Has anyone got any updates on the KKH? Are the roads open? I haven't noticed anyone doing this route since the shootings last June. Seems a few people are missing out Pakistan and shipping their bikes from Iran to Dubai.
Any news would be good.

Everything is fine with the KKH. Around 10 different biking groups of MAP were there this summer. Since the major repairs the last 350kms are now in fabulous shape.
The simple rule about Pakistan appears to be, "no news is good news"


Cheers

While you're on Omie, what is the state of the lake and the ferry these days? Is the boat service here to stay or will they try and eliminate the lake eventually?
Do you mean the 'last 350kms' to the Chinese border - sounds like all the way from Gilgit.
Wlt get back up there some time.

thanks

Ch

Hi Chris,
Pakistanis are an unbelievably resilient people and everything is working routinely around the lake. Bikes, cars, vans, trucks are regularly crossing on small boats. Big government rafts are also operating although at a higher cost. A carpeted road along the spillway is complete and cars can easily reach the boats. It is amazing to see how rudimentary technology is being used so effectively.


I am not sure about the fate of the lake but construction of road around it is being done at full speed. At least 6 tunnels are nearly complete and it should be operational in another 1 year.


The part of the KKH that was rebuilt started from Raikot bridge to the Chinese border. This is the 3rd bridge on the Indus 80 kms downstream from Gilgit.


Now that fall is approaching KKH is getting more colorful and prettier. Don't miss it.


Cheers
Omar

I'll be there in a couple of weeks. Can't wait!!! In India at the moment with snow on the mountains.
Any idea what the weather is like around that time? Does the KKH ever close because of snow?

KKH is an all weather road and the only part between Islamabad to Gilgit where it snows regularly is Chattar but the road never stops. North of Gilgit it get colder but very little snowfall although streams and spilled water tends to solidify which can be vicious.



However the KKH remains operational but the border with China closes for nearly 4 months, between 1st January to 1st May every year.


Omar