Pakistan Travel Forum

... to return to Pakistan to cycle up through the north to China? It would not be till early 2010, and I understand things can change almost daily. But I need to look ahead. Perhaps someone living in Pakistan can advise. Im used to taking a few risks, but dont want to do anything completely stupid! I am, of course, assuming they have not stopped issuing visas due to security threats. Thanks.

I just returned from Pakistan. It was for business, so I had some additional security requirements. I do not know if tourist Visa's are officially stopped at the moment, but the consulate (in Seoul) did tell me that if I did not have an invitation for business, they would not have granted me a Visa.

I very much want to get to the northern areas of Pakistan, but will have to wait for the dust to settle. All of the locals that I was working with told me that they have stopped taking their routine family holidays to the north because even they are too nervous about the possibilities.

Bravo, I appreciate your desire to visit us despite all the mess. Hopefully the dust will settle soon to welcome you back for more pleasant visit.

Greetings from Chitral, Hindukush,

You're right, things are changing swiftly in Pakistan, I hope the situation'd get better at the time of your travel.

Cycling across Khunjerab pass to Gilgit, Skardu and even Chitral would be feasible.


Bon voyage,

Imran Schah

Cities & Mountains of Pakistan, Photos
http://www.flickr.com/photos/imranthetrekker

Thanks guys for your positive feedback. Please let me know if you see a significant improvement in the situation. I hope for all that it does calm down. The people of Pakistan deserve so much more.

Hi Travelinxs, hi Imran!

Imran, I saw a pic of you with yr name in a shop in Karimabad, is that possible? A famous fotographer!!!!!

To Travelinxs, I just returned from Pakistan and the Northern Areas this week - above/north of Chilas I would nearly garanee you peace and harmony (if this is possible in this country) according to my experience. I also met a cyclist going up to Khunjerab. In general, of course there a only very few visitors at the moment, but as long as you dont want to cycle through Swat, the Western Border Areas and those places, I can only say it is ok.

The people suffer heavily from the lack of tourists and places like Nanga Parbat, Hunza, Skardu and so on are one heavenly peaceful area. Check yr foreign office, even they dont warn for those places.

Happy travels,
Chris

Hi Chris,

Humm, you've made it to Pakistan, that is great.

I expect updates from you on the trekking forum, that'd help the travelers.

I'm an amature photographer and still learning.

Be well and happy,

Imran Schah

Just saw your post, been out on a road trip for the past three weeks: Karachi to Kel (Neelum Valley in Kashmir) and back.

If you are planning to travel early in the year, not sure if KKH at Pakistan-China border will be open. Usually it is snow bound. The border officially opens on 1 May (?).

The stretch between Manserha and Chilas (Khoistan area) is considered dicey by most travelers, and one will read negative reviews about this section (LP, Footprint). The fact is that right now it is the back door for Swat valley, but like you mentioned (and others) things will probably improve by next year (touch wood).

Anyway, you have 3 options to reach Gilgit from Islamabad, and continue your journey onwards:

1/ Travel in the daytime through Kohistan district, stopping for rest at reputable hotels/inns.
2/ Fly to Gilgit with your equipment and start your journey onwards.
3/ Go via Kaghan Valley: Abbotabad – Balakot – Naran – Babusar Top – Chilas. This is a new route being made, and I heard that proper metal road has been laid till Besal (30 km from Babusar Top). After Babusar top it is again metal road till Chilas. You will pass through some beautiful alpine scenery and high altitude lakes.

Great information.. thanks. Flying is really out of the question. Im trying to get to New Zealand overland. And yea, heard the pass doesnt open till May 1 too, so trying to time it right. But Ill get a Pakistan map (which I dont have at the moment) and look up the alternative route you suggested.
Thanks again
Chris

Hello, This link offers a veriety of Pakistan map. Good Luck
http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&q=pakistan+maps&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=9XBcStmQD5jVkAXA3oTeDA&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&ct=title&resnum=5

I regret that I am late in replying this post but it is because I was on a trip to Northern Areas! We (my wife and me) have been to Skardu (by plane), stayed near Kachura Lake (Shangrila) for a week, did Deosai and other places, and then returned to Islamabad by road through KKH. It was absolutely ok as far as law and order situation is concerned.
Here I like to mention that by "Northern Areas", normally a common man in Pakistan means all the mountainuous areas in Pakistan including Swat, Kaghan Valley, Chitral, Gilgit, etc. However, in fact "Northern Areas" are Gilgit and Baltistan which do not come under any provincial jurisdiction and are geographically apart from troubled areas like Swat and tribal areas. I also like to mention that people in Northern Areas have their own distinct language(s), culture, religious values, and lifestyle as compared to people living in Pushtoon belt (parts Afghanistan, North Western Areas of Pakistan, parts of Baluchistan) contrary to common belief. Rule of thumb is that the closer it is from Afghanistan the more dangerous it becomes. So if one stays away from these areas (Swat these days and tribal areas always) then they are not less safe than any other place. I know lot of people, including my sister and her husband, my cousin's family with kids, who travelled to Kaghan Valley this year and did not come across any sort of threats whatsoever but landslidings and heavy rains.
Another thing, there is absolutely no problem on Besham-Chilas portion of KKH other than landsliding and other natural phenomena. This is true that Besham connects KKH to Swat valley but it is no way near to the troubled region i.e. Malakand.
Muzzammil

Thanks Muzzammil.. This is a great education for me and very reassuring to know there are so many positive aspects to travel in the northern regions. I will, of course, keep an eye on developments but otherwise I think from these replies I can happily go ahead and plan the trip.
Much appreciated.
Chris