The road from Chitral to Madaklasht goes south to Drosh on the main highway, then turns up Shishi Koh valley on an unpaved track. In total it is roughly 80 km and takes three to four hours by jeep. The first leg, about 43 km, is paved and takes around an hour. The second, about 40 km, is the slow part.
Some websites list Madaklasht as 40 km from Chitral. That figure is the Drosh to Madaklasht leg only, so don't plan on a one-hour trip.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Total distance | About 80 km (43 km paved, then about 40 km unpaved) |
| Total time | About 3 to 4 hours by jeep |
| Chitral to Drosh | About 43 km, 40 minutes to an hour |
| Drosh to Madaklasht | About 40 km, roughly 2.5 to 3 hours |
| Vehicle | Jeep or high-clearance 4x4 |
| Road status | Flood damage in July and August 2026; repairs under way in August |
The route in two legs
Leg 1: Chitral to Drosh
Drive south on the N-45, the road towards the Lowari Tunnel and Dir. Drosh is about 27 miles (43 km) from Chitral and the drive is usually put at around 40 minutes to an hour. Our Drosh guide covers what the town offers: fuel, a bazaar and the jeep stand.
Leg 2: Drosh to Madaklasht
The road to Madaklasht leaves from Drosh and runs through Shishi Koh valley for about 40 km. It is not metalled. Operators quote about two and a half hours by 4x4 and three hours by shared jeep, and some travellers report more than four hours when the surface is bad. Hindukush snow-sports organisers describe it as a narrow, snow-covered road in winter.
For the valley itself, see our Shishi Koh valley guide.
Jeep options and costs
There are two ways to do the drive without your own vehicle.
- Shared jeep from Drosh. Jeeps leave from the Shishikoh jeep stand in Drosh on a sharing basis. You would first need to reach Drosh from Chitral by public transport or a hired car.
- Booked (special) jeep. A private jeep can be arranged from the same stand, or through a Chitral operator for the whole run from Chitral town.
We could not find a reliable published fare for either, and prices change with fuel and road condition, so we won't print a number. Ask at the stand or at your Chitral hotel, agree the price and the waiting time before you set off, and ask whether the fare covers the return. Our Chitral jeep rental guide explains how booking works for other routes.
Is the road open now?
Madaklasht Road was one of several Lower Chitral roads damaged by flash floods in 2026. In July Rescue 1122 evacuated more than 200 stranded passengers from Lower Chitral roads, and a flood on 20 July hit Tangel village in Shishi Koh. On 12 August the Communications and Works Department was clearing debris and restoring the road. We have not seen a source confirming when work finished, so phone a driver in Drosh or ask in Chitral the day before.
Snow closes the road for part of the winter, so winter trips need a local check as well. For other roads in the district see Chitral road conditions.
Tips for the drive
- Start early. Leave Chitral by 7 or 8 am so you reach the unpaved leg with a full afternoon of light.
- Fill up and carry cash in Chitral or Drosh before the climb.
- Tell someone your plan, as mobile coverage in a side valley may be patchy.
- Check the sky. Heavy rain in July and August can bring flash floods and landslides on side roads.
- Pack warm clothes. Madaklasht is at about 2,500 to 2,600 m, much cooler than Drosh.
Is it safe?
Chitral is on the UK government's list of areas where it advises against travel, and the UK advises against all travel on the N45 from Mardan to Chitral city. Overseas visitors should check their own government's advice, because travelling against it can void insurance. Pakistani travellers still use the Chitral to Drosh road. Check local news and police advice before you go and carry your CNIC. See our Chitral safety guide, and the general travel guide.
Is the trip worth it?
Madaklasht suits travellers who like remote villages and don't mind a long, rough drive for a quiet stay. It is a poor choice for a single day trip from Chitral: you would spend seven or eight hours in the jeep. Read our Madaklasht guide to decide.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Madaklasht from Chitral?
About 80 km by road: roughly 43 km to Drosh, then about 40 km on an unpaved road up Shishi Koh valley.
How long does it take to drive from Chitral to Madaklasht?
About three to four hours by jeep, depending on road condition. Allow longer after rain.
Can I drive a normal car to Madaklasht?
The Drosh to Madaklasht road is unpaved, so a jeep or high-clearance 4x4 is the sensible choice, especially after the 2026 flood damage.
How much does a jeep from Chitral to Madaklasht cost?
We couldn't find a reliable current fare. Ask at the Shishikoh jeep stand in Drosh or at your Chitral hotel and agree the price first.
Is the Madaklasht road open in winter?
Heavy snow blocks it for part of the winter, so check locally before travelling.
