Lahore to Mashkai Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

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

Introduction

Mashkai, a tehsil in Awaran District of Balochistan, Pakistan, is surrounded by rugged terrain and mountainous landscapes. Though remote, the region has gained attention due to its cultural richness and natural beauty. Travelers from Lahore seeking to explore the hidden landscapes of Balochistan often find Mashkai to be an adventurous destination. Below is a comprehensive travel guide from Lahore to Mashkai, detailing the distance, travel options, and duration by road, train, and air.

Distance Between Lahore and Mashkai

The approximate distance between Lahore and Mashkai is:

• By road: 1,130 kilometers (702 miles)

• By air (as the crow flies): Around 900 kilometers (559 miles)
  However, due to the remoteness of Mashkai and lack of a nearby commercial airport, travelers must combine air travel with ground transportation.

Travel Options

1. Traveling from Lahore to Mashkai by Road

Traveling by road is the most straightforward way to reach Mashkai, though it involves a long and challenging drive through several districts of Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan.

Route:

• Start from Lahore

• Travel through Multan → Sukkur → Khuzdar → Awaran → Mashkai

This route involves driving on the National Highways including N-5 and N-25, followed by connecting roads in Balochistan.

Travel Duration:

• Approximate driving time is 18 to 22 hours, depending on road conditions and stops.

Travel Tips:

• It is recommended to use a 4x4 vehicle as roads in Awaran and Mashkai are not always paved.

• Fuel stations and rest stops become sparse after Khuzdar.

• Traveling during daylight hours is advised due to limited infrastructure and mobile coverage in the area.

2. Traveling from Lahore to Mashkai by Train

Mashkai does not have a railway station. The nearest major railway station is in Khuzdar or Bela, but these are not directly accessible via regular train routes. Hence, train travel can only be used to cover part of the journey.

Suggested Route:

• Board a train from Lahore Junction to Karachi.

• From Karachi, travel by road to Mashkai via Bela → Khuzdar → Awaran.

Duration:

• Train journey (Lahore to Karachi): Around 16 to 18 hours.

• Road journey from Karachi to Mashkai: Approximately 12 to 14 hours.

Total Duration:

• Approximately 28 to 32 hours including transfers and road travel.

Notes:

• Trains to Karachi are available regularly.

• The road journey from Karachi to Mashkai involves traveling on RCD Highway (N-25) and then provincial roads, which may be rough.

3. Traveling from Lahore to Mashkai by Air

Mashkai does not have its own airport. The closest airports that can be used for partial air travel include:

• Turbat Airport (TBH)

• Gwadar Airport (GWD)

• Karachi Jinnah International Airport (KHI)

The most viable option is flying to Karachi, and then completing the journey by road.

Suggested Route:

• Flight from Lahore to Karachi

• Road travel from Karachi to Mashkai via Khuzdar and Awaran

Flight Duration:

• Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes

Road Duration:

• From Karachi to Mashkai: 12 to 14 hours

Total Duration:

• Around 14 to 16 hours, not including waiting times at the airport.

Alternative Air Options (if available):

• If regional flights to Turbat or Gwadar are operating, road travel time can be reduced slightly. However, such services are infrequent and less reliable.

Recommended Travel Option

For those looking for speed and relative comfort, air travel to Karachi followed by road travel to Mashkai is the most feasible option, cutting total travel time to around 15 hours. However, for those seeking flexibility or planning to explore regions along the way, a full road trip offers a better immersive experience, albeit with a longer travel time of 18–22 hours.

Final Travel Tips

• Check local advisories: Some areas in Balochistan require prior permission for travel due to security reasons.

• Carry essentials: Food, water, fuel, and emergency supplies are a must as the area is remote with limited facilities.

• Avoid night travel: Due to poor road conditions and minimal lighting.

• Local assistance: Consider traveling with someone familiar with the region or hiring a local guide after Khuzdar or Awaran.

Conclusion

Traveling from Lahore to Mashkai is not your typical city-to-city commute. It requires planning, preparation, and a spirit of adventure. Whether you take the scenic road through the heart of Balochistan or combine air and ground travel, the journey to Mashkai promises to be an unforgettable one for those seeking to explore Pakistan’s less-traveled paths.