Hi Helge

I'm guessing from your name and the fact that you say you're gonna ride from Denmark - that you're Danish! Well, so am I and I just want to "warn" you to expect some comments on the infamous Mohammed caricatures that were published several years ago. Yes, they still haven't forgotten about that and well, they don't really see the funny part in it My boyfriend and I rode through Pakistan in 2012 and I was constantly reminded of how our country betrayed them... Just thought I'd let you know If you want to know about how we fared when we were there, here's a link to our blog post about Balochistan: Handful Of Throttle: Balochistan
Not sure if you're travelling alone or with your wife/girlfriend but if it's the latter I would strongly suggest to be cautious. As a girl travelling through Pakistan I had A LOT of problems with men. I know that's not the case for every girl, but I can only speak from my own experience. Just be careful. Oh, and make sure you go up the KKH - it's stunning. Have a great trip!

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Boy and Girl. RTW. 2 Suzuki DRZ 400s. http://handfulofthrottle.blogspot.com

Hi Big Empty,
I am shocked and saddened by reading your blog and knowing about the terrible experience you had in Lahore. I can understand that after such a bad welcome you could not have enjoyed the city or the country as you should have.
Living in Lahore for 55 years I can assure you this was an isolated incidence and generally Pakistanis pride in their respect for women. Ladies of my family fortunately never reported any such incidence. However I would like to add following points. (by no means justifying)
1. This unfortunate incidence happened in the red light area near the "Cuckoos Den". It is the highest crime area of the city full of criminals and addicts. Despite being an old and big man, I don't go to that area and that also at night.
2. Probably the person you approached thinking as a driver of rickshaw might have been a pimp or something, not the kind anyone would like to deal with.
3. Bikers in Lahore are very well organized and all of them are a helpful bunch. Had you been in touch with them you might have been guided better.
4, Reading your blog reminded me of my experience in 1983 when I landed in NY for the first time and took a taxi to the Central Park. I wont bother you with the story I am sure you can guess what happened next.
I am glad it ended much better for you than how it started and you had a nice and safe trip.


Cheers
Omar

Thanks Omar for the nice message
Yeah, it was a real shame we had such a bad experience in Pakistan. Unfortunately this incident in Lahore was not the only time I had troubles with men, it happened many times during our stay there, although this one was by far the worst.
I should say though that we had some good experiences there too - it wasn't all bad. I loved the North and the KKH and actually think it is one of the most beautiful places we have visited on this trip, but because of everything that happened I don't think I will ever go back.
I do think it is naive for a woman to go to Pakistan and not be aware of the huge cultural differences and the possible dangerous situations that can happen. Of course there's a chance that nothing will happen but I believe things can get out of hand here really quickly. I met a Japanese girl while I was there who got raped in her hotel.
Women who travel here just have to be very careful.

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Boy and Girl. RTW. 2 Suzuki DRZ 400s. http://handfulofthrottle.blogspot.com

Anybody knows if the border between Pakistan and Iran is open?
I read in this article that Iran closed the border after a bomb attack in Taftan.
I wanted to cross from Pakistan to Iran somewhere in september so this would be bad news.

I crossed the border on July 3rd and its open. spent the night at the police compound in Taftan. I understand the border was only closed a day or so after the attack.
Three of us ( German, American, and English ) we had escorts until 150K before Lahore.

that's great news!
thanks for the update

Hi,
I am from Delhi/India .I am a software Engineer by professional and woud want to go overland to Europe this year in Sept 2014 from New Delhi To Germany and looking out for travel companions too who are ready to take up this trip all by road from Delhi to Germany.......

Have Indians traveled overland to Europe from India ever before ?

Also wanted to know the visas for Pakistan and Iran ? Should i avoid mentioning while applying for pak visas , that i would Cross Pakistan-iran border bu surface ? How is Quetta - Zaheden stretch ? Is there any train that run along this route ? How about buses plying on this route ?



Hotels that are safe to stay in Quetta for night ?

Awaiting information on this .

Anil

Hi bazz!

What are your plans? We are two planning to enter in Pakistan from the India by the end of September too.

Cheers,

Eric

Hi Eric,

we are in Amritsar now and we will go to Pakistan in two days..bit to soon for you I guess. You can always sent me a mail when you arrive in Pakistan. If we're close we can meet..I'll pm my mail.
grts

So do I... Please keep in touch.

Question: How's punjab? I see a lot of bad things on the news. Huge floods...How's the situation there at the moment? Hope you're all fine.

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www.waarjijnunietbent.nl

Well of course the flooding is very bad for a lot of people but we didnt have a problem on the roads when we left from Lahore 6 days ago. We went all the way up to Khunjerab pass.
Lahore to Besham is in good condition. Besham to Chilas is ok but a lot of 'fixed' potholes and sometimes a bit of bad road. From 30 km after Chilas to Khunjerab pass is very smooth road except for some parts where they are working.