Islamabad to Kabal Distance, Travel Options by Road, Train, and Plane
Kabal, located in the scenic Swat Valley of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, is a serene town known for its natural beauty, lush green fields, and proximity to the Swat River. Many travelers from Islamabad choose to visit Kabal for leisure, tourism, or to experience the breathtaking mountain scenery. This guide covers the distance, travel options by road, train, and plane, along with travel durations.
Distance Between Islamabad and Kabal
The approximate distance from Islamabad to Kabal is about 270 kilometers (around 168 miles), depending on the exact route you take. The journey passes through beautiful landscapes, including the Swat Expressway, which makes travel faster and more comfortable.
Travel from Islamabad to Kabal by Road
Traveling by road is the most popular and convenient option for reaching Kabal. The journey offers scenic views of mountains, rivers, and valleys along the way.
- Route: Islamabad → M1 Motorway → Swat Expressway (via Chakdara) → Mingora → Kabal
- Distance: Approximately 270 km (168 miles)
- Travel Time: Around 5 to 6 hours, depending on traffic and weather
This route is smooth due to the Swat Expressway, and it significantly reduces travel time compared to older routes through Malakand Pass. Private cars, buses, and vans are all available for this journey.
Travel from Islamabad to Kabal by Train
There is no direct train service to Kabal. However, you can take a train from Islamabad to Nowshera, Mardan, or Dargai and then continue the journey by road to Kabal.
- Option: Islamabad → Nowshera (by train) → Kabal (by road)
- Distance by Train: Approximately 120 km (75 miles) to Nowshera
- Road Distance from Nowshera to Kabal: Around 150 km (93 miles)
- Total Travel Time: Around 8 to 9 hours (including train and road transfer)
Since road travel from Islamabad to Kabal is faster and more direct, most travelers skip the train option unless they wish to experience Pakistan Railways or combine train travel with other destinations.
Travel from Islamabad to Kabal by Air
Kabal does not have its own airport. The nearest airport is in Saidu Sharif, which occasionally operates domestic flights. Alternatively, you can fly to Peshawar and then travel by road.
- Option 1: Islamabad → Saidu Sharif Airport (flight) → Kabal (by road)
- Flight Distance: Around 150 km (93 miles)
- Road Distance from Airport to Kabal: Around 12 km (7.5 miles)
- Total Travel Time: Around 2 to 3 hours (including airport transfers)
- Option 2: Islamabad → Peshawar (flight) → Kabal (by road)
- Flight Distance: Around 150 km (93 miles)
- Road Distance from Peshawar to Kabal: Approximately 220 km (137 miles)
- Total Travel Time: Around 5 to 6 hours (including airport transfers)
Scenic Attractions Along the Way
Traveling from Islamabad to Kabal offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature and culture. Some notable points include:
- Margalla Hills near Islamabad
- Swat Expressway mountain tunnels
- Chakdara Fort and historical sites
- Mingora city markets
- Swat River views near Kabal
Conclusion
The journey from Islamabad to Kabal is a memorable experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Whether you choose to travel by road for a direct scenic trip, combine train travel for a unique experience, or take a short flight to nearby airports, each option offers its own charm. Kabal’s natural beauty, peaceful environment, and cultural heritage make it an excellent destination for a relaxing getaway.
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