Hi all,

I am planning a trip from Paris to Singapore - 8 months duration. R1200GS ADV.

On the way I will pass through Pakistan: certainly Taftan - Quetta - Sukkur - Multan - Lahore - Islamabad etc... First part of the path to be confirmed (any better suggestions?).

My main interrogation today is the safety situation along the Karakoram Highway (Islamabad - Khunjerab pass). For now, the only echos I gathered were quite good but I wanted to get fresher opinions/views from connoisseurs.

Regarding the timetable, I am planning a 2 weeks ride for the round-trip along the KKH: Islamabad - Khunjerab pass - Islamabad. I will ride there in October, possible September if advisable.
> Are 2 weeks reasonable somehow?

Thanks in advance!

2 weeks is plenty time, think I did it roughly 3 days riding each way so you'll have time to see plenty places, rest etc.

The Kaghan Valley is worth a look and can be done as an alternative route either on the way north or coming back. I stayed in Naran and theres a nice ride to a beautiful lake nearby up a mountain track.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaghan_Valley

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Mike


www.singapore-scotland.blogspot.com
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My little Vid: India/Pakistan

BMW R1150GS
Suzuki DR650 SE: Ride it like ya stole it. Oh, somebody just did...

Since will be there rather late in the year I suggest you get yourself to the top of the pass as quickly as possible, then explore on the way back.

Don't miss the Skardu road.

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Cheers,
Peter.

Europe to NZ 2006-10

I only planned to be in Pakistan for less than a month, but I am enjoying it so much that Ive been here for over two months and im still here!!

It took me three days to drive the KKH - however make sure you give your self some time as the road can be blocked for a few hours or a few days... Just from landslides and road construction.

I would do the pass first then come back. But I also wouldn't miss Shandur Pass, Naltar Lake (Day ride from Gilgit). The other really amazing place to visit is the Kalash Valley.

There is only one section of the KKH, where you will be picked up by the police and escorted through, these are more of a pain then help. Swat is off the list of places to visit, I wouldnt even attempt to go - and ive been trying to go for weeks now, but things just keep on happening!!

Have a great trip!
Danielle

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to danielle,
only three days to ride it? wow. on september last year it took us 10 days, from chinese border to islamabad, without any side valley mountain lakes or whatever. just fallen bridges, the lake, lot of landsildes, and the road under construction from the Khunjerab to Chilas. plus, we had to ride the kaghan valley due to taliban trouble around beshan.

but it has worth...

www.lungastrada.it

Driving on the KKH is great but exploring the adjacent valleys can make the trip even better. KKH should not be the target but means to reach the target. Shimshal velley, Deosai, Haramosh valleys to name a few, are just fantastic.
A group of PBC (Pak Bikers Club) would be up north in July' if possible join it. Members might be going later too, just stay in touch.
Have a very nice trip and feel free for any help PBC or I can be of.
Hi Donato, nice hearing from you.
Hi Danielle. Where r u. Keep us posted.
Cheers
Omar

The time it takes really depends on what is happening on the KKH - the Chinese is rebuilding from Raikot Bridge north to the Chinese boarder, which is causing a bit of disruption not far from Raikot in the last week but when I came through there was no problems, plus there is a really nice drive on the other side of the KKH.

There are a few places where landslides can happen and you might have to wait for it to clear, but it normally doesn't take to long, if you see a long line of trucks, jump to the front - they will let you through first. Truck drivers (not bus drivers) here are really nice! They will try and help as much as possible.

At the moment its best not to travel from Dir south to Peshawar - I just received an update from a overlander I meet here in Gilgit that he spent three days been interigated by police all because they didn't understand the
dates on the visa and thought it was expired.

All that aside - i honestly thought I would only spend two weeks up here in Northern Pakistan, and I've now been here for over 6 weeks.... visa extensions are really easy and if you are having trouble obtaining a visa (in your home country - i know someone who can write an email and get them to issue you a visa)

Omar - Nice to hear from you again, Im having a great time up here! Are you coming up with the Pakistan bikers club???

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For more information on my adventures, please visit either of the following:
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In 2009 I did Gilgit to Islamabad in 1.5 days on my GS 150.
The younger and fitter members Dr Yaqub and Tahir Saleem did it in a day.