Gujranwala to Astore Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

Travel Options from Gujranwala to Astore

Astore is a stunning district in Gilgit-Baltistan, located at the base of the mighty Nanga Parbat. Known for its natural beauty, serene lakes, and breathtaking landscapes, Astore is a popular destination for trekkers and nature lovers. The journey from Gujranwala to Astore is not as straightforward as other cities, as there are limited direct travel options. Here’s a detailed guide to traveling from Gujranwala to Astore by road, train, and air, along with distances, routes, and travel times.

By Road
The distance from Gujranwala to Astore is approximately 670 km (416 miles).

1. Route: Gujranwala → Lahore → Rawalpindi → Islamabad → Mansehra → Abbottabad → Chilas → Astore.
2. Duration: The total travel time by road is approximately 13 to 15 hours, depending on traffic, road conditions, and stops along the way.
3. Details:
   • Route Overview: The journey begins from Gujranwala, heading to Lahore and then to Rawalpindi. From Rawalpindi, travel continues towards Islamabad, and then proceeds on the scenic route through Mansehra and Abbottabad. After passing through these towns, the route moves on to Chilas, the last major town before Astore. From Chilas, the journey involves a narrow, winding road to reach Astore, passing through breathtaking mountainous terrain.
   • Road Conditions: The road from Gujranwala to Rawalpindi is generally in good condition, but as you move towards the northern areas, particularly after Abbottabad, the roads become more winding and rough. From Chilas to Astore, the road is less developed, requiring careful driving, especially in bad weather.
   • Vehicle Options: It is advisable to travel in a sturdy vehicle, preferably a 4x4, especially for the final leg of the journey. Public transport is available from Rawalpindi to Astore, but it may be less comfortable compared to private vehicles.

By Train
There is no direct train service to Astore from Gujranwala. However, you can travel by train to Rawalpindi and then continue by road from there.

1. Route: Gujranwala → Lahore → Rawalpindi (train) → Islamabad → Mansehra → Abbottabad → Chilas → Astore (by road).
2. Duration:
   • The train journey from Gujranwala to Rawalpindi typically takes 4 to 5 hours.
   • After reaching Rawalpindi, the road journey to Astore will take an additional 9 to 11 hours.
   • The total time for this trip, combining both train and road travel, is approximately 13 to 16 hours.
3. Cost: A train ticket from Gujranwala to Rawalpindi can range from PKR 400 to 1,000, depending on the class, while the road journey from Rawalpindi to Astore may cost around PKR 3,500 to 5,000 for a bus or private car.
4. Tips: The train journey offers a comfortable and scenic ride to Rawalpindi, but you’ll still need to travel for a long time by road to reach Astore. It’s best to travel by private vehicle for greater flexibility and comfort on the final leg of the journey.

By Air
There is no direct flight to Astore, and the nearest airport is in Gilgit. From Gujranwala, you will need to fly to Gilgit first and then drive to Astore.

1. Route: Gujranwala → Lahore (flight) → Islamabad → Gilgit → Astore (by road).
2. Duration:
   • The flight from Lahore to Islamabad takes about 1 hour.
   • A direct flight from Islamabad to Gilgit takes around 1.5 hours.
   • From Gilgit, the drive to Astore takes approximately 3 to 4 hours.
   • The total air travel time, including the road journey from Gilgit to Astore, is around 6 to 7 hours.
3. Cost: Flights from Lahore to Islamabad typically cost between PKR 6,000 to 12,000, while flights from Islamabad to Gilgit range from PKR 6,000 to 15,000. The road journey from Gilgit to Astore will cost around PKR 2,500 to 5,000, depending on the mode of transport.
4. Tips: Flying is the fastest way to get to Gilgit, but the journey to Astore by road from Gilgit will take several more hours. It is essential to book flights in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Conclusion

Traveling from Gujranwala to Astore offers a mix of adventure and scenic beauty, with several transportation options to suit different budgets and time constraints. The most common way to travel is by road, which takes approximately 13 to 15 hours, passing through some of the most picturesque landscapes of northern Pakistan. Although there is no direct train or flight to Astore, a combination of train to Rawalpindi followed by road travel to Astore is also possible. Alternatively, flying to Gilgit and then traveling by road to Astore is the fastest option, although it is relatively expensive. Regardless of the mode of transport, the journey promises a unique experience, with unforgettable views of the mountains and valleys along the way.