Islamabad to Astor Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 

Traveling from Islamabad to Astor offers a scenic journey through Pakistan's northern landscapes, encompassing both road and air travel options. Here’s a detailed exploration of the various ways to reach Astor from Islamabad:

By Road:

1. Route via N-15 and Astore Road:

   • Distance: Approximately 280 km (174 miles)
   • Travel Duration: About 7-9 hours depending on road conditions and traffic.
   • Description: Start from Islamabad, head towards Murree via the Murree Expressway. Continue on the N-15 (Karakoram Highway) passing through Abbottabad, Mansehra, and Chilas. From Chilas, take the Astore Road which leads directly to Astor.

2. Route via N-15 and Gilgit:

   • Distance: Approximately 370 km (230 miles)
   • Travel Duration: Around 10-12 hours, considering road conditions and stops.
   • Description: Follow the N-15 (Karakoram Highway) as mentioned above. Instead of turning towards Astore Road at Chilas, continue on the N-15 to Gilgit. From Gilgit, take the Gilgit-Astore Road to reach Astor.

3. Route via N-15, Babusar Pass, and Astore Road:

   • Distance: Approximately 400 km (248 miles)
   • Travel Duration: About 12-14 hours due to challenging terrain and weather conditions on Babusar Pass.
   • Description: Travel on the N-15 to Balakot, then proceed towards Babusar Top via the Naran-Babusar Road. After crossing Babusar Pass, descend towards Chilas and take the Astore Road to Astor.

By Air (Limited Information):

Currently, there are no direct commercial flights between Islamabad and Astor. Travelers can fly from Islamabad to nearby Gilgit or Skardu airports and then proceed to Astor by road.

Additional Information:

• Scenic Views: The journey by road offers stunning views of the Himalayas, including Nanga Parbat, and the Karakoram Range.
• Road Conditions: Roads can vary in quality and may be affected by weather, especially during winter.
• Local Tips: It’s advisable to check weather conditions and road closures before embarking on the journey, especially during the winter months when some routes may be impassable.

Conclusion:

Traveling from Islamabad to Astor provides an adventure through some of Pakistan’s most breathtaking landscapes. Whether by road, enjoying the picturesque journey through valleys and over mountain passes, or via nearby airports with subsequent road travel, each route offers its own unique experience of the region’s natural beauty.