Lahore to Passu Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

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

Passu is a picturesque village in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, located in the Hunza Valley along the Karakoram Highway. Famous for the majestic Passu Cones (also called Cathedral Ridge), the stunning landscape, and the nearby glaciers, it is one of the most visually captivating destinations in northern Pakistan. Traveling from Lahore to Passu is a long but rewarding journey through the changing terrains of Punjab and Gilgit-Baltistan.

Distance from Lahore to Passu

• By Road: Approximately 950 kilometers (590 miles)

• By Air + Road: About 600 kilometers (370 miles) by air from Lahore to Gilgit, followed by 160 kilometers (100 miles) by road from Gilgit to Passu.

Travel by Road

Traveling by road from Lahore to Passu is an extensive but scenic experience. The route takes travelers through various cities and mountain ranges before reaching the Hunza Valley.

Route Details:

1. Lahore to Islamabad: Take the M-2 Motorway (Lahore-Islamabad Motorway) – approximately 375 kilometers.

2. Islamabad to Mansehra: Continue on Hazara Expressway.

3. Mansehra to Chilas via Babusar Pass (seasonal) or Besham-Dasu route (all year):

   • Option 1: Mansehra → Naran → Babusar Pass → Chilas (available from June to October).

   • Option 2: Mansehra → Besham → Dassu → Chilas (available year-round).

4. Chilas to Gilgit: Drive along the Karakoram Highway (KKH).

5. Gilgit to Passu: Continue driving on the KKH through Hunza, crossing Karimabad and Gulmit.

Total Road Travel Time:

• Approximately 22 to 26 hours, depending on road conditions, weather, and stopovers.

• In case of road closures or heavy snowfall, the journey may take longer or require a change in route.

Recommended Stops:

• Naran (if Babusar route is open)

• Chilas

• Gilgit

• Hunza Valley towns like Karimabad or Gulmit

Travel by Train

There is no direct train service to Gilgit-Baltistan, as the region does not have a railway network due to its mountainous terrain. However, train travel can be partially used for the initial leg of the journey.

Travel Plan:

1. Lahore to Rawalpindi by Train:

   • Multiple trains operate daily.

   • Duration: Approximately 4 to 5 hours.

2. Rawalpindi to Passu:

   • From Rawalpindi, one would continue the rest of the journey by road using the same route via Hazara Expressway and Karakoram Highway.

Total Travel Time (Train + Road):

• 26 to 30 hours, depending on train schedule and road conditions.

Travel by Air and Road

The most efficient way to reduce travel time is to take a flight from Lahore to Gilgit, then proceed to Passu by road.

Step-by-Step Plan:

1. Lahore to Gilgit by Plane:

   • Direct flights are available but may be subject to weather conditions.

   • Duration: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.

2. Gilgit to Passu by Road:

   • Distance: 160 kilometers (100 miles)

   • Duration: 3.5 to 4.5 hours, depending on road conditions and weather.

Total Travel Time (Air + Road):

• 5 to 6 hours, assuming no flight delays.

Travel Tips

• Best Travel Season: May to October, as roads are clear and Babusar Pass is open.

• Weather Conditions: Flights to Gilgit are weather-dependent; always have a backup plan.

• Altitude Awareness: Passu is at an elevation of over 2,500 meters; travelers should acclimatize gradually.