Quetta to Altit – Distance, Travel Options by Road, Train, and Air
Traveling from Quetta, the capital of Balochistan, to the historic village of Altit in Hunza Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan, offers an unforgettable experience marked by dramatic landscapes and cultural richness. Altit, famous for the 900-year-old Altit Fort and its stunning location overlooking the Hunza River, is a prime destination for cultural and adventure tourism. Here’s a detailed guide on how to travel from Quetta to Altit by road, train, and air, along with the distance and estimated travel duration for each mode.
Distance from Quetta to Altit
-
By road: Approximately 1,280 kilometers (about 795 miles)
-
By air (to Gilgit, then road to Altit): Air distance from Quetta to Gilgit is around 690 kilometers (about 429 miles)
-
By train (to Rawalpindi, then road): Combined land journey spans over 1,350 kilometers (around 839 miles)
Traveling from Quetta to Altit by Road
Traveling entirely by road from Quetta to Altit takes you through a combination of national highways and mountainous roads. This scenic yet long route cuts across multiple provinces and presents a chance to explore Pakistan’s diverse terrain.
Route Details:
-
Quetta → Sukkur (via N-65): 410 km
-
Sukkur → Islamabad (via N-5 / M-5 and M-2): 780 km
-
Islamabad → Chilas → Karimabad → Altit (via N-35 / Karakoram Highway): 640 km
Total Road Distance: Around 1,280 kilometers
Estimated Travel Duration:
-
30–34 hours by private vehicle or intercity bus, depending on road conditions and stopovers
Key Tips:
-
Roads in Gilgit-Baltistan, especially beyond Chilas, are mountainous and winding, so travel cautiously.
-
Best to break journey into two or three days with overnight stops in cities like Islamabad and Chilas.
Traveling from Quetta to Altit by Train
Pakistan Railways does not directly connect to Gilgit-Baltistan, but train travel can be used partially. The most practical way to use the railway is to travel from Quetta to Rawalpindi, and then continue by road to Altit.
Phase 1: Quetta to Rawalpindi by Train
-
Train Route: Quetta → Rohri → Khanewal → Lahore → Rawalpindi
-
Distance: About 1,225 kilometers
-
Estimated Duration: 25–30 hours, depending on train type and stops
Trains such as Jaffar Express provide service along this route, though schedule confirmation is advised.
Phase 2: Rawalpindi to Altit by Road
-
Route: Rawalpindi → Abbottabad → Mansehra → Besham → Chilas → Karimabad → Altit
-
Distance: Approx. 640 kilometers
-
Travel Time: 14–16 hours by road, subject to weather and road conditions
Total Journey Time (Train + Road):
-
40–46 hours
Traveling from Quetta to Altit by Air
Taking a flight is the most time-efficient and comfortable way to reach the Hunza region, but it still requires a combination of air and road travel.
Phase 1: Quetta to Islamabad by Air
-
Flight Duration: Around 1.5 to 2 hours
-
Flights: Operated by PIA (Pakistan International Airlines), frequency depends on the season
Phase 2: Islamabad to Gilgit by Air
-
Flight Duration: Approx. 1 hour
-
Airline: PIA operates limited flights, subject to weather clearance in the mountainous region
Phase 3: Gilgit to Altit by Road
-
Distance: Around 100 kilometers (62 miles)
-
Travel Time: 2–3 hours, as the road is narrow and winding through the mountains
Total Estimated Time (Air + Road):
-
6–8 hours, assuming smooth flight connections and minimal delays
Important Notes:
-
Flights from Islamabad to Gilgit often get delayed or canceled due to weather.
-
Advance booking and backup plans are recommended.
Conclusion
The journey from Quetta to Altit is a long but enriching one, especially for travelers looking to explore the heart of northern Pakistan. Whether you opt for the scenic yet lengthy road journey, the hybrid train-road route, or the relatively faster air-travel option, reaching Altit offers a rewarding experience with historical architecture, panoramic views, and the serene atmosphere of Hunza Valley.
Each travel mode has its own charm and challenges, so choose based on your preferences for time, comfort, and adventure.
0 Comments