Islamabad to Sost Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 To travel from Islamabad to Sost, you have a few options depending on your mode of transportation. Here’s a comprehensive guide:

By Road:

1. Route: Islamabad - Rawalpindi - Hasan Abdal - Haripur - Abbottabad - Mansehra - Besham - Chilas - Gilgit - Karimabad - Aliabad - Passu - Sost
2. Distance: Approximately 720 kilometers (447 miles)
3. Travel Duration: It can take around 18 to 24 hours depending on road conditions and stops.

Detailed Route Description:

• Start from Islamabad and head towards Rawalpindi.
• From Rawalpindi, continue on the Karakoram Highway (N-35) towards Hasan Abdal.
• Pass through Haripur, Abbottabad, and Mansehra.
• Continue on the Karakoram Highway towards Besham.
• From Besham, proceed towards Chilas.
• Travel through Chilas and onwards to Gilgit.
• From Gilgit, continue towards Hunza Valley.
• Pass through Karimabad and Aliabad.
• Continue on the Karakoram Highway towards Passu.
• Finally, reach Sost, which is the last town before the Chinese border.

By Air and Road:

1. Route:
   • Fly from Islamabad to Gilgit.
   • From Gilgit, travel by road to Sost via Karakoram Highway (N-35).
2. Distance: Air distance from Islamabad to Gilgit is approximately 180 kilometers (112 miles). By road from Gilgit to Sost is around 215 kilometers (134 miles).
3. Travel Duration: Flight duration is about 1 hour. Road travel from Gilgit to Sost can take 5 to 7 hours.

Flight Information:

• Islamabad has direct flights to Gilgit operated by various airlines.
• From Gilgit, travel by road on the Karakoram Highway towards Sost.

By Public Transport:

1. Route: Public buses and vans operate from Islamabad to Gilgit and further to Sost.
2. Distance: Similar to the road route, approximately 720 kilometers (447 miles).
3. Travel Duration: Public transport can take longer due to multiple stops and varying schedules, usually around 24 to 30 hours.

Public Transport Details:

• Buses and vans depart from various terminals in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
• They follow the Karakoram Highway route via major towns and cities en route to Sost.

Important Considerations:

• Road Conditions: The Karakoram Highway is subject to weather conditions and occasional landslides, so travel times can vary.
• Altitude: Sost is located at a high altitude, so travelers should be prepared for altitude sickness and carry appropriate medication if necessary.
• Border Regulations: Check current visa and travel requirements, especially if you plan to continue towards the China border from Sost.

Conclusion:

Traveling from Islamabad to Sost offers an adventurous journey through some of Pakistan's most scenic landscapes. Whether by road or air, the route promises breathtaking views of the Karakoram Range and the cultural richness of the Hunza Valley. Plan your trip carefully, considering weather conditions and travel logistics, to make the most of this remarkable journey.