Quetta to Besham Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 

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

Traveling from Quetta to Besham, a town located in the Shangla District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), offers a diverse journey across the provinces of Balochistan and KPK. Whether you're a tourist planning to explore the northern valleys or a local seeking a travel route, this guide provides detailed information on the distance, route options, and travel duration from Quetta to Besham by road, train, and plane.

Distance Between Quetta and Besham

The approximate distance from Quetta to Besham is:

• By Road: 980 kilometers (609 miles)

• By Air (as the crow flies): Around 610 kilometers (379 miles)

Since Besham does not have a major airport or railway station, air and train travel require combination routes, typically involving nearby major cities such as Islamabad, Rawalpindi, or Peshawar.

Travel by Road

Traveling by road is the most direct and scenic option from Quetta to Besham. This route is popular among travelers who want to experience the changing landscapes of Pakistan, from the dry mountains of Balochistan to the lush valleys of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Main Route:

• Route: Quetta → Loralai → Dera Ghazi Khan → Multan → Faisalabad → Islamabad → Abbottabad → Battagram → Besham

• Alternate Route: Quetta → Zhob → Dera Ismail Khan → Kohat → Peshawar → Swat Expressway → Besham (via Shangla Pass)

Travel Duration:

• Estimated Duration: 18 to 21 hours (non-stop)

• Stops Recommended: For food, fuel, and overnight stays in Multan, Islamabad, or Abbottabad

Road Conditions:

• The roads from Quetta to Multan are largely in good condition.

• After Islamabad, the Karakoram Highway (N-35) leads to Besham and is well-paved but mountainous and winding in sections.

• Travel is best undertaken during the day for safety.

Scenic Highlights:

• Sulaiman Range near Dera Ghazi Khan

• The fertile plains of Punjab

• The dramatic elevation and views of the Karakoram Highway

Travel by Train

Besham does not have its own railway station, so train travel requires multiple legs and alternative transportation.

Recommended Train Route:

1. Quetta to Rawalpindi by Train:

   • Service: Pakistan Railways offers various trains from Quetta to Rawalpindi.

   • Duration: Approximately 24 to 26 hours

2. Rawalpindi to Besham by Road:

   • Mode: Bus or private car

   • Distance: About 300 kilometers (186 miles)

   • Duration: 6 to 7 hours

Total Travel Duration (Train + Road):
Approximately 30 to 33 hours depending on train schedules and road traffic.

Advantages:

• Economical for long journeys

• Opportunity to rest during the train journey

• Frequent bus services available from Rawalpindi to Besham via Abbottabad and Battagram

Travel by Plane

There is no airport in Besham. The nearest airports to access Besham by air are Islamabad International Airport and Peshawar International Airport.

Recommended Air Route:

1. Quetta to Islamabad by Air:

   • Airlines: PIA (Pakistan International Airlines) and other carriers

   • Duration: 1 hour 20 minutes (direct flight)

2. Islamabad to Besham by Road:

   • Distance: Approximately 300 kilometers (186 miles)

   • Travel Duration: 6 to 7 hours by car or bus

Alternative Option:

• Quetta to Peshawar by Air (if available): Approx. 1.5 hours

• Peshawar to Besham by Road: Around 290 kilometers (180 miles) taking 6 to 7 hours

Total Travel Duration (Air + Road):
Around 8 to 9 hours (depending on layover times and road conditions)

Advantages:

• Fastest option to reach Besham from Quetta

• Comfortable for long-distance travelers

• Ideal for urgent travel needs

Important Travel Tips

1. Weather: Besham experiences cold winters and mild summers. Always check the weather forecast before travel, especially during monsoon or winter months when landslides can affect the Karakoram Highway.

2. Road Safety: Drive cautiously through mountainous roads after Abbottabad. Sharp turns and steep inclines are common.

3. Fuel and Rest Stops: Fuel up in major cities like Islamabad or Abbottabad. Small towns may not have reliable fuel stations.

4. Local Transport in Besham: Public vans and jeeps operate within the region, and private cars can also be hired for onward travel to Swat, Shangla, and Chilas.

Summary

Traveling from Quetta to Besham provides a glimpse into Pakistan’s geographical diversity, connecting the highlands of KPK to the rugged terrain of Balochistan. The road journey, though long, is scenic and enriching. Train travel involves longer durations but is economical, while flying offers the quickest path with added comfort. Whether you're heading to Besham for tourism, work, or transit to northern regions like Gilgit-Baltistan, this travel guide covers all essential options for your journey.