Quetta to Minimarg Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 

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

Minimarg is a remote and breathtakingly beautiful valley in the Astore District of Gilgit-Baltistan, located near the Line of Control (LoC) with Indian-administered Kashmir. It is known for its emerald green meadows, wooden huts, flowing streams, and military significance. The area is off-limits to foreigners and requires a no-objection certificate (NOC) for Pakistani citizens as it is a sensitive border zone. Traveling from Quetta to Minimarg is a challenging but rewarding journey for those seeking untouched natural beauty and isolation.

Distance Between Quetta and Minimarg

• By Road: Approximately 1,180 kilometers (about 733 miles)

• By Air (via Gilgit or Skardu) + Road: Around 680 kilometers (about 422 miles) as the crow flies

Travel Duration from Quetta to Minimarg

• By Road: 28 to 32 hours

• By Train (to Rawalpindi) + Road: 33 to 38 hours

• By Plane (to Gilgit or Skardu) + Road: 10 to 12 hours (only in summer months when roads are open)

1. Travel from Quetta to Minimarg by Road

The road journey to Minimarg involves passing through several cities, entering Gilgit-Baltistan via the Karakoram Highway, and then heading deep into Astore District.

Route:

Quetta → Sukkur → Multan → Islamabad → Abbottabad → Mansehra → Besham → Chilas → Jaglot → Astore → Chilam → Minimarg

The stretch from Chilam to Minimarg is a narrow, rugged path that often remains snow-covered until late June and requires army clearance.

Key Notes:

• Entry to Minimarg requires prior approval and is often restricted to locals and those with a military-issued NOC.

• The road between Chilam and Minimarg is only accessible by 4x4 and usually remains open from late June to early October.

Estimated Travel Time by Road:

• Quetta to Astore: 26 to 30 hours

• Astore to Minimarg (via Chilam): 2 to 3 hours

• Total Duration: 28 to 32 hours

2. Travel from Quetta to Minimarg by Train

Although no direct railway connection exists to Gilgit-Baltistan, the first leg of the journey can be done by train, followed by road travel.

Train Segment:

• Quetta to Rawalpindi: Jaffar Express

  • Duration: Around 24 to 26 hours

Road Segment:

• Rawalpindi to Jaglot: 12 to 14 hours

• Jaglot to Astore: 3 to 5 hours

• Astore to Minimarg: 2 to 3 hours (with NOC)

Total Duration (Train + Road):

• Train: 24 to 26 hours

• Road: 17 to 20 hours

• Total: 33 to 38 hours

This route suits those wanting to rest during the initial journey but still involves demanding road travel in the final segment.

3. Travel from Quetta to Minimarg by Plane

The most efficient route is by plane to Gilgit or Skardu, followed by a road journey to Astore and onward to Minimarg.

Flight Segment:

• Quetta → Islamabad: 1.5 hours

• Islamabad → Gilgit: 1 to 1.5 hours (weather-dependent)

Road Segment:

• Gilgit to Jaglot: 1.5 to 2 hours

• Jaglot to Astore: 3 to 5 hours

• Astore to Minimarg: 2 to 3 hours

Flights are subject to delays or cancellations due to the weather conditions in the mountains. Travelers must ensure the roads from Chilam to Minimarg are open before planning.

Total Duration (Plane + Road):

• Flights: 3 to 4 hours (including layover)

• Road: 6 to 8 hours

• Total: 9 to 12 hours

Travel Advisory and Tips for Visiting Minimarg

• Permission Required: A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Pakistan Army is mandatory for all visitors. Foreigners are not allowed.

• Seasonal Access: The road is only open from June to early October, depending on weather and snow levels.

• Altitude: Minimarg sits at over 2,800 meters (9,186 feet). Acclimatization is necessary.

• Scenery Highlights:

  • Lush alpine meadows

  • Traditional wooden houses

  • Views of the Gultari and Domel sectors

  • Wildflowers and glaciers during July–August

• Accommodation: Basic army rest houses and local guesthouses. Advance booking and NOC coordination are crucial.

Conclusion

Minimarg is one of the most secluded and pristine places in Pakistan, accessible only with military permission and during specific months of the year. The journey from Quetta to Minimarg is long, complex, and physically demanding but rewards travelers with solitude, natural beauty, and the sense of discovering a hidden paradise. Whether you choose to travel by road, train, or air, proper planning, permission, and timing are essential to make this dreamlike destination a reality.