Quetta to Kandia Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 

Quetta to Kandia – Distance, Route & Travel Options by Road, Train, and Air

The journey from Quetta to Kandia, a remote and scenic valley in Upper Kohistan District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, offers travelers a raw and off-the-grid adventure through the northern mountains of Pakistan. Kandia Valley, known for its alpine streams, dense forests, and traditional Kohistani culture, is far removed from urban development. Reaching this hidden gem from Quetta requires a combination of long road travel and, optionally, flights for the initial segment of the journey.

Distance from Quetta to Kandia Valley

• By Road: Approximately 1,020 kilometers (around 634 miles)

• By Air (via Islamabad + road): A quicker alternative to cover part of the distance

• By Train (via Rawalpindi + road): Another option, though it involves long durations

Travel by Road

Due to Kandia’s remote location, road is the only means of reaching the valley itself. The journey involves major highways followed by rural mountain roads.

• Total Road Distance: ~1,020 km (634 mi)

• Estimated Travel Time: 20 to 24 hours, depending on road and weather conditions

Route Overview:

1. Quetta to Dera Ghazi Khan – via N-70

2. D.G. Khan to Kohat or Mianwali – via N-55 (Indus Highway)

3. Kohat to Abbottabad/Mansehra

4. Mansehra to Besham (Karakoram Highway - N-35)

5. Besham to Komila/Dassu – follow N-35 along the Indus

6. Dassu to Kandia Valley – turn off towards Kandia Tehsil, usually a 2–3 hour drive on unpaved road

The last section from Dassu to Kandia is the most challenging, as it involves narrow dirt roads prone to landslides and weather disruptions. A 4x4 vehicle is essential.

Travel by Train

There are no railway lines in Kohistan or Kandia. You can only take the train for part of the journey, mainly to Rawalpindi, and continue from there by road.

Train Route:

• Quetta to Rawalpindi – via Jaffar Express

  • Duration: ~24 to 26 hours

• Rawalpindi to Kandia – by road

  • Distance: ~500 to 530 km (310 to 329 mi)

  • Duration: ~12 to 14 hours depending on final access road conditions

While this method allows more rest during the first leg, the second part of the journey is rough and will require planning, especially for reaching Kandia Valley.

Travel by Air

Though there’s no airport in Kandia, the quickest way to reduce travel time is to fly from Quetta to Islamabad, then take the road to Upper Kohistan.

Flight + Road Breakdown:

1. Quetta to Islamabad – direct flight

   • Flight Duration: ~1 hour 30 minutes

2. Islamabad to Kandia Valley – by road

   • Distance: ~500–530 km (310–329 mi)

   • Duration: ~12 to 14 hours

From Islamabad, follow the Hazara Motorway to Mansehra, then the Karakoram Highway to Dassu, and finally take the interior route to Kandia. Travel is best done in daylight due to unlit roads and rural terrain.

Travel Tips for Kandia

• Vehicle Requirement: A high-clearance 4x4 vehicle is a must for the final leg.

• Road Awareness: Check for local updates on landslides, flooding, or road blockages.

• Best Time to Visit: May to October – roads are clearer and safer. Avoid winter due to snow.

• Fuel and Food: Last reliable stops for fuel and food are in Besham and Komila.

• Mobile Connectivity: Limited; some areas may have weak Telenor signals.

• Permits: No official permit is required, but informing local authorities or police stations in Komila/Dassu is recommended for safety.

About Kandia Valley

Kandia is a lesser-known but stunningly beautiful valley located in the northwestern section of Upper Kohistan. It features:

• Glacial rivers

• Wooden villages perched on cliffs

• Dense pine forests

• Alpine meadows and traditional stone homes

The valley is home to the Kohistani people, who maintain a traditional lifestyle. The main settlements include Kandia Bala, Kandia Payeen, and Kandianr. Agriculture and animal herding are common.

Due to its remoteness, tourism is minimal, giving Kandia a very untouched and authentic atmosphere. It is ideal for trekkers, off-roaders, and researchers interested in indigenous cultures or ecology.

Conclusion

Traveling from Quetta to Kandia Valley is an expedition into one of Pakistan’s most pristine and least-explored areas. The trip is long and requires endurance, especially during the mountainous leg beyond Besham. However, for those willing to undertake the journey, Kandia offers unmatched natural beauty, cultural richness, and a retreat from modern urban life. Proper planning, a sturdy vehicle, and timing your trip during dry seasons will ensure a rewarding and safe experience in this northern gem.