Lahore to Barawal Distance, Travel Options by Road, Train, and Plane
Barawal is a scenic tehsil located in the Upper Dir District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Nestled near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, Barawal is surrounded by lush valleys, snow-capped peaks, and picturesque meadows. Travelers from Lahore who are drawn to serene mountain settings, hiking trails, and cultural richness often choose Barawal for a unique experience away from busy urban life.
Distance from Lahore to Barawal
The road distance between Lahore and Barawal is approximately 635 kilometers (394 miles). Since Barawal is a remote location and lacks direct railway or airport access, most of the journey requires traveling by road.
Travel by Road
Traveling from Lahore to Barawal by road is the most practical and direct way. The journey takes around 12 to 14 hours, depending on road conditions and traffic.
Route:
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Lahore to Islamabad – Start on the M-2 Motorway and travel approximately 375 kilometers (233 miles) to Islamabad.
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Islamabad to Chakdara – Continue via the M-1 Motorway, then take the Swat Expressway towards Chakdara.
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Chakdara to Dir – From Chakdara, travel towards Timergara, the district capital of Lower Dir.
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Dir to Barawal – The final stretch involves traveling to Upper Dir and heading further north to Barawal. The road becomes hilly and winding from this point.
The drive through Dir Valley and Barawal offers breathtaking views of forests, rivers, and peaks, but the terrain becomes increasingly mountainous and narrow as one approaches Barawal. A 4x4 vehicle is recommended for this segment, especially in the winter or rainy season.
Stops Along the Way:
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Chakdara (fuel and food)
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Timergara (rest and food)
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Dir city (last major stop before Barawal)
Travel by Train
There is no direct train service to Barawal. However, travelers can take a train from Lahore to Peshawar, and then complete the journey to Barawal by road.
Step-by-step Travel:
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Train from Lahore to Peshawar – This journey covers around 530 kilometers (329 miles) and takes 8 to 9 hours.
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Road from Peshawar to Barawal – From Peshawar, travel by road via Mardan, Chakdara, Timergara, and then onwards to Upper Dir and Barawal. This leg takes about 7 to 8 hours (roughly 310 kilometers or 193 miles).
While this method is longer and requires multiple transfers, it can be useful for travelers preferring rail for the initial leg and wanting to explore various towns along the route.
Travel by Plane
There is no airport in Barawal or Upper Dir. However, travelers can fly from Lahore to Peshawar or Islamabad, and continue their journey by road from there.
Option 1: Flight to Peshawar
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Flight Duration: Around 1 hour 10 minutes
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Distance (Air): Approximately 380 kilometers (236 miles)
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Road from Peshawar to Barawal: About 7 to 8 hours
Option 2: Flight to Islamabad
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Flight Duration: About 1 hour
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Road to Barawal: Approximately 10 to 11 hours, with a distance of around 550 kilometers (342 miles)
Flights reduce initial travel time but still require a long road journey to reach Barawal. This route is suitable for travelers seeking a less tiring start and possibly a visit to Islamabad or Peshawar.
Recommended Travel Option
Since Barawal is in a mountainous and less developed area, road travel remains the most efficient and flexible option. It allows travelers to witness the beauty of northern Pakistan, stop at various points, and explore nearby locations such as Dir, Timergara, and Kumrat Valley (which lies nearby).
A private vehicle or rented 4x4 with an experienced driver is highly recommended for this journey, especially for the final stretch beyond Dir.
Final Thoughts
Traveling from Lahore to Barawal offers an adventurous route into the serene and untouched landscapes of northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. While the area is remote, its beauty and cultural richness make it worth the journey. Whether you're seeking peace in the hills, an escape into nature, or a cultural experience, Barawal promises all of it — provided you're prepared for a long and scenic drive.
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