Quetta to Puran Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 

Quetta to Puran: Distance, Travel Options by Road, Train, and Plane

Puran is a tehsil (administrative subdivision) located in the beautiful Shangla District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), known for its hilly terrain, cool climate, and cultural richness. Traveling from Quetta to Puran involves a long journey across Pakistan’s diverse landscape, from the rugged mountains of Balochistan to the green valleys of northern KPK. This article offers a detailed guide on the distance and travel options from Quetta to Puran by road, train, and plane, including the duration for each mode of transportation.

Distance Between Quetta and Puran

• By Road: Approximately 1,040 kilometers (646 miles)

• By Air (Direct/Aerial Distance): Around 625 kilometers (388 miles)

Since Puran does not have its own airport or railway station, travel typically involves reaching a nearby city and then continuing by road.

Travel by Road

Road travel from Quetta to Puran is the most straightforward method, although it is long and requires crossing several cities and mountainous regions. Puran lies deep within Shangla District, requiring careful driving through steep, narrow roads after reaching Besham or Alpuri.

Main Route:

• Quetta → Loralai → Dera Ghazi Khan → Multan → Faisalabad → Islamabad → Abbottabad → Battagram → Besham → Alpuri → Puran

Alternate Route:

• Quetta → Zhob → Dera Ismail Khan → Kohat → Peshawar → Mardan → Swat Expressway → Shangla → Puran

Estimated Road Duration:

• Total Time: 21 to 25 hours (non-stop, depending on route and traffic)

• Recommended Stopovers: Multan, Islamabad, Abbottabad, or Besham for fuel, food, and rest

Road Conditions:

• Mostly paved national highways till Abbottabad or Besham

• After Besham or Alpuri, expect steep, narrow, and potentially unpaved roads

• Weather conditions may impact the last leg into Puran, especially during winter and monsoon

Scenic Highlights:

• Panoramic views from Karakoram Highway and Swat Expressway

• Dense forests and rivers near Shangla

• Hill passes with traditional Pashtun villages en route to Puran

Travel by Train

Since there is no train service to Puran, train travel involves reaching a major nearby hub like Rawalpindi or Islamabad, and then continuing by road.

Recommended Route:

1. Quetta to Rawalpindi by Train:

   • Trains like Jaffar Express connect Quetta with Rawalpindi

   • Duration: Around 24 to 26 hours

2. Rawalpindi to Puran by Road:

   • Route via Abbottabad and Besham

   • Distance: About 330 kilometers (205 miles)

   • Duration: 8 to 9 hours depending on road conditions and stops

Total Travel Time (Train + Road):
Approximately 32 to 35 hours

Advantages:

• Budget-friendly option

• Allows rest during the train journey

• Suitable for those not in a rush

Drawbacks:

• Long overall duration

• Multiple transitions between transport modes

• Buses or private taxis needed from Rawalpindi onward

Travel by Plane

While Puran has no airport, you can fly from Quetta to Islamabad or Peshawar and then continue by road to Puran. This is the quickest and most comfortable option, especially for long-distance travel.

Recommended Air Route via Islamabad:

1. Quetta to Islamabad by Air:

   • Duration: Around 1 hour 20 minutes

2. Islamabad to Puran by Road:

   • Via Abbottabad → Battagram → Besham → Alpuri → Puran

   • Distance: Approximately 330 kilometers (205 miles)

   • Duration: 8 to 9 hours

Alternative via Peshawar:

1. Quetta to Peshawar by Air: Approximately 1.5 hours

2. Peshawar to Puran (via Swat and Shangla): Around 300 kilometers (186 miles), taking 7–9 hours

Total Travel Duration (Air + Road):
Around 9 to 10 hours

Advantages:

• Fast and comfortable

• Reduces fatigue on long trips

• Ideal for professionals or urgent travel

Considerations:

• Early planning needed to align flight and ground transport

• Flights may be delayed due to weather or operational issues

Travel Tips for Quetta to Puran

1. Start Early: Whether traveling by road or combining air and road, starting early allows buffer time for delays.

2. Vehicle Type: A 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle is recommended for the final leg into Puran due to steep climbs and unpaved sections.

3. Weather Awareness: Winters in Puran can be snowy and icy. Check forecasts and carry warm clothing.

4. Fuel Up: Refill fuel in major cities before entering Shangla district. Fuel stations are rare in remote areas.

5. Communication: Mobile signals may be limited. Download offline maps or keep physical maps for reference.

6. Local Transport: After Besham or Alpuri, public transport is limited. Shared jeeps or local vans are common for final access to Puran.

Conclusion

The journey from Quetta to Puran is long but scenic, offering a rich experience through Pakistan’s contrasting terrains—from the arid landscapes of Balochistan to the green hills of northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Traveling by road is direct and adventurous, while combining air and road provides speed and comfort. Though train travel requires more time, it remains a budget-friendly option. Regardless of the route, Puran’s untouched beauty and traditional culture make the trip worthwhile.