Lahore is a long way from the mountains, but the M-2 motorway makes the first leg easy. Here is how to plan the journey and where to stop.
In this guide
First leg: Lahore to Islamabad
The M-2 motorway covers around 380 km in roughly 3.5–4 hours. Many travellers stay a night in Islamabad or Rawalpindi before heading north, which makes the next day shorter and less tiring.
Approximate travel times from Lahore
| Destination | Approx. total drive | Suggestion |
|---|---|---|
| Murree and Galiyat | 5–6 hours | Day or overnight |
| Swat (Mingora) | 7–8 hours | Overnight in Swat |
| Naran | 9–10 hours | Break in Islamabad or Mansehra |
| Neelum Valley (Kel) | 14+ hours | Two days with a night in Muzaffarabad or Keran |
| Hunza (Karimabad) | 18–22 hours | Two to three days with overnight stops |
| Skardu | 20+ hours | Two to three days, or fly from Islamabad |
Times are approximate for a private vehicle without long stops.
Flights
Direct flights from Lahore to Skardu or Gilgit operate at times, and flights from Islamabad are more regular. All mountain flights are weather-dependent, so keep a spare day and a road back-up. See Skardu by road or by air.
Suggested plans
- Hunza: Lahore → Islamabad (night) → Chilas or Besham (night) → Hunza. See Islamabad to Hunza.
- Skardu: fly Islamabad–Skardu, or drive with two overnights.
- Naran: leave Lahore early, overnight in Balakot or Kiwai, and reach Naran the next morning.
Tips
- Start by 5–6 am to reach Islamabad before afternoon.
- Plan trips of at least 5–6 days to make the distance worthwhile.
- Consider pickup in Lahore with a private vehicle — we arrange this on request.
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Sample 6-day plan from Lahore
- Day 1: Lahore to Islamabad; rest.
- Day 2: Islamabad to Besham or Chilas.
- Day 3: Chilas to Hunza.
- Day 4: Hunza sightseeing.
- Day 5: Return to Chilas or Besham.
- Day 6: Back to Islamabad and Lahore.
This is a tight plan; seven or eight days is more comfortable.
Fly-and-drive options
Consider flying Lahore to Islamabad or directly to Gilgit or Skardu where schedules allow, then using a private vehicle. It saves a day of driving for travellers with limited time.
Packing for the long journey
- Neck pillow and a light blanket.
- Snacks and water.
- Downloaded entertainment.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to drive from Lahore to Hunza?
Around 18–22 hours of driving, best split over two or three days.
Is it better to fly from Lahore?
Flights save time but are weather-dependent. Check schedules and keep a spare day.
Can you pick us up from Lahore?
Yes, private pickups from Lahore can be arranged.
Is it cheaper to start from Islamabad?
Starting from Islamabad avoids one long driving day, saving time and often some cost.
Can you arrange pickups from other cities?
Yes, on request.
