Islamabad to Dhirkot Azad Kashmir – Route, Distance, Travel Time & Complete Road Guide

By Dhirkot.com Editorial Team • Published on September 2, 2026 • 7 min read

Everything you need to know about driving from Islamabad to Dhirkot: distance (~88–95 km), typical driving time (~2.5 hrs), Murree Expressway & Kohala route, car suitability, and travel tips.

Islamabad to Dhirkot is one of the smoothest, most scenic hill station road trips in Pakistan and Azad Kashmir. At an altitude of 5,510 ft (1,680m), Dhirkot offers dense deodar pine forests, cool summer breezes, and serene mountain vistas within roughly 2.5 hours of driving depending on traffic and road conditions. ### Route at a Glance - **Starting Point:** Islamabad / Rawalpindi - **Destination:** Dhirkot, Bagh District, Azad Jammu and Kashmir - **Distance:** ~88 to 95 km (depending on exact city start point) - **Driving Time:** Typically ~2 hours 15 mins to 2 hours 45 mins (subject to mountain traffic and weather) - **Primary Highway:** Islamabad-Murree Expressway (N-75) → Lower Topa → Kohala Bridge → Dhirkot - **Road Condition:** Asphalt paved road suitable for standard family sedans. Note: Mountain road conditions can change with seasonal weather; check current conditions before departure. ### Driving Segments 1. **Islamabad to Lower Topa Interchange:** Smooth 4-lane expressway climbing through the Margalla foothills. 2. **Lower Topa to Kohala Bridge:** Paved 2-lane mountain highway descending into the Jhelum river gorge. 3. **Kohala Bridge to Dhirkot Bazaar:** 18 km scenic ascent through pine forests and mountain terraces.