Hi Omie

Just out of interest, what is your view on the reality of Mand - Pishin opening?

I drove the MCH in 2008, amazing place, but no sign of a working border crossing. Is Gwadar still idle?

Hi Dan,
Although I have been hearing a lot about opening of new borders with neighboring countries nothing has materialized for decades. A few borders like 3 in Kashmir and (probably 2) in Balochistan have been opened for the locals to cross into the first city with permission of local authorities but even they cant go any further.
One day when all the stupid wars going on stop, all these will open, I hope within my lifetime.

Cheers
Omar

Iran / Pakistan border crossings
 

Any thoughts on traveling with a child? The southern crossings seems safer as further away from the tribal areas!

Forget the 'southern crossings'. It's Taftan, China or flying.

Northern Baluchistan has become very unstable recently. Travelling with a child would be highly irresponsible.

Any new info about the southern border crossings between Iran and Pakistan? Still closed to foreigners?

Im in katmandhu now heading that way in month or two, And I met a spanish guy here on a Super Ten that rode through there on his way here, maybe 3 weeks ago he said it was fine. One police escort took him 1000km futher than the direct route because of safety reasons but other than that all good. if that helps lol

This is the taftan border, the southern route is not open.

Hi ShaneBaby, would you have the name of that Spaniard by chance? Maybe he uses HU as well and we can contact him.

Thanks :)

Woops just seen this and yeah sure his name is Joan Carles Campobadal his written english is not so hot but better than my spanish ofcourse

Latest Pakistan safety information
 

Has anyone got the latest safety information regarding the route:

Teftan, Dalbandin, Quetta, Sukkur, Multan, Lahore.

We are planning to ride through there in September this year.

I'll be there in about a month - so I'm hoping its ok. I'll feed back when I return (early July).

Feedback on other threads suggest the route and the safety situation haven't changed for many years. The advice is always stick to what the police tell you to do (ie, don't go wondering off) and you will be ok.

What I've not been able to pick up so far is how much sight seeing is possible with the police escort, sights such as Mohenjo-Daro and Uch Sharif are on the route, would be a shame to pass by without seeing them.

Dave

@Dave

1-I guess better to get in touch with MAP assoc. friends in Lahore.They organise several charity or promotion to tourism development rides each month to different parts of the country..If lucky,may be one available to that destination.
They have always been very helpful to all travellers passing by..
Password to open doors is selamünaleyküm!!!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/MAPakistan/

Otherwise 2 options left between multan and taftan, camping at a levis station or staying at the hotel you will be taken to by the slow escort guys.

2-To travel between lahore and quetta, NOC. certificate must be taken, available and free at both cities but takes almost a day to get..same permission sometimes needed for KKH.

You will love Pakistan most..Just obey the escort rules...

All the best for a great trip..

Stopping to sightsee with escorts
 

What I've not been able to pick up so far is how much sight seeing is possible with the police escort, sights such as Mohenjo-Daro and Uch Sharif are on the route, would be a shame to pass by without seeing them.

Hi Dave -to be as blunt as possible - NO WAY.

They are ordered to escort you to prevent you being killed or hostaged by some serious badmashes. They want you off their patch as quick as possible, in one piece.

They always say "next escort" if you want to eat or drink, toalet or fuel. Their safety is keeping you moving as fast as possible. The thought of you wandering around a historic site is for them a nightmare situation.

There is also the danger of sloppy weapons handling - a real threat in my opinion. Negligent discharges pretty often.

They do find a hotel for you if you dont have one lined up.

Necessary evil if you get an escort, some days they do, some days they dont. Depends on the local situation.

Safe travels

Peter, in Oslo

Riding through Pakistan
 

Hi Dave,
No rider can afford to miss the 5000 yrs old ruins of Moenjodaro or spotting the blind dolphins in Indus coming from Quetta.
Situation close to the Afghan border in Balochistan is fluid although public transport regularly plies on this route.
I would suggest,
1. Reach Quetta with escorts.
2. You should be fine once you reach N-5 at Sukkur and escorts should leave. Their system is not very efficient and many times they bring travelers till Lahore which is absolutely unnecessary. I would suggest if police tells you that they will escort you all the way to Lahore opt for a train from Quetta till Sukkur. Get off and visit Moenjodaro which is hardly 100 kms from Sukkur. Uch Shariff, Bahawalpur and Multan are on the way to Lahore. This 800kms ride on decent divided road should be nice although summers are scorching hot.
3. Stay in touch with MAP (Motorcyclists Assoc of Pak) and you should be fine. If you inform me about your FB identity i will include you on MAPs FB page.

Wishing you a great tour.
Cheers
Omar

I would advise heading down to Karachi from Quetta. I can't imagine that the escorts would bother you in Karachi. Plus it's a vibrant city and deserves a few days in my opinion.

Then you can begin a proper transit along the real axis of Pakistan; the Indus River. There are innumerable attractions in Sindh (not least the people), Moenjodaro, Bhit Shah, Sehwan Sharif and Ranikot Fort are among the most obvious. It's really a shame that people miss this province due to travel advice which is two decades out of date.

EO