Rawalpindi to Gilgit Bus Ticket Price, Timings and Online Booking
The Rawalpindi to Gilgit ticket price starts at Rs 3,760 with NATCO and runs to Rs 4,500 with K2 Movers. Every service on this corridor departs Pirwadhai, which is why Rawalpindi rather than Islamabad is the real starting point for the Karakoram Highway.
Rawalpindi to Gilgit bus ticket price: NATCO charges Rs 3,760, Mashabrum Tours Rs 4,000 and K2 Movers Rs 4,500. All depart from Pirwadhai between 5:00 PM and 9:00 PM, and the journey is sixteen to eighteen hours, seated throughout.
Rawalpindi to Gilgit ticket price by operator
Three operators work this corridor from Pirwadhai at a fare spread of under Rs 800. What separates them is the coach, the departure time and whether you can book online.
| Operator | Class | Journey time | Ticket price |
|---|---|---|---|
| NATCO | Luxury AC | 17h | Rs 3,760 |
| Mashabrum Tours | Luxury Daewoo | 16h to 18h | Rs 4,000 |
| K2 Movers | Luxury Daewoo, Yutong | 16h to 18h | Rs 4,500 |
Fares are indicative published prices and vary with class, fuel adjustments and peak demand. Your live, confirmed fare appears on the seat map before payment.
Boarding at Pirwadhai rather than Islamabad
These are the same buses whichever city you say you are travelling from, but they physically start at Pirwadhai. Boarding here saves you the 30 to 45 minute journey out from central Islamabad, which matters when the northern services load between 5:00 PM and 9:00 PM and the roads are at their busiest.
Which counter at Pirwadhai
Pirwadhai is a cluster of operator offices rather than a single terminal, so knowing where your company sits saves time on a busy evening.
Pirwadhai Bus Stand
Boards at the main stand, with its Gilgit terminal near the NATCO terminal at the far end. Booking mobile 0312-9511195, and the only one bookable through Bookme.
Phone or counter
No online booking at all. Ring 051-5163314 to reserve, particularly in summer when the corridor fills. Fixed 5:00 PM departure for Gilgit.
Own terminal
The government operator runs its own terminal and sells at the counter. Also the operator for the onward China corridor via Sost and Khunjerab.
Book before you travel to the terminal
Two of the three operators do not sell online, and this corridor fills through the summer season. Ring ahead rather than turning up at Pirwadhai expecting a seat, especially between May and September. Mashabrum through Bookme is the one you can secure from your phone.
Rawalpindi to Gilgit bus timings
Departures cluster in the early evening so the difficult sections through Kohistan and Chilas are covered overnight, with arrival in Gilgit the following afternoon.
K2 Movers
5:00 PM dailyFixed daily departure from Pirwadhai, arriving 16 to 18 hours later.
Mashabrum Tours
From around 9:00 PMLate evening from Pirwadhai Bus Stand, fixed daily timings.
NATCO
EveningFrom the NATCO terminal. Ring to confirm the current schedule.
Return
Same patternSouthbound services arrive at Pirwadhai early, often before dawn.
Pirwadhai and Gilgit terminals
Pirwadhai
Main Pirwadhai Road, on the north western edge of the city. Allow 30 to 45 minutes from central Islamabad and longer in evening traffic. Ask for your operator by name.
There is no central information desk at Pirwadhai.
Near the NATCO terminal
Mashabrum’s Gilgit terminal sits near the NATCO terminal. Onward transport to Hunza, Skardu, Ghizer and the Naltar valley departs from the town.
Book through to Hunza or Skardu rather than changing here.
Rawalpindi to Gilgit bus FAQs
What is the Rawalpindi to Gilgit bus ticket price?
NATCO charges Rs 3,760 in Luxury AC, Mashabrum Tours Rs 4,000 and K2 Movers Rs 4,500. The fares are the same whether you book from Rawalpindi or Islamabad, since these are the same services.
Where in Rawalpindi do Gilgit buses leave from?
Pirwadhai, on Main Pirwadhai Road at the north western edge of the city. It is a cluster of operator offices rather than a single terminal, so ask for your company by name.
How long is the Rawalpindi to Gilgit bus journey?
Sixteen to eighteen hours in good conditions, via the Hazara Motorway, Mansehra, Besham and Chilas. Karakoram Highway conditions regularly add hours, so avoid fixed commitments the morning after arrival.
Is there a sleeper bus to Gilgit?
No. No operator on this corridor offers berths, so the full journey is seated. K2 Movers fits wide recliner seats with personal USB charging, which is the most comfortable option available.
Can I book online?
Only Mashabrum Tours, through Bookme. K2 Movers takes bookings on 051-5163314 or at the counter, and NATCO sells at its terminal. In peak season that makes Mashabrum the practical choice for securing a seat in advance.
Related routes and operators
Related routes
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