Quetta to Pattan Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 

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

Traveling from Quetta, the capital of Balochistan, to Pattan, a town in Lower Kohistan District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, offers a remarkable journey through diverse terrain, passing deserts, hills, and lush green valleys. Pattan lies along the Karakoram Highway (N-35), making it an important waypoint for travelers heading towards northern Gilgit-Baltistan.

Distance from Quetta to Pattan

• By Road: Approximately 970 kilometers (around 603 miles)

• By Air (nearest airports): Air travel covers the distance to Islamabad, followed by a road journey to Pattan.

• By Train: There is no direct train line to Pattan; train travel is feasible only up to Rawalpindi or Haripur, followed by road transfer.

Travel by Road

Traveling by road from Quetta to Pattan takes travelers on a scenic but lengthy route, requiring careful planning and ideally an SUV or sturdy vehicle due to the varied terrain.

• Estimated Road Distance: ~970 km (603 mi)

• Estimated Duration: 17 to 20 hours, depending on road conditions and stopovers

Route Overview:

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

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

3. Mianwali to Kohat – via Pindigheb and Indus Highway

4. Kohat to Besham via Abbottabad/Mansehra

5. Besham to Pattan – on the Karakoram Highway (N-35) following the Indus River

This route includes a mix of highways and mountainous terrain. It's advisable to travel during daylight hours and check local security and road updates due to potential landslides in Kohistan.

Travel by Train

There is no direct railway service to Pattan. However, you can use the Pakistan Railways network to get closer to the region before switching to road travel.

Suggested Train Route:

• Quetta to Rawalpindi – via major trains like Jaffar Express

  • Duration: ~24 to 26 hours

• Rawalpindi to Pattan – by road (via Mansehra, Besham, and N-35)

  • Distance by Road: ~400 km (248 mi)

  • Duration: 9 to 11 hours

Alternatively, one can travel by train to Haripur or Abbottabad, then proceed by road toward Besham and onward to Pattan.

Note: Ensure train reservations and road transport arrangements in advance due to limited connectivity and rural conditions in Kohistan.

Travel by Air

There is no airport in Pattan. The nearest major airport is Islamabad International Airport (ISB). From there, travelers can continue their journey by road.

Route Overview:

1. Quetta to Islamabad – direct flight

   • Flight Duration: ~1 hour 30 minutes

2. Islamabad to Pattan – by road

   • Distance: ~400 kilometers (248 miles)

   • Travel Time: ~9 to 11 hours

While air travel drastically reduces the overall travel time between Quetta and Islamabad, the second leg of the journey remains road-based and lengthy due to the mountainous terrain.

Travel Tips for Pattan

• Road Conditions: The Karakoram Highway is mostly paved but can be narrow and winding in certain sections. Be cautious during monsoon season (July–August) due to landslides.

• Fuel and Food Stops: Available at major towns such as Dera Ismail Khan, Kohat, Besham, and Dassu.

• Best Travel Season: Late spring to early autumn (May to October) offers the best weather and safest driving conditions.

• Local Language: Pashto, Kohistani, and Urdu are widely spoken.

• Mobile Network: Patchy in some areas beyond Besham, especially in highlands.

About Pattan

Pattan is a peaceful town situated along the banks of the mighty Indus River. It serves as the administrative headquarters of Lower Kohistan District. Surrounded by majestic hills and forested valleys, Pattan offers a raw and untamed natural beauty that attracts trekkers, off-road travelers, and those venturing further into Gilgit-Baltistan.

While Pattan itself is a small town with basic facilities, its location makes it strategically important on the route to destinations like Chilas, Gilgit, and Skardu. It's often a resting point for those driving the full stretch of the Karakoram Highway.

Conclusion

Whether you're heading to Pattan for exploration, research, or adventure, the journey from Quetta is long but rewarding. From the arid highlands of Balochistan to the forested cliffs of Kohistan, this route encapsulates the vast diversity of Pakistan’s geography. With proper planning and awareness of the terrain, travelers can safely and enjoyably reach this unique northern town.