Pakistan's Most Scenic Railway Journeys

Often called the engineering marvel of the British Raj, the railway line from Sibi to Quetta through the Bolan Pass is arguably the most dramatic train journey in South Asia. As the Jaffar Express leaves the plains of Sibi, it begins a steep ascent into the mountains.

The train snakes through rugged, dry mountains, passing through 20 tunnels within a short span. The track often runs along the edge of sheer cliffs, offering heart-stopping views of the gorge below. The highlight is the bridge at Kolpur, the highest railway station in Pakistan at 5,874 feet. The stark, copper-colored mountains against the blue sky create a Martian landscape that is hauntingly beautiful.

When travelling from Rawalpindi to Peshawar, the train crosses the mighty Indus River via the historic Attock Bridge. Built in 1883, this double-deck bridge (trains on top, vehicles below) is an icon of railway history.

As the train rumbles slowly over the iron girders, you get a panoramic view of the confluence of the Kabul and Indus rivers. On one side stands the formidable Attock Fort, built by Emperor Akbar, guarding the river. The emerald green waters of the Indus flowing through the rocky gorge create a mesmerizing contrast with the steel structure of the bridge. It is a fleeting moment, lasting only a minute or two, but it stays with you forever.

For those who love greenery, the Hazara Express route from Rawalpindi towards Havelian is a treat. The track winds through the lush foothills of the Margalla and Hazara mountains.

Unlike the dry grandeur of Balochistan, this route is soft and verdant. You pass through pine forests, cross small bubbling streams, and see terraced fields clinging to the hillsides. During the monsoon season, the clouds often descend low enough to touch the train, turning the journey into a misty, magical ride. It's a peaceful, slower journey that showcases the greener side of Pakistan.

This is a journey for the history buffs. The line from Quetta to the Afghan border town of Chaman passes through the Khojak Tunnel (Shela Bagh). At 3.9 kilometers long, it was once the longest tunnel in South Asia.

The tunnel entrance features on the old 5 Rupee note of Pakistan, an iconic symbol. The landscape here is high desert plateau—stark, open, and incredibly vast. Travelling this route feels like stepping into a Western movie, with the dusty plains stretching out to the horizon. Train services on this route are intermittent, so always check the latest schedule.

The initial leg of almost every journey from Karachi offers a different kind of beauty. As trains like the Green Line or Tezgam depart the coastal city, they traverse the edge of the Indus Delta.

In the early winter mornings, a thick mist hangs over the fields. You see endless rows of wind turbines in Jhimpir, looking like sci-fi giants in the haze. The track crosses small canals and lush agricultural lands. It's not mountainous, but it is teeming with life—farmers at work, buffaloes bathing in ponds, and the vibrant culture of rural Sindh on full display. It is the heartbeat of the nation's agriculture, seen from a window seat.