Quetta to Sost Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 Quetta to Sost – Distance, Travel Options by Road, Train, and Air

Sost is the northernmost town of Pakistan, located in the Upper Hunza region of Gilgit-Baltistan, and serves as the last major settlement before the Khunjerab Pass — the border with China. Sost is a key trade and transport hub on the Karakoram Highway (KKH), connecting Pakistan with the Chinese city of Tashkurgan. For travelers coming from the southern city of Quetta, the journey to Sost is long, remote, and adventurous, with options via road, train (partially), and air (to Gilgit). Below is a comprehensive guide with distances, durations, and available travel methods.

Distance from Quetta to Sost

• By Road: Approximately 1,470 kilometers (about 914 miles)

• By Air (to Gilgit, then road): ~690 km air + ~225 km road

• By Train (to Rawalpindi, then road): Around 1,550 kilometers (about 963 miles)

Traveling from Quetta to Sost by Road

A direct road trip to Sost from Quetta involves traveling north across Pakistan’s central belt and into the high Himalayas via the Karakoram Highway — often called the 8th Wonder of the World. The journey offers a gradual transition from Balochistan's arid plains to snow-capped peaks in Upper Hunza.

Suggested Route:

• Quetta → Sukkur (via N-65): ~410 km

• Sukkur → Islamabad (via M-5, N-5, and M-2): ~780 km

• Islamabad → Gilgit → Karimabad → Sost (via N-35 / KKH): ~680 km

Total Road Distance: Approximately 1,470 kilometers

Estimated Duration:

• 36–40 hours, excluding overnight stays

• More time needed during winter or if landslides occur

Tips for Road Travel:

• Best to travel in phases with rest stops in Islamabad, Chilas, and Hunza

• Travel between Gilgit and Sost is slow due to winding mountain roads

• Check for road closures at Khunjerab during winters

Traveling from Quetta to Sost by Train

Pakistan Railways does not operate in Gilgit-Baltistan, but a partial journey can be made by train up to Rawalpindi, followed by a road trip.

Phase 1: Quetta to Rawalpindi by Train

• Route: Jaffar Express or similar

• Distance: ~1,225 kilometers

• Duration: 25–30 hours, depending on train conditions

Phase 2: Rawalpindi to Sost by Road

• Route: Rawalpindi → Abbottabad → Besham → Chilas → Gilgit → Hunza → Sost

• Distance: ~680 kilometers

• Duration: 15–18 hours, depending on road conditions and weather

Total Travel Time (Train + Road):

• 40–48 hours, with variable stopovers

Traveling from Quetta to Sost by Air

Taking a flight from Quetta to Islamabad and then to Gilgit is the fastest method, but it still requires a road journey from Gilgit to Sost. The mountainous segment from Gilgit to Sost is one of the most scenic road trips in the world.

Step 1: Quetta to Islamabad by Air

• Flight Duration: Around 1.5 to 2 hours

• Carrier: PIA operates this route (frequency varies)

Step 2: Islamabad to Gilgit by Air

• Flight Duration: Approximately 1 hour

• Note: These flights are frequently delayed or cancelled due to mountain weather

Step 3: Gilgit to Sost by Road

• Distance: Around 225 kilometers

• Travel Time: 5–6 hours, depending on road and traffic conditions

Total Travel Time (Air + Road):

• 7–9 hours, with minimal delays

Key Attractions on the Way to Sost

• Karakoram Highway (KKH): An engineering marvel, cutting through rocky gorges and towering peaks

• Attabad Lake: Formed after a landslide, this turquoise lake is a major photo stop near Gulmit

• Passu Cones: Needle-like peaks near Passu village — one of the most iconic landscapes in Pakistan

• Hussaini Suspension Bridge: Famous for its thrill and beauty

• Khunjerab Pass: From Sost, it's a 1-hour drive to the Pakistan-China border at 4,700 meters elevation

Weather and Seasonal Notes

• Best Time to Travel: May to October

• Winter (Nov–March): Harsh and snowy; Khunjerab often closes during peak winter months

• Monsoon Season (July–August): Risk of landslides in mountain areas; check weather and road advisories

Conclusion

Reaching Sost from Quetta is a multi-day adventure, particularly suited for explorers and those seeking to traverse the full expanse of Pakistan. While the journey is long, it passes through a remarkable variety of landscapes, from barren deserts and fertile plains to some of the world’s highest roads and cold mountain valleys.

Each travel method — whether road, partial train journey, or air — offers its own experience and set of challenges. But once in Sost, travelers are met with crisp mountain air, dramatic views, and the unique charm of a high-altitude border town where cultures and landscapes converge.