Quetta to Chakdara Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 

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

Chakdara, a historic town in Lower Dir District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, sits at the gateway to Swat Valley and Dir. It lies along the Swat River and holds archaeological significance due to its ancient Buddhist and Gandhara civilization relics. In recent years, Chakdara has also grown as a transit hub for travelers heading to Swat, Chitral, and northern highlands. From Quetta, Chakdara is accessible via multiple travel routes, including by road, rail (partially), and air plus road travel.

Distance Between Quetta and Chakdara

• By Road: Approximately 940 kilometers (around 584 miles)

• By Air (Quetta to Peshawar or Islamabad, then road): Around 890 kilometers (553 miles)

• By Train + Road: Approximately 960 kilometers (around 596 miles)

Traveling from Quetta to Chakdara by Road

Road travel is the most direct and commonly used route for reaching Chakdara from Quetta. It includes passing through several towns and shifting landscapes — from dry deserts to green valleys.

Route Overview:

1. Start from Quetta via N-50 Highway heading northeast through Zhob

2. Reach Dera Ismail Khan, then continue on N-55 Indus Highway northward

3. After passing Kohat and Peshawar, take Swat Expressway

4. Exit toward Chakdara on N-45

Estimated Duration:

• Around 18 to 20 hours of continuous driving

• With overnight rest and short breaks, the journey can be completed in 1.5 to 2 days

Road Conditions:

• Good-quality highways with paved roads for most of the route

• The approach to Chakdara includes hilly roads and river crossings, best handled during daylight

Traveling from Quetta to Chakdara by Train

Chakdara itself has no railway station, so the train route is only feasible up to Rawalpindi or Peshawar. From there, travelers need to continue by road to Chakdara.

Train Route:

1. Take the Jaffar Express from Quetta to Rawalpindi Railway Station

   • Travel time: 24 to 26 hours

2. From Rawalpindi, switch to road transport via M1 Motorway and Swat Expressway

Remaining Road Journey:

• Rawalpindi to Chakdara: Around 8 to 9 hours by car or bus

Estimated Total Duration:

• About 34 to 36 hours, including train travel and road transfer

Traveling from Quetta to Chakdara by Plane

The fastest way to reach Chakdara involves flying to a nearby city and then completing the rest of the journey by road. The most suitable airport options are in Peshawar and Islamabad.

Air Route Options:

• Quetta to Peshawar

  • Flight Duration: 1.5 hours

• Quetta to Islamabad

  • Flight Duration: 1.5 hours

Road Journey After Flight:

• From Peshawar to Chakdara: Around 6 to 7 hours

• From Islamabad to Chakdara: Around 8 to 9 hours

Estimated Total Duration:

• 9 to 12 hours including flight, airport formalities, and road travel

Best Travel Option

• By Road: Recommended for travelers who want to enjoy a full scenic trip and stop at different towns along the way

• By Train: Suitable for budget-conscious travelers willing to handle a long-duration journey

• By Plane: Best for those who want to save time and travel in comfort

Travel Tips for Visiting Chakdara

• Climate: Moderate in spring and summer, cold in winter—pack accordingly

• Sites to Visit: Churchill Piquet, Buddhist Stupas, and Swat River viewpoints

• Connectivity: Chakdara is well-connected to Dir, Mingora, and Malakand

• Best Travel Season: April to October for clearer roads and comfortable weather

Chakdara is not just a transit point but also a historical town rich in culture and natural beauty. The journey from Quetta, while long, is a rewarding one for explorers heading into the heart of northern Pakistan’s lush valleys.