Gujranwala to Kaghan: Travel Options by Road, Train, and Plane
Kaghan Valley, located in the Mansehra District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, is one of Pakistan’s most popular tourist destinations. Known for its lush green landscapes, snow-capped peaks, and the majestic Kunhar River, Kaghan attracts visitors throughout the year, especially those seeking adventure and natural beauty. Here’s a guide to traveling from Gujranwala to Kaghan, outlining options by road, train, and plane, with details on distances, routes, and travel times.
- By Road: 540 km (335 miles)
- By Train: 520 km (323 miles)
- By Plane: 450 km (280 miles)
Each travel option presents different experiences and time requirements, so let's explore each mode of travel in detail.
1. Travel by Road
The most common way to reach Kaghan from Gujranwala is by road. The drive takes travelers through scenic landscapes, bustling towns, and mountainous terrain. The total distance is approximately 540 kilometers (335 miles), and the journey usually takes 9 to 11 hours, depending on traffic, road conditions, and stops along the way.
Route:
The most efficient route involves taking the Gujranwala to Lahore Motorway (M-2), traveling towards Islamabad, and then switching to M-1 Motorway leading to Peshawar. From Peshawar, take the road to Mansehra. From Mansehra, you will continue on the Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad Road (often referred to as the Naran Road) that leads you directly into Kaghan Valley. The drive is particularly scenic once you pass Mansehra, with the Kunhar River and the lush green mountains of Kaghan Valley greeting you along the way.
Duration:
The journey by road typically takes between 9 to 11 hours, depending on the traffic, road conditions, and the weather, especially during the winter months when roads can be blocked due to snowfall. This option allows you to experience the countryside and the various towns along the way.
2. Travel by Train
Traveling by train from Gujranwala to Kaghan is a bit more complicated because there is no direct train service that connects these two places. However, you can take a train to Rawalpindi or Islamabad, and from there, continue your journey by road.
Route:
Begin your journey from Gujranwala Railway Station by taking a train to Rawalpindi or Islamabad, both of which are major rail hubs. From either of these stations, you would need to board a bus or hire a taxi to travel to Mansehra. After reaching Mansehra, the road to Kaghan is approximately 60 kilometers (37 miles). This final stretch is completed by car or bus.
Duration:
The train ride from Gujranwala to Rawalpindi or Islamabad takes around 4 to 5 hours. Once you reach either of these cities, the road journey to Kaghan can take an additional 5 to 6 hours, including breaks and traffic conditions. Thus, the total travel time by train and road can range from 9 to 12 hours, depending on waiting times, transfers, and road conditions.
3. Travel by Plane
Flying to Kaghan from Gujranwala is not an option since there is no airport in Kaghan Valley itself. However, you can fly to Islamabad or Peshawar, which are the nearest major airports. After reaching one of these cities, you would need to complete the rest of the journey by road.
Route:
To begin, travel from Sialkot International Airport (the nearest airport to Gujranwala) and board a flight to Islamabad International Airport or Bacha Khan International Airport in Peshawar. The distance from Islamabad to Kaghan is approximately 270 kilometers (168 miles), and from Peshawar to Kaghan is about 220 kilometers (137 miles).
From Islamabad or Peshawar, the road journey will take you through Mansehra before continuing to Kaghan Valley. As mentioned above, the journey on the Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad Road is picturesque, and you can expect stunning views of the valley.
Duration:
The flight time from Sialkot to Islamabad or Sialkot to Peshawar is around 30 to 40 minutes. However, the road trip from either Islamabad or Peshawar to Kaghan will take an additional 5 to 6 hours. Overall, the total travel time by plane and road will range from 6 to 7 hours, making it the quickest way to reach Kaghan compared to train or road travel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice of travel mode from Gujranwala to Kaghan depends on the traveler’s preference for comfort, speed, and the type of experience desired.
- By road, the trip offers flexibility and scenic views, taking around 9 to 11 hours for the 540 kilometers (335 miles) journey.
- By train, it’s a longer journey, taking 9 to 12 hours, involving train travel to Rawalpindi or Islamabad, followed by a road trip.
- By air, while it’s the fastest option, the journey involves connecting flights and a road trip, totaling around 6 to 7 hours.
For those who enjoy the freedom of exploring at their own pace and savoring the landscapes, road travel is the best option. On the other hand, for a quicker but less scenic journey, flying is ideal, though it requires some planning due to the lack of direct flights. Train travel is an interesting option but tends to take longer due to the need for transfers.
Ultimately, whichever mode you choose, the journey to Kaghan Valley promises to be an unforgettable experience, with the enchanting landscapes of the valley awaiting your arrival.
اگر آپ لاہور سے ہیں اور لاہور میں کوئی چیز خریدنا یا بیچنا چاہتے ہیں تو اب آپ اپنی چیزیں لاہور کی سب سے بڑی ان لائن مارکیٹ پر بیچ سکتے ہیں.
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