📅 Updated on 10 November, 2025
Travelling from Islamabad to Gilgit by Bus is one of the most breathtaking road experiences in Pakistan. The journey takes you through towering mountains, winding roads, and peaceful valleys that reveal the true beauty of the north. Whether you
If you’re planning your next trip to Gilgit and want up-to-date bus schedules, fares, and routes, PK BUSES is one of the most reliable online platforms in Pakistan for bus travel information. It helps travellers compare operators, check departure timings, and explore the best transport options before hitting the road.
Rawalpindi/Islamabad to Gilgit by Bus Route & Distance & Travel Time:
Islamabad to Gilgit by road is approximately 500–600 kilometres by road (depending on the route) and can be covered in 12-16 hours. You will go through Abbottabad, Mansehra (Naran in Summer), Besham, Dasu, Chilas and Gilgit.
You can reach Gilgit from Islamabad by two main routes:
- Karakoram Highway (KKH):
The main and all-season route covers about 600 km via Abbottabad, Besham, and Chilas. It usually takes 13–16 hours by road. The KKH is part of the China–Pakistan Friendship Highway and remains open year-round, except during occasional landslides. - Naran–Babusar Top Route:
A shorter and more scenic route of around 520 km, taking 11–13 hours. It runs through Balakot, Naran, and Babusar Top before joining the KKH near Chilas. This route opens from May to October and closes in winter due to snowfall.
If you want to know about the latest travel update, PK BUSES shares timely updates on road conditions.
estimated time of travel, as well as road safety information to make trip planning easier.
Travel from Islamabad to Gilgit by Bus:
Many travellers prefer taking a bus for this long journey, which is one of the most popular ways to travel between these two cities. The most popular buses operating on the Islamabad-Gilgit route are Faisal Movers, NATCO Express, Marcopolo Express, K2 Tours, etc.
Here is the list of buses that operate from Rawalpindi/Islamabad to Gilgit.
Bus Ticket Price from Rawalpindi/Islamabad to Gilgit:
Ticket prices for the journey from Rawalpindi/Islamabad to Gilgit by bus can vary depending on the company you travel with. However, you can expect to pay between Rs 4000 and Rs 6000 for a one-way ticket.
| Bus Company | Starting Ticket Price |
|---|---|
| Faisal Movers | 4300 |
| NATCO Express | 4000 |
| Marcopolo Express | 4500 |
| K2 Movers | 4250 |
| Mashabrum Tours | 4000 |
For more information on ticket prices, we recommend checking out the following link: Bus Fares in Pakistan
Rawalpindi/Islamabad to Gilgit by Bus Departure Timings:
Several buses operate service between Gilgit and Islamabad, with the first bus leaving at 1:00 PM and the last one around 8:00 PM.
Below, we’ve provided a table with the latest timings of Bus Services from Rawalpindi to Gilgit.
| Bus Operator | Bus Timing |
|---|---|
| NATCO Express | 05:00 PM, 07:00 PM |
| Faisal Movers | 08:00 PM |
| Marcopolo Express | 06:00 PM |
| K2 Tours | 06:00 PM |
| Mashabrum Tours | 08:00 PM |
To check bus timings of Pakistan buses, visit Bus Timings in Pakistan
How to Book Bus Tickets from Islamabad to Gilgit?
You can book tickets at bus terminals; all bus companies have ticket booths there.
You can book bus tickets online for some bus companies from bookme. pk or bookkaru.com
Other ways to Travel Besides Islamabad to Gilgit by bus:
There are three other ways to travel between Gilgit and Islamabad: by Car, or by air.
- You can travel by car, which is much more convenient, as you can make stops along the way. You can also book a private car from Islamabad to Gilgit for a comfortable ride. Click here to book your car today with Babar Rent a Car in Islamabad.
- However, if you are short on time, the best option is to fly, but it can be more costly. Pakistan International Airlines and some other private companies operate flights between Gilgit and Islamabad.
Must-See Stops Along the Journey
The Islamabad to Gilgit route is packed with beautiful stops worth exploring:
● Abbottabad: A perfect place for breakfast before the hills begin.
● Mansehra and Besham: Ideal for fuel and short breaks.
● Chilas: Often used for an overnight stay if you split the trip into two days.
● Naran and Babusar Top (seasonal route): If you travel in summer, this route offers alpine
lakes, lush meadows, and cool breezes that make it unforgettable.
Planning these stops not only breaks the long journey but also lets you experience the natural and
cultural richness of northern Pakistan.
Why Use PKBuses for Travel Planning
Before the internet made things simple, travellers had to call terminals or rely on word of mouth for bus schedules. Now, pkbuses.com makes travel planning smooth and reliable.
Here’s why it stands out for travellers from Islamabad to Gilgit (and beyond):
- Comprehensive Bus Info: Major operators, routes, and fares in one place.
- Updated Timings: Always current schedules for intercity routes.
- User-Friendly Design: Clean layout and verified data.
- Nationwide Coverage: From Lahore to Skardu, Hunza, and Karachi — it’s all here.
PKBuses isn’t just a schedule site; it’s your road-travel companion across Pakistan.
To Sum Up:
Travelling from Islamabad to Gilgit by bus or Car offers a glimpse of Pakistan’s natural beauties like
mountains, rivers, and other landscapes in your lifetime. No matter whether you relax on a comfy coach
or take charge behind the wheel, the trip is filled with unforgettable sights.
Before you start your journey, check the best route, the best bus service, and the latest updates on
PKBuses.
However you choose to travel, it will not be overstating the fact that a journey from Islamabad to Gilgit is
One of the most scenic adventures you can have in Pakistan.
Travel from Islamabad
Islamabad to Gilgit | Islamabad to Batkhela | Islamabad to Bahawalpur | Islamabad to Ahmed Pur East | Islamabad to Abbottabad | Islamabad to Mardan | Islamabad to Khanewal | Islamabad to Sialkot | Islamabad to Sargodha | Islamabad to Sadiqabad | Islamabad to Moro | Islamabad to Faisalabad | Islamabad to Dera Ismail Khan | Islamabad to Dera Ghazi Khan | Islamabad to Bhakkar | Islamabad to Gujranwala | Islamabad to Gujrat | Islamabad to Haripur | Islamabad to Hyderabad | Islamabad to Jhang | Islamabad to Jhelum | Islamabad to Nowshera | Islamabad to Mirpur | Islamabad to Multan | Islamabad to Murree | Islamabad to Mianwali | Islamabad to Kashmore | Islamabad to Lahore | Islamabad to Karachi | Islamabad to Quetta | Islamabad to Chowk Bahadurpur | Islamabad to Muzaffarabad | Islamabad to Chashma
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the best service from Islamabad to Gilgit by bus?
The most popular buses operating on the Islamabad-Gilgit route are Faisal Movers, NATCO Express, Marcopolo Express, K2 Tours, etc.
How much is the ticket price from Islamabad to Gilgit by bus?
Rawalpindi/Islamabad to Gilgit bus ticket fares start from Rs 4000.
Does Daewoo Express go to Gilgit from Rawalpindi?
No, Daewoo Express does not have a bus service to Gilgit.
Do Faisal Movers go to Gilgit?
Yes, Faisal Movers has a bus service to Gilgit from Islamabad/Rawalpindi.
