Islamabad to Shaikh Uttar Distance, Travel Options by Road, Train, and Plane
Shaikh Uttar is a small town located in Dera Ismail Khan District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It is surrounded by rural landscapes and lies close to the Indus River belt. Traveling from Islamabad to Shaikh Uttar provides an experience of southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s culture, agriculture, and history. In this article, we will explain the distance, different travel options by road, train, and plane, as well as estimated travel durations.
Islamabad to Shaikh Uttar Distance
The distance between Islamabad and Shaikh Uttar is about 315 kilometers (196 miles). Since the town does not have a railway station or an airport, road travel is the most convenient method. However, travelers can also use nearby hubs like Dera Ismail Khan for air or train journeys, followed by a short road trip.
Traveling from Islamabad to Shaikh Uttar by Road
Road is the most reliable way to reach Shaikh Uttar. The drive takes travelers through highways, rural areas, and agricultural fields.
Route Details
- Start from Islamabad on the M-1 Motorway.
- Travel towards Kohat and connect with the Indus Highway (N-55).
- Continue towards Dera Ismail Khan region.
- From D.I. Khan, take local connecting roads to reach Shaikh Uttar.
Travel Duration
The road trip usually takes around 6.5 to 7.5 hours, depending on road conditions and stopovers.
Traveling from Islamabad to Shaikh Uttar by Train
Shaikh Uttar does not have a railway station. Travelers can take a train journey up to Kundian Junction or Dera Ismail Khan region (via road transfers), and then continue by road to Shaikh Uttar.
Route Details
- Board a train from Rawalpindi Railway Station to Kundian Junction.
- From Kundian, travel by road towards Dera Ismail Khan.
- From D.I. Khan, continue on local roads to Shaikh Uttar.
Travel Duration
The train journey from Rawalpindi to Kundian takes around 6 to 7 hours. Road transfer from Kundian or D.I. Khan to Shaikh Uttar takes an additional 3 to 4 hours. In total, train plus road travel can take around 9.5 to 11 hours.
Traveling from Islamabad to Shaikh Uttar by Air
Shaikh Uttar has no airport, but travelers can use Dera Ismail Khan Airport as the nearest option. This significantly reduces the journey time.
Route Details
- Fly from Islamabad International Airport to Dera Ismail Khan Airport.
- From D.I. Khan, continue by road to Shaikh Uttar.
Travel Duration
The flight from Islamabad to Dera Ismail Khan takes about 1 hour. From there, the road journey to Shaikh Uttar takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour. In total, air plus road travel time is about 2 to 2.5 hours.
Scenic and Cultural Highlights Along the Journey
- Kohat: Known for its hilly surroundings and cultural heritage.
- Bannu: A Pashtun-majority city with a vibrant cultural identity.
- Dera Ismail Khan: A historic and agricultural center of southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, close to Shaikh Uttar.
Tips for Travelers
- Road travel is the most direct option and gives flexibility in timing.
- Flights to D.I. Khan save time but check availability beforehand.
- Train travel requires patience and long transfers; it is the slowest option.
- Carry essentials such as water, snacks, and fuel checks when traveling through rural areas.
Conclusion
The journey from Islamabad to Shaikh Uttar covers about 315 kilometers (196 miles). By road, it takes 6.5 to 7.5 hours, train plus road travel may take up to 9.5 to 11 hours, while air plus road travel can reduce the time to just 2 to 2.5 hours. Road travel remains the most convenient choice, while air travel offers speed for those wanting a shorter trip. No matter the mode of transport, this journey provides travelers with scenic views and cultural insights into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
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