Gujranwala to Upper Dir Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 Travel Options from Gujranwala to Upper Dir

Upper Dir is a picturesque town located in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. Nestled in the lush green valleys of the Hindu Kush mountain range, Upper Dir is famous for its breathtaking natural beauty and serene atmosphere. Travelers seeking adventure, tranquility, and natural landscapes will find Upper Dir to be an ideal destination. If you are planning to travel from Gujranwala to Upper Dir, here is a detailed guide on the travel options available, covering road, train, and air travel, along with the distance, routes, and estimated travel durations.

By Road

The road distance from Gujranwala to Upper Dir is approximately 375 km (233 miles).

1. Route: Gujranwala → Lahore → Rawalpindi → Islamabad → Mardan → Dargai → Upper Dir.
2. Duration: The total journey by road takes approximately 8 to 10 hours, depending on traffic conditions, road quality, and the number of stops you make along the way.
3. Details:
   • Route Overview: Starting from Gujranwala, you will drive south toward Lahore, passing through the bustling city of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. From there, head west towards Mardan, and then continue to Dargai. The final leg of the journey takes you through winding mountainous roads to reach Upper Dir.
   • Road Conditions: The first portion of the journey, from Gujranwala to Rawalpindi, follows a well-maintained highway, including the motorway. However, as you move into the more mountainous regions toward Upper Dir, the roads become narrower and less developed. The section from Mardan to Upper Dir may be challenging for inexperienced drivers, especially during the winter months.
   • Vehicle Options: A private car or a 4x4 vehicle is ideal for navigating the hilly terrain, especially closer to Upper Dir. Public transport options such as buses or shared taxis are also available from Rawalpindi and Islamabad to Upper Dir. These can be a more affordable option but may not be as comfortable for long-distance travel.

By Train

Currently, there is no direct train service from Gujranwala to Upper Dir. However, you can take a train from Gujranwala to Rawalpindi, and then proceed by road from there.

1. Route: Gujranwala → Lahore → Rawalpindi (train) → Islamabad → Mardan → Dargai → Upper Dir (by road).
2. Duration:
   • The train journey from Gujranwala to Rawalpindi takes about 4 to 5 hours.
   • After reaching Rawalpindi, the road journey to Upper Dir takes approximately 4 to 5 hours.
   • The total time combining both the train and road travel will be about 9 to 10 hours.
3. Cost: The cost of a train ticket from Gujranwala to Rawalpindi ranges from PKR 300 to 1,000, depending on the class of travel. The road journey from Rawalpindi to Upper Dir will cost between PKR 2,500 to 4,000 for public transport, though private taxis may cost more.
4. Tips: While the train journey is comfortable and budget-friendly, it only covers part of the journey. Once in Rawalpindi, you will need to switch to road transport to reach Upper Dir, which may add to the overall time of travel.

By Air

There is no direct airport in Upper Dir, so the nearest airport is in Peshawar. From Peshawar, you will need to continue your journey by road to Upper Dir.

1. Route: Gujranwala → Lahore (flight) → Islamabad → Peshawar → Upper Dir (by road).
2. Duration:
   • The flight from Lahore to Islamabad takes around 1 hour.
   • A direct flight from Islamabad to Peshawar takes about 1 hour.
   • After landing in Peshawar, the road journey to Upper Dir takes approximately 5 to 6 hours.
   • The total air travel time, combined with the road trip from Peshawar to Upper Dir, takes about 7 to 8 hours.
3. Cost: Flights from Lahore to Islamabad typically cost around PKR 6,000 to 12,000, and flights from Islamabad to Peshawar range from PKR 6,000 to 10,000. The road journey from Peshawar to Upper Dir will cost around PKR 2,500 to 4,000.
4. Tips: While flying is the fastest way to reach Upper Dir, the journey from Peshawar to Upper Dir is long and can be uncomfortable. It’s best to plan accordingly, as the road conditions can vary.

Conclusion

Traveling from Gujranwala to Upper Dir offers several options, but each comes with its pros and cons. By road, the journey is approximately 375 km and can take 8 to 10 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. The route is picturesque but may be challenging due to the mountainous terrain in the final leg of the journey. For those who prefer a faster option, a combination of train and road travel or flying to Peshawar followed by a road journey to Upper Dir are viable alternatives. However, these options may take longer overall, particularly due to the time spent traveling by road in the mountainous areas. Whichever travel option you choose, the journey to Upper Dir promises to be an adventure, with scenic landscapes and stunning views of the Hindu Kush mountains along the way.