A northern areas trip from Multan starts with a decision most southern Punjab travellers face: drive the full distance yourself via the M-4 and M-2 motorways, or fly to Islamabad and pick up the northern leg from there. Both work; the motorway drive alone is about 570 to 580 km and 6.5 to 7.5 hours before you've even started north.
This guide covers both options, how the onward journey to Gilgit-Baltistan works from Islamabad, and how many days to allow overall.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Multan to Islamabad by road | About 570 to 580 km via M-4 and M-2, roughly 6.5 to 7.5 hours |
| Multan to Islamabad by air | PIA operates a limited weekly schedule; most travellers connect via a fuller Lahore or Karachi service |
| Islamabad onward to Hunza | A further 1.5 to 2 days by road via Naran/Babusar or the Karakoram Highway |
| Islamabad onward to Skardu | A further day by road, or about an hour by direct flight when weather allows |
| Suggested minimum trip | 9 to 10 days for Hunza, 8 to 9 for Skardu, including the Multan legs |
Driving the whole way from Multan
Multan to Islamabad runs via the M-4 motorway to Pindi Bhattian, then the M-2 on to Islamabad, a distance of roughly 570 to 580 km and 6.5 to 7.5 hours of driving before any northern leg begins. Most groups treat this as a full first day, arriving in or around Islamabad to rest before continuing.
From there the route north follows the same options as from any Islamabad start: our Karakoram Highway road trip guide sets out the KKH route to Hunza and Khunjerab, and the Naran–Babusar road is the summer alternative that avoids the Mansehra–Chilas stretch of the highway. For Skardu, the direct Gilgit–Skardu road or the Skardu flight from Islamabad are the two practical choices.
Driving the whole way from Multan to Gilgit-Baltistan in one continuous push is not realistic; treat Multan to Islamabad, then Islamabad to Chilas or Gilgit, then on to your final base, as at least two full driving days before you arrive.
Flying via Islamabad instead
PIA's Multan–Islamabad schedule is limited, typically only a couple of flights a week, so most Multan travellers either drive the motorway leg or connect through Lahore, which has a fuller domestic schedule. There is no direct flight from Multan to Gilgit or Skardu; every option routes through Islamabad, so the practical choice is whether you drive or fly that first leg, then take the Islamabad–Skardu flight or continue by road from there.
Flying saves the better part of a day compared with the motorway drive, at the cost of checked-baggage limits and a fixed schedule instead of your own vehicle for the rest of the trip.
How many days to allow overall
Add the Multan-to-Islamabad leg, one full day either way, onto whichever northern itinerary you're planning:
- Hunza and Khunjerab: our Gilgit, Hunza and Khunjerab tour runs nine days from Islamabad, so budget 9 to 10 days total from Multan.
- Skardu and Deosai: our Skardu and Deosai tour runs seven days from Islamabad, so budget 8 to 9 days total from Multan.
Cutting either estimate by more than a day or two usually means arriving tired for the mountain driving that follows, which is the wrong place to save time.
Driving your own car versus hiring in Islamabad
Some Multan travellers drive their own car the whole way, including into Gilgit-Baltistan; the motorway leg to Islamabad is straightforward for any well-maintained car. Others prefer to drive to Islamabad, then hire a car and driver, or join a set-departure tour, for the mountain roads, where local driving experience matters more than the vehicle itself. Either is reasonable; the deciding factor is usually how comfortable your driver is with narrow, high-altitude roads rather than the car.
Is it safe?
As of September 2026 the UK government advises against all travel on the Karakoram Highway between Mansehra and Chilas, via Besham and Dasu. The summer route over Babusar Pass avoids that stretch entirely. If you hold a foreign passport, check your own government's current advice before travelling, since going against it can affect your travel insurance; everyone should check current road conditions before setting out regardless.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to drive from Multan to Islamabad?
About 6.5 to 7.5 hours for roughly 570 to 580 km, via the M-4 motorway to Pindi Bhattian and then the M-2 into Islamabad.
Is there a direct flight from Multan to Gilgit or Skardu?
No. Every route to Gilgit-Baltistan goes via Islamabad, whether you drive or fly the first leg from Multan.
Should I drive the whole way from Multan or fly to Islamabad first?
Driving keeps your own vehicle for the whole trip and costs nothing extra beyond fuel; flying saves the better part of a day but depends on limited flight availability from Multan and leaves you without a car in Islamabad.
How many days should I plan for a northern areas trip from Multan?
At least 9 to 10 days for Hunza and Khunjerab, or 8 to 9 for Skardu and Deosai, including the Multan-to-Islamabad legs at each end.
Is the drive from Multan to the northern areas safe?
The Multan-to-Islamabad motorway leg is straightforward. The onward route into Gilgit-Baltistan is generally safe, but the Karakoram Highway between Mansehra and Chilas carries a UK travel advisory; the Babusar Pass route avoids it in summer.
