Quetta to Kharmang Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 

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

Kharmang, a stunning valley and district in the eastern part of Gilgit-Baltistan, is renowned for its majestic waterfalls, alpine beauty, and river landscapes. Often overshadowed by more prominent destinations like Skardu and Hunza, Kharmang offers serenity, fewer crowds, and some of the most picturesque drives in the region. Traveling from Quetta to Kharmang is a long-distance adventure that traverses Pakistan’s vast and varied geography.

Distance from Quetta to Kharmang

The approximate road distance between Quetta and Kharmang is 1,120 kilometers (696 miles). The last stretch from Skardu to Kharmang is particularly scenic and involves narrow mountain roads with occasional rough patches.

Travel by Road

A road journey from Quetta to Kharmang involves crossing multiple regions including Balochistan, Sindh, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and finally into Gilgit-Baltistan.

Estimated Duration by Road:

• Total drive time: 32 to 35 hours, depending on route, road conditions, and stops

Route Overview:

1. Quetta to Sukkur – ~8 hours

2. Sukkur to Islamabad – ~10 to 12 hours

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

4. Chilas to Skardu via Jaglot – ~8 hours

5. Skardu to Kharmang – ~2.5 to 3 hours

   • This segment passes through lower Baltistan valleys and is filled with dramatic views of the Indus River

The road is mostly paved up to Skardu, while some sections toward Kharmang may be narrow or unpaved, especially near waterfalls or bridges.

Travel by Train

While Gilgit-Baltistan has no railway network, you can use the train for a major portion of your journey, then switch to road and air travel.

Step-by-step Option:

1. Quetta to Rawalpindi by Train:

   • Duration: ~24 to 30 hours

   • Via Jaffar Express or routes through Multan or Lahore

2. Rawalpindi/Islamabad to Skardu:

   • By Road: ~20–22 hours

   • By Air: ~1 hour (subject to weather)

3. Skardu to Kharmang by Road:

   • Duration: ~2.5 to 3 hours

Train travel is suitable for those who want to conserve energy for the northern stretch of the trip. However, the final journey to Kharmang must be completed by road from Skardu.

Travel by Plane

There are no direct flights to Kharmang, but flying to Skardu significantly reduces travel time and effort.

Flight Route:

1. Quetta to Islamabad:

   • Duration: ~1.5 hours

   • Operated by multiple domestic carriers

2. Islamabad to Skardu:

   • Duration: ~1 hour

   • Flights subject to weather and availability

3. Skardu to Kharmang by Road:

   • Duration: ~2.5 to 3 hours

Total Estimated Duration by Air + Road:

• Flight segments: ~2.5 hours

• Skardu to Kharmang road travel: ~3 hours

• Total travel time (excluding layovers): ~6 to 7 hours

This is the most efficient travel option for reaching Kharmang, especially during the tourist season when flights to Skardu are more frequent.

Conclusion

Traveling from Quetta to Kharmang is an exciting and rewarding journey for those interested in exploring Pakistan’s most scenic and least commercialized northern destinations. The overland journey is long but rich in landscape diversity—from deserts to forests to icy peaks.

The fastest way to reach Kharmang is by flying from Quetta to Islamabad, then to Skardu, and completing the final stretch by road. However, for road trip enthusiasts, the long drive through central and northern Pakistan promises an unforgettable adventure ending in the tranquil beauty of Kharmang Valley.