Quetta to Kohistan Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 

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

Traveling from Quetta, the capital of Balochistan, to Kohistan, a mountainous region in northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, presents a scenic yet demanding journey across Pakistan. Kohistan is divided into three districts: Lower Kohistan, Upper Kohistan, and Kolai-Palas, with the Karakoram Highway (N-35) serving as the main access route. Whether you're heading to Lower Kohistan’s Pattan, Upper Kohistan’s Komila, or Kolai-Palas’s Palas Valley, the route from Quetta shares similar stretches up to Besham and diverges depending on the final destination.

Distance from Quetta to Kohistan (Central Point: Pattan)

• By Road: Approximately 960 to 1,000 kilometers (596 to 621 miles), depending on the final Kohistan district

• By Air (via Islamabad): Then continue by road to Kohistan

• By Train: No direct train to Kohistan; travel is only possible up to major cities like Rawalpindi or Haripur, followed by road

Travel by Road

Traveling by road from Quetta to the Kohistan region involves a significant journey through a range of terrains including deserts, plains, and high mountains.

• Estimated Distance: ~960–1,000 km (596–621 mi)

• Estimated Travel Time: 17 to 22 hours, depending on the exact destination in Kohistan

Typical Road Route:

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

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

3. Kohat to Mansehra/Abbottabad

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

5. Besham to Kohistan Region (Pattan, Komila, Dassu, or Palas Valley)

Once you reach Besham, you're officially entering the Kohistan region. The Karakoram Highway follows the Indus River through Lower and Upper Kohistan, while Palas Valley (Kolai-Palas) requires a detour inland on narrower roads.

The journey is long, and road conditions vary from excellent highways to narrow, cliff-side roads. It’s best to use a four-wheel-drive vehicle and plan for overnight stops if needed.

Travel by Train

Kohistan does not have any railway access due to its mountainous terrain. However, partial travel by train is possible:

Suggested Route:

• Quetta to Rawalpindi – via Jaffar Express

  • Travel Time: ~24 to 26 hours

• Rawalpindi to Kohistan (e.g., Pattan or Komila) – by road

  • Distance: ~400 to 450 km (248 to 280 mi)

  • Duration: ~10 to 12 hours

Trains are a comfortable option for the first leg of the journey, but from Rawalpindi onward, travel by road is the only option.

Travel by Air

There are no airports in Kohistan. The most viable route involves air travel from Quetta to Islamabad, then continuing the journey by road.

Route Breakdown:

1. Quetta to Islamabad – direct flight

   • Flight Duration: ~1 hour 30 minutes

2. Islamabad to Kohistan Region (via Besham) – by road

   • Distance: ~400 to 450 kilometers (248 to 280 miles)

   • Duration: ~10 to 12 hours, depending on destination and weather

Islamabad to Besham is a straightforward journey on the Hazara Motorway and Karakoram Highway. After Besham, the roads become narrower and more mountainous.

Travel Tips for Visiting Kohistan

• Safety and Security: Always check with local authorities or tour operators before visiting. Some parts of Kohistan are remote and may have limited law enforcement presence.

• Vehicle Type: 4x4 vehicles are highly recommended for rough terrain and unpaved stretches.

• Best Travel Time: April to October. Winters bring heavy snow and potential road closures.

• Fuel and Supplies: Fill your tank and stock supplies before reaching Besham. Fuel stations are scarce further north.

• Mobile Network: Intermittent service in deep valleys. Telenor and Zong have slightly better coverage.

About Kohistan

Kohistan, meaning “Land of Mountains,” is a dramatic region of high peaks, roaring rivers, deep gorges, and lush forests. It serves as a gateway between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan via the Karakoram Highway. The area is home to several ethnic groups including Kohistani, Pashtun, and Shina-speaking communities.

The region is divided as follows:

• Lower Kohistan (Pattan): Closest to Besham, the administrative and economic hub

• Upper Kohistan (Komila and Dassu): More rugged, less populated

• Kolai-Palas (Palas Valley): Rich in biodiversity and wildlife, but requires off-road access

Kohistan is relatively underdeveloped, which preserves its raw beauty but also means limited infrastructure for tourism.

Conclusion

A journey from Quetta to Kohistan is not just a transfer between two cities—it’s a full expedition through Pakistan’s contrasting geographies, cultures, and elevations. Whether you're traveling for adventure, research, or cultural exploration, the route offers breathtaking scenery and a sense of untouched wilderness. While air and train travel can shorten some legs of the journey, the final connection into Kohistan always requires road travel—making proper planning essential.