Overland in Pakistan
Hi all,
I just got back from a road trip in Iran and Pakistan. I have posted some useful information about Pakistan part on my blog as well as some pics. You can check out the info on Country info in Central Asia, Silk Road, China, Pakistan & Iran | Not Just a Tourist as well as my last post about security and traveling in Baluchistan part Overland on motorbike in Baluchistan/Iran | Not Just a Tourist
Generally, I found Iran & Pakistan quite safe. The only thing is that from Pakistani border in Mir Javeh you will be accompanied by some security guys that will slow down your trip considerably and some times foce you into staying where they want. However, it could be fun too. Once i Quetta you will not be allowed to go wherever you want as you need a permission. We could not go from Quetta to Pishavar and Islam Abad as you need a permission and it´s not given to overlanders. So we had to head for Lahore and we were escorted till Multan.
In some cities we had problems finding a hotel as they were told to inform the police and the police would take you the hotels that they would consider safe and we would consider expensive. But in Quetta there was no problem at all and in the rest of country either except for Karakoram highway that due to some ethnic problems we were not given permission to continue either. Anyway it was too snowy and cold to be on the road!
Pakistanis are very nice and friendly although camping will be a bit difficult in populated areas as you will never be alone. The emptiest part is the Baluchistan, where it will be only you, your bike and maybe the escort.
Enjoy!
Mahsa
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