Islamabad to Besham Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 

Travel Options from Islamabad to Besham

By Road

• Distance: Approximately 265 kilometers (165 miles)
• Route: Start from Islamabad and head north on the Karakoram Highway (N-35) via Abbottabad and Mansehra. Continue through Batagram and Thakot until reaching Besham.
• Travel Duration: About 6-7 hours by road, depending on traffic and road conditions.

By Train

Currently, there is no direct train service from Islamabad to Besham. The train network in Pakistan primarily connects major cities on the eastern side of the country, and Besham does not have a railway station.

By Plane

There is no direct flight from Islamabad to Besham as Besham does not have an airport. The nearest airports are in Gilgit and Chitral, but these airports are served by limited flights and are not direct options for reaching Besham.

Detailed Road Route Description

Starting from Islamabad, travelers can take the following route to reach Besham:

1. Islamabad to Abbottabad: Begin on the Islamabad-Murree Road (N-75) towards Murree. From Murree, continue on the N-35 (Karakoram Highway) towards Abbottabad.

   • Distance: Approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles)
   • Travel Duration: Around 3-4 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

2. Abbottabad to Mansehra: Continue north on the N-35 through Abbottabad towards Mansehra.

   • Distance: Approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles)
   • Travel Duration: About 1 hour, depending on traffic.

3. Mansehra to Besham: From Mansehra, continue on the N-35 further north, passing through Batagram and Thakot until reaching Besham.

   • Distance: Approximately 105 kilometers (65 miles)
   • Travel Duration: Around 2-3 hours, depending on road conditions and traffic.

Travel Tips

• Road Conditions: The Karakoram Highway is a major road but can be affected by weather conditions, especially during winter and monsoon seasons. Landslides and road closures are not uncommon in these areas, so it's advisable to check road conditions before traveling.

• Transport Options: Private taxis, rental cars, and public buses are available from Islamabad to Besham. Buses typically depart from the Pir Wadhai Bus Terminal in Rawalpindi or the Faizabad Bus Terminal in Islamabad.

• Scenic Views: The route offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan and Karakoram mountain ranges, making it a popular choice for tourists.

Alternative Routes

Route via Haripur and Balakot

• Distance: Approximately 290 kilometers (180 miles)
• Route: Travel north from Islamabad via the Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway (M-1). Exit at Haripur and take the N-35 towards Abbottabad, Mansehra, and onward to Besham.
• Travel Duration: Around 7-8 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Route via Swat Valley

• Distance: Approximately 360 kilometers (224 miles)
• Route: Head north from Islamabad towards Abbottabad. Continue on the N-35 through Mansehra and Balakot, then travel west towards Mingora in Swat Valley. From Mingora, head north towards Besham via the N-95.
• Travel Duration: About 9-10 hours, accounting for the mountainous terrain and possible delays.

Conclusion

Traveling from Islamabad to Besham offers adventurous routes with scenic views of the northern areas of Pakistan. Whether by road, train, or plane (if indirectly), each option provides a unique travel experience. Road travel via the Karakoram Highway is the most direct and commonly chosen method, offering stunning landscapes along the journey. Always plan ahead, check weather conditions, and be prepared for the challenges of traveling through mountainous terrain.