes to 1 hour.
   • Road journey: From Lahore or Sialkot, the road journey to Qasar e Noor will take about 2.5 to 3 hours.
   • Total travel time: Approximately 4 to 5 hours when combining air and road travel.

4. Costs:

   • Airfare: Flights from Sialkot or Lahore to Islamabad typically range between PKR 5,000 and 10,000, depending on the airline and booking time.
   • Road transport: A taxi from Lahore or Sialkot to Qasar e Noor would cost around PKR 2,500 to 4,000.

5. Recommendation:

   • This option is most suitable for travelers coming from distant cities or those in a hurry. However, this combined option is generally more expensive than road or train travel.

Scenic Highlights Along the Way

The journey from Gujranwala to Qasar e Noor offers a scenic view of the rural heartland of Punjab, with expansive fields, local villages, and agricultural landscapes. The following are notable highlights along the way:

• Rural Punjab: The road to Qasar e Noor takes travelers through the beautiful farmland of Punjab, including vast wheat and cotton fields.
• Sargodha: Known as the “City of Eagles,” Sargodha is an important agricultural hub in Punjab. It is well known for its citrus fruits, particularly kinnow (a type of mandarin), and offers visitors a chance to explore local markets.

Travel Tips

• Best Time to Visit: The cooler months from October to March are ideal for visiting Qasar e Noor, as the weather is pleasant, making travel and outdoor activities more enjoyable.
• Packing: If traveling in the summer, light clothing, sunscreen, and bottled water are essential to stay cool and hydrated.
• Food Stops: Make sure to stop at local dhabas for traditional Punjabi food such as daal, roti, and fresh fruit.

Accommodation in Qasar e Noor

Qasar e Noor is a small town, so accommodation options are limited. Basic guesthouses and local hotels can be found in nearby towns such as Sargodha. For those seeking more luxurious options, Sargodha and Lahore offer a wider range of accommodation, from budget hotels to high-end resorts.

Conclusion

The journey from Gujranwala to Qasar e Noor can be undertaken by road, train, or air, depending on the traveler’s preferences, budget, and time constraints. Road travel offers the most direct and flexible option, allowing travelers to explore the charming rural landscapes of Punjab. Train travel provides comfort and affordability, though local transport is required for the final leg of the journey. Air travel, while the fastest for those coming from distant locations, is the most expensive and involves a combination of flight and road transport. Whichever option you choose, traveling to Qasar e Noor promises an enriching experience, showcasing the beauty of rural Punjab.