Quetta to Rattu Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 

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

Rattu is a picturesque village located in the Astore District of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, it is famous for its winter sports training center, scenic beauty, trout fishing, and proximity to trekking routes. Traveling from Quetta to Rattu is a remarkable journey that traverses through diverse terrains, offering a memorable travel experience for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and explorers. Below is a detailed guide on the distance, travel routes, and transportation modes available between Quetta and Rattu.

Distance Between Quetta and Rattu

• By Road: Approximately 1,110 kilometers (690 miles)

• By Air (to Gilgit) + Road to Rattu: Approximately 790 kilometers (490 miles) in total (520 km by air + 270 km by road)

• By Train (via Rawalpindi) + Road: Around 1,250 kilometers (777 miles) combined

Traveling from Quetta to Rattu by Road

Traveling by road from Quetta to Rattu is a long but scenic journey that takes you through several key cities and diverse landscapes. The route navigates through Balochistan, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa before entering Gilgit-Baltistan.

Suggested Route:

1. Quetta to Sukkur – Travel along N-65 Highway.

2. Sukkur to Multan – Via N-5 Motorway.

3. Multan to Islamabad – Using the M-4 and M-2 Motorways.

4. Islamabad to Muzaffarabad / Mansehra – Continuing on Hazara Expressway (E-35).

5. Mansehra to Chilas via Naran – Through the scenic Babusar Pass (open in summer).

6. Chilas to Astore Valley – Turn from Jaglot and head into Astore Valley.

7. Astore to Rattu – Rattu lies northeast of Astore town.

Estimated Travel Time:
Around 24 to 30 hours of continuous driving, depending on road conditions, weather, and stopovers.

Conditions:

• The Babusar Pass route is only accessible from June to October due to snowfall in winter.

• The alternative route through Karakoram Highway and Jaglot is open year-round.

• Roads beyond Astore are narrow and mountainous, requiring cautious driving.

Traveling from Quetta to Rattu by Train

While there is no direct train service to Gilgit-Baltistan, travelers can take a train from Quetta to Rawalpindi and then continue the journey by road.

Step-by-Step Journey:

1. Quetta to Rawalpindi by Train

   • Operated by Pakistan Railways.

   • Travel Time: Around 24 to 28 hours

   • Stops include Jacobabad, Sukkur, Multan, Lahore, and Rawalpindi.

2. Rawalpindi to Rattu by Road

   • Road journey via Naran or Babusar Pass (seasonal).

   • Alternatively, via Karakoram Highway through Chilas and Astore.

   • Travel Time: Around 16 to 18 hours

Total Duration (Train + Road):
Approximately 40 to 46 hours

Traveling from Quetta to Rattu by Air

Air travel is the fastest option to reach Gilgit-Baltistan from Quetta. While there are no direct flights from Quetta to Gilgit, a connecting flight via Islamabad is available.

Step-by-Step Journey:

1. Quetta to Islamabad by Air

   • Domestic flights operate daily.

   • Flight Time: About 1.5 hours

2. Islamabad to Gilgit by Air

   • Operated by PIA, subject to weather.

   • Flight Time: Around 1 hour

3. Gilgit to Rattu by Road

   • Travel through Jaglot and Astore Valley.

   • Distance: Around 270 kilometers (167 miles)

   • Travel Time: 8 to 10 hours

Total Duration (Air + Road):
Around 11 to 13 hours, including layovers and road travel.

Note: Flights to Gilgit are often subject to weather conditions, especially in winter.

Conclusion

The journey from Quetta to Rattu is a truly adventurous route filled with natural beauty and cultural diversity. Whether you choose to travel by road, train, or air, each mode offers a unique experience. While air travel is the quickest, traveling by road allows you to witness the stunning scenery of northern Pakistan up close. The train-road combination offers a relaxed yet extended journey for those who enjoy slow travel. Rattu’s charm and tranquility at the end of this long journey make it well worth the effort.