Islamabad to Chachran Sharif Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

Islamabad to Chachran Sharif – Distance, Travel Options, and Journey Details

Chachran Sharif, located in Rahim Yar Khan District of Punjab, is a historically and spiritually significant town. It is particularly famous as the resting place of the renowned Sufi poet Khawaja Ghulam Farid, whose shrine attracts thousands of devotees every year. Traveling from Islamabad to Chachran Sharif provides not only a physical journey but also a cultural and spiritual experience. This article covers all the major travel options—road, train, and air—along with distances and travel durations.

Distance Between Islamabad and Chachran Sharif

The approximate distance from Islamabad to Chachran Sharif is:

• By Road: 720 kilometers (447 miles)
• By Train: Around 730 kilometers (454 miles) including transfers
• By Air: Nearest airports are Bahawalpur and Rahim Yar Khan, followed by road travel.

Traveling by Road

Road travel is the most commonly used method to reach Chachran Sharif. Though long, the highways connecting Islamabad to southern Punjab are well-maintained, ensuring a smooth ride.

• Route: Islamabad → Lahore-Islamabad Motorway (M-2) → Lahore → Multan → Bahawalpur → Khanpur → Chachran Sharif
• Distance: About 720 kilometers (447 miles)
• Travel Duration: 11 to 12 hours depending on traffic and stopovers

This journey covers the heart of Punjab, beginning from Islamabad, crossing Lahore and Multan, and finally moving towards Bahawalpur and Khanpur before reaching Chachran Sharif. Intercity buses and private vehicles are both suitable options. Along the way, you’ll find rest areas, service stations, and food outlets.

Traveling by Train

Train travel offers another way to reach Chachran Sharif. While there is no direct railway station in Chachran Sharif itself, nearby cities such as Khanpur and Rahim Yar Khan provide good access.

• Route: Islamabad Railway Station → Lahore Junction → Khanewal → Khanpur or Rahim Yar Khan (by road transfer to Chachran Sharif)
• Distance: Approximately 730 kilometers (454 miles)
• Travel Duration: 12 to 14 hours including train and road journey

Once you reach Khanpur or Rahim Yar Khan by train, Chachran Sharif is only 20 to 30 kilometers away and can be covered in about 30 to 40 minutes by road. Train journeys are cost-effective and allow travelers to enjoy the scenic beauty of Punjab’s countryside.

Traveling by Air

Air travel is the fastest way to reach the southern Punjab region from Islamabad. While Chachran Sharif itself does not have an airport, nearby airports provide good connectivity.

• Nearest Airports: Bahawalpur Airport and Shaikh Zayed International Airport (Rahim Yar Khan)
• Flight Duration: Islamabad to Bahawalpur or Rahim Yar Khan – around 1.5 hours
• Road Travel After Flight:
  • From Bahawalpur to Chachran Sharif – 2.5 to 3 hours (150 km / 93 miles)
  • From Rahim Yar Khan to Chachran Sharif – 40 to 50 minutes (30 km / 19 miles)
• Total Travel Duration: 3 to 5 hours (flight + road transfer)

This option is ideal for those who wish to save time and avoid long road journeys. From Rahim Yar Khan, reaching Chachran Sharif is particularly quick and convenient.

Scenic Highlights Along the Way

Traveling from Islamabad to Chachran Sharif allows you to witness:

• The bustling city life of Lahore, Multan, and Bahawalpur.
• Expansive agricultural fields of southern Punjab.
• The spiritual ambiance of Chachran Sharif with the shrine of Khawaja Ghulam Farid.

Conclusion

The journey from Islamabad to Chachran Sharif is both long and meaningful. By road, you experience the cultural heart of Punjab, while by train, the trip is economical and offers a slower pace. Air travel is the fastest way, especially if you land at Rahim Yar Khan, which is close to the town. Regardless of the travel method, visiting Chachran Sharif is more than just a trip—it is an opportunity to explore Punjab’s heritage and immerse yourself in spiritual and cultural richness.