Quetta to Alpuri Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 

Quetta to Alpuri: Distance, Travel Options by Road, Train, and Plane

Alpuri, the district headquarters of Shangla in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), is a mountainous town surrounded by lush green valleys, pine forests, and snow-capped peaks during winter. It serves as an administrative and commercial hub of the region and is often the gateway to other scenic areas like Chakesar and Puran. If you're planning a journey from Quetta to Alpuri, this article outlines the distance, travel options by road, train, and plane, and the expected duration of each mode of transport.

Distance Between Quetta and Alpuri

• By Road: Approximately 1,035 kilometers (643 miles)

• By Air (Aerial Distance): Around 620 kilometers (385 miles)

As Alpuri does not have an airport or railway station, travel involves reaching a major nearby city and continuing the rest of the journey by road.

Travel by Road

Road travel is the most direct and commonly used method to reach Alpuri from Quetta. While it is a long journey, it offers an immersive experience through diverse regions and changing landscapes—from the desert mountains of Balochistan to the alpine terrain of KPK.

Main Route:

• Quetta → Dera Ghazi Khan → Multan → Faisalabad → Islamabad → Abbottabad → Battagram → Besham → Alpuri

Alternate Route:

• Quetta → Zhob → Dera Ismail Khan → Kohat → Peshawar → Swat Expressway → Shangla Top → Alpuri

Travel Duration:

• Estimated Time: 20 to 24 hours (non-stop)

• Ideal Stopovers: Multan, Islamabad, Abbottabad, or Besham for food, rest, and refueling

Road Conditions:

• The highways leading up to Islamabad are mostly well-maintained.

• The route from Besham to Alpuri involves steep, winding mountain roads with sharp turns and occasional rough patches.

• Travel is safest during daylight hours, especially through hilly terrain.

Scenic Attractions:

• River views near Besham on the Karakoram Highway

• Panoramic landscapes of the Shangla hills

• Natural springs and forests near Alpuri

Travel by Train

Since Alpuri has no railway connectivity, train travel must be combined with road transport.

Recommended Route:

1. Quetta to Rawalpindi by Train:

   • Service: Pakistan Railways (e.g., Jaffar Express)

   • Duration: Around 24 to 26 hours

2. Rawalpindi to Alpuri by Road:

   • Via Abbottabad → Battagram → Besham → Alpuri

   • Distance: About 330 kilometers (205 miles)

   • Travel Duration: 8 to 9 hours

Total Travel Duration (Train + Road):
Approximately 32 to 35 hours

Advantages:

• Affordable for long-distance travel

• Comfortable rest during the train journey

• Public and private transport options available from Rawalpindi to Besham and onward

Disadvantages:

• Requires switching between transport modes

• Extended duration due to train schedules and road traffic

Travel by Plane

Alpuri doesn’t have its own airport. The most practical flying option is to land at Islamabad International Airport or Peshawar Airport, then travel by road to Alpuri.

Route via Islamabad:

1. Quetta to Islamabad by Air:

   • Flight Duration: Around 1 hour 20 minutes

2. Islamabad to Alpuri by Road:

   • Via Abbottabad → Battagram → Besham → Alpuri

   • Distance: Around 330 kilometers (205 miles)

   • Travel Duration: 8 to 9 hours

Route via Peshawar:

1. Quetta to Peshawar by Air: Approx. 1.5 hours

2. Peshawar to Alpuri by Road:

   • Via Swat Expressway → Shangla Top → Alpuri

   • Distance: About 310 kilometers (193 miles)

   • Duration: 7 to 9 hours

Total Travel Duration (Air + Road):
9 to 10 hours

Advantages:

• Quickest option available

• Best suited for time-sensitive or professional trips

• More comfortable for long-distance travelers

Travel Tips

1. Weather Conditions: Alpuri receives snow in winter and heavy rainfall during monsoon season. Always check the forecast before traveling.

2. Vehicle Type: A 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle is ideal for mountain roads, especially after Besham.

3. Daylight Travel: Avoid driving in the dark in mountainous areas due to sharp turns and the risk of landslides.

4. Fuel Stops: Refuel in larger towns like Abbottabad or Besham. Fuel availability becomes sparse in remote areas.

5. Local Transport: Within Alpuri and Shangla, public transport includes vans and shared jeeps; however, availability is limited.

Summary

The journey from Quetta to Alpuri is a remarkable expedition across Pakistan’s diverse geography. Whether you're traveling for tourism, family visits, or official reasons, road travel provides direct access and stunning views, while air travel through Islamabad or Peshawar offers speed and comfort. Train travel, although the slowest, is an economical choice for budget-conscious travelers. Whichever route you choose, Alpuri awaits with its serene landscapes, cool climate, and cultural charm nestled in the heart of Shangla District.