Quetta to Deosai Plains Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 

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

The journey from Quetta to Deosai Plains takes travelers from the dry mountains of Balochistan to the majestic alpine plateaus of Gilgit-Baltistan, making it one of the most scenic and diverse travel routes in Pakistan. The Deosai Plains, also known as the "Land of the Giants," are famed for their surreal landscapes, wildflowers, and rare wildlife such as the Himalayan brown bear.

Distance Between Quetta and Deosai Plains

• By Road: Approximately 1,110 kilometers (about 690 miles)

• By Air (via Skardu): The aerial distance is roughly 650 kilometers (about 404 miles)

Travel Duration from Quetta to Deosai Plains

• By Road: 24 to 28 hours (depending on vehicle, route, and weather)

• By Train (to Rawalpindi or Islamabad) + Road: About 30 to 35 hours in total

• By Plane (to Skardu) + Road: Around 8 to 10 hours in total

1. Travel from Quetta to Deosai by Road

Traveling by road is a long but adventurous journey. The route passes through various cities and terrains, offering views of Pakistan’s cultural and geographic diversity.

Route Options:

• Route 1:
  Quetta → Sukkur → Multan → Islamabad → Muzaffarabad → Skardu → Deosai Plains
  (Less preferred due to more urban congestion but better road conditions)

• Route 2:
  Quetta → Zhob → Dera Ismail Khan → Kohat → Abbottabad → Besham → Chilas → Skardu → Deosai Plains
  (More scenic and direct in some segments, but more rugged in others)

After reaching Skardu, the last leg of the journey involves a 2 to 3-hour jeep ride from Skardu to the Deosai Plains via the Sadpara Lake road. This route is usually open from June to September due to snow blockage in winter months.

Estimated Time by Road:

• Quetta to Skardu: 22 to 26 hours

• Skardu to Deosai Plains: 2 to 3 hours

• Total Duration: 24 to 28 hours

2. Travel from Quetta to Deosai by Train

There is no direct train to Deosai or Skardu, but a mixed travel option involving train and road is possible.

Train Route:

• Quetta → Rawalpindi/Islamabad: Board the Jaffar Express which runs from Quetta to Rawalpindi.

  • Duration: Approximately 24 to 26 hours

From Rawalpindi or Islamabad, you must continue by road.

Road Route (After Train):

• Islamabad → Skardu: Around 15 to 18 hours by car or bus via the Karakoram Highway and Skardu Road.

• Skardu → Deosai Plains: 2 to 3 hours by jeep.

Total Estimated Duration (Train + Road):

• Train: 24 to 26 hours

• Road: 17 to 21 hours

• Combined Total: 30 to 35 hours

This method is more comfortable for those who wish to rest during the journey and experience the train ride through the northern countryside.

3. Travel from Quetta to Deosai by Plane

Traveling by air is the fastest and most convenient way to reach Deosai Plains, especially if time is limited.

Flight Route:

• Quetta → Islamabad (Domestic Flight): About 1.5 hours

• Islamabad → Skardu (Domestic Flight): Another 1.5 hours

Note: There are no direct flights from Quetta to Skardu, so you’ll need to transit through Islamabad or Karachi.

Road from Skardu to Deosai Plains:

• After reaching Skardu, you’ll need to take a 2 to 3-hour jeep ride to Deosai Plains.

Total Estimated Duration (Plane + Road):

• Flights: 3 to 4 hours (including layover)

• Road (Skardu to Deosai): 2 to 3 hours

• Combined Total: 8 to 10 hours

Keep in mind that flights to Skardu are subject to weather conditions and can often be delayed or rescheduled.

Key Travel Tips for Deosai Plains

• Best Travel Time: June to September (the plains remain inaccessible in winter due to heavy snow)

• Vehicle Requirements: A 4x4 vehicle is recommended for the Deosai route from Skardu.

• Altitude Preparation: Deosai is situated at over 4,000 meters (13,000 feet) above sea level. Be prepared for high-altitude conditions.

• Accommodation: Camping is the most common option near Deosai. Hotels are available in Skardu.

Conclusion

The journey from Quetta to Deosai Plains is an epic transition from desert to alpine wilderness. Whether you prefer the rugged overland route, the scenic train journey, or the convenience of flying, each mode of travel offers a unique experience. Once you reach Deosai, the effort is well rewarded with one of the most enchanting landscapes in all of Pakistan.