By road journey from Islamabad or Rawalpindi to Gilgit and Skardu is more enjoyable because departing from Islamabad to Skardu or Gilgit the Buses pass from almost all the places of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwah. There are two routes to reach Gilgit-Baltistan from Islamabad or Rawalpindi. One is directly through KKH (Karakurum Highway) which is named as N35. If you follow this route you will see the Beautiful Places of KPK like Mansehra, Abbottabad, Batgram, Chtarplane, Patan and Bisham etc.
Another way is same from Islamabad to Mansehra city of KPK but from here it follows the national highway named as N15. If you follow this rout that also meets to KKH at Chilas District of Gilgit-Baltistan you will see the most beautiful places of Pakistan that is Naran,Kaghan valley and Babusasr Top of Gilgit-Baltiatan. You can see the map below to understand the rout better.
You will never forget the journey and will be proud of it which you have made through worlds highest road network, KKH (Karakoram Highway) passing through worlds three mightiest ranges of mountains (Himalayas emerging from India and Nepal, Karakorum from north Pakistan and Hindukush from Afghanistan).
Departing from Islamabad or Rawalpindi the more you cover the distance the more you will be going higher and higher towards the land of Peaks.
It takes about 4 or 5 hours to reach Mansehra and vehicle whatever you have chosen will make a stop for tea or meal depending upon the time of departure. After that you will be passing through green carpeted lands of KPK will reach Besham. Here vans will be stooped for meal or tea. From here the KKH will follow every twist and turn of Indus River passing through Kohistan, the last district of KPK and you will be hugged by the Peaks of Gilgit-Baltistan entering through Diamer District will reach Chilas. Mostly the vans departs after noon in that case you will be in Chilas for breakfast but if you have leaved Islamabad before noon you will be at Jougloat for breakfast. After departing from here you will reach at a junction separating ways of Gilgit and Skardu.
If you are going to Gilgit it will take about an hour to reach Gilgit city from this junction. But if you are determined to go to Skardu you will have to travel 5 hours more. In the way to Skardu the van will stop for lunch at PTDC motel Stak Valley, this will be the last tea or meal and you will reach Skardu city and will be enjoying.
List of Transport Agencies
There is no shortage of transport agencies. You will have you own choice of vehicle. Also you may take rental vehicles for private use to reach Gilgit or Skardu.
For more information you can visit Stations and Terminals.
The list of transport agencies are:
NATCO (Northern Areas Transport Corporation)
For more information you can visit Stations and Terminals.
The list of transport agencies are:
NATCO (Northern Areas Transport Corporation)
Mshabrum Tours
Hamaliya Tours
Geo Travel
