Lahore to Dasht Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 

Lahore to Dasht – Distance, Travel Options by Road, Train, and Plane

Dasht, located in the Kech District of Balochistan, is a sparsely populated tehsil known for its arid climate and rugged terrain. While it may not be a conventional tourist destination, it holds strategic importance and offers a gateway to the broader Makran region. If you're planning a journey from Lahore to Dasht, it's essential to understand the available travel routes and transportation methods. Below is a detailed guide covering travel distance in kilometers and miles, as well as travel duration via road, train, and plane.

Distance Between Lahore and Dasht

• By Road: Approximately 1,690 kilometers (about 1,050 miles)

• By Air (to the nearest airport in Turbat): Around 1,125 kilometers (about 699 miles) direct distance

• By Train (Lahore to Turbat via Karachi): More than 1,700 kilometers (about 1,056 miles) followed by road travel to Dasht

Travel Options

1. By Road

Traveling from Lahore to Dasht by road is a challenging but scenic route, involving long stretches through Punjab, Sindh, and the mountainous terrain of Balochistan. This route is ideal for experienced travelers comfortable with long-distance driving and the remoteness of Balochistan.

• Distance: ~1,690 km / 1,050 miles

• Estimated Duration: 24 to 29 hours, depending on traffic, rest stops, and road conditions

Recommended Route:

1. Lahore → Multan → Sukkur (via M-3 and M-5)

2. Sukkur → Karachi (via N-5 National Highway)

3. Karachi → Uthal → Turbat (via N-25 and M-8)

4. Turbat → Dasht (by local roads for about 40–50 km)

After reaching Turbat, the road to Dasht becomes narrower and more rural, so a 4x4 vehicle is recommended for the last leg of the journey.

2. By Train

Train travel offers partial coverage of the route, as there is no direct railway access to Dasht or even to Turbat. However, passengers can use train services up to Karachi or Quetta, then continue by road.

Option 1: Lahore to Karachi by Train

• Distance: ~1,200 km / 746 miles

• Duration: 18 to 20 hours

From Karachi:

• Road to Turbat: ~750 km / 466 miles

• Road to Dasht (from Turbat): ~50 km / 31 miles

• Duration (Total road after Karachi): ~13 hours

Option 2: Lahore to Quetta by Train

• Distance: ~1,160 km / 721 miles

• Duration: 20 to 22 hours

From Quetta, travel toward Dasht via Panjgur and Turbat, a route less commonly taken but possible for those who prefer this railway path.

Important Note: Balochistan’s railway and road infrastructure in the Makran region is limited. Road conditions can vary significantly.

3. By Plane

Flying is the most efficient method to cover the bulk of the journey, although there is no direct flight to Dasht. The nearest airport is Turbat International Airport, from where the journey continues by road.

Step 1: Lahore to Karachi (direct flight)

• Distance: ~1,020 km / 634 miles

• Duration: ~2 hours

Step 2: Karachi to Turbat (domestic flight)

• Distance: ~600 km / 373 miles

• Duration: ~1.5 hours

Step 3: Turbat to Dasht (by road)

• Distance: ~50 km / 31 miles

• Duration: ~1 hour by car

Total Duration: Approximately 5 to 6 hours, including layovers and transfer time

Summary of Travel Durations

Mode	Total Duration	Description
Road	24–29 hours	Longest, but flexible travel
Train + Road	30–35 hours	Time-consuming; train to Karachi/Quetta
Plane + Road	5–6 hours	Fastest; via Karachi and Turbat

Travel Tips

• Vehicle Type: Use a 4x4 or off-road-capable vehicle for the Balochistan region, especially from Turbat to Dasht.

• Supplies: Bring adequate water, food, and fuel. After Karachi, fuel stations become sparse.

• Security: Check with local authorities or FC (Frontier Corps) for clearance and updates before entering Makran region.

• Best Travel Time: October to March, when the weather is cooler and safer for long travel.

Insights into Dasht

Dasht is a vast, dry area in the Kech district. It's primarily a tribal region where the Baloch people live in scattered settlements. The area plays a role in regional transportation and agriculture, and is situated close to the Gwadar-Turbat corridor. While tourism is not well-developed here, it can be of interest to anthropologists, geologists, and those exploring lesser-known Pakistan.

Due to the sparse population and challenging terrain, travelers should not expect many amenities in Dasht. It is often used as a pass-through location en route to other towns in the Makran division.

Final Thoughts

The journey from Lahore to Dasht is not for the faint-hearted. It involves covering a vast swath of Pakistan's geography, from the plains of Punjab to the deserts and mountains of Balochistan. Whether you opt for the speed of air travel or the immersive nature of a road trip, preparation is essential. This journey offers a window into Pakistan’s remote western landscapes and the rich tribal cultures of Balochistan.