There are two practical ways to drive from Islamabad to Sudhan Gali: through Kohala and Bagh, or through Muzaffarabad and Chikar. Neither is a quick trip. Both involve a long first stretch on a good road followed by a slower climb into the hills, and most drivers should budget a full day rather than an afternoon.
This guide compares the two so you can choose based on road quality, whether you want to pass through Muzaffarabad for services, and how much of the drive you are willing to do on a narrow hill road.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Via Kohala and Bagh | Roughly 180 to 190 km, about 5 to 5.5 hours |
| Via Muzaffarabad and Chikar | Roughly 190 km, about 6.5 to 7 hours |
| First stretch (either route) | Islamabad to Kohala Bridge, about 100 km, 1.5 to 2 hours |
| Road surface | Kohala–Dhirkot–Bagh road is wider and more used; the Chikar road is narrower with tighter bends |
| Best months | May to September |
| Fuel and services | Best stocked in Muzaffarabad and Bagh; limited beyond either |
The first stretch is the same
Both routes start the same way: south from Islamabad on Murree Road, through or around Murree, and down to the Kohala Bridge, where the road crosses the Jhelum river into Azad Kashmir. This first leg covers about 100 km and takes roughly an hour and a half to two hours in normal traffic, longer on a weekend when Murree itself is busy.
At Kohala the routes split. One continues into Azad Kashmir and climbs directly towards Dhirkot and Bagh. The other follows the river a little further to Muzaffarabad before turning inland towards Chikar.
Route 1: via Kohala, Dhirkot and Bagh
This route leaves the Jhelum valley at Kohala and climbs through Chamankot and Dhirkot before dropping into Bagh, the district headquarters. From Bagh, a further stretch of road climbs again to Sudhan Gali.
This is the longer route in kilometres but runs on the Kohala–Dhirkot road, which is the more established of the two roads and links Bagh with several other Azad Kashmir districts, so it tends to be in reasonable condition and sees more traffic, including public transport.
Along the way, Dhirkot itself is worth knowing about even if you don't stop: it is the largest town on this stretch, with fuel, food and the last real services before the final climb to Sudhan Gali. Our guide to Dhirkot covers what's there if you want to break the journey.
Route 2: via Muzaffarabad and Chikar
This route stays on the main road to Muzaffarabad, the Azad Kashmir capital, then turns off through Garhi Dopatta towards Chikar, the small town that acts as the gateway to Sudhan Gali from this side. From Chikar the road continues up to Sudhan Gali.
The advantage of going via Muzaffarabad is the city itself: it has by far the widest choice of fuel stations, mechanics, hotels and places to eat of anywhere on either route, which matters if you are starting late, need a repair, or want a proper meal partway through the day. The trade-off is the road beyond Garhi Dopatta, which narrows and climbs through tighter bends than the Kohala–Dhirkot road, so the last stretch to Sudhan Gali takes longer than the distance alone suggests.
Which route should you take?
Take the Kohala–Bagh route if you want the more established road and don't need to stop in Muzaffarabad. It tends to move at a steadier pace, and it lets you break the trip in Dhirkot or Bagh, both of which have services.
Take the Muzaffarabad–Chikar route if you want to stop in a proper town partway, need fuel, food or a mechanic you can rely on, or are combining Sudhan Gali with a wider Azad Kashmir trip that already has you passing through Muzaffarabad. Be ready for a slower final stretch once you leave Garhi Dopatta.
Neither route is dramatically better than the other for a straightforward trip to Sudhan Gali on its own. The choice matters more if you are combining the drive with other stops, in which case it usually makes sense to go up one way and back the other, seeing both Bagh and Muzaffarabad on the same trip.
Road conditions and what to expect
Both routes are paved for their full length in a normal year, but neither is a fast road. Expect single carriageway throughout, blind bends on the climbs, and slow-moving trucks and vans that are hard to overtake safely. Drive to the road, not to the distance on the map: a stretch that looks short can still take an hour if it's full of switchbacks.
Landslides are a real risk in the monsoon months of July and August, on both routes, and can close a road for hours or, after heavy rain, for a day or more. If you are travelling in the monsoon, check the current state of the road in Muzaffarabad or Bagh before you commit to a route, and keep a spare day in your plan.
In winter, snow closes the higher stretches near Sudhan Gali itself for long periods, even when the lower roads through Kohala and Muzaffarabad remain open. This is not a winter day-trip destination.
Fuel, food and stops along the way
Fill the tank before you leave Islamabad, and again in Muzaffarabad or Bagh, whichever route you take. Fuel stations thin out quickly once you climb off the main roads, and Sudhan Gali itself has none.
- Via Kohala–Bagh: fuel and food in Dhirkot, and a wider choice again in Bagh, the last proper town before Sudhan Gali.
- Via Muzaffarabad–Chikar: the widest choice anywhere on either route is in Muzaffarabad itself; Chikar has basic services but far less than the city.
Timing your drive
Leave Islamabad early, ideally by 7 or 8 in the morning, whichever route you take. This gives you daylight for the slower climbing sections and a buffer if a landslide, a breakdown or simple traffic through Murree eats into the morning.
Neither road is one to drive after dark, particularly the final approach to Sudhan Gali on either route, where bends are tight and lighting is non-existent. If you are staying overnight, aim to be off the road well before dusk; if you are doing Sudhan Gali as a long day trip, build in enough margin that a late finish doesn't turn into night driving on the way home.
Our Sudhan Gali guide covers what to expect once you arrive, and our Ganga Choti trek guide covers the hike most people are heading up for. For the wider security picture in Azad Kashmir, see our guide to whether Azad Kashmir is currently safe to travel.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Sudhan Gali from Islamabad?
Roughly 180 to 190 km depending on the route, with a drive of about 5 to 7 hours. It is not a short day trip; most visitors treat it as a full day out or an overnight stop.
Which route is better, via Bagh or via Muzaffarabad?
Neither is clearly better. The Kohala–Bagh road is more established and slightly more direct in driving time; the Muzaffarabad route gives you the best services on the way but a narrower, slower final stretch through Chikar.
Is the road to Sudhan Gali paved the whole way?
Yes, on both routes, in a normal year. Both climb through tight bends on the final stretch, and both can be affected by monsoon landslides or winter snow.
Can I do Sudhan Gali as a day trip from Islamabad?
It is possible but long, with 11 to 14 hours in the car for a same-day return. An overnight stop in Bagh, Dhirkot or Muzaffarabad makes for a much more relaxed trip.
Is fuel available along the way to Sudhan Gali?
Yes, in Muzaffarabad, Dhirkot and Bagh, but not much beyond them. Fill up at whichever of these you pass through before the final climb, since Sudhan Gali itself has no fuel station.