Quetta to Harban Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 

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

Harban, a scenic village in the Kohistan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, is a lesser-known but strategically located spot near the Karakoram Highway, serving as a gateway to Gilgit-Baltistan. Traveling from Quetta to Harban offers an adventurous journey through varied terrains and breathtaking landscapes, and can be done via multiple travel modes such as road, train, and air combined with road transport.

Distance from Quetta to Harban

• By Road: Approximately 1,140 kilometers (around 708 miles)

• By Air (to nearest airport) + Road: Varies depending on the airport (e.g., Islamabad, Skardu, or Gilgit)

Travel Options from Quetta to Harban

1. By Road

Traveling by road from Quetta to Harban is a long but scenic journey passing through several key cities and diverse terrains. The common route includes:

• Quetta → Dera Ghazi Khan → Multan → Islamabad → Mansehra → Dasu → Harban

This road trip takes you through highways like N-70, M-4, and N-35 (Karakoram Highway).

• Total Distance: Around 1,140 km

• Estimated Duration: 20 to 23 hours of continuous driving

• Road Conditions: Varying—good highways in Punjab and central Pakistan, narrower mountain roads in northern regions.

You’ll need to stop for fuel, meals, and rest, making the practical travel time longer. This route is ideal for tourists with private vehicles or those hiring vans or buses for groups.

2. By Train

There is no direct train route to Harban since it is not connected by the railway network. However, a combined journey is possible:

• Step 1: Take a train from Quetta to Rawalpindi

  • Route: Quetta → Rohri → Multan → Lahore → Rawalpindi

  • Train Duration: Around 24 to 28 hours, depending on train availability and schedule

• Step 2: From Rawalpindi, travel by road towards Harban

  • Route: Rawalpindi → Abbottabad → Mansehra → Besham → Dasu → Harban

  • Road Distance: Around 480 km (298 miles)

  • Road Duration: Around 12 to 14 hours

This combined route is cost-effective but can be time-consuming. It is suited for travelers with flexible schedules and a desire to explore northern Pakistan.

3. By Plane

There are no airports in Harban. The nearest accessible airports are:

• Islamabad International Airport (ISB)

• Gilgit Airport (GIL) — more difficult to reach due to limited flights and weather dependency

• Skardu Airport (KDU) — further away but sometimes available with direct flights

Option A: Quetta to Islamabad by Air + Road to Harban

• Flight Duration (Quetta to Islamabad): ~1.5 hours

• Road Distance (Islamabad to Harban): ~480 km (298 miles)

• Road Travel Time: Around 12 to 14 hours

Option B: Quetta to Skardu by Air + Road to Harban

• Flight Duration (with stopovers): Up to 4 to 6 hours, depending on availability

• Road Distance (Skardu to Harban via Gilgit): ~400 km (248 miles)

• Road Duration: Around 12 hours depending on road and weather conditions

Air travel significantly reduces overall travel time, but road travel remains essential in the final stretch.

Conclusion

The journey from Quetta to Harban is a long and adventurous one, offering a true experience of Pakistan's vast geography. While there is no direct train or flight service to Harban itself, a combination of air, rail, and road can get you there. Travelers should prepare for long durations, mountain driving, and varying weather conditions, especially during the winter and monsoon seasons. The road journey is filled with panoramic views, river crossings, and forested valleys, making it an unforgettable expedition for nature lovers and explorers.