Traveling from Islamabad to Toli Pir offers several options depending on your preference for road, train, or plane. Here’s an extensive guide covering each mode of transportation, including distance, routes, and travel duration:
By Road
Distance: Approximately 140 kilometers (87 miles)
Route: Islamabad > Murree > Rawalakot > Toli Pir
Travel Duration: Around 4-5 hours
Detailed Route:
- Islamabad to Murree: Start your journey from Islamabad and head northeast on the Murree Road (N-75). This route takes you through scenic hills and forested areas. The distance from Islamabad to Murree is about 64 kilometers (40 miles), and it typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Murree to Rawalakot: From Murree, continue on the same route towards Kohala Bridge. After crossing the bridge, you will enter Azad Kashmir territory. Follow the road signs to Rawalakot. The distance from Murree to Rawalakot is around 75 kilometers (47 miles), taking another 2 to 2.5 hours.
- Rawalakot to Toli Pir: Once you reach Rawalakot, follow the signs to Toli Pir, which is around 20 kilometers (12 miles) away. The journey takes approximately 1 hour, depending on road conditions.
Highlights: The road trip offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan foothills, lush green valleys, and pine forests. The winding roads and changing scenery make the journey enjoyable and picturesque.
By Train
Distance: No direct train service to Toli Pir
Route: Islamabad > Rawalpindi > Gujranwala > Rawalpindi > Murree > Rawalakot > Toli Pir
Travel Duration: Approximately 8-10 hours (including train and road travel)
Detailed Route:
- Islamabad to Rawalpindi: Start by taking a taxi or a local bus from Islamabad to Rawalpindi Railway Station. The distance is about 15 kilometers (9 miles), and it takes around 30 minutes.
- Rawalpindi to Gujranwala: Board a train from Rawalpindi to Gujranwala. This train journey covers approximately 180 kilometers (112 miles) and takes around 2.5 to 3 hours.
- Gujranwala to Rawalpindi: After arriving at Gujranwala, you need to take another train back to Rawalpindi, which will take another 2.5 to 3 hours.
- Rawalpindi to Murree: From Rawalpindi, take a taxi or a local bus to Murree, which is about 64 kilometers (40 miles) and takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Murree to Rawalakot: Continue the journey by road from Murree to Rawalakot, covering 75 kilometers (47 miles) in 2 to 2.5 hours.
- Rawalakot to Toli Pir: Finally, take a local taxi from Rawalakot to Toli Pir, around 20 kilometers (12 miles), taking about 1 hour.
Highlights: While this option is not the most efficient, it allows for a scenic train ride through Punjab and a beautiful road journey through the hills of Murree and Azad Kashmir.
By Plane
Distance: No direct flight to Toli Pir
Route: Islamabad > Benazir Bhutto International Airport (ISB) > Islamabad > Murree > Rawalakot > Toli Pir
Travel Duration: Approximately 7-8 hours (including flight and road travel)
Detailed Route:
- Islamabad to Benazir Bhutto International Airport (ISB): Start by heading to the Islamabad International Airport. This is about 30 kilometers (19 miles) from central Islamabad, taking around 45 minutes.
- Flight Options: As there are no direct flights to Rawalakot or Toli Pir, your best option is to take a flight to Muzaffarabad Airport. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour.
- Muzaffarabad to Rawalakot: Upon arrival at Muzaffarabad Airport, you can hire a taxi or use local transportation to reach Rawalakot. The distance is about 90 kilometers (56 miles), taking approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.
- Rawalakot to Toli Pir: From Rawalakot, take a local taxi to Toli Pir, which is about 20 kilometers (12 miles), taking approximately 1 hour.
Highlights: Flying reduces the overall travel time significantly. This option allows you to enjoy aerial views of the region and offers a quicker way to reach Rawalakot, followed by a scenic road trip to Toli Pir.
Conclusion
Each mode of transportation from Islamabad to Toli Pir offers its own set of experiences and convenience levels. Here's a summary:
By Road:
- Distance: 140 kilometers (87 miles)
- Duration: 4-5 hours
- Pros: Direct route, scenic views, flexible stops
- Cons: Mountainous roads can be challenging, traffic conditions
By Train:
- Distance: No direct route, involves multiple transfers
- Duration: 8-10 hours
- Pros: Scenic train journey, relaxed travel
- Cons: Time-consuming, multiple transfers
By Plane:
- Distance: No direct flight, combines air and road travel
- Duration: 7-8 hours
- Pros: Quickest way to cover the longest distance, aerial views
- Cons: Limited flight options, combined with road travel
Recommendation: For those seeking convenience and flexibility, traveling by road is the best option. It allows you to enjoy the scenic beauty at your own pace and provides a direct route to Toli Pir. However, if you prefer a combination of air travel and scenic road trips, flying to Muzaffarabad and then driving to Toli Pir is an excellent choice. The train option, though scenic, is less practical due to multiple transfers and extended travel time.
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