I would love to be host to you and your friend in October. Let me know whatever you finalize.

Regarding the tires, there are a number of ways you can have a pair in Pakistan:

1. If, you're ok with using tires dated '07 or previous, then those can be arranged, with little or no problem. May cost you between 50 to 100$ per tire , depending upon the health of the tire or the seller's discreation.

2. If you're looking forward for a new set of tires of either '10 or newer manufacturing, then those will need to be imported, which may cost alot, depending upon how you would be able to arrange for that.

3. If you have a friend travelling this way, you can choose to send them over and i'll be happy to store them for you till you come here. This would be most cost effective way for anyone looking for fresh tires upon arrival.

4. We can get them delivered to Pakistan through our countrymen working in Suzuki dubai showrooms. But expect them to be near the expensive end of the rates since Dubai is generally expensive.



For importing a fresh tire, you'll neeed to factor in the transportation cost on top of the tire cost. Carrying a set of tires might just be too much when you're travelling two up. however, you can also buy a set in turkey.

I was last there a couple of times in 1995 working in the North West next to Afghan border on a Gas plant. I was amazed at the people and how nice they were although some villages in the NW scared me a bit. Anyway, ever since I've been keen to get back there, this time on a bike. I was hoping to do next year on a long trip from Perth Australia to Perth Scotland but the route takes me through China instead. So year after perhaps.
Nearest I've been of late is to the border at Waga (spelling), not far from Lahore.

I must say I've read many times from those who travel that in a lot of cases Pakistan is the highlight for many.
Even better now that we have place to stay in Lahore as well

Enough of my inane drivel. Back to planning current bike trip

cheers

__________________
Steven
Perth to Perth 2012

If anyone needs a contact for mechanics in Islamapindi or Karachi, PM me. The people I know are for 4x4s, but am sure they will know people who know people.

overlandcruiser.net

__________________
www.overlandcruiser.wordpress.com

Hi Steven,
I hope during your stay in Pakistan you sufficently explored the KKH and the other hidden charms because otherwise it would be unfair with you. Pakistan might be the world's best kept secret.

Zoeed, Thanks for the great info about tires. Indeed traveling with an extra set tires might be too cramped. I guess the first option you mention might be good. Or maybe I could ship a set of tires to Pakistan from Europe.. We'll have to think it over.
I read many possitive stories about Pakistan and cannot wait starting the trip. But first we've to plan..
As my girlfriend is Lithuanian and I'm Dutch it's quite some extra work to get Visas for Pakistan. For a Dutch citizen different rules apply than for a Lithuanian citizen. As a Lithuanian citizen you need to get a LOI from Pakistan. For Dutch there seems to be no need to have this.

Zoeed maybe my girlfriend could use your help for getting this LOI but first I'll give a call to the Pakistan embassy in the Hague (tried it before by e-mail but they never replied)

Johan

hey Johan,

The LOI is a formality for everybody, though they tend to be leniant with some country nationalities.

Generally they'll put in alot of paperwork to discourage a certain nationality to visit Pakistan

But anyway, don't worry about the LOI, if its an obligation for your girlfriend, I will provide her my invite.

Don't expect a reply over emails from a pakistani official.
They hardly do they work even if you are standing on top of their heads. the only motivator to them is money.

Anyway, I have a few parlimentarian friends and if need arises i'll put in a word to help your girlfriend and quicken the process.

However, I don't think Pakistani embassy should put any hurdles, I would strongly suggest to call them and when possible, visit them and they will be happy to guide you.

Hope this helps
Zoeed

Hello Zoeed,

Thanks a lot for your help. In this case it's most likely easier when both me and my girlfriend apply for the visa in Denmark (that's the embassy responsible for Lithuanian citizen, not easy because it's over 1000 km's away) so that we can send the passports together. I'll give them a call to be sure if they can issue a visa as well for a dutch citizen (should be, as I'm registered in Lithuania). I'll let you know when I have more information.
Thanks again!

Johan