newest information about pakistan?
 

Hi there!

We are with a big group in Yazd, discussing the route and what to expect in Pakistan. We saw the posting from Ian, with the Sukkur route as being the best option.
Anyone crossing Pakistan recently? What will be the best possible route? What about the river crossing and the flooding in Sukkur? Is the Dera-Gazi-Khan route still off-limits for foreigners?

greetz Els

ps will there be beer? beerchug

Hi!
Pakistan is fine with wonderful weather.
Your information is correct about the suitability of Sukkur route. It is open with lots of traffic and is the best route. I dont think you will be allowed to travel on DG Khan route or the Zhob route. However probably you'l have to travel with police escort in Balochistan.
Have a nice and safe trip.
Omar

Hi Els,
Thanks for your posting! I had the exact same question as we are going the same route. When are you planning to cross borders? We are in Isfahan at the moment, going to Yazd in a couple of days. As far as I know, there is no beer in Pak. Can't wait to get some in India:)

Excellent news, Omar! Thank you!

Greetings, BigTom

Thanks for the quick reply and the good news Omar!

@Tom: we are already in Yazd with a big group, we'll leave tomorrow heading for the border. There's lots of people to meet here in the Silk Road Hotel, I gues you can find some fellow travellers.

Hi Big Tom,
Your information about availability of beer in Pak is incorrect. It is available for foreigners but only in big cities.
Omar

I have spent a total of 6 weeks in Pak in the last 18 months and beer apart from 1 day!
When you cross from Iran your first stop over will probably be Dalbandin (halfway between the border and Quetta) there is only one hotel,it's on London Road of all names, top of the stairs in a small room is a fridge with ice cold cans of Murree beer in it.:thumbup1:
Caf and Trev with a cold one.
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._5427259_n.jpg

Hi Els!
Is your group on cars or bikes? I guess you will have a stop in Bam? I was planning to stay in Bam for a couple of days to hear about the situation from travelers coming from Pak (if any). However, now that we learned that all is sound and safe in Pak, that might not be necessary any more. BTW: We are on bikes (Transalp + 12GSA). Bryn should arrive as I'm writing this. I'll be at the Silk Road Hotel tomorrow.

Hi Omar and mcgiggle,
Great news that is! Can't wait to have my first cold beer in Dalbandin, upstairs in a small room next to the fridge! ;-)

BigTom

beerchug thats good news Mc Giggle! We'll have one on you!

Tom, we're with 5 bikes and a van (dutch, irish and swiss) and we'll be heading for the border directly since our visa will expire within a few days.
Maybe see u somewhere on the road ;-)

have a save trip!

@Big Tom
In most big hotels there is a permit room which stocks alcoholic beverages for foreigners and non muslims. The hotel staff you would be staying with can guide you. No problem.

@McGiggle
Sorry Pete! you never asked so I never gave you this information.

Omar, no problem, I found the permit office.... in the basement of the Holiday Inn.