Lahore to Daral Lake Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

Lahore to Daral Lake — Distance, Travel Options by Road, Train, and Plane

Daral Lake is a stunning alpine lake located in the upper reaches of Swat Valley, above the town of Bahrain in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Surrounded by lofty peaks and lush alpine meadows, Daral Lake is a paradise for trekkers and adventure seekers. Getting to this pristine spot from Lahore requires a mix of road travel and hiking through the rugged yet beautiful terrain of northern Pakistan.

Distance from Lahore to Daral Lake

• By Road (to Bahrain trailhead): Approx. 730 kilometers (454 miles)

• By Air (to Saidu Sharif, then road + trek): Approx. 400 kilometers (250 miles) by air + 100 kilometers (62 miles) by road

• Trek to Daral Lake: Around 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) one-way from Bahrain

Travel by Road

Traveling entirely by road from Lahore to Daral Lake is an extensive journey broken into multiple stages:

1. Lahore to Bahrain via Swat Expressway:
   Start on the M-2 Motorway towards Islamabad and connect to the M-16 Swat Expressway via Nowshera. Drive through Chakdara, Mingora, and Madyan to reach Bahrain. This route is about 670 km (416 miles) and takes approximately 11–12 hours, including breaks and potential delays on mountainous roads.

2. Bahrain to Trek Starting Point:
   Once in Bahrain, you'll start your trek toward Daral Lake. While some jeeps might take you partway up the narrow paths, the trail quickly becomes too steep and narrow for vehicles.

3. Trekking to Daral Lake:
   The trek is approximately 12 km long and takes about 5 to 7 hours one way, depending on weather, fitness level, and pace. The hike involves steep inclines, river crossings, alpine meadows, and spectacular views. Overnight camping is usually necessary due to the length of the round trip.

Total Road and Trek Travel Duration: 16 to 20 hours (excluding overnight rest in Bahrain)

Travel by Train

Train services are not available in Swat Valley, but you can take a train for the initial part of the journey and then continue by road:

1. Lahore to Nowshera or Peshawar by Train:
   Pakistan Railways offers regular service from Lahore to both cities, taking about 10–12 hours over a distance of around 520–540 km (323–335 miles).

2. Nowshera/Peshawar to Bahrain (Swat):
   After arriving at the station, you can hire a car or take a bus to Mingora and then on to Bahrain. This segment takes 7–8 hours.

3. Trek to Daral Lake:
   As described above, the final part is a strenuous 5–7 hour trek from Bahrain.

Total Train-Plus-Road-Trek Duration: 23 to 27 hours

Travel by Plane

Air travel can save significant time, especially for the Lahore-to-Swat segment:

1. Lahore to Saidu Sharif Airport (Swat):
   PIA occasionally operates flights between Lahore and Saidu Sharif. The flight time is about 1 hour.

2. Saidu Sharif to Bahrain:
   From the airport, you’ll need to drive to Bahrain through Mingora and Madyan, which takes about 3 to 4 hours.

3. Trek to Daral Lake:
   The same trek as mentioned before from Bahrain — roughly 12 km, taking 5 to 7 hours.

Total Air-Plus-Road-Trek Duration: 9 to 12 hours

Summary of Travel Durations

• By Road (Drive + Trek): 16–20 hours

• By Train + Road + Trek: 23–27 hours

• By Plane + Road + Trek: 9–12 hours

Important Travel Information

• Best Time to Visit: June to September. Snow covers the trail during other months, making it inaccessible.

• Trek Difficulty: Moderate to difficult, depending on weather and terrain.

• Camping: There are no commercial lodgings at the lake, so tents and supplies must be carried from Bahrain.

• Altitude: The lake sits at around 11,500 feet (3,505 meters) above sea level, and altitude sickness can be a concern.

• Travel Permits: Generally not required, but checking with local authorities or guides is advisable.

What to Expect at Daral Lake

Daral Lake is a tranquil, turquoise-blue lake tucked in a bowl of rugged, rocky mountains. The water remains ice-cold even in the summer. The reflection of surrounding peaks on its still surface is a surreal sight, perfect for nature photography and solitude seekers.

The route to the lake is rich in biodiversity — expect to see wildflowers, streams, waterfalls, and alpine birds. The trail also passes traditional Gujjar settlements, offering a glimpse into the lifestyle of highland shepherds.

Though remote, Daral Lake’s isolation adds to its charm. Few people make the trek compared to more accessible tourist spots, giving visitors a sense of untouched wilderness. Camping under the stars by the lakeside is an unforgettable experience for those who make the journey.

Travel Tips

• Hire a Local Guide: Navigation can be tricky, and weather can change rapidly.

• Check Weather Reports: Avoid traveling during the monsoon season due to landslide risk.

• Fitness Required: This trek isn’t suitable for beginners or children.

• Pack Essentials: Carry food, water, weatherproof clothing, first aid, and emergency supplies.

• Network Connectivity: There is little to no mobile network coverage beyond Bahrain.

Daral Lake offers the kind of raw natural beauty that’s increasingly rare. The challenging hike, unspoiled surroundings, and solitude make it a top destination for those who seek something beyond traditional sightseeing — an immersive mountain experience well worth the effort.