Quetta to Komila Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 

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

Traveling from Quetta to Komila, a town situated in the Upper Kohistan District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, offers an adventurous journey through some of Pakistan's most rugged and mountainous landscapes. Komila lies near the Indus River and along the Karakoram Highway (N-35), serving as a central point in the Kohistan region, often used by travelers heading toward Gilgit-Baltistan.

Distance from Quetta to Komila

• By Road: Approximately 980 kilometers (around 609 miles)

• By Air (nearest airports): You can fly from Quetta to Islamabad, then continue to Komila by road.

• By Train: No direct train to Komila; the journey involves taking a train to Rawalpindi or Haripur and then continuing by road.

Travel by Road

The road trip from Quetta to Komila is long but traverses breathtaking scenery, changing from deserts to green valleys to mountainous terrain.

• Estimated Road Distance: ~980 km (609 mi)

• Estimated Duration: 18 to 21 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions

Route Overview:

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

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

3. Kohat to Abbottabad/Mansehra

4. Mansehra to Komila via Besham – traveling along the Karakoram Highway (N-35)

The road conditions on the Karakoram Highway are usually good, but travelers should prepare for narrow and winding sections, especially between Besham and Komila. The region is prone to landslides in the rainy season.

Travel by Train

Komila does not have a railway station, so train travel is only feasible for part of the journey.

Suggested Train Route:

• Quetta to Rawalpindi – via Jaffar Express or other long-route trains

  • Duration: ~24 to 26 hours

• Rawalpindi to Komila – by road

  • Distance: ~420 km (261 mi)

  • Travel Time: ~10 to 12 hours by car or bus

Travelers can also disembark at Haripur or Havelian stations and continue northward by private transport or local buses. However, these routes are longer and less direct than traveling via Rawalpindi/Mansehra/Besham.

Travel by Air

There is no airport in Komila. The nearest accessible airport is Islamabad International Airport (ISB).

Route Overview:

1. Quetta to Islamabad – by direct flight

   • Flight Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes

2. Islamabad to Komila – by road

   • Distance: ~420 kilometers (261 miles)

   • Duration: ~10 to 12 hours

This is the most time-efficient travel method. Once in Islamabad, travelers can either hire a private vehicle or catch a northbound bus or van service toward Besham and Komila.

Travel Tips for Komila

• Vehicle Type: Use a 4x4 or SUV for maximum comfort and safety.

• Weather Caution: Avoid traveling during monsoon (July–August) due to potential landslides and blocked roads.

• Fuel and Food: Fuel stations are available in D.G. Khan, Kohat, and Besham. Limited options in Komila—plan accordingly.

• Mobile Network: Available but weak in some mountainous regions.

• Best Travel Time: April to October for clear skies and mild temperatures.

About Komila

Komila is located in the scenic Upper Kohistan District, characterized by towering pine-covered mountains, deep gorges, and fast-flowing rivers. Though not a commercial hub, the town plays a vital role in the local economy and administration of Upper Kohistan.

Komila is surrounded by small villages and forested areas, with hiking paths, natural water streams, and access to traditional Kohistani culture. The area is a haven for nature lovers, bird watchers, and those seeking off-the-beaten-path travel.

It also serves as a key stopover for travelers heading toward Dasu, Chilas, or Fairy Meadows further north via the Karakoram Highway.

Conclusion

The journey from Quetta to Komila is long but filled with an incredible array of natural landscapes, cultural diversity, and real adventure. While road and air travel combined offer the quickest route, even the longer train-plus-road option can be enjoyable for those looking to explore Pakistan more deeply. Once in Komila, travelers are rewarded with serene surroundings, authentic local life, and a gateway to the greater northern frontier of Pakistan.