Bike'n Hike in Pakistan

[Wauschi]

My feeling is most of the riders are just passing through Pakistan (on their way to India).

As far as I recall one will need escort in the southern part only (I think at least to Quetta).
After Quetta I got the feeling everyone heads directly to Lahore.

Last time round my visa was rejected so Pakistan is still on my bucket list.
I think this time round I could potentially manage to get a visa.
My plan would then be to at least visit the mountains and the KKH in the north.
A hike to see the Fairy Meadows would be on top of the list.

In case I manage to get a visa.
Would I have to stay on the beaten track?
Would I be free to drive to the north and even take a hike?
What does it take to be able to hike to Fairy Meadows?

Greetings,
Wauschi

[Lovetheworld]

This changes constantly. I have been to KKH, in December so could not do everything. Unfortunately not Fairy Meadows, but visited Astor valley (and did an easy hike in area of Nanga Parbat) and also other valley with Lake Saiful Muluk (everything covered in snow, was awesome)
But summer is more practical.

We could drive there, just registering at checkpoints and continue. But half a year later a Swiss guy could not go up there, because it was unsafe or something. I think it was an exception (there were also protest at the time), normally you can go. Try to find most recent info.
It offers a different view of Pakistan, it is a bit rough but very nice.

By the way, you get escort even past Quetta, and today you even need to stop a few days to get a NOC so you are allowed to travel further. That is what I read here. But still you can do it.

[Wauschi]

Thank you for your feedback!

In the meantime my plans got more specific.
I have an appointment at the embassy in Vienna in CW10.
I was told to bring a flight ticket in and out of the country and travel plans with me.

Around CW18 I will enter the country. I will try to get to the north and spend 2-3 weeks hiking in the area around Gilgit. Maybe I can even follow the KKH a bit to the north.
After that I will continue to India and Nepal.

What I still need to figure out:
- Where can I buy flight ticket and get full refund when cancelling?
- Escort. Is it really mandatory? Can I arrange the escort on arrival? How much will it be?
- Iran vias. It seem I have to buy an Invitation Letter. Shall not be a problem.
- I recall from earlier visits to Nepal there is a company named "Eagle" or something. They will help to fly my bike out of the country. I still have to find the contacts to those gentle man.

Other than that I am good to go.
My company will let me go in CW16.
So now it get serious.

Greetings,
Wauschi

[Lovetheworld]

Yes escort is mandatory, they will not let you go at a checkpoint.
Also read this topic:
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...iran-pak-93661
No arranging needed, and it is free.

We used an incomplete booking of an airline ticket for the visa and they said it was ok.

[Wauschi]

Thank you for the valuable link.
Good info there!

you get escort even past Quetta

Does anybody know from which point on I would be free to go e.g. to Gilgit?
I can't believe I have to be escorted all the way from Iran-India.

Greetings,
Wauschi

[lbendel]

They would let you go once you leave Sindh, somewhere between Sukkur and Multan, sometimes all the way until Multan but not any further.

Then you're free. Which is the point.

Have a great time !
Laurent