Gorakh Hill is about 94 kilometres north-west of Dadu city. Roughly the first 40 to 45 km run on ordinary roads through Johi to Wahi Pandhi, and the last 50 to 54 km are a steep jeep track into the Kirthar Mountains that needs a 4x4. Allow most of a day: a couple of hours to Wahi Pandhi, two to three more on the climb.
This is the guide for people starting from Dadu, whether you have come by Indus Highway or are basing yourself in the town. If you are driving from Karachi, our Karachi to Gorakh Hill route guide covers the whole journey.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Dadu to Gorakh Hill | About 94 km |
| Dadu to Johi | Short drive, around 15 to 20 minutes per one traveller account |
| Wahi Pandhi to Gorakh | About 50 to 54 km, 2 to 3 hours by jeep |
| Vehicle | Any car to Wahi Pandhi; 4x4 only beyond |
| Elevation at the top | About 1,734 m (5,689 ft) |
| Mobile signal | Patchy to none at the top |
The route from Dadu
- Dadu to Johi. Head out of Dadu on the road to Johi, the tehsil town. One traveller account puts it at a 15 to 20 minute drive.
- Johi to Wahi Pandhi. The road continues west to Wahi Pandhi, the last town before the mountains. Dawn's 2016 account said the highways up to Wahi Pandhi were well maintained and gave about two hours from Dadu; other sources are vaguer.
- Wahi Pandhi to Gorakh Hill. This is the jeep track, about 50 to 54 km according to different sources.
Sources do not agree on the Dadu to Wahi Pandhi distance, and one widely copied source says it is only 1 km, which cannot be right. Subtracting the 50 to 54 km climb from the 94 km total gives roughly 40 to 44 km. Check with your driver or on a live map before you leave.
What is the road like beyond Wahi Pandhi?
The Sindh government built a road of about 35 km from Wahi Pandhi through the Gorakh Hills Development Authority, designed for Rs 1 billion. Even so, recent travel guides describe the full route to the top as rough, with only 4x4 vehicles able to manage it,. We could not find a current official statement, so assume a jeep track.
Expect steep sections, loose stones, sharp bends and in places missing parapets. Our Karachi to Gorakh Hill guide describes the climb in more detail.
Fuel, food and supplies
- Fuel: fill in Dadu. Take a full tank if driving your own 4x4, as low-gear climbing uses more than the distance suggests.
- Water and food: buy in Dadu or Wahi Pandhi. The top has a restaurant and tuck shop, but choice is limited.
- Cash: carry plenty; cards will not work.
- Signal: coverage is patchy, so tell someone your return time.
Our guide to places to visit in Dadu covers where to eat and what to see in the town.
Jeep hire and fares
The usual arrangement is to leave your car at Wahi Pandhi and hire a local 4x4 with a driver for the climb. Reported fares vary widely, from about PKR 3,000 to 5,000 for a round trip per jeep in one recent guide to PKR 8,000 to 12,000 per day in another. These are not quotes and prices change; agree on the fare, the waiting time and the return trip before you start. Another traveller account from 2017 mentions jeeps in groups of four passengers.
When to go
Gorakh sits at about 1,734 m, so it is cooler than the plains. Summer highs are generally below 20 degrees C, and winters can fall below freezing, with snow in some years. See Gorakh Hill weather and camping at Gorakh, and book a night via hotels at Gorakh Hill. If rain or snow is forecast, do not attempt the track.
Is the route safe?
The UK government advises against all but essential travel to Sindh north of Nawabshah, which includes Dadu district. Pakistani families and groups do visit Gorakh, but check local news and current police advice the day before you leave, avoid the track after dark and go in daylight with a local driver. Visitors with a foreign passport should know that this advice can void travel insurance. See is Gorakh Hill safe.
Is the Dadu approach better than coming from Karachi?
If you can spare the night, yes. Sleeping in Dadu and starting early means you are at the foot of the track with a full day ahead, rather than climbing in the afternoon. If you only have a day trip from Karachi, it is a long haul; plan an overnight at the top instead.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Gorakh Hill from Dadu?
About 94 kilometres by road and track, with roughly 50 to 54 km of that on the jeep track from Wahi Pandhi.
Can a normal car go to Gorakh Hill?
A normal car can reach Wahi Pandhi but not the top. The final stretch needs a 4x4.
How long does it take from Dadu to Gorakh Hill?
Roughly four to six hours depending on road conditions and stops: up to two hours to Wahi Pandhi and two to three on the track.
How much does a jeep to Gorakh Hill cost?
Recent guides give figures from PKR 3,000 to 12,000 depending on the period and the group size. Agree a price first.
Is there mobile signal at Gorakh Hill?
Very little. Do not count on it.
