Lahore to Gulmit Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

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

Gulmit, a peaceful and culturally rich village in the upper Hunza region of Gilgit-Baltistan, is known for its breathtaking views, hospitable Wakhi community, and proximity to major attractions like the Passu Cones, Borith Lake, and the Hussaini Suspension Bridge. Nestled along the Karakoram Highway, Gulmit serves as a beautiful stopover and destination for travelers heading toward Khunjerab Pass or exploring the Hunza Valley. Traveling from Lahore to Gulmit takes one across a wide range of landscapes, from plains to towering mountains.

Distance from Lahore to Gulmit

• By Road: Around 940 kilometers (584 miles)

• By Air + Road: About 600 kilometers (373 miles) by air from Lahore to Gilgit, followed by 150 kilometers (93 miles) by road from Gilgit to Gulmit.

Travel by Road

Traveling by road to Gulmit is long but offers dramatic scenic transitions from the plains of Punjab to the snow-capped peaks of the Karakoram.

Route Overview:

1. Lahore to Islamabad: M-2 Motorway (375 km)

2. Islamabad to Mansehra: Hazara Expressway

3. Mansehra to Chilas:

   • Via Naran and Babusar Pass (open from June to October)

   • Or via Besham and Dasu (open year-round)

4. Chilas to Gilgit: Drive through the rugged beauty of the Karakoram Highway.

5. Gilgit to Gulmit: Continue past Aliabad and Karimabad, following the Hunza River upstream.

Total Duration by Road:

• 22 to 26 hours, depending on traffic, road conditions, and seasonal route availability.

Places Worth Stopping:

• Naran (if Babusar Pass is open)

• Gilgit (for rest, fuel, and supplies)

• Karimabad (short detour to visit Baltit and Altit Forts)

• Attabad Lake (just before reaching Gulmit)

Travel by Train

Since there is no railway network in Gilgit-Baltistan, a train journey can only cover the portion between Lahore and Rawalpindi.

Travel Steps:

1. Lahore to Rawalpindi by Train:

   • Several daily options are available.

   • Duration: 4 to 5 hours.

2. Rawalpindi to Gulmit by Road:

   • Continue the journey via Hazara Expressway, Karakoram Highway, and Hunza.

Total Duration (Train + Road):

• 26 to 30 hours, accounting for transfers, delays, and road conditions.

Benefit of Train Travel:

• Provides a more relaxed start to the journey compared to a long drive from Lahore.

Travel by Air and Road

The fastest and most convenient way to reach Gulmit is a combination of air and road travel.

Step-by-Step Itinerary:

1. Lahore to Gilgit by Flight:

   • Direct flights are subject to availability and weather conditions.

   • Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes

2. Gilgit to Gulmit by Road:

   • Drive through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Pakistan.

   • Duration: 3 to 4 hours

   • Pass through Karimabad, Altit, and Ghulkin.

Total Duration (Air + Road):

• Approximately 5 to 6 hours, assuming no major delays.

Important Travel Tips

• Weather Consideration: Gilgit-bound flights are highly dependent on weather; flights can be delayed or canceled on short notice.

• Road Closures: Babusar Pass route is only open from June to October. Outside this season, the Besham route is the only option.

• Altitude Awareness: Gulmit is situated at about 2,500 meters above sea level; allow time for acclimatization to avoid altitude sickness.

Highlights in Gulmit

• Hussaini Suspension Bridge

• Gulmit Polo Ground

• Old House Museum (Traditional Wakhi Culture)

• Ghulkin and Passu Glaciers nearby

• Borith Lake (Short drive or hike)