Lahore to Kandia Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 

Lahore to Kandia Distance, Travel Options by Road, Train, and Plane

Kandia Valley is a remote and scenic region located in the Upper Kohistan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Surrounded by majestic peaks, deep gorges, and forested slopes, Kandia remains one of the lesser-known but incredibly beautiful destinations in northern Pakistan. The journey from Lahore to Kandia is long and challenging but immensely rewarding for those seeking untouched natural beauty.

Distance from Lahore to Kandia

The approximate distance from Lahore to Kandia is about 620 kilometers (385 miles) by road. However, due to the mountainous terrain and lack of direct routes, travel can be time-consuming and requires careful planning.

Travel by Road

Road travel is the most viable option for reaching Kandia, as the valley is not served by any railway or direct air link.

Route:

• Lahore → Islamabad → Abbottabad → Besham → Dasu → Kandia

This route utilizes the M-2 Motorway from Lahore to Islamabad, followed by the N-35 (Karakoram Highway) through Abbottabad, Mansehra, and onward toward Besham and Dasu. From near Dasu, the road diverges towards Kandia Valley.

Travel Time:

• The total road journey can take 15 to 17 hours, depending on the traffic, road conditions, and weather—particularly in the mountainous stretch beyond Dasu.

Road Conditions:

• Roads up to Dasu via the Karakoram Highway are mostly paved and in reasonable condition.

• The road from Dasu to Kandia is rough, narrow, and may require a 4x4 vehicle. This part of the journey can be slow, especially during rain or snow.

Travel Tips:

• It's best to travel in daylight hours due to the challenging terrain.

• Local drivers familiar with the area are recommended for the final stretch into Kandia Valley.

Travel by Train

There is no direct railway service to Kandia or even to Upper Kohistan, due to the rugged topography.

Closest Train Stations:

• Rawalpindi or Haripur are the closest significant rail stops.

• From these stations, the rest of the journey must be completed by road.

Duration:

• Lahore to Rawalpindi by train takes approximately 5 to 6 hours.

• From Rawalpindi to Kandia by road via Abbottabad and Dasu takes another 12 to 13 hours, depending on road conditions.

Total Duration:

• Combined train and road journey takes around 17 to 19 hours.

Travel by Plane

Although Kandia does not have an airport, you can reduce travel time by flying part of the way.

Closest Airports:

• Islamabad International Airport (ISB) or Gilgit Airport (in some rare cases)

Flight Duration:

• Lahore to Islamabad: around 1 hour.

• (Flights to Gilgit are not guaranteed and are often canceled due to weather.)

Road Travel After Flight:

• From Islamabad to Kandia via the Karakoram Highway takes 13 to 15 hours by road.

Total Duration:

• Air and road combination takes approximately 14 to 16 hours, depending on transit times and conditions.

Summary

The journey from Lahore to Kandia is long and mostly by road. There are no direct railway or air connections to Kandia Valley, and travelers must prepare for a rugged trip through the mountainous region of Kohistan. Despite the difficulties, the reward lies in the untouched nature, the scenic beauty of the Kandia River, and the unique cultural experience of Kohistani communities.

Those who make the journey to Kandia find themselves immersed in a raw and beautiful part of Pakistan that remains far removed from the bustle of city life.