Karakoram Highway

[dubsvibes]

Hi all,

I am planning a trip from Paris to Singapore - 8 months duration. R1200GS ADV.

On the way I will pass through Pakistan: certainly Taftan - Quetta - Sukkur - Multan - Lahore - Islamabad etc... First part of the path to be confirmed (any better suggestions?).

My main interrogation today is the safety situation along the Karakoram Highway (Islamabad - Khunjerab pass). For now, the only echos I gathered were quite good but I wanted to get fresher opinions/views from connoisseurs.

Regarding the timetable, I am planning a 2 weeks ride for the round-trip along the KKH: Islamabad - Khunjerab pass - Islamabad. I will ride there in October, possible September if advisable.
> Are 2 weeks reasonable somehow?

Thanks in advance!

[MikeS]

2 weeks is plenty time, think I did it roughly 3 days riding each way so you'll have time to see plenty places, rest etc.

The Kaghan Valley is worth a look and can be done as an alternative route either on the way north or coming back. I stayed in Naran and theres a nice ride to a beautiful lake nearby up a mountain track.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaghan_Valley

[beddhist]

Since will be there rather late in the year I suggest you get yourself to the top of the pass as quickly as possible, then explore on the way back.

Don't miss the Skardu road.

[maximondo]

I only planned to be in Pakistan for less than a month, but I am enjoying it so much that Ive been here for over two months and im still here!!

It took me three days to drive the KKH - however make sure you give your self some time as the road can be blocked for a few hours or a few days... Just from landslides and road construction.

I would do the pass first then come back. But I also wouldn't miss Shandur Pass, Naltar Lake (Day ride from Gilgit). The other really amazing place to visit is the Kalash Valley.

There is only one section of the KKH, where you will be picked up by the police and escorted through, these are more of a pain then help. Swat is off the list of places to visit, I wouldnt even attempt to go - and ive been trying to go for weeks now, but things just keep on happening!!

Have a great trip!
Danielle

[dnicoletti]

to danielle,
only three days to ride it? wow. on september last year it took us 10 days, from chinese border to islamabad, without any side valley mountain lakes or whatever. just fallen bridges, the lake, lot of landsildes, and the road under construction from the Khunjerab to Chilas. plus, we had to ride the kaghan valley due to taliban trouble around beshan.

but it has worth...

www.lungastrada.it

[Omie]

Driving on the KKH is great but exploring the adjacent valleys can make the trip even better. KKH should not be the target but means to reach the target. Shimshal velley, Deosai, Haramosh valleys to name a few, are just fantastic.
A group of PBC (Pak Bikers Club) would be up north in July' if possible join it. Members might be going later too, just stay in touch.
Have a very nice trip and feel free for any help PBC or I can be of.
Hi Donato, nice hearing from you.
Hi Danielle. Where r u. Keep us posted.
Cheers
Omar

[dubsvibes]

Thank you all for your messages and advices. They are very helpful.

I realize now that there are just plenty of valleys and paths to explore along the KKH. I will certainly rethink my itinerary and try to increase my time spent up there - as I skip Ladakh province in India, I want to get as much time as I can in the Pakistanis Himalayas.

What would you advice between a round-trip Islamabad-Chinese border and a loop Islamabad - Khunjerab pass - Shandur pass - Chitral - Peshawar. Both with trips from the main road. I rather think of allowing 3 weeks for this particular trip.

Beddhist: I am following your bike trips since several years now! You are someone who gave me the envy at first. It is a real pleasure to discuss with you.
Mike & Danielle: your respective trips look amazing, and challenging!
Omar: thanks a lot for your advices regarding the itinerary and the bike club. Do you live in Pakistan? May I ask where?

Seb.

[Mehmet Zeki Avar]

For KKH information:
Pakistan Bikers Club, local bikers Mr.Omar, Mr.Zaheed have the real up to date information...Our club friends were there too,(Lahore)almost for 1 month and we all are very respectful for all their helps and supports...(even to extend Pakistan visas)...Pakistan is the best country and is a must for adventure and enduro bikers...

Wish you all the best...
zeki.

[maximondo]

Originally Posted by dnicoletti

to danielle,
only three days to ride it? wow. on september last year it took us 10 days, from chinese border to islamabad, without any side valley mountain lakes or whatever. just fallen bridges, the lake, lot of landsildes, and the road under construction from the Khunjerab to Chilas. plus, we had to ride the kaghan valley due to taliban trouble around beshan.

but it has worth...

www.lungastrada.it

The time it takes really depends on what is happening on the KKH - the Chinese is rebuilding from Raikot Bridge north to the Chinese boarder, which is causing a bit of disruption not far from Raikot in the last week but when I came through there was no problems, plus there is a really nice drive on the other side of the KKH.

There are a few places where landslides can happen and you might have to wait for it to clear, but it normally doesn't take to long, if you see a long line of trucks, jump to the front - they will let you through first. Truck drivers (not bus drivers) here are really nice! They will try and help as much as possible.

At the moment its best not to travel from Dir south to Peshawar - I just received an update from a overlander I meet here in Gilgit that he spent three days been interigated by police all because they didn't understand the
dates on the visa and thought it was expired.

All that aside - i honestly thought I would only spend two weeks up here in Northern Pakistan, and I've now been here for over 6 weeks.... visa extensions are really easy and if you are having trouble obtaining a visa (in your home country - i know someone who can write an email and get them to issue you a visa)

Omar - Nice to hear from you again, Im having a great time up here! Are you coming up with the Pakistan bikers club???

[Omie]

Originally Posted by dubsvibes

Thank you all for your messages and advices. They are very helpful.

I realize now that there are just plenty of valleys and paths to explore along the KKH. I will certainly rethink my itinerary and try to increase my time spent up there - as I skip Ladakh province in India, I want to get as much time as I can in the Pakistanis Himalayas.

What would you advice between a round-trip Islamabad-Chinese border and a loop Islamabad - Khunjerab pass - Shandur pass - Chitral - Peshawar. Both with trips from the main road. I rather think of allowing 3 weeks for this particular trip.

Beddhist: I am following your bike trips since several years now! You are someone who gave me the envy at first. It is a real pleasure to discuss with you.
Mike & Danielle: your respective trips look amazing, and challenging!
Omar: thanks a lot for your advices regarding the itinerary and the bike club. Do you live in Pakistan? May I ask where?

Seb.

Yes I live in Lahore, Pakistan.
Please keep in mind you cant and shouldnt cross, Swat, Dir and Lawari. It is unsafe although I plan to travel next month but I am a Pakistani and a doctor who travels with medicines to be distributed free. You can reach Chitral and Shandhoor via Gilgit easily and it is a beautiful ride.

@Istambol
Thanks Kardish Zaki for your kind words.

@Maximondo
Inshaullah I shall be at Shandhoor festival on the 9th of July on my Kawasaki KE 175. See you there

[Omie]

Originally Posted by dnicoletti

to danielle,
only three days to ride it? wow. on september last year it took us 10 days, from chinese border to islamabad, without any side valley mountain lakes or whatever. just fallen bridges, the lake, lot of landsildes, and the road under construction from the Khunjerab to Chilas. plus, we had to ride the kaghan valley due to taliban trouble around beshan.

but it has worth...

www.lungastrada.it

In 2009 I did Gilgit to Islamabad in 1.5 days on my GS 150.
The younger and fitter members Dr Yaqub and Tahir Saleem did it in a day.

[dnicoletti]

Originally Posted by Omie

In 2009 I did Gilgit to Islamabad in 1.5 days on my GS 150.
The younger and fitter members Dr Yaqub and Tahir Saleem did it in a day.

Dear Dr. Omar, god bless you and all the P.B.C. members,
you ride a light bike; did you see my two wheels truck when i was at you home? i always told you, when we were in Lahore, you're a lucky guy! you live in a so beautiful and humble country wich doesn't deserve, the shape the western media give it.
it was hard to me, get through the KKH with my bike, but i'll never forget the sceneries and, above of all, the fierce people as i would never forget the babusar pass crossing sailing in the mud... who knows, may be one day i could plan to be back to ride it again on a stolen Kawasaki 175cc...

[Omie]

Originally Posted by dnicoletti

Dear Dr. Omar, god bless you and all the P.B.C. members,
you ride a light bike; did you see my two wheels truck when i was at you home? i always told you, when we were in Lahore, you're a lucky guy! you live in a so beautiful and humble country wich doesn't deserve, the shape the western media give it.
it was hard to me, get through the KKH with my bike, but i'll never forget the sceneries and, above of all, the fierce people as i would never forget the babusar pass crossing sailing in the mud... who knows, may be one day i could plan to be back to ride it again on a stolen Kawasaki 175cc...

Hi Donatto,
Thanks for the kind words. Oh yes I am exploring this beautiful country for the last 52 years and there is still a lot more. Maybe one lifetime isnt enough for it. Any how, we keep on doing that.
I still remember your beautifull and strong Harley and it must have been tough to cross Babusar and the Land slide lake on it.
The 2 Kawasaki 2 strokes are waiting to be stolen. There isnt any one here smart enough to appreciate them and try to steal them. Maybe we will have to import someone from Italy.
Please pay my regards to the gorgeous Roberta,
Regards
Omar