Lahore to Kandol Lake Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

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

Kandol Lake, a picturesque alpine lake nestled in the Swat Valley near the town of Utror in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, is a hidden gem for nature lovers and trekkers. Starting your journey from Lahore, a bustling urban center in Punjab, and heading to this serene lake offers a striking contrast of experience — from city life to remote wilderness.

Distance from Lahore to Kandol Lake

• By Road: Approximately 740 kilometers (about 460 miles)

• By Air (to nearest airport, then road): 400 kilometers (250 miles) by air to Saidu Sharif Airport, then approx. 80 kilometers (50 miles) by road to Kandol Lake

Travel by Road

Traveling by road from Lahore to Kandol Lake is the most feasible and scenic option for adventure seekers. The journey unfolds in phases:

1. Lahore to Swat (Mingora): You begin by taking the M-1 and then the Swat Expressway, heading towards Mingora, the central town in Swat Valley. This stretch takes approximately 9 to 10 hours depending on traffic, road conditions, and weather. The distance from Lahore to Mingora is about 600 km (373 miles).

2. Mingora to Kalam/Utror: From Mingora, the route continues through Bahrain and Kalam, covering a distance of about 130 km (81 miles). The road from Bahrain to Kalam is narrow and can be bumpy, requiring a 4x4 vehicle. This leg takes about 4 to 5 hours.

3. Kalam to Kandol Lake (Trekking): Once you reach Kalam, the lake is not accessible directly by road. A 4x4 can take you up to the trailhead in Utror. From there, Kandol Lake requires a hike of approximately 2 to 3 hours (around 4-5 km uphill). The trail is moderately difficult, winding through alpine forests and past rivers and meadows.

Total Road Travel Duration: About 15–17 hours (excluding overnight stays)

Travel by Train

There is no direct train service to Swat Valley or Kalam, but travelers can use Pakistan Railways to get closer to the region:

1. Lahore to Nowshera or Peshawar: You can board a train from Lahore to Nowshera (approx. 520 km / 323 miles) or to Peshawar (approx. 540 km / 335 miles). This takes 10 to 12 hours.

2. Nowshera/Peshawar to Mingora: From either station, take a bus or hire a car to Mingora, which takes another 6–7 hours depending on road traffic.

3. Mingora to Kalam to Kandol Lake: Same as road option – from here, you follow the same road journey via Kalam and then a trek to Kandol Lake.

Total Train-Plus-Road Travel Duration: Approximately 20–22 hours including connections

Travel by Plane

Flying is the fastest way to cover most of the distance, but Kandol Lake's remoteness means you'll still need to rely on road and trekking.

1. Lahore to Saidu Sharif Airport (Swat): Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) occasionally operates flights from Lahore to Saidu Sharif, the nearest airport to Swat Valley. The flight time is about 1 hour.

2. Saidu Sharif to Kalam/Utror: After landing, drive to Kalam through Mingora and Bahrain. This is around 130–140 km (approx. 5–6 hours).

3. Trek to Kandol Lake: Final 2–3 hour hike as mentioned before.

Total Air-Plus-Road-Trek Duration: 8 to 10 hours

Summary of Travel Durations

• By Road: ~15–17 hours

• By Train + Road: ~20–22 hours

• By Plane + Road + Trek: ~8–10 hours

Important Travel Tips

• Best Time to Visit: June to September, when the snow has melted and the lake is accessible.

• Vehicle Recommendation: A 4x4 vehicle is essential from Bahrain onwards due to rough terrains.

• Physical Fitness: A moderate level of fitness is required for the trek to Kandol Lake.

• Accommodation: Kalam offers various hotels and guesthouses. There are also camping options near Kandol Lake for adventure lovers.

• Permits and Safety: Check local travel advisories and road conditions in advance. Sometimes, permissions may be required from local authorities, especially for tourists.

What to Expect at Kandol Lake

Kandol Lake sits at an altitude of about 9,600 feet (2,926 meters) above sea level. It is known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks and thick pine forests. The silence of the mountains, punctuated only by chirping birds and rushing streams, makes it an ideal escape from the urban chaos of Lahore. It’s also an excellent destination for photography, trout fishing (with a permit), and nature hikes.

The lake is less crowded compared to other famous destinations in Swat, offering a more peaceful and pristine environment. It’s perfect for a weekend adventure or a short trekking getaway.