Quetta to Rondu Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 

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

Rondu Valley is located in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan, situated between the districts of Skardu and Gilgit. Known for its deep gorges, green pastures, and dramatic mountain scenery, Rondu is less visited compared to other parts of Baltistan but holds immense natural and cultural beauty. The journey from Quetta to Rondu offers a transition from Balochistan’s arid landscapes to the lush, rugged terrain of northern Pakistan.

Distance Between Quetta and Rondu

• By Road: Approximately 1,095 kilometers (about 680 miles)

• By Air (to Skardu) + Road: Around 645 kilometers (about 400 miles) in a straight line

Travel Duration from Quetta to Rondu

• By Road: 23 to 27 hours

• By Train (to Rawalpindi/Islamabad) + Road: 29 to 34 hours

• By Plane (to Skardu) + Road: 8 to 10 hours

1. Travel from Quetta to Rondu by Road

The road trip from Quetta to Rondu is long and passes through many towns and districts before entering the mountainous terrain of Gilgit-Baltistan.

Route:

Quetta → Sukkur → Multan → Islamabad → Chilas → Skardu Road → Rondu

Alternatively, for a more direct but rugged journey:
Quetta → Zhob → Dera Ismail Khan → Kohat → Abbottabad → Besham → Chilas → Skardu Road → Rondu

Rondu is located between Chilas and Skardu along the Skardu Road, which is part of the larger Karakoram Highway network.

Estimated Time by Road:

• Quetta to Chilas: 18 to 20 hours

• Chilas to Rondu (via Skardu Road): 5 to 7 hours

• Total Duration: 23 to 27 hours

The road is paved for the most part but involves steep climbs, narrow turns, and landslide-prone zones—especially from Chilas onwards.

2. Travel from Quetta to Rondu by Train

There’s no direct railway connection to Gilgit-Baltistan. However, a combination of train and road can make the journey easier.

Train Route:

• Quetta to Rawalpindi (via Jaffar Express):

  • Duration: 24 to 26 hours

Road Route:

• Rawalpindi to Chilas (via Karakoram Highway): 12 to 14 hours

• Chilas to Rondu: 5 to 7 hours

Total Duration (Train + Road):

• Train: 24 to 26 hours

• Road: 17 to 21 hours

• Total: 29 to 34 hours

This option is better suited for travelers who prefer to avoid long road trips in one stretch, allowing some rest between the train and road segments.

3. Travel from Quetta to Rondu by Plane

Although Rondu has no airport, the nearest option is to fly into Skardu and then travel by road to Rondu.

Flight Route:

• Quetta → Islamabad: Around 1.5 hours

• Islamabad → Skardu: Another 1.5 hours (subject to weather conditions)

Road Segment:

• Skardu to Rondu: 1.5 to 2.5 hours

  • Rondu lies along the Skardu-Chilas road, closer to Skardu.

Total Duration (Flight + Road):

• Flights: 3 to 4 hours (including layover)

• Road: 1.5 to 2.5 hours

• Total: 8 to 10 hours

This is the most time-efficient option, though travelers must ensure flight availability and prepare for last-minute schedule changes due to Skardu’s weather conditions.

Travel Tips for Visiting Rondu

• Best Time to Visit: May to October. Winters are harsh and can cause road closures due to snow or landslides.

• Vehicle Recommendation: A 4x4 vehicle is advisable for the mountainous terrain, especially from Chilas onwards.

• Lodging Options: Basic accommodations are available in Rondu. For more comfortable stays, hotels in Skardu or Jaglot can be used as base points.

• Fuel and Supplies: Limited fuel and repair stations along the Skardu Road—stock essentials before departure.

Conclusion

The trip from Quetta to Rondu is a journey into one of Pakistan’s lesser-known yet stunning mountain valleys. Whether you take the adventurous road route, break up the trip with a train, or fly into nearby Skardu, reaching Rondu rewards you with unspoiled natural beauty and authentic cultural experiences. It’s an ideal destination for explorers seeking solitude and scenery beyond the common tourist trail.