Lahore to Sust Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 

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

Sust (also spelled Sost) is the last major town in Pakistan before the Khunjerab Pass, located in the Upper Hunza region of Gilgit-Baltistan. Serving as the official immigration and customs checkpoint for travelers entering or leaving Pakistan via the China-Pakistan border, Sust lies on the iconic Karakoram Highway and is a key stop for both trade and tourism. Traveling from Lahore to Sust is a long journey that passes through a wide variety of landscapes, from Punjab’s plains to the towering Karakoram mountains.

Distance from Lahore to Sust

• By Road: Approximately 970 kilometers (603 miles)

• By Air + Road: About 600 kilometers (373 miles) by air from Lahore to Gilgit, followed by 190 kilometers (118 miles) by road from Gilgit to Sust.

Travel by Road

The road journey to Sust is extensive but unforgettable, taking travelers along the world-renowned Karakoram Highway. It’s a journey rich in natural beauty, cultural diversity, and dramatic elevation changes.

Route Details:

1. Lahore to Islamabad: Via M-2 Motorway – around 375 km.

2. Islamabad to Mansehra: Through Hazara Expressway.

3. Mansehra to Chilas:

   • Option 1 (seasonal): Mansehra → Naran → Babusar Pass → Chilas (open June–October).

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

4. Chilas to Gilgit: Continue along the Karakoram Highway through rugged mountain terrain.

5. Gilgit to Sust: Travel north through Hunza Valley, passing towns like Karimabad, Gulmit, and Passu.

Total Road Travel Time:

• 24 to 28 hours, depending on stopovers, road conditions, and chosen route.

• Longer during winter due to potential snow or landslides.

Scenic Stops:

• Naran or Besham (depending on route)

• Gilgit (main city of the region)

• Karimabad (historic forts and cultural sites)

• Passu (for the famous Passu Cones and glaciers)

Travel by Train

Due to the absence of a railway network in Gilgit-Baltistan, train travel only covers the initial part of the journey.

Route Overview:

1. Lahore to Rawalpindi by Train:

   • Multiple daily trains available.

   • Travel time: 4 to 5 hours.

2. Rawalpindi to Sust by Road:

   • Continue by road through the Karakoram Highway following the same path via Mansehra, Chilas, and Gilgit.

Total Duration (Train + Road):

• 28 to 32 hours, depending on transfer time and road conditions.

Travel by Air and Road

The most time-saving and comfortable way to reach Sust is by taking a flight from Lahore to Gilgit, then continuing by road.

Travel Steps:

1. Lahore to Gilgit by Plane:

   • Flight time: Around 1 hour 15 minutes

   • Note: Flights are subject to weather, especially in mountainous regions.

2. Gilgit to Sust by Road:

   • Distance: 190 km (118 miles)

   • Duration: 4.5 to 5.5 hours, depending on weather and road conditions.

   • Travel along the scenic Hunza stretch of the Karakoram Highway.

Total Duration (Air + Road):

• 6 to 7 hours, assuming smooth transfers and no flight delays.

Important Travel Notes

• Border Access: Sust is the last Pakistani town before the Khunjerab Pass border with China. Visitors intending to cross the border should carry valid travel documents and check for seasonal openings.

• Weather Dependency: The road to Khunjerab (and Sust) is closed in winter due to heavy snowfall, usually from December to April.

• Altitude: Sust is located at an altitude of approximately 2,800 meters (9,186 feet), so travelers should be aware of altitude sickness symptoms.

• Best Time to Visit: May to October is ideal, when the Karakoram Highway is open and weather is pleasant.

Nearby Attractions

• Khunjerab National Park (home to snow leopards and ibex)

• Khunjerab Pass (Pakistan-China border, highest paved international border crossing)

• Passu Cones and Glacier

• Attabad Lake

• Hussaini Suspension Bridge

• Gulmit and Ghulkin Villages