Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > West and South Asia
West and South Asia From Turkey to Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Ladakh and Bangladesh
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Like Tree2Likes
  • 1 Post By ilesmark
  • 1 Post By davidmc

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 25 Dec 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: somewhere on the road between Ushuaia and Alaska
Posts: 377
Karakorum Highway - What time of the year?

Hi,

What's the best time of the year for riding the Karakorum Highway & Kunjerab Pass?
Coming from Kashgar/China, I'm planning to get into India not before October next year, so doing the KKH in September (maybe even later) would be best for me.
What's the deal with monsoon & rockfalls in the Karakorum area? Does the KKH & Kunjerab Pass close (due to snow)?

Cheers
Bjorn
__________________
__________________________
http://www.panomoto.com
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 25 Dec 2007
Redboots's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: On the border - NE FR
Posts: 865
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bjorn View Post
Hi,

What's the best time of the year for riding the Karakorum Highway & Kunjerab Pass?
Coming from Kashgar/China, I'm planning to get into India not before October next year, so doing the KKH in September (maybe even later) would be best for me.
What's the deal with monsoon & rockfalls in the Karakorum area? Does the KKH & Kunjerab Pass close (due to snow)?
Bjorn,

the monsoon does not get as far as "interesting" parts of the KKH. The KKH starts in Kashgar and runs all the way to Islamabad. Storms are fairly frequent though in the mountains and they cause rockfalls/landslides that block the road. In July last year, a one night storm caused 42 rockfalls and took out 50 mtrs of road in 2 different places... along with about 18 people and their houses and trapped us for 5 days.
Don't ride if its raining on the Pakistani side.

The road from Tashkorgan to Sust is closed in the winter.. Early Oct to May 1st (if the snow has gone by then). Everything from Tash to Sust is over 3000mtrs The Tash border post is also closed during that time.

John
__________________
Nostradamus Ate My Hamster
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 26 Dec 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: somewhere on the road between Ushuaia and Alaska
Posts: 377
John,

You say 1st of May they open again – have they also got 'strict' closing dates? Can't really imagine that in SE Asia, no?

I remember a mate telling me to do the KKH mid September to be safe. This goes with what you are saying.
But: According to Lonely Planet Pakistan & KKH, "the most pleasant temperatures for the KKH are in... September and October". They only mention closed passes for November to April.

What's the temperatures like in September? Also: How long does it take to get a visa for India in Islamabad. Would make sense to get it there, since the rockfalls & road conditions can impact timing & dates quite considerably.
__________________
__________________________
http://www.panomoto.com
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 26 Dec 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: London
Posts: 621
Hi Bjorn

We did the KKH in early September from the Pakistani side (in a car). Apart from Chilas which was hovering around 25-30 degrees celsius, the temperatures in the main were between 10 and 15 celsius, until the Kunjerab Pass where it dropped closer to zero. We went as far as the Chinese border; for the last 5 kms there was snow about 6 inches deep and this was the only place where we had to use the heater.

Re the Indian visa in Islamabad, you need to apply between 10 AM and 12 noon and collect (I think) between 3 and 4 PM and the visa takes 5 working days to come through. In Islamabad they have this ridiculous shuttle bus system for the Diplomatic Enclave, so be sure to arrive at least an hour before closing time. You have to go to the car park, leave your bike and buy a ticket for the bus and then wait till the scheduled departure time for the bus, which goes about every half an hour. When we applied for our Indian visas, we did come across a Swiss couple in a camper van who'd driven it right into the Enclave to collect their Indian visas by telling the gate people they had an appointment at the Swiss Embassy.....when we came back 10 days later to collect OUR Indian visas we tried telling the guards we had an appointment at the British High Commission and it worked so we didn't have to mess about with the shuttle bus - they didn't even check the vehicle! However, you shouldn't bet on that ruse working. Good luck.

Mark
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 26 Dec 2007
Redboots's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: On the border - NE FR
Posts: 865
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bjorn View Post
John,
You say 1st of May they open again – have they also got 'strict' closing dates? Can't really imagine that in SE Asia, no?
Hi Bjorn,

the customs/border post at Tahkorgan closes for the winter. All that's left is the military checkpoints after that.

My information is that the pass, (border?) closed from 15th October to May 1st for foreigners. It is closed to all accept trucks from December to April as thats the rainy season, (Pakistan) and the danger of mud/rock slides is too great.

Most of the town shuts down because it is generally cut off. If not by local snows, the the pass through the Pamir mountains stops you getting there (4200 metres) from Kashgar.

Cheers,
John
Attached Images
 
__________________
Nostradamus Ate My Hamster

Last edited by Redboots; 26 Dec 2007 at 16:16.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 30 Dec 2007
davidmc's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: San Francisco, CA USA
Posts: 373
We came over the Khunjarab Pass into Pakistan on October 26, 2005. It definitely doesn't close on Oct 15 to foreigners or anyone else. Although there was snow and our bike had to go over in a truck. My impression was that the pass stays open until the trucks can no longer make it, which would probably be in late November or December sometime. There was a good 6" or so of snow at the top of the pass when we crossed. Had we traveled only one day earlier there would not have been any snow whatsoever, we missed it by a day.

We spent the last week of October and the first week of November on the KKH in Pakistan. The weather was great, and I don't imagine snow will be an issue until late November, at least below Sost. Temps around Karimibad were probably around 15C during the day and 0-5C at night. Lots of sun and very dry.

The KKH gets rockslides and blockages all the time and especially when it rains. When you see the terrain it was carved from you will understand why. They have full time road crews for this very purpose.

I would say that you could assume the KKH should definitely be snow-free from Sost southward until November 1 and possibly for a week or two after that.

I think October with all the fall colors is probably one of the best times to visit.

Top of Khunjerab Pass at the checkpoint on October 26, 2005:


Just down from Sost the next day:


Fall colors from above Karimibad:


A rock slide after a day of rain near Dassu:
__________________
Dave McMillan
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tstories/mcmillan/

Last edited by davidmc; 30 Dec 2007 at 01:33.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 5 Jan 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: somewhere on the road between Ushuaia and Alaska
Posts: 377
Thanks for all your replies – can't wait to get on the KKH. Hope politics in Pakistan won't affect this. I am contemplating about a China/India border crossing instead of the KKH... but maybe things will get better in Pakistan after the elections, fingers crossed.

David: Apart from the KKH, you also did the Pamirs in Tajikistan. Between the two, which one is your personal favourite?
I keep looking at images from Tajikistan, amazing scenery! But I also keep thinking about altitude sickness and bad petrol...

Bjorn
__________________
__________________________
http://www.panomoto.com
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 5 Jan 2008
davidmc's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: San Francisco, CA USA
Posts: 373
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bjorn View Post
Thanks for all your replies – can't wait to get on the KKH. Hope politics in Pakistan won't affect this. I am contemplating about a China/India border crossing instead of the KKH... but maybe things will get better in Pakistan after the elections, fingers crossed.

David: Apart from the KKH, you also did the Pamirs in Tajikistan. Between the two, which one is your personal favourite?
I keep looking at images from Tajikistan, amazing scenery! But I also keep thinking about altitude sickness and bad petrol...

Bjorn
They were both amazing, but both very different. The Pamirs are dry, bleak and remote with little population. The KKH is dramatic with more life and a road which is an amazing feat of engineering. If I had to choose between the two it would definitely be the KKH.

As far as politics in Pakistan goes, don't get too paranoid at this point, Pakistan really hasn't had much stability in the past anyway and plenty of foreigners have passed though without problems. Even if there are problems, the Pakistanis will certainly look after you once you are in the country. Things change in this part of the world very rapidly, so you need to make your decision much closer to your entry date.

Good luck with a China/India crossing, this is probably next to impossible. The KKH is the most realistic route.

However if you are going to Central Asia anyway, you should also add Tajikistan if possible. Its truly a fascinating country and less visited than the neighboring areas. Most Central Asia itineraries skip Tajikistan because its the least developed, but this is part of the appeal.
__________________
Dave McMillan
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tstories/mcmillan/

Last edited by davidmc; 5 Jan 2008 at 15:50.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
DR650 bad year / better year travelHK Suzuki Tech 2 7 Nov 2007 04:05
3 year carnet (2 year work stop in Oz) ?? martync Australia / New Zealand 4 12 Sep 2006 20:00
Whens the best time to go? livelarg North America 9 2 Feb 2006 14:14
All around Europe. Best time and route? preeni Europe 5 15 Nov 2005 08:21
1st time traveller- advice welcome jungjung Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else 4 14 Jun 2001 20:02

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 13:20.