Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > West and South Asia
Latest from KKH Latest from KKH
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
West and South Asia From Turkey to Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Ladakh and Bangladesh
Photo by Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



Like Tree10Likes

Reply
Page 1 of 3 1 23
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 7 Sep 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Lahore, Pakistan
Posts: 328
Latest from KKH
Noticing concerns of the members I called friends in Sost and Passu a few days back and confirmed my information first hand. The road to Pakistan from China is open but challenging. Let me enumerate the challenges,
1. A bridge at Khyber is damaged but motorbikes can cross it because the waterlevels have dropped. It can also be crossed in tractor trollies for a little payment.
2. Atabad lake has to be crossed in a boat.
3. Babusar route should be taken from Chillas as KKH is closed at Dubair.

Then a few suggestions,
1. One TV channell is announcing opening of the KKH. In third world countries official information is unreliable so I dont trust it. The most credible info is word of mouth or the bus stations which ply the route regularly.
2. KKH is doable but not easy. Not very difficult either and certainly worth it.
3. Help is available everywhere for a little payment.
Cheers
Omar
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 8 Sep 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Lahore, Pakistan
Posts: 328
Now it is confirmed that complete KKH is open for light traffic as they have erected a temporary bridge at Dubair. Still the road is in bad shape as it is being upgraded from Khanjerab till Raikot bridge by the Chinese and the portion from Chillas till Battgram is in shambles due to neglect.
Cheers
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 12 Sep 2010
dnicoletti's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: milan, italy
Posts: 156
hi there,
just arrived today in islamabad from china. KKH is totally open even the dubar section after chilas, but we did the most challenging babusar pass route as for mud, sand, landslides exc. we went through by hands through the fallen bridge south of sost (sept. 4th) on a wooden enlarged catwalk, made by local labours; 10,000 rps for 7 bikes. they are starting to build a temporary bridge. then the lake; the shore is few kms south of passu; we rented two boats for 20,000rps, puls 3,000 rps to download the bikes at south shore, north of karimabad. after gilgit a landslide has forced us to get in deal with some local porters to cross the bike by hands through a narrow sharp rocky footpath (1,500 rps sept. 9th). now the road it should to been cleared.

www.lungastrada.it
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 14 May 2013
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Oulu, Finland
Posts: 38
Kkh 2013
We crossed Khunjerab Pass from Pakistan to China 05.05.2013. According to Pakistani customs log book we were the second ones this year.

No need for N.O.C in the KKH, but police will escort you from Thakot to Dasu. The road in this leg is quite rough too. The road from Dasu to Raikot Bridge is pretty good, after the bridge there are long and heavy road works but mostly brand new tarmac.

We paid 800 rupees for two passengers and one bike to cross Attabad Lake. Loading and unloading are still risky businesses...

After Sost we had to pay 800 rupees each to enter the Khunjerab National Park. The fee is possible to pay in USD or Yuan too. There was lots of snow in Khunjerab Pass and the road was icy with fresh snow... But very beautiful.

Pakistani customs and Chinese border guards want to open and check all your luggage, but we rode alone all the way to Tashkurgan, where we met our guide in the customs house. There was a small snowstorm before Tashgurgan and cold snowy mountains between Tashgurgan and Kashgar.

My English is so limited that I´m not going to tell more about grandness and beauty of the sceneries etc. Amazing road that you have to experience yourself!
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 14 May 2013
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: on the road
Posts: 59
That sounds awesome Rami
we cant wait....
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 14 May 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Lahore, Pakistan
Posts: 328
A forty member group of MAP (Motorcyclists Assoc of Pakistan) is going on the KKH on 29th June and another a week earlier. I myself will be going in early August to visit the adjoining valleys of Deosai, Shamshal and Minapin.

I wish Rami had been to these valleys too. They are out of this world.

Cheers
Omar
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 15 May 2013
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Oulu, Finland
Posts: 38
Oh, almost forgot... The police at the southern end of Attabad lake wants a paper, where you announce that you are crossing the lake in your own responsibility.

I guess hotels in Karimabad have those papers, we got the information and our copies from Hunza Embassy hotel.

Omie: Unfortunately the time was limited... Chinese permits aren´t flexible
__________________
www.easy-rider.fi
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 18 May 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Portugal
Posts: 139
I do find it such a shame that so many bikers just blast up the KKH and straight through to China without spending anytime actually exploring NW Pakistan. They really have no idea what they are missing. We spent 6 weeks touring NWFP last year on a Bullet and I would recommend it to anyone !
UB.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 18 May 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Lahore, Pakistan
Posts: 328
Best kept secrert
Quote:
Originally Posted by Uselessbaba View Post
I do find it such a shame that so many bikers just blast up the KKH and straight through to China without spending anytime actually exploring NW Pakistan. They really have no idea what they are missing. We spent 6 weeks touring NWFP last year on a Bullet and I would recommend it to anyone !
UB.


No wonder I consider it the worlds best kept secret. Cant have enough of
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 18 May 2013
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 79
Hello,

we just come back from South Africa and Namibia.In September we go from Germany to Nepal and we want to visit NW Pakistan.But October and November it is mabye to cold there?What is the best time to go ?

Regards

Mike
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 19 May 2013
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Auckland
Posts: 5
Hi Rami,

Where did u cross the Chinese boarder. Are you allowed to ride in China as a individual traveller?

Thanks,
Ranjan
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 19 May 2013
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: on the road
Posts: 59
we will be travelling up the KKH in about 3 weeks time , cant wait

Brisbane2Bristol | On our great adventure
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 20 May 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Lahore, Pakistan
Posts: 328
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike K. View Post
Hello,

we just come back from South Africa and Namibia.In September we go from Germany to Nepal and we want to visit NW Pakistan.But October and November it is mabye to cold there?What is the best time to go ?

Regards

Mike
In late November it starts getting too cold. Early October should be fine although adjacent high valleys lose their short spring in early September.

Cheers
Omar
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 25 May 2013
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Oulu, Finland
Posts: 38
Quote:
Originally Posted by genki View Post
Hi Rami,

Where did u cross the Chinese boarder. Are you allowed to ride in China as a individual traveller?

Thanks,
Ranjan
We crossed Khunjerab Pass, the only border post between Pakistan and China, and then Torugat Pass to Kyrgyztan.

It´s not possible for foreigners to drive their own vehicles without an escort in China.
__________________
www.easy-rider.fi
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 23 Jun 2013
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,895
Not such good news from the KKH Gilgit area:
BBC News - Nine tourists killed at north Pakistan mountain camp

... the Pakistani Taliban has told the BBC it was responsible... The group said it would continue to target foreigners.

The first such attack up in usually peaceful and safe NE Pakistan, afaik. And its not like there can be that many tourists up there.

I wonder if the police escorts down on the lowlands might now spread up to the KKH too.

More here also: http://pamirtimes.net + latest on the lake.

And to add your PoV on the background to the event, please go here.

Ch
Last edited by Chris Scott; 26 Jun 2013 at 15:41.
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 3 1 23

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
latest post mustaphapint Website Feedback 6 18 Nov 2011 22:59
Latest version of mapsource chickcharnie Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS 9 14 Sep 2008 19:01
Getting the latest news on the road (from the BBC) mattcbf600 Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else 3 12 Feb 2008 00:06
The latest: Mauritania Visa! mo_ataie North Africa 2 6 Nov 2007 12:59
Latest on Angola? hunternielson Travellers Seeking Travellers 0 15 May 2003 21:35

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

  • California: April 18-21
  • Virginia: April 25-28
  • Germany Summer: May 9-12
  • Québec: May 17-19
  • Bulgaria Mini: July 5-7
  • CanWest: July 11-14
  • Switzerland: August 15-18
  • Ecuador: August 23-25
  • Romania: August 30-Sept 1
  • Austria: September 12-15
  • France: September 20-22
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 31-Nov 3

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 13:19.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top