Quetta to Shigar Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

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

Shigar, a captivating valley in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan, is best known for its timeless Shigar Fort, majestic mountains, and the gateway it provides to the world’s second-highest peak, K2. Traveling from Quetta to Shigar requires crossing several provinces and navigating through both plains and rugged mountainous terrain.

Distance from Quetta to Shigar

The distance from Quetta to Shigar is approximately 1,065 kilometers (662 miles) by road, depending on the specific route and detours taken along the way.

Travel by Road

The road trip from Quetta to Shigar is long and scenic, covering parts of Balochistan, Punjab, and Gilgit-Baltistan. The route generally follows this path: Quetta → Sukkur → Multan/Lahore (optional detour) → Islamabad → Chilas → Skardu → Shigar.

Estimated Duration by Road:

• Approximately 27 to 32 hours of continuous driving

• Duration may vary based on traffic, rest stops, weather conditions, and road work in the northern areas

Suggested Stopovers:

1. Quetta to Sukkur – ~8 hours

2. Sukkur to Islamabad – ~10–12 hours

3. Islamabad to Chilas (via Naran-Babusar or Besham) – ~12 hours

4. Chilas to Skardu – ~7–8 hours via Jaglot-Skardu road

5. Skardu to Shigar – ~1.5 hours (30–40 km)

The road from Skardu to Shigar runs along the Shigar River and offers magnificent views of the Karakoram Mountains.

Travel by Train

Pakistan Railways does not operate in Gilgit-Baltistan, so there is no direct rail service to Shigar. However, travelers can utilize the train network partially and then continue the remaining journey by road.

Step-by-step Option:

1. Quetta to Rawalpindi by Train:

   • Duration: ~24 to 30 hours

   • Jaffar Express or connecting trains via Lahore or Multan are typical options

2. Rawalpindi to Skardu by Road or Air:

   • By Road: ~20–22 hours (Rawalpindi → Chilas → Skardu)

   • By Air: ~1 hour (subject to weather and availability)

3. Skardu to Shigar by Road:

   • Duration: ~1.5 hours

   • The road is mostly paved, although some sections may be rough due to landslides or weather conditions

Travel by Plane

Flying is the fastest way to reach Shigar, though it still requires road travel from the Skardu Airport.

Flight Route:

1. Quetta to Islamabad:

   • Duration: ~1.5 hours

   • Multiple domestic flights are available

2. Islamabad to Skardu:

   • Duration: ~1 hour

   • Limited flights operated by PIA or other domestic carriers

3. Skardu to Shigar by Road:

   • Duration: ~1.5 hours

   • Beautiful route running alongside the Indus and Shigar Rivers

Total Estimated Duration by Plane:

• Quetta to Islamabad: ~1.5 hours

• Islamabad to Skardu: ~1 hour

• Skardu to Shigar (by road): ~1.5 hours

• Total Travel Time (excluding layovers): ~5 to 7 hours

Keep in mind that flights to Skardu are often subject to delays or cancellations due to unpredictable mountain weather.

Conclusion

Traveling from Quetta to Shigar is a multi-step journey that blends adventure with natural beauty. The road journey is long but highly rewarding for nature lovers, while the air route is faster and more convenient, provided flight schedules align.

If time is of the essence, flying from Quetta to Islamabad and then to Skardu, followed by a short road trip to Shigar, is the most efficient route. For those who enjoy the thrill of cross-country travel and want to explore Pakistan’s varied geography, a road trip presents an unforgettable experience through valleys, rivers, and snow-capped peaks, culminating in the peaceful and scenic Shigar Valley.