Islamabad to Ghizer Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 Traveling from Islamabad to Ghizer offers several routes, each varying in distance, mode of transportation, and travel duration. Here's a comprehensive guide covering various ways to reach Ghizer from Islamabad:

1. By Road via Karakoram Highway (KKH):

   • Distance: Approximately 380 kilometers (236 miles)
   • Route: Start from Islamabad, travel on the KKH via Abbottabad, Mansehra, Besham, Chilas, and Gilgit, then proceed to Ghizer.
   • Travel Duration: Around 12-14 hours by road, depending on road conditions and stops.

2. By Road via N-15 and N-35:

   • Distance: About 420 kilometers (261 miles)
   • Route: From Islamabad, take N-35 via Hasan Abdal, Haripur, Abbottabad, and then join N-15 near Thakot. Follow N-15 through Besham, Chilas, and Gilgit, continuing to Ghizer.
   • Travel Duration: Approximately 14-16 hours by road, including breaks.

3. By Road via Swat Valley:

   • Distance: Roughly 500 kilometers (310 miles)
   • Route: Start from Islamabad, head towards Swat via Mardan and Mingora. From Mingora, take the road through Kalam and then continue north through Chitral to reach Ghizer.
   • Travel Duration: Around 16-18 hours by road, considering mountainous terrain and road conditions.

4. By Air and Road Combination:

   • Distance: Variable depending on flight availability and road route chosen.
   • Route: Fly from Islamabad to Gilgit. From Gilgit, travel by road to Ghizer.
   • Travel Duration: Flight time is around 1-1.5 hours. Road travel from Gilgit to Ghizer takes about 4-5 hours.

5. By Public Transport:

   • Distance: Varies based on the route taken.
   • Route: Several bus services operate from Islamabad to Gilgit. From Gilgit, local transport options such as vans or jeeps are available to Ghizer.
   • Travel Duration: Bus travel from Islamabad to Gilgit takes approximately 16-18 hours. Local transport from Gilgit to Ghizer can take an additional 4-5 hours.

6. By Private Vehicle:

   • Distance: Depending on the route chosen, as listed above.
   • Route: Utilize personal or rented vehicle services to travel from Islamabad to Ghizer via the preferred route.
   • Travel Duration: Comparable to general road travel times, varying based on individual pace and stops.

7. Scenic Route via Kaghan Valley and Babusar Pass:

   • Distance: Approximately 550 kilometers (342 miles)
   • Route: From Islamabad, drive north through Mansehra and Naran in Kaghan Valley. Continue over Babusar Pass towards Chilas and Gilgit, then proceed to Ghizer.
   • Travel Duration: This route is longer but offers breathtaking scenery. Expect around 18-20 hours including stops.

Each route offers its unique advantages in terms of scenic beauty, accessibility, and travel experience. When planning your trip from Islamabad to Ghizer, consider factors such as weather conditions, road closures, and personal preferences for travel comfort and time efficiency.