Quetta to Gulmit Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 

Quetta to Gulmit: Distance, Travel Options by Road, Train, and Plane

Gulmit is a historic village located in the Upper Hunza region of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. Positioned along the legendary Karakoram Highway, it is surrounded by awe-inspiring peaks, glaciers, and traditional Wakhi culture. Gulmit serves as the administrative center of Gojal Tehsil and is close to iconic attractions like Passu Cones, Attabad Lake, and the Hussaini Suspension Bridge. Reaching Gulmit from Quetta involves a long but rewarding trip through some of Pakistan’s most dramatic and scenic landscapes.

Distance from Quetta to Gulmit

• By Road: Approximately 1,550 kilometers (about 963 miles)

• By Air (to nearest airport) + Road: Varies based on selected airport, usually Islamabad, Gilgit, or Skardu

Travel Options from Quetta to Gulmit

1. By Road

The road journey from Quetta to Gulmit is one of the longest in Pakistan, but also one of the most scenic. Travelers cross several provinces and drive through mountains, rivers, and valleys along the way.

• Recommended Route:
  Quetta → Dera Ghazi Khan → Multan → Lahore/Islamabad → Abbottabad → Mansehra → Besham → Chilas → Gilgit → Hunza → Gulmit

• Total Distance: Around 1,550 km

• Estimated Duration: 30 to 34 hours of road travel

• Road Conditions:

  • Highways in southern and central Pakistan are in good condition

  • Karakoram Highway (N-35) from Mansehra onwards is partially well-maintained, with some rough patches

  • Mountain road conditions can change quickly due to landslides or snowfall

Travelers should prepare for multiple overnight stays, fuel refills, and food breaks. Recommended stopovers include Islamabad, Chilas, and Gilgit or Hunza before reaching Gulmit.

2. By Train

There is no direct train service to Gulmit or anywhere in Gilgit-Baltistan. However, a mixed journey of train and road is possible.

• Step 1: Train from Quetta to Rawalpindi

  • Duration: Around 24 to 28 hours, depending on service and stops

  • Trains: Jaffar Express is commonly used for this route

• Step 2: Road trip from Rawalpindi to Gulmit

  • Route: Rawalpindi → Abbottabad → Mansehra → Besham → Chilas → Gilgit → Gulmit

  • Distance: Around 1,070 km (665 miles)

  • Estimated Duration: 20 to 22 hours

While time-consuming, this option allows passengers to rest during the train ride and then take in the northern scenery during the road portion.

3. By Plane

There are no airports in Gulmit, but nearby airports offer the fastest access when combined with road travel.

Option A: Quetta → Islamabad (by Air) → Gilgit (by Air) → Gulmit (by Road)

• Step 1: Flight from Quetta to Islamabad

  • Duration: 1.5 hours

• Step 2: Flight from Islamabad to Gilgit

  • Duration: 1 hour (weather permitting; prone to delays)

• Step 3: Drive from Gilgit to Gulmit

  • Distance: Around 140 km (87 miles)

  • Duration: 3 to 4 hours by car

This is the quickest travel method overall but heavily depends on flight availability and clear weather in the mountainous north.

Option B: Quetta → Islamabad (by Air) → Road to Gulmit

• Flight Time: About 1.5 hours

• Road Journey from Islamabad to Gulmit:

  • Distance: ~1,070 km

  • Duration: 20 to 22 hours

This is a reliable backup plan if Gilgit flights are canceled or full.

Option C: Quetta → Skardu (via connecting flights) → Road to Gulmit

• Flight Time (including stopovers): 4 to 6 hours

• Road from Skardu to Gulmit via Gilgit:

  • Distance: Approx. 330 km (205 miles)

  • Duration: 8 to 10 hours

Skardu is farther than Gilgit but may offer more frequent flights, especially in the tourism season.

Conclusion

The journey from Quetta to Gulmit is long but rich in cultural and natural beauty. Whether you choose to travel entirely by road, take a train-road combo, or opt for an air-road itinerary, reaching Gulmit is a true adventure through some of Pakistan's most iconic landscapes. The route offers travelers a mix of urban cities, forested hills, river valleys, and towering mountains. Despite the distance and possible delays, the final destination—a tranquil village surrounded by snow-capped peaks and traditional culture—is well worth the journey.