Islamabad to Mastuj Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 

Traveling from Islamabad to Mastuj offers several routes, each varying in distance, mode of transport, and travel duration. Here are the possible ways to make this journey:

1. By Road:

   • Route: Islamabad -> Abbottabad -> Mansehra -> Besham -> Chilas -> Gilgit -> Gupis -> Phander -> Mastuj
   • Distance: Approximately 460 kilometers (285 miles)
   • Travel Duration: Around 14-16 hours by road, depending on road conditions and traffic.

2. By Air and Road:

   • Route: Islamabad (Benazir Bhutto International Airport) to Gilgit by flight, then Gilgit -> Gupis -> Phander -> Mastuj by road.
   • Distance: Flight distance is around 270 kilometers (168 miles). Road distance from Gilgit to Mastuj is approximately 150 kilometers (93 miles).
   • Travel Duration: Flight time to Gilgit is about 1.5 hours. It takes around 4-5 hours by road from Gilgit to Mastuj.

3. By Public Transport:

   • Route: Islamabad -> Public buses or vans operate daily to Gilgit. From Gilgit, continue by public transport to Gupis, Phander, and finally Mastuj.
   • Distance: Similar to the road route, with additional stops and transfers.
   • Travel Duration: Variable, but typically longer due to multiple stops and waiting times for public transport connections.

4. By Private Car or Taxi:

   • Route: Direct route from Islamabad via the Karakoram Highway (N35) through Abbottabad, Mansehra, Besham, Chilas, Gilgit, Gupis, Phander, to Mastuj.
   • Distance: About 460 kilometers (285 miles).
   • Travel Duration: Approximately 14-16 hours, depending on road conditions and stops.

5. By Motorcycle or Bicycle:

   • Route: Follows the same road route as for cars, providing a more flexible and adventurous journey.
   • Distance: Similar to the road route, covering approximately 460 kilometers (285 miles).
   • Travel Duration: Longer than by car due to the slower speed of motorcycles or bicycles, typically requiring several days with overnight stops.

6. By Trekking:

   • Route: For adventurous travelers, trekking routes are available from various points starting from Gilgit or even further south. Treks typically pass through valleys and over mountain passes, with Mastuj as a destination.
   • Distance: Trekking distances can vary greatly depending on the chosen route, ranging from tens to hundreds of kilometers.
   • Travel Duration: Trekking durations vary significantly based on the route and individual pace, typically taking several days to a week or more.

Each of these options provides a unique experience, offering travelers the opportunity to explore the diverse landscapes and cultures of northern Pakistan while making their way from Islamabad to Mastuj. Whether by road, air, public transport, private vehicle, or even trekking, travelers can choose the mode of travel that best suits their preferences for adventure, comfort, and time constraints.