2Likes
-
1
Post By Al Goodridge
-
1
Post By JoeSheffer
|
11 Aug 2012
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 1
|
|
Islamabad - Karakorum on Sep 2012 - security?
Hi!
We are four italians guys that started a trip by car from Italy through russia - mongolia - china - tibet - nepal - India - Pakistan - China - Kirghizistan etc...
We will be at Indian/Pakistan border about on 5 Sep, then we'll move to Islamabad - KKH - China
Anyone of you has been here in last months? How about the security in this area for european travellers? I've done search on this forum but I've found only very old thread, nothing recent...
Thank you!
Andrea
|
12 Aug 2012
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Lahore, Pakistan
Posts: 329
|
|
Many groups of our members travelled on the KKH lately as did European and Australian bikers. It is safe although the asphalt isnt in a very good shape.
At certain places the police makes convoys to escort them.
Cheers
Omar
Quote:
Originally Posted by Garrett
Hi!
We are four italians guys that started a trip by car from Italy through russia - mongolia - china - tibet - nepal - India - Pakistan - China - Kirghizistan etc...
We will be at Indian/Pakistan border about on 5 Sep, then we'll move to Islamabad - KKH - China
Anyone of you has been here in last months? How about the security in this area for european travellers? I've done search on this forum but I've found only very old thread, nothing recent...
Thank you!
Andrea
|
|
13 Sep 2012
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 3
|
|
We travelled the KKH in August 2012, entering Pakistan at Wagah through to China. We experienced nothing but warmth, kindness and generosity from the local people. The police are generally friendly and helpful to tourists and will give you an escort if they feel it is required anywhere.
|
13 Sep 2012
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Cambridge, UK
Posts: 672
|
|
I am currently in Gilgit. Speaking to local officals, cops and tour guides, the consensus isL
Apparently the convoys have ended and potential for violence has subsided, but the biggest risk is to buses. There are still lots of people stranded waiting to fly, but this is Shias, who were targetted on that bus attack, who are too scared to come back to Islamabad by bus.
Gilgit is swarming with checkpoints, at most junctions but feels fairly safe
Obviously this is a fluid situation.
Might see you going the opposite direction!
Ciao
Fern
|
13 Sep 2012
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: RTW
Posts: 517
|
|
I am currently in Skardu. Magnificient road from Kilgit (book a whole day for this road)!
Few checkpoints here and there, in some places you need to write down your passport and visa numbers. People are really friendly everywhere over here.
You will see guns, but people are great!
-Hemuli
|
16 Sep 2012
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Cambridge, UK
Posts: 672
|
|
today feels different.
Met two couples in Chilas who had tried the Babosar pass but told its now closed to foreigners due to 7 robberies in one day. One solo biker got through though.
South of Chilas I was plagued with police escorts. Some were boy soldiers on 125cc, some in pick up but had to kick up a fuss to not be lumped with the buses. Some let me ride ahead and realised I was quick and stopped.
Lost count of checkpoints. Got spat on by road workers in Dasu and now in Besham where The police are going nuts because I have no NOC letter. I was sure it wasn't needed for the KKH. Im stopping here now and I'm under curfew. Can't go into town without police escort. The ptdc want 4000 rupees per room so I'm camping in the garden for 500.
|
17 Sep 2012
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Lahore, Pakistan
Posts: 329
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fern
today feels different.
Met two couples in Chilas who had tried the Babosar pass but told its now closed to foreigners due to 7 robberies in one day. One solo biker got through though.
South of Chilas I was plagued with police escorts. Some were boy soldiers on 125cc, some in pick up but had to kick up a fuss to not be lumped with the buses. Some let me ride ahead and realised I was quick and stopped.
Lost count of checkpoints. Got spat on by road workers in Dasu and now in Besham where The police are going nuts because I have no NOC letter. I was sure it wasn't needed for the KKH. Im stopping here now and I'm under curfew. Can't go into town without police escort. The ptdc want 4000 rupees per room so I'm camping in the garden for 500.
|
I presume you are in Besham PTDC. Unfortunately the balsphemy issue is too thorny and sensitive currently, particularly for people with US passports. Wrong time to do the Thakot-Chillas section.
Please follow the police instructions, they are doing it for your safety.
I hope it gets resolved soon.
Cheers
|
19 Sep 2012
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 276
|
|
We just arrived in Islamabad last night, 2 Americans, 2germans, 2 poles, & 2 spaniards. Most of the way from chilas was with heavily armed police escort. It was slow with that & all of the checkpoints so it took 2 days (including our attempt at the babusar pass - police turned us back, see fern's info) but everyone was friendly including the police & military. That crap film is causing a lot of unrest, we rode by a massive protest in Haripur past abbottabad. Getting into Islamabad was tough with a roadblock & bad traffic but we managed. We were advised to follow the advice of the police & for the most part this serves us well.
Also with the sectarian incidents, gilgit is pretty locked down. We had to go there for ATM (via a bouncing footbridge!) I wouldn't stay there, or go in unless you have to. Too time consuming & much nicer places in the countryside
Enjoy the KKH, it's amaaaaazing! Kyrgyzstan too, wow.
|
24 Sep 2012
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 67
|
|
How you guys and girls getting on? What terrible timing for that naff film eh.
|
24 Sep 2012
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Cambridge, UK
Posts: 672
|
|
no bother really at all. I went and stayed in Murree for 4 nights, and avoided the protests there. Nothing major.
Normal life has resumed.
Rode into the diplomatic compound today to pick up my Indian visa. No security checks whatsoever.
|
25 Sep 2012
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: London
Posts: 249
|
|
Such a shame this is happening on the kkh. Used to be such a trouble free, pleasurable place to spend time.
__________________
Thanks
Joe
|
25 Sep 2012
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 276
|
|
Lahore was fine a couple days ago. & we had a fantastic visit with the guys from the Pakistan Bikers Club!
|
27 Sep 2012
|
Contributing Member
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Paris, FRANCE
Posts: 12
|
|
Visa on arrival at Sost
Hi all,
Very interesting thread.
I have a question: I read that more than one year ago the possibility of getting Pakistanese visas on arrival at Sost was stopped.
Do you know what is the situation now?
That would save some hassles while coming from China.
Thanks!
Sebastien.
|
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
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
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...
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™ 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!
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!
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.
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.
|
|
|