Lahore to Khaplu Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 

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

Traveling from Lahore to Khaplu, a picturesque town in the Ghanche District of Gilgit-Baltistan, is a rewarding journey through some of Pakistan’s most stunning mountainous terrain. Known for its rich Balti culture, historical Khaplu Palace, and proximity to majestic peaks like Masherbrum, Khaplu offers an unforgettable destination for adventure and culture seekers alike. However, due to its remote location in the eastern part of Baltistan, reaching Khaplu requires careful planning and a combination of travel modes.

Distance Between Lahore and Khaplu

• Distance by Road: Approximately 890 to 950 kilometers (553 to 590 miles), depending on the route taken and seasonal road conditions.

• Air Distance: The aerial distance between Lahore and Skardu (the nearest airport to Khaplu) is around 500 kilometers (310 miles). From Skardu to Khaplu, the road journey covers about 100 kilometers (62 miles).

Travel Options

1. Traveling from Lahore to Khaplu by Road

Traveling entirely by road from Lahore to Khaplu is an adventurous and scenic option. However, it is long and tiring and requires multiple overnight stays.

Route:

Lahore → Islamabad → Abbottabad → Mansehra → Besham → Dassu → Chilas → Jaglot → Skardu → Khaplu

Key Segments of the Journey:

1. Lahore to Islamabad:

   • Distance: 380 km (236 miles)

   • Duration: Around 4.5 to 5 hours via M-2 Motorway

2. Islamabad to Chilas via Karakoram Highway (KKH):

   • Distance: Around 450 km (280 miles)

   • Duration: 12 to 15 hours

   • Notable Stops: Abbottabad, Besham, Dassu

3. Chilas to Skardu via Jaglot and Skardu Road:

   • Distance: About 270 km (168 miles)

   • Duration: 6 to 8 hours (road condition varies, mountain road)

4. Skardu to Khaplu:

   • Distance: 100 km (62 miles)

   • Duration: 2.5 to 3.5 hours

Total Duration (By Road):

• Approximately 25 to 30 hours of driving time (excluding rest stops and overnight stays)

Best for:

• Adventurers, backpackers, and nature enthusiasts looking for a scenic route and a flexible itinerary

2. Traveling from Lahore to Khaplu by Train

There is no direct train service to Skardu or any part of Gilgit-Baltistan. The furthest north you can go by train from Lahore is Rawalpindi.

Segment 1: Lahore to Rawalpindi by Train

• Distance: 290 km (180 miles)

• Duration: 5 to 7 hours depending on train class and type

Segment 2: Rawalpindi to Skardu by Road

Since there is no railway beyond Rawalpindi to Gilgit-Baltistan, you'll need to continue by road.

• Rawalpindi to Skardu (via KKH and Jaglot): 650 km (403 miles)

• Duration: 16 to 18 hours

• Skardu to Khaplu: 100 km (62 miles), 2.5 to 3.5 hours

Total Duration (Train + Road):

• Around 25 to 30 hours

Best for:

• Travelers who prefer to break the journey into parts and enjoy a mix of train and road travel

3. Traveling from Lahore to Khaplu by Plane

This is the fastest and most comfortable way to reach Khaplu, though it still involves road travel after the flight.

Segment 1: Lahore to Skardu by Air

• Direct flights from Lahore to Skardu are available (weather permitting)

• Aerial Distance: About 500 km (310 miles)

• Flight Duration: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes

Segment 2: Skardu to Khaplu by Road

• Distance: 100 km (62 miles)

• Duration: 2.5 to 3.5 hours

• The road follows the beautiful Shyok River and offers views of snowcapped peaks

Total Duration (Plane + Road):

• Around 4 to 6 hours, depending on flight timing and road conditions

Best for:

• Tourists, families, and international travelers who want a quick, comfortable journey with scenic beauty

Travel Tips for Visiting Khaplu

• Best Season to Travel: May to September; roads are generally open and weather is pleasant.

• Road Conditions: From Skardu to Khaplu, the road is narrow but paved. From Chilas to Skardu, road conditions can be affected by landslides and weather.

• Altitude Caution: Khaplu is at an elevation of around 8,500 feet (2,600 meters). Acclimatization is advised.

• Fuel and Supplies: Ensure you have sufficient fuel and supplies before heading into remote areas between Jaglot and Khaplu.

• Mobile Signals: Limited coverage in some remote areas. SCO (Special Communication Organization) provides the best signal in Baltistan.

Major Attractions in and Around Khaplu

• Khaplu Palace: A restored 19th-century fort and residence, now a museum and hotel

• Chaqchan Mosque: A historic wooden mosque dating back to the 14th century

• Shyok River Views: Scenic riverbanks ideal for picnics and photography

• Mashabrum Viewpoint: Spectacular views of Masherbrum, one of Pakistan’s 8000-meter peaks

• Hiking and Trekking: Access to treks toward the Hushe Valley and other remote Balti villages

Conclusion

Reaching Khaplu from Lahore is a long but rewarding journey that varies significantly based on the chosen travel mode. Whether you opt for a road adventure via the Karakoram Highway, a scenic flight to Skardu followed by a drive through the Shyok Valley, or a combination of train and road segments, the destination is worth the effort. Khaplu, with its history, culture, and jaw-dropping landscapes, offers a truly unique experience in northern Pakistan.