Gujranwala to Shigar Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 

Travel Options from Gujranwala to Shigar

Shigar, a scenic valley located in Gilgit-Baltistan, is known for its ancient history, beautiful landscapes, and the iconic Shigar Fort. Traveling from Gujranwala to Shigar involves a considerable distance, and there are several options for getting there, including by road, train, and plane.

1. Travel by Road

The road journey from Gujranwala to Shigar is a scenic and adventurous drive, especially as you approach the mountainous region of Gilgit-Baltistan.

• Distance: The total distance by road from Gujranwala to Shigar is approximately 630 kilometers (391 miles).

• Route:

  • Start your journey in Gujranwala and head towards Rawalpindi via GT Road (N-5).
  • Once in Rawalpindi, continue on the M-1 Motorway or N-5, passing through Abbottabad and Mansehra.
  • From Mansehra, drive towards Batagram and then take the route towards Skardu.
  • Once you arrive in Skardu, you will continue along the Skardu Road, heading towards Shigar.

• Travel Duration: The drive from Gujranwala to Shigar takes around 12 to 14 hours, depending on road conditions and traffic, especially when navigating the mountainous terrain. The journey through the hilly areas can be slow, particularly during winter.

• Travel Considerations:

  • The roads are winding and can be challenging, particularly in the higher altitudes. It is important to ensure that your vehicle is well-maintained for long and hilly journeys.
  • Road conditions may be difficult in winter due to snow and landslides, so it's advisable to check the weather before starting the journey.

2. Travel by Train

There is no direct train route from Gujranwala to Shigar, so you would need to take a combination of train and road travel.

• Distance: The train journey will cover approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) from Gujranwala to Rawalpindi. The remaining distance of 550 kilometers (342 miles) will be covered by road from Rawalpindi to Shigar.

• Route:

  • First, take a train from Gujranwala to Rawalpindi. Trains like the Green Line Express or Pakistan Business Express operate on this route.
  • After arriving at Rawalpindi, you will need to hire a private vehicle or take a long-distance bus to cover the remaining journey to Shigar.
  • The road journey from Rawalpindi to Shigar will pass through places like Abbottabad, Mansehra, and Skardu, before reaching Shigar.

• Travel Duration:

  • The train ride from Gujranwala to Rawalpindi will take around 1.5 to 2 hours.
  • The road journey from Rawalpindi to Shigar will take around 12 to 14 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

• Total Duration: The total time for the journey combining train and road travel is approximately 14 to 16 hours, including waiting times at train stations and rest stops on the road.

• Travel Considerations:

  • Train schedules may not always be on time, and there may be delays, especially on long-distance routes.
  • The absence of a direct train route to Shigar means you'll have to rely on road transport, which can be long and tiring.

3. Travel by Plane

Flying is the fastest way to reach Shigar, though it requires at least one stop, as there are no direct flights to Shigar itself.

• Distance: The air distance from Gujranwala to Shigar is approximately 500 kilometers (310 miles), but due to stopovers, the total flying distance can vary.

• Route:

  • First, fly from Lahore (Allama Iqbal International Airport) to Skardu. There are no direct flights from Gujranwala, so you will need to travel to Lahore first (about 120 kilometers by road).
  • From Skardu, the remaining journey to Shigar is by road, which is about 35 kilometers (22 miles).

• Travel Duration:

  • The flight from Lahore to Skardu typically takes about 1 hour 20 minutes.
  • The road journey from Skardu to Shigar is around 1 to 1.5 hours.

• Total Duration: The total time by plane is around 3 to 4 hours, excluding waiting times at the airports and the road journey to Lahore from Gujranwala.

• Travel Considerations:

  • Flights to Skardu are subject to weather conditions, as mountainous areas often face weather-related flight cancellations or delays.
  • It’s important to check flight availability and road conditions before starting your journey, especially in winter when weather can disrupt both flight and road travel.

Conclusion

To summarize, here are the travel options from Gujranwala to Shigar:

• By Road: A scenic drive of approximately 630 kilometers (391 miles), which will take around 12 to 14 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
• By Train: A combination of train travel from Gujranwala to Rawalpindi, followed by road travel from Rawalpindi to Shigar. The entire journey will take around 14 to 16 hours.
• By Plane: The fastest option, involving a flight to Skardu (with a layover in Islamabad), followed by a short road journey to Shigar. Total travel time will be around 3 to 4 hours, excluding waiting times.

Each option has its own benefits, whether you're looking for a scenic road trip, a combination of rail and road travel, or the quickest air travel route. The choice depends on your priorities for comfort, time, and adventure.