Lahore to Pattan (Lower Kohistan) Distance, Travel Options by Road, Train, and Plane
Pattan is a small but important town in the Lower Kohistan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Located along the Karakoram Highway (N-35), it serves as a central point for accessing various valleys and settlements within the rugged Kohistan region. This area, with its steep terrain, gorges, and forested mountains, offers a dramatic change from the plains of Punjab.
Distance from Lahore to Pattan
The road distance between Lahore and Pattan is approximately 540 kilometers (336 miles). Though not very distant on the map, the journey involves significant time due to the terrain and winding mountain roads in the final stretch.
Travel by Road
The road journey to Pattan is the most direct and widely used method. The Karakoram Highway plays a central role in connecting the plains of Punjab to the mountainous northern areas.
Route:
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Lahore → Islamabad → Abbottabad → Mansehra → Besham → Pattan
This journey starts on the M-2 Motorway from Lahore to Islamabad, then continues along the famous N-35 (Karakoram Highway) via Abbottabad and Besham toward Pattan.
Travel Time:
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The complete road trip takes about 12 to 14 hours, depending on road conditions, vehicle type, and rest breaks.
Road Conditions:
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The road from Lahore to Besham is paved and generally in good condition.
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From Besham to Pattan, the Karakoram Highway becomes narrower and more prone to natural disruptions like landslides during the rainy season.
Travel Tips:
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Start your journey early in the morning to reach Pattan before dark.
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Carry food, water, and essentials, as facilities are limited in remote parts after Besham.
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Check weather and road advisories before departure, especially in monsoon or winter seasons.
Travel by Train
There is no direct train service to Pattan. The area lacks railway infrastructure due to its mountainous terrain.
Closest Major Rail Station:
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Rawalpindi Railway Station
You can take a train from Lahore to Rawalpindi, then continue the remaining journey by road.
Duration:
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Lahore to Rawalpindi by train: Around 5 to 6 hours
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Rawalpindi to Pattan by road: About 10 to 11 hours
Total Duration:
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Combined train and road journey takes roughly 15 to 17 hours
Travel by Plane
Pattan does not have an airport, but air travel can help reduce time for part of the journey.
Closest Airport:
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Islamabad International Airport (ISB)
Flight Duration:
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Lahore to Islamabad takes about 1 hour by air.
Road Travel from Islamabad to Pattan:
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From Islamabad to Pattan via the Karakoram Highway takes around 11 to 12 hours by road.
Total Duration:
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Air plus road travel takes around 12 to 14 hours, depending on stopover and transit times.
Summary
Travel from Lahore to Pattan primarily relies on road connectivity via the Karakoram Highway. While there are no railway lines or airports in the vicinity of Pattan, you can reduce fatigue slightly by taking a train or flight to Islamabad or Rawalpindi and completing the rest of the journey by road.
The drive, while long, is full of scenic beauty, from the plains of Punjab to the mountains of Kohistan. For those traveling for adventure, development work, or exploration, Pattan serves as a key entry point into the lower Kohistani highlands.
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