Pakistan - how safe is Wagah border (Lahore)?
 

Hi to everybody,

I posted this thread also in the Route Planning Forum but maybe it suits more in here?

Due to the suicide attacks in november 2014 I am wondering how safe the border crossing from Pakistan to India is and how safe the KKH in the northern regions is, coming from the Khunjerab Pass down to Islamabad and Lahore.

As I am planning a trip from Germany to Southeast Asia (Start in April 2015), the KKH was always our favorite and first option instead of crossing China. But due to the bombings at the border and also in Peshawar China becomes more interesting, still very expensive though. We're thinking of working out both options, get the pakistani visa also, while preparing for China. Might be good, when tibetan borders will be closed for some reasons and we can change the route.

Did someone recently this trip from Kashgar to Lahore respectively crossed the Wagah border after the bombings? How safe did you felt? Have you done it in a convoy or alone?

Thanks a lot for more infos!!!

Hi Thomas,

I crossed Wagah border in 2013. It's safe as far as anything can be safe. It is the only border for foreigners so you don't have much choice. Be aware that you are not allowed to take Pakistan money out of the country into India. Pakistani custom agents will try to squeeze that money out of you. So, spend your rupees before.

For riding the KKH you need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) which is issued by the Department of Home Affairs in Islamabad. It's quite a hassle to get that document. I don't know how to get that doc, coming from China. Maybe at the border?

Have a good trip, Mart (currently on Bali)

Hi Thomas!

I was riding the KKH in August 2014, coming from China.
Nobody was asking us for a NOC.

The security situation is changing very fast.
For us it was not possible to ride through the Kaghan Valley. The day before people get killed on this road, so it was closed for foreigners.
On the main road it was o.k. and we had no problems.
There was no convoy, we have been alone.

As long you are staying on teh KKH you should be fine.
I would not go to Peshawar and Chitral.

Enjoy your trip.

Joe

Hi,

My info is a little out of date as I rode this route in 2009, but here goes:

Wagah border is very safe, I would not expect any issues there. It's a spectacle really worthwhile seeing, maybe even twice (on each sude of the border). Islamabad and Rawalpindi should be ok too, and if staying at the free Rose Garden Camp in Islamabad you'd be out of the way (ie not a worthwhile target) anyways.

Back then the KKH was very safe north of Gilgit, south of Gilgit the situation varies as there are some tribal territories to cross. But the are alternate routes, so check locally for the latest info. There also is a Pakistani local here on the HUBB who can probably share the best up to date insights.

The KKH is probably the most spectacular road on this planet, and if travelling across Asia I would definately recommend to to it. In the worst case you'd spend a few extra days in e.g. karimabad or explore some of the side valleys until things clear up. In the absolute worst case I'm sure you could fly out of Gilgit.

Re Pehshawar et al: back in 2009 I was so charmed with Pakistan, the nature and the locals that I was ready to go, but just a day before leaving Gilgit there was the horrible bombing of a market, children and all. Back then I skipped it, but I do hope to have the chance to go some time in the future.

Also I did not require any letter/noc ... After China, coming to Pakistan was like breaking free from prison and finding the direct road to paradise. China was a lot of hassle, Pakistan was incredibly friendly and beautiful.

Enjoy!

We were there a few months back

See report here. I think your going to be safe. Otherwise they will just not let you in I guess.

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...pakistan-78842

Wagah Border is safe.

Thanks mates for your answers! It relieves me to read this!

Permit/fee to cross wagah border with own vehicle?
 

Hi guys,
Does anybody know if there is a permit for your own vehicle needed when crossing the wagah border from pakistan into india?

The ministry of foreign affairs of germany mentiones on its homepage that one MIGHT need a permit for the own vehicle but nobody cited that in the forums.

Can anybody confirm that or is that not true? If YES, where and when do i have to obtain this permit?

Thanks mates!

Hi Thomas

We did this in 2007. The only 'permit' we needed was the Carnet De Passage for the car, but if you have managed to get as far as Pakistan prior to crossing into India then the chances are you'll have a CDP in any case!

Mark