Quetta to Khaplu Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 

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

Khaplu, nestled in the Ghanche District of Gilgit-Baltistan, is a breathtaking destination known for its historical architecture, lush green landscapes, and the serene Shyok River. Traveling from Quetta, the capital city of Balochistan, to Khaplu involves a journey across Pakistan's diverse terrains—from arid highlands to the mountainous north.

Distance from Quetta to Khaplu

The approximate distance between Quetta and Khaplu is around 1,080 kilometers (671 miles) if traveling by road through the standard route passing through major cities like Islamabad, Chilas, and Skardu.

Travel by Road

Traveling by road from Quetta to Khaplu offers the most scenic, albeit longest, route. The journey takes you through multiple cities and regions, including Sukkur, Multan, Lahore/Islamabad (depending on route), Besham, Chilas, Skardu, and finally Khaplu. From Skardu to Khaplu, the distance is about 100 km and takes 3–4 hours.

Estimated Duration by Road:

• Approximately 26 to 30 hours of continuous driving

• Travel time may vary depending on weather, road conditions, and rest stops

Major Stopovers Along the Way:

1. Quetta to Sukkur – ~8 hours

2. Sukkur to Islamabad – ~10 to 12 hours

3. Islamabad to Chilas – ~12 hours via Karakoram Highway

4. Chilas to Skardu via Jaglot – ~8 hours

5. Skardu to Khaplu – ~3.5 hours

Due to the long and challenging route, travelers often break the journey over several days and stay overnight in key cities such as Sukkur, Islamabad, and Skardu.

Travel by Train

There is no direct train route to Khaplu, as the rail network in Pakistan does not extend into the mountainous region of Gilgit-Baltistan. However, you can travel part of the journey by train and then switch to road travel:

Step-by-step Option:

1. Quetta to Rawalpindi by Train:

   • Operated by Pakistan Railways

   • Duration: ~24 to 30 hours depending on the train and schedule

   • Trains may include Jaffar Express or other connecting services

2. Rawalpindi/Islamabad to Skardu by Road or Air:

   • By Road: ~20–22 hours (via Chilas and Skardu road)

   • By Air: 1-hour flight (limited availability, weather-dependent)

3. Skardu to Khaplu by Road:

   • Duration: 3 to 4 hours

   • Scenic drive alongside the Shyok River

While train travel reduces road fatigue for the Quetta to Rawalpindi segment, the remainder of the journey still involves significant road travel.

Travel by Plane

There is no direct flight from Quetta to Khaplu or even to Skardu. However, you can fly from Quetta to Skardu via a connecting flight through Islamabad.

Flight Route:

1. Quetta to Islamabad:

   • Duration: ~1.5 hours

   • Operated by domestic airlines like PIA

2. Islamabad to Skardu:

   • Duration: ~1 hour

   • Limited flights, often subject to weather conditions

3. Skardu to Khaplu by Road:

   • Duration: 3 to 4 hours

   • This leg of the journey is through beautiful mountainous terrain, passing picturesque valleys and rivers

Total Estimated Duration by Plane:

• Quetta to Islamabad: ~1.5 hours (plus waiting/connection time)

• Islamabad to Skardu: ~1 hour (subject to availability)

• Skardu to Khaplu: ~3.5 hours by road

• Total Estimated Travel Time (excluding layovers): ~6 to 8 hours

Conclusion

Traveling from Quetta to Khaplu is a rewarding but complex journey. While road travel offers scenic diversity, it’s time-consuming and physically demanding. Train and air travel reduce the strain but still require coordination, especially given the lack of direct connectivity to Gilgit-Baltistan.

Among the options, the fastest way is by plane via Islamabad to Skardu, followed by a road trip to Khaplu. However, if you're seeking a road adventure with multiple stopovers and are up for a long journey, driving from Quetta to Khaplu provides an unforgettable experience through Pakistan’s most varied landscapes—from the dry mountains of Balochistan to the lush, alpine beauty of Baltistan.