Pakistan situation
 

In the absence of any recent postings on this subject I'd welcome any opinions on the wisdom of travelling through Pakistan, probably next May/June time. (Use of crystal balls encouraged).

The fact that most threads from this area seem to have dried up probably answers my question but I'd still be interested to hear what people think.

Regards

Pete

Pakistan is doing just fine and tourists are regularly crossing, exploring and enjoying it. In Pakistan you are more at risk with traffic accidents rather than what makes headlines.
Let me mention here that 180 million people call it home and raise their families here. Despite unfortunate developments lately, its still a lovely place to visit and live.
I think the lack of similar threads is probably because this point is settled, at least among the travelling community.
BTW On your route of Sukkur, Sibi, Jacobabad etc May, June temperatures can soar above 50 C, which can be tough.

Cheers
Dr. Omar Khan

Thanks Omie. My wife was still a little bit scared to go back to Pakistan. 10 years ago we travelled with a landrover from Iran to India and spend there a month with wonderful people everywhere. Now a little bit older (66) and crazier we are riding a motorbike and plan to cross Pakistan somewhere in april. So your post is very welcome to me
Thanks for that
Menno Stammes
Metita
Now in Thailand but from febr in India

Hi Menno & Metita,
I am glad if my post helped you in any way. You are most welcome to Pakistan and I hope you have a nice stay here.
You are nearly as young as me, so you might be interested in trekking too and Pakistan offers fantastic trekking opportunities. I met a 72 years old Polish gentlemen on the K2 base camp alone, so we have a few years too.
Cheers
Omar

Pakistan situation
 

Cheers Omie for the info.

Your additional comment on the temperature is appreciated. As this visit to Pakistan is part of a RTW trip I'm finding it tricky to time it so that the weather is favourable everywhere. Somewhere along the way I guess it's always going to be too hot or too cold. All part of the experience no doubt.

Thanks again.

Hello. I have driven across Pakistan (Taftan-Quetta-Sukkur-Lahore) from Iran to India in August.
The only problems that I had were related to the heavy rain and floodings, especially in the zone of Sukkur. I would have preferred to take the Quetta-Loralai-D.G. Khan road, but a special permit was needed for that route (that goes through the NH 50, if I am not wrong).
Actually there was the possibility to take a secondary road from Quetta to Loralai, but I was driving a 2WD standard campervan and someone told me that the NH 65 to Jacobabad and Sukkur was in better conditions.
In ay case, to go towards Lahore, I recommend to take the way to Sukkur because the Bolan Pass has interesting landscapes.

Overall I think that Pakistan is a very nice country; people has always been friendly with me. The police is also doing a great job in supporting tourists, especially the ones that drive their own vehicles and need to be escorted sometime.

Regards

Hi Caird,

Just to back up what's been said already. For the most part you can ignore what you hear on the news. The vast majority of problems in Pakistan occur in Warizstan and parts of North West Frontier Province (NWFP) and you won't be going there.

Your experience of Pakistan will be one of great food, amazing scenery (if you do the KKH) and utterly warm, generous, friendly people.

It's something people always worry about when planning a trip, but it's mostly as you're advised against going by well meaning family and friends - but of course none of them (generally) have been there so they tend to be basing their views on what they see on the news.

It's been the highlight of our RTW so far, and not going there would be something you'd really come to regret (as fore seen in my crystal ball!).

If you want a flavour of what it has to offer, click on the link to our blog below, go to the gallery and click on Pakistan.

go there, it's worth it!
 

Hi Pete,

I've posted something under the bike-friendly section a week ago. We just arrived in India after travel for a month in Pakistan. I'll copy the major part here for you;

Although the western media wants you to believe this is a very dangerous place loaded by terrorists, go there and make out for yourself. I believe there's much more dangerous places in the world in terms of criminality for instance. Yes, there are some assaults, but like in the rest of the world these are caused by a small group of people. Just listen to the locals who will be happy to tell you where you can go and where you better shouldn't go. We felt safe everywhere we went and felt very welcome. There's areas where people depend on tourism, so help them by going there, you won't regret. Pakistan is an yet undiscovered gem with most hospitable and friendly people, and the north is simply magnificent and great for motor riding. A real adventure!

We even rode the KKH late november which was fine, weather wise (a bit cold). The road is challenging because the chinese are working at a new road, but it was great and added a lot to our off-road skills.
To be honest, we really miss the warmth and friendliness of the Pakistani and Irani people here in India
If you have more questions, pm me.

greetz Els

PK safe....????
 

Hello to all on this thread (and Omie again...!!), I am one of 4 riders that intend to pass through PK next Oct time and this is Our constant stumbling block, whether PK is safe or not. One of Our members has access to higher classification information which claims its a "no go" zone at present. I firmly believe that it carries the same risk as it always has and We probably should just get on with it like You good people have stated here....!!!! I will continue to monitor this section so if anyone reading this now that will be travelling through PK in the coming year can post and update current affairs it would be greatly appreciated.
Safe and happy travelling to all in 2011, Mez.

Hello Mez,
When we always had followed the official advices from our ministry of foreign affairs we never had left home instead of travellling 11 years to interesting places.
These officials do not like to burn their hands and like to save their balls, as we say in Holland,
For me the most dangerous place on earth for a motorbike is on the highway between Rotterdam and Amsterdam in rushhour in the mid of would be formula 1 drivers.
Metita an wife

Hi Metita, thanks for replying, this is the only kind of advice that really counts and that I bother to listen too so.........!!! The reality is We're setting off Sept for India regardless of current affairs, just simply cannot wait....!!!!!

Pakistan situation
 

Thanks everyone for the replies.

While I'm not the type to believe that what's portrayed in the media represents the whole country it's obvious that things could be better in Pakistan. So it's refreshing to hear from people, in particular James and Emily (great website) and Els who are out there enjoying themselves.

We were planning this journey a couple of years ago when circumstances got in the way of the planned departure. Things are looking better this time. As you say James/Emily, there are no plans to visit the NWFP area. Entering from Iran, leaving for India with a healthy dose of the KKH in the middle. That's the plan.

Pete

By the way MEZ, I'm still intrigued by your 'higher classification information'.

:offtopic:

Hey all,

I'm relatively new to the forum, but not to motorcycling or travelling.

And hello there Mr. Omar Khan. I didn't know you were a Doctor as well.

Anyhow, whenever anyone of you is looking to travel through Pakistan, you are most welcomed to come stay at my house as my guest, in Lahore.

I have an extra room with an attached bathroom, computer with internet, you'll find A/C in the summers, heater in the winters and you'll find food on the table.

I am a teacher by profession, so I'm mostly free after around 4 in the afternoon, will also be glad to show you around when possible. I ride a CBR600RR '09 as my touring option :)

gimme a call on my cell: +923234662529
Will guide you to my place. Near the new airport.

Alternatively you can also see it on google maps
SEARCH "EDEN AVENUE MARKET LAHORE"
and take the option "A"


:Beach: My house address:
:Beach: 247-Eden Avenue,
:Beach: Defence road,
:Beach: Lahore cantt

Regarding mechanics, there are quite a few decent ones in lahore, Karachi and islamabad/Rawalpindi. If you need one just ring me up and i'll hook you up with someone or alternatively Mr. Omar is also always keen to help travellers.

beerchug

@mez
 

Sorry for replying on this thread, as a security measure I still need to reply to posts in order to get my pm service activated. lol.:funmeterno:

You are most welcomed to call me at:

Mon, Fri, Sat and Sun : 9:30 am till 5:30 pm
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays: 11:30 am till 5:30pm

(UK TIME ZONES)

Would love to hear from you and will provide all neccessary assisstance where needed.:funmeteryes:

And thanks for welcoming me to the site

Regards,
:scooter: :scooter: :scooter:

Dear all,

I see I've the same problem. Wanted to write a pm but it's not possible because of the lack in posts..

I'm Dutch, living in Lithuania and planning together with my girl to travel from september in 4 months from Lithuania to malaysia (the southern asian route through Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, India, Nepal, flying to Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Malaysia).

We're planning to drive two up on a V strom 650.

Zoeed.. we would love to stay over at your place in October this year and I got a question regarding Pakistan: are there tires for the V-strom available in Lahore?

Thanks!

Johan