Quetta to Shimshal Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

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

Shimshal is one of the most remote and highest-altitude villages in Pakistan, nestled deep in the Karakoram Mountains within the Gojal Valley of Upper Hunza, Gilgit-Baltistan. Known as the “Valley of Mountaineers,” it is home to some of Pakistan's top climbers and lies near the borders of China and Afghanistan. Getting to Shimshal from Quetta is a test of endurance, patience, and determination—but it rewards with stunning landscapes, glaciers, and cultural richness.

Distance from Quetta to Shimshal

• By Road: Approximately 1,630 kilometers (around 1,013 miles)

• By Air (to nearest airport) + Road + Jeep Track: Depends on the airport selected, but air travel can reduce the distance significantly before the final off-road journey

Travel Options from Quetta to Shimshal

1. By Road

A direct road journey from Quetta to Shimshal is a long expedition across several provinces and terrains, ending in a challenging jeep track from Passu to Shimshal.

• Recommended Route:
  Quetta → Dera Ghazi Khan → Multan → Islamabad → Abbottabad → Besham → Chilas → Gilgit → Hunza (Passu) → Shimshal

• Total Distance: ~1,630 km

• Estimated Duration: 33 to 36 hours including stops

• Final Stretch:
  From Passu to Shimshal (around 50 km) is a rough jeep track

  • Travel Time: 2.5 to 3.5 hours on a 4x4 vehicle

  • Only expert drivers familiar with mountain roads should attempt this

• Road Conditions:

  • Highways are generally in good condition until Gilgit

  • The route from Hunza to Passu follows the Karakoram Highway

  • The jeep track to Shimshal is narrow, unpaved, and can be dangerous during rains or landslides

Travelers typically break the journey into segments, staying in Islamabad, Gilgit, and Hunza before heading to Shimshal.

2. By Train

Shimshal is far removed from the railway network, but a multi-modal journey using rail and road can be effective.

• Step 1: Train from Quetta to Rawalpindi

  • Duration: 24 to 28 hours

  • Train Option: Jaffar Express or Bolan Mail

• Step 2: Drive from Rawalpindi to Passu via Gilgit

  • Distance: ~1,080 km

  • Duration: 20 to 22 hours

• Step 3: Hire a local 4x4 from Passu to Shimshal

  • Distance: 50 km

  • Duration: 3 hours approximately

The journey requires planning for accommodation and road accessibility, especially during the off-season.

3. By Plane

There is no airport in Shimshal. However, flying to Gilgit or Skardu cuts down on major travel time before switching to road and jeep transport.

Option A: Quetta → Islamabad (by Air) → Gilgit (by Air) → Passu → Shimshal

• Step 1: Quetta to Islamabad – ~1.5 hours

• Step 2: Islamabad to Gilgit – ~1 hour (subject to weather)

• Step 3: Gilgit to Passu by road – ~140 km (3 to 4 hours)

• Step 4: Passu to Shimshal – 50 km (2.5 to 3.5 hours by jeep)

This is the most time-efficient route but depends heavily on flight operations, which are often affected by weather in the north.

Option B: Quetta → Islamabad (by Air) → Road to Shimshal

• Step 1: Quetta to Islamabad – ~1.5 hours

• Step 2: Drive to Shimshal via Karakoram Highway

  • Islamabad to Shimshal: ~1,130 km

  • Total Drive Time: ~24 to 26 hours including jeep track

Though longer, this option is more dependable during seasons when flights are frequently canceled.

Option C: Quetta → Skardu (via Islamabad) + Road to Shimshal

• Step 1: Flights via Islamabad to Skardu (multiple segments)

• Step 2: Skardu to Gilgit (via road) – ~7 to 9 hours

• Step 3: Gilgit → Passu → Shimshal

Though scenic, this route is less commonly used due to its indirect nature.

Conclusion

The journey from Quetta to Shimshal is one of the longest and most remote overland routes in Pakistan. With no train or air connections directly to Shimshal, travelers must rely on a combination of air, road, and off-road travel. Despite the logistical challenges, the final destination—Shimshal—offers unmatched serenity, dramatic peaks, pristine glaciers, and the opportunity to explore a truly untouched Himalayan valley. Adventurous travelers, climbers, and trekkers often describe Shimshal as one of the most rewarding yet underexplored places in the country.