Quetta to Ghanche Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

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

Ghanche, located in the easternmost district of Gilgit-Baltistan, is known for its captivating natural beauty, cold desert landscapes, and as the gateway to some of the highest peaks in the Karakoram range. Its district capital is Khaplu, a historical town surrounded by glaciers, mountains, and the Shyok River. The journey from Quetta to Ghanche is long and diverse, traversing deserts, plains, and mountainous regions.

Distance from Quetta to Ghanche

The approximate road distance from Quetta to Ghanche is around 1,100 kilometers (684 miles). This varies slightly depending on the chosen route and seasonal road conditions, especially near the northern mountainous areas.

Travel by Road

The road route from Quetta to Ghanche is the most extensive option, taking travelers through Balochistan, Punjab, and Gilgit-Baltistan. The commonly followed route includes the cities of Sukkur, Multan or Lahore, Islamabad, Chilas, Skardu, and then onward to Ghanche District.

Estimated Duration by Road:

• Approximately 30 to 34 hours of continuous driving

• Longer duration expected due to mountain roads, checkpoints, and rest stops

Suggested Route:

1. Quetta to Sukkur – ~8 hours

2. Sukkur to Islamabad – ~10–12 hours

3. Islamabad to Chilas – ~12 hours (via Karakoram Highway or Babusar Pass in summer)

4. Chilas to Skardu – ~8 hours via Jaglot-Skardu Road

5. Skardu to Ghanche (Khaplu) – ~3.5 to 4 hours

   • The route is incredibly scenic, especially from Skardu to Khaplu, which passes along the Shyok River

Road travel is the best choice for those seeking an immersive experience through changing landscapes—from deserts to valleys to snowy peaks.

Travel by Train

Pakistan Railways does not serve Gilgit-Baltistan. However, you can take a train for part of the journey and switch to road travel for the remainder.

Step-by-step Option:

1. Quetta to Rawalpindi by Train:

   • Duration: ~24 to 30 hours

   • Jaffar Express or via connecting trains through Multan or Lahore

2. Rawalpindi to Skardu by Road or Air:

   • By Road: ~20–22 hours

   • By Air: ~1 hour (limited flights, weather-dependent)

3. Skardu to Ghanche by Road:

   • Duration: ~4 hours (road conditions may vary with season)

Train travel can reduce fatigue during the Quetta–Rawalpindi segment, but afterward, travelers must rely entirely on road transport to reach Ghanche.

Travel by Plane

Flying is the fastest option to reach Ghanche District. While there is no airport in Ghanche itself, travelers can fly to Skardu and complete the rest of the journey by road.

Flight Route:

1. Quetta to Islamabad:

   • Duration: ~1.5 hours

   • Regular domestic flights available

2. Islamabad to Skardu:

   • Duration: ~1 hour

   • Flights available on selected days, highly weather-dependent

3. Skardu to Ghanche (Khaplu):

   • Duration: ~3.5 to 4 hours by road

Total Estimated Travel Time by Plane:

• Quetta to Islamabad: ~1.5 hours

• Islamabad to Skardu: ~1 hour

• Skardu to Ghanche: ~4 hours by road

• Total Estimated Duration (excluding layovers): ~7 to 8 hours

Air travel is the most time-efficient method, but flexibility is necessary due to unpredictable weather in the northern areas, which can cause delays or cancellations.

Conclusion

The journey from Quetta to Ghanche takes you from the southern highlands of Balochistan to the icy frontiers of the Karakoram. While the road journey is extensive, it offers a rare opportunity to witness the geographical transition from arid deserts to lush valleys and snowy mountains.

For travelers looking for speed and convenience, the plane route via Islamabad and Skardu, followed by a drive to Ghanche, is the best option. However, for adventurers and road trip enthusiasts, the long drive through multiple regions of Pakistan offers an unforgettable, immersive travel experience, ending in the breathtaking beauty of Ghanche District.