Quetta to Bunar Das Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 

Quetta to Bunar Das – Distance, Travel Options by Road, Train, and Plane

Bunar Das, located in the Diamer District of Gilgit-Baltistan, is a lesser-known but historically rich settlement near Chilas and close to the Karakoram Highway. It sits in a mountainous zone that connects travelers with Gilgit, Nanga Parbat base camp routes, and other scenic destinations. For those starting from Quetta, the journey to Bunar Das requires careful planning due to its remote and rugged terrain, but the route showcases the dramatic geographical diversity of Pakistan—from the deserts of Balochistan to the snow-capped peaks of the north.

Distance Between Quetta and Bunar Das

• By road: Approximately 1,180 kilometers (733 miles)

• By air (straight-line distance): Around 660 kilometers (410 miles)

Traveling by Road from Quetta to Bunar Das

Traveling overland from Quetta to Bunar Das involves navigating through multiple cities and mountainous regions. This is the most feasible direct method to reach Bunar Das since it does not have an airport or railway station.

Recommended Route:

1. Quetta → Sukkur via N-65

2. Sukkur → Multan via N-5

3. Multan → Islamabad via M-4 and M-2

4. Islamabad → Chilas → Bunar Das via Hazara Expressway and Karakoram Highway (N-35)

Distance and Duration:

• Total Distance: ~1,180 km (733 miles)

• Estimated Travel Time: 23–27 hours (excluding overnight halts)

The journey from Islamabad to Bunar Das, via the Karakoram Highway, is scenic but demanding. After crossing Chilas, Bunar Das is situated a short distance ahead, typically within a 20–30 km range. Road conditions beyond Besham are often affected by weather and landslides.

Traveling by Train from Quetta to Bunar Das (Partial Journey)

Bunar Das has no railway connectivity. However, travelers can use the railway network to reach Rawalpindi, then continue the rest of the journey by road.

Train + Road Route:

1. Quetta → Rawalpindi by train (via Jaffar Express or Akbar Express)

2. Rawalpindi → Bunar Das by road via N-35

• Train Distance: ~1,400 km (870 miles)

• Train Travel Time: 24–28 hours

• Road Distance (Rawalpindi to Bunar Das): Approx. 500 km (310 miles)

• Road Travel Time: 12–14 hours

This combination allows for more relaxed travel during the first half of the journey and helps break the overall trip into manageable parts. Rest stops in Rawalpindi or Abbottabad are recommended for comfort.

Traveling by Air from Quetta to Bunar Das (Via Gilgit or Skardu)

There is no airport in Bunar Das. However, air travel can shorten the journey significantly by flying to nearby airports and continuing by road.

Option 1: Quetta → Islamabad → Gilgit → Bunar Das

1. Quetta to Islamabad by Air: ~1.5 hours

2. Islamabad to Gilgit by Air: ~1 hour (weather-permitting)

3. Gilgit to Bunar Das by Road: Approx. 110 km (68 miles), 3–4 hours

Option 2: Quetta → Islamabad → Skardu → Bunar Das

1. Quetta to Islamabad by Air: ~1.5 hours

2. Islamabad to Skardu by Air: ~1 hour

3. Skardu to Bunar Das by Road: Approx. 250 km (155 miles), 7–9 hours

These options offer significantly reduced travel time and greater convenience, though they are dependent on the availability and reliability of flights to the northern areas.

Best Time to Travel

• May to October is the most favorable period to travel to Bunar Das. During this time, mountain routes are open and weather conditions are stable.

• Winter (November to March) poses risks such as road closures due to snow, especially on the Karakoram Highway and surrounding areas.

Travel Tips

• Vehicle Type: A 4x4 vehicle is ideal, especially for the mountainous segments after Besham and Chilas.

• Fuel and Supplies: Ensure refueling in major towns like Sukkur, Multan, Islamabad, and Chilas. After that, fuel availability is scarce.

• Security: Travelers should carry CNICs at all times and be ready for routine security checks near Gilgit-Baltistan borders.

• Mobile Network: Signal strength weakens past Dassu. Limited mobile service may be available in Bunar Das.

• Stay Options: Basic guesthouses or small lodges are available in nearby Chilas. Booking ahead is advisable during tourist season.

Bunar Das, while not a mainstream tourist destination, lies on a path of extraordinary natural and cultural value. For those interested in exploring authentic mountain communities and experiencing life along the Karakoram Highway, it offers a quieter but equally enriching alternative to more popular destinations like Fairy Meadows or Hunza. The journey from Quetta to Bunar Das—whether by road, train-plus-road, or air-plus-road—is long and occasionally challenging, but it's also one of Pakistan's most scenic cross-country experiences.