Quetta to Utror Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 

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

Utror is a beautiful and lesser-known valley located in the Upper Swat region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Nestled in the Hindu Kush range, Utror offers scenic beauty, river views, lush green meadows, and a peaceful escape from urban life. Travelers from Quetta seeking to explore the natural wonders of Utror have multiple transport options available, including travel by road, train, and a combination of air and road routes.

Distance Between Quetta and Utror

• By Road: Approximately 1,005 kilometers (about 624 miles)

• By Air (Quetta to Islamabad/Peshawar, then by road): Total air plus road travel is around 950 kilometers (590 miles) depending on the route

• By Train + Road: Total journey covers around 1,030 kilometers (640 miles)

Traveling from Quetta to Utror by Road

Road travel from Quetta to Utror is long and requires careful planning due to the mountainous terrain and multiple route transitions. However, it offers an adventurous experience with breathtaking views, particularly in the Swat region.

Route Overview:

1. Start from Quetta via the N-50 Highway towards Zhob and Dera Ismail Khan

2. Merge onto N-55 (Indus Highway) and head north to Peshawar

3. From Peshawar, drive on N-45 towards Dir and Chakdara

4. Continue to Kalam via Madyan, then take a local jeep track towards Utror

Estimated Duration:

• 20 to 22 hours of continuous driving

• Realistically, the journey may require 1–2 overnight stays depending on weather and road conditions

Highlights:

• The last stretch from Kalam to Utror requires a 4x4 vehicle due to rough terrain

• Scenic stops include Swat River, Bahrain, and Kalam Forest

Traveling from Quetta to Utror by Train

There is no direct train service to Utror or even nearby Kalam. However, a combined journey of train and road is possible.

Train Route:

1. Board a train from Quetta Railway Station to Rawalpindi or Peshawar

2. From Rawalpindi or Peshawar, hire private transport or take a local bus to Mingora or Chakdara

3. Continue onward by jeep from Kalam to Utror

Train Options:

• Jaffar Express from Quetta to Rawalpindi

  • Travel time: around 24 to 26 hours

Remaining Road Journey:

• From Rawalpindi to Utror: approximately 10 to 12 hours

• From Peshawar to Utror: approximately 9 to 10 hours

Estimated Total Duration:

• Around 35 to 38 hours, including layovers and road transitions

Traveling from Quetta to Utror by Plane

Air travel is the fastest way to cover most of the distance between Quetta and Utror, but Utror itself is not accessible by air. The typical air route involves flying to Islamabad or Peshawar, then traveling by road to the Swat region.

Air Route Options:

1. Flight from Quetta to Islamabad (via PIA or Serene Air)

   • Duration: about 1.5 hours

2. From Islamabad, drive or take local transport to Mingora, then on to Kalam and Utror

Road Segment After Flight:

• Islamabad to Utror: Around 12 to 14 hours by road depending on traffic and road condition

• The last stretch again requires a 4x4 jeep from Kalam onward

Estimated Total Duration:

• 13 to 16 hours including flight, waiting time, and road journey

Which Option is Best?

Each travel method offers unique advantages depending on the traveler’s preferences:

• By Road: Best for adventurers who want to enjoy the full landscape of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Challenging but rewarding.

• By Train: Suitable for budget-conscious travelers who don’t mind long transit times and switching modes of transport.

• By Plane: Ideal for travelers looking to save time and willing to spend a bit more on comfort and speed.

Travel Tips for Visiting Utror

• Vehicle Type: Use a 4x4 vehicle for the stretch between Kalam and Utror.

• Best Season: May to September is ideal due to clear roads and pleasant weather.

• Permits and Safety: No special permit is needed, but it is advisable to check local security updates before traveling.

• Fuel and Supplies: Fuel up in major towns like Mingora or Kalam. Carry essentials like water, food, and warm clothing.

Utror is one of the hidden gems of Northern Pakistan and offers unmatched peace and serenity. The journey from Quetta, while long, is well worth the effort for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure in the highlands of Swat.