Traveling from Islamabad to Banjosa Lake, located in the picturesque Rawalakot area of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, offers various travel options, including by road, train, and plane. Here’s a comprehensive guide covering these different modes of transportation, along with distances, routes, and travel durations.
By Road
Option 1: Direct Route via Kahuta
- Distance: Approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles)
- Route:
- Start from Islamabad and head southeast on the Islamabad Expressway.
- Take the exit towards Kahuta on the Kahuta Road.
- Continue on Kahuta Road until you reach Azad Pattan.
- From Azad Pattan, take the road towards Rawalakot.
- Once in Rawalakot, follow the signs to Banjosa Lake.
- Travel Duration: Around 3-4 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Option 2: Route via Murree and Kohala
- Distance: Approximately 160 kilometers (99 miles)
- Route:
- Begin from Islamabad on the Murree Road (N-75) towards Murree.
- Continue through Murree towards Kohala Bridge.
- Cross Kohala Bridge and proceed on the road towards Rawalakot.
- Once in Rawalakot, follow the signs to Banjosa Lake.
- Travel Duration: Around 4-5 hours, considering potential stops and the hilly terrain.
By Train
- Distance: Trains do not run directly to Rawalakot or Banjosa Lake, so train travel involves a combination of train and road travel.
- Route:
- Take a train from Islamabad to Rawalpindi (distance: 15 kilometers or 9 miles).
- From Rawalpindi, take a train to Sialkot or Lahore, depending on the available routes.
- From Sialkot or Lahore, travel by road to Rawalakot.
- From Rawalakot, continue by road to Banjosa Lake.
- Travel Duration:
- Train from Islamabad to Rawalpindi: Around 30 minutes.
- Train from Rawalpindi to Sialkot: Approximately 4-5 hours.
- Road travel from Sialkot to Rawalakot: About 5-6 hours.
- Road travel from Rawalakot to Banjosa Lake: Around 30 minutes.
- Total estimated travel time: 10-12 hours.
By Plane
Option 1: Flight to Islamabad Airport and Road to Banjosa Lake
- Distance: The journey includes a flight followed by road travel.
- Route:
- Fly into Islamabad International Airport.
- From Islamabad Airport, travel by road to Rawalakot via Kahuta or Murree.
- From Rawalakot, proceed to Banjosa Lake by road.
- Travel Duration:
- Flight time to Islamabad: Varies based on the departure city.
- Road travel from Islamabad to Banjosa Lake: Approximately 3-4 hours.
- Total estimated travel time: Varies based on the flight duration and road travel time.
Option 2: Flight to Sialkot or Lahore and Road to Banjosa Lake
- Distance: The journey includes a flight followed by road travel.
- Route:
- Fly to Sialkot International Airport or Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore.
- From Sialkot or Lahore, travel by road to Rawalakot.
- From Rawalakot, proceed to Banjosa Lake by road.
- Travel Duration:
- Flight time to Sialkot or Lahore: Varies based on the departure city.
- Road travel from Sialkot to Rawalakot: About 5-6 hours.
- Road travel from Lahore to Rawalakot: About 6-7 hours.
- Road travel from Rawalakot to Banjosa Lake: Around 30 minutes.
- Total estimated travel time: Varies based on the flight duration and road travel time.
Detailed Road Travel Option
For the most convenient and scenic journey, the road travel option from Islamabad to Banjosa Lake is highly recommended. Here’s a detailed description of the journey:
Starting from Islamabad
- Depart from Islamabad on the Islamabad Expressway.
- Continue on the expressway and take the exit towards Kahuta on Kahuta Road.
- Drive through the scenic route, passing through small towns and lush green landscapes.
Kahuta to Azad Pattan
- Continue on Kahuta Road until you reach Azad Pattan.
- Azad Pattan is a notable crossing point over the Jhelum River, offering beautiful views.
- After crossing the bridge at Azad Pattan, follow the road towards Rawalakot.
Rawalakot to Banjosa Lake
- Upon reaching Rawalakot, a popular hill station, follow the signs to Banjosa Lake.
- The road from Rawalakot to Banjosa Lake is well-paved and surrounded by pine forests and mountainous terrain.
- Banjosa Lake, located at an elevation of 1,981 meters (6,499 feet) above sea level, is a man-made lake surrounded by dense pine forests, making it a serene and picturesque destination.
Travel Tips
- Road Conditions: The roads leading to Banjosa Lake are generally in good condition but can be narrow and winding, particularly in the mountainous regions. It is advisable to drive carefully and be prepared for sudden turns.
- Weather Considerations: The weather can vary significantly with altitude. Summers are pleasant, while winters can be cold with occasional snowfall. It’s essential to check the weather forecast and road conditions before starting your journey.
- Fuel and Rest Stops: Ensure your vehicle is well-fueled, as fuel stations can be sparse in the hilly areas. Plan for rest stops to enjoy the scenic beauty and refresh yourself during the journey.
- Local Cuisine and Attractions: While in Rawalakot, take the opportunity to enjoy local cuisine and visit nearby attractions, such as Toli Pir, Poonch River, and the Rawalakot Viewpoint.
Conclusion
Traveling from Islamabad to Banjosa Lake can be a memorable experience, offering a mix of scenic landscapes and cultural insights. Whether you choose to travel by road, train, or plane, each option has its unique charm and considerations. For those seeking a direct and scenic route, the road journey via Kahuta or Murree is highly recommended, providing a blend of convenience and picturesque views.
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