Islamabad to Mankera Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

Islamabad to Mankera Distance, Travel Options, and Duration

Mankera is a historic town located in the Bhakkar District of Punjab, Pakistan. Traveling from Islamabad to Mankera involves several options including road, train, and a combination of flights and road travel. Here is a detailed guide on distances, travel durations, and the best ways to reach Mankera from Islamabad.

Distance from Islamabad to Mankera

• By Road: Approximately 430 kilometers (267 miles)
• By Train: Approximately 450 kilometers (280 miles) depending on the railway route
• By Air: There is no direct flight to Mankera. Travelers typically fly to Dera Ismail Khan or Multan and continue by road.

Travel Options

1. By Road

The road journey from Islamabad to Mankera is straightforward and passes through the major cities of Rawalpindi, Talagang, Bhakkar, and nearby towns. There are two main routes:

• Via N-5 and Dera Ismail Khan Road: This is the most commonly used route. The journey typically takes around 7–8 hours depending on traffic conditions.
• Via Motorway M1 and local highways: This route is slightly longer but more comfortable, taking approximately 8–9 hours.

2. By Train

Train travel is another option, though it requires a few changes along the way as there is no direct train to Mankera. The route generally follows:

• Islamabad/Rawalpindi to Dera Ismail Khan or Bhakkar via main railway lines.
• From Bhakkar, take a local train or bus to Mankera, which takes around 1–2 hours.

Total train travel time can range between 10–12 hours depending on the connections and waiting times.

3. By Air

Mankera does not have an airport. The closest airports are:

• Multan International Airport – approximately 240 km (149 miles) away from Mankera.
• Dera Ismail Khan Airport – approximately 180 km (112 miles) away.

From these airports, travelers can continue the journey by road, which typically takes 3–4 hours from Dera Ismail Khan and around 4–5 hours from Multan.

Travel Duration Overview

• By Road: 7–9 hours
• By Train: 10–12 hours (including local connections)
• By Air + Road: 5–7 hours (including flight and road transfer)

Tips for the Journey

• Start early in the morning to avoid traffic, especially when traveling by road.
• Ensure your vehicle is in good condition as some rural roads can be less maintained.
• Train travel is comfortable, but check the timetable in advance due to limited services on some routes.
• If flying, book flights in advance and arrange ground transport from the airport.

Conclusion

Traveling from Islamabad to Mankera offers a choice between road, train, and air+road combinations. While road travel is the most direct and flexible, train journeys can provide a scenic and relaxed experience. For travelers looking to combine speed and comfort, flying to the nearest airport followed by a road journey is a viable option. Regardless of the method chosen, Mankera’s rich history and cultural significance make it a rewarding destination to explore.