Quetta to Dassu Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 

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

Dassu, the administrative center of Upper Kohistan District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, lies on the legendary Karakoram Highway (N-35) and serves as a key waypoint for travelers heading toward Gilgit-Baltistan. Surrounded by towering mountains, deep gorges, and the roaring Indus River, Dassu is a remote but strategic location that offers a unique glimpse into the natural and cultural diversity of northern Pakistan. For those departing from Quetta, getting to Dassu is a multi-stage journey that requires both time and planning.

Distance Between Quetta and Dassu

• By road: Approximately 1,080 kilometers (671 miles)

• By air (aerial distance): Around 620 kilometers (385 miles)

Traveling by Road from Quetta to Dassu

Road travel is the most direct and practical option, especially since Dassu is located along the Karakoram Highway, one of the most scenic but challenging roads in the world. However, this is a long journey that will take travelers through varying terrains—from Balochistan’s arid hills to the high-altitude valleys of Kohistan.

Suggested Route:

1. Quetta → Sukkur via N-65

2. Sukkur → Multan via N-5

3. Multan → Islamabad via M-4 and M-2 Motorways

4. Islamabad → Abbottabad → Dassu via Hazara Expressway and N-35 (Karakoram Highway)

Distance and Estimated Time:

• Total Road Distance: ~1,080 km (671 miles)

• Estimated Duration: 20–24 hours

From Islamabad, the journey follows the Hazara Expressway up to Thakot, and then continues on the Karakoram Highway passing through Besham before reaching Dassu. This segment is particularly mountainous and narrow, requiring extra caution.

Traveling by Train from Quetta to Dassu (Hybrid Route)

Although no trains go directly to Dassu, rail travel can still be used for a major part of the journey by combining it with road travel.

Train + Road Route:

1. Quetta → Rawalpindi via Jaffar Express or Akbar Express

2. Rawalpindi → Dassu by road via Abbottabad and Karakoram Highway

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

• Train Duration: 24–28 hours

• Road Distance (Rawalpindi to Dassu): ~400 km (249 miles)

• Road Duration: 10–12 hours

This option divides the journey into more manageable parts. After reaching Rawalpindi by train, travelers can hire a private vehicle or use intercity vans to continue toward Dassu.

Traveling by Air from Quetta to Dassu (Via Gilgit or Islamabad)

Dassu has no airport of its own. The closest commercial airports are in Islamabad and Gilgit, but road travel is still required after landing.

Option 1: Quetta → Islamabad → Dassu

1. Quetta to Islamabad by Air: ~1.5 hours

2. Islamabad to Dassu by Road: ~540 km (335 miles), 10–12 hours

This is the fastest and most common air-plus-road route to Dassu. Flights from Quetta to Islamabad are regular and convenient.

Option 2: Quetta → Islamabad → Gilgit → Dassu

This option is not practical, as Gilgit lies farther beyond Dassu along the Karakoram Highway. Traveling from Gilgit to Dassu would mean backtracking by 200+ kilometers, making it inefficient.

Best Time to Travel

• Late March to October is the best time to travel. Roads remain open and the weather is relatively mild.

• November to February can bring snow and landslides, making the Karakoram Highway dangerous or inaccessible in some segments.

Travel Tips

• Road Conditions: The route from Thakot to Dassu is mountainous and often affected by landslides. Avoid traveling during heavy rains.

• Vehicle Type: A 4x4 vehicle is ideal for the mountainous segments beyond Besham.

• Fuel and Food Stops: Fill your tank in Islamabad or Abbottabad. After Besham, fuel stations are rare and often not operational.

• Mobile Network: Mobile coverage becomes patchy after Besham. In Dassu, some services may work, but signals can be unreliable.

• Security Checks: Carry your CNIC for routine checks. The Kohistan region has military and police checkposts along the highway.

• Accommodation: Basic hotels and rest houses are available in Dassu and Besham. Early booking is advisable during the tourism season.

Dassu may not be a mainstream tourist destination, but it plays an essential role for travelers heading deeper into the mountainous north. Whether you’re on your way to Gilgit, Hunza, or Fairy Meadows, stopping in Dassu gives you a chance to witness the untouched beauty of Upper Kohistan and engage with the hardy people of this rugged region. While the journey from Quetta to Dassu is long and demanding, it offers a continuous stream of changing landscapes, local cultures, and a genuine sense of adventure that few routes in the world can match.