Lahore to Zood Khun Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 Lahore to Zood Khun Distance, Travel Options by Road, Train, and Plane

Overview

Zood Khun (also spelled Zuwudkhoon or Zoodkhun) is the last inhabited village in the breathtaking Chipursan Valley of Upper Hunza, Gilgit-Baltistan. Located near the Afghanistan border, it lies deep within the Karakoram and Pamir mountain ranges and is home to the Wakhi-speaking community. Zood Khun is a true hidden gem for trekkers, cultural explorers, and nature lovers. Getting there from Lahore requires planning and resilience, as it is one of the most remote regions in Pakistan.

Distance Between Lahore and Zood Khun

• By Road: Approximately 1,080 kilometers (around 671 miles)

• By Train and Road Combination: About 1,110 kilometers (around 690 miles)

• By Air and Road Combination: Roughly 830 kilometers (around 516 miles) by air and 250 kilometers (around 155 miles) by road

Traveling from Lahore to Zood Khun by Road

A road trip from Lahore to Zood Khun is an extraordinary journey through urban, rural, and high-mountain terrain. While it offers unmatched scenic beauty, it also requires multiple overnight stays and careful preparation.

Route:

1. Lahore to Islamabad via M-2 Motorway

2. Islamabad to Mansehra via Hazara Expressway (E-35)

3. Mansehra to Chilas via Naran and Babusar Pass (seasonal) or Besham-Dasu (year-round)

4. Chilas to Gilgit on the Karakoram Highway

5. Gilgit to Hunza (Aliabad to Sost) via KKH

6. Sost to Zood Khun via the narrow jeep track through Chipursan Valley

Duration:

• Lahore to Gilgit: ~18–20 hours (via Babusar Pass during summer)

• Gilgit to Sost: ~5–6 hours

• Sost to Zood Khun: ~5–6 hours by jeep

Total Travel Time: Around 30 to 34 hours, depending on road conditions, weather, and stopovers

Road Conditions:

• Paved roads till Sost

• From Sost onward, road is unpaved, narrow, and can be risky in rain or snow

• 4x4 vehicles are essential beyond Sost

Traveling from Lahore to Zood Khun by Train and Road

The train journey makes the first leg more comfortable, but since Gilgit-Baltistan has no rail service, road travel is still required for most of the route.

Route:

1. Lahore to Rawalpindi by train

2. Rawalpindi to Gilgit by road

3. Gilgit to Hunza and Sost by road

4. Sost to Zood Khun by jeep

Duration:

• Train ride (Lahore to Rawalpindi): 5–6 hours

• Rawalpindi to Gilgit: 16–18 hours

• Gilgit to Sost: 5–6 hours

• Sost to Zood Khun: 5–6 hours

Total Duration: Approximately 31 to 36 hours

Considerations:

• Trains provide a good start to the journey

• The road beyond Sost is remote and time-consuming

• Road conditions may slow progress, especially after rain or landslides

Traveling from Lahore to Zood Khun by Air and Road

Flying to Gilgit is the most time-efficient option. After reaching Gilgit, you continue the journey by road and jeep.

Route:

1. Lahore to Gilgit by air (with a stopover in Islamabad)

2. Gilgit to Sost by car

3. Sost to Zood Khun by 4x4 jeep

Duration:

• Lahore to Gilgit (via Islamabad): 3.5 to 4 hours including airport time

• Gilgit to Sost: 5–6 hours

• Sost to Zood Khun: 5–6 hours

Total Duration: Around 13.5 to 16 hours

Air Travel Considerations:

• No direct flights from Lahore to Gilgit; connection via Islamabad is necessary

• Flights are often delayed or canceled due to weather conditions in mountainous areas

Road Segment to Zood Khun:

• Includes passing through small Wakhi villages like Kirmin, Yarzerech, and Reshit

• Ends in Zood Khun, the last village before the Afghan Wakhan Corridor

Places of Interest on the Route

• Hunza Valley: Renowned for its historical forts, friendly people, and natural wonders

• Attabad Lake: Beautiful turquoise lake formed due to a massive landslide in 2010

• Passu Cones: Iconic jagged peaks visible from the KKH near Passu

• Baba Ghundi Shrine: Sufi shrine deeply respected by locals, near Zood Khun

• Zood Khun Village: Surrounded by mountains, home to Wakhi traditions, and a base for treks into the Pamirs

Best Time to Visit Zood Khun

• June to October is the ideal period when the roads are open and weather is favorable

• Winters are harsh, and the road beyond Sost is often blocked due to snow or landslides

Tips for Travelers

• Jeep or 4x4 Required: Especially from Sost to Zood Khun

• Plan Overnight Stays: Likely in Gilgit and Hunza

• Pack Essentials: Food, water, and first aid, as facilities are limited beyond Sost

• Local Guides Recommended: For safe travel and cultural interpretation

• No Mobile Network: Most of Chipursan Valley, including Zood Khun, has no phone or internet access

Cultural and Environmental Notes

• Language: Wakhi is predominantly spoken

• Religion: Predominantly Ismaili Muslims with rich cultural heritage

• Hospitality: Villagers are known for their warm welcome and generosity

• Wildlife and Nature: The region is home to ibex, snow leopards, and glaciers

Conclusion

The journey from Lahore to Zood Khun is both demanding and soul-stirring. With a mix of long drives, rugged mountain trails, and breathtaking alpine scenery, the effort is richly rewarded. Whether you go by road, combine train and road, or take a flight to save time, reaching Zood Khun is a journey into one of Pakistan’s most remote and beautiful frontiers—a destination for those seeking raw nature, spiritual solitude, and cultural depth.