Gwadar's Current Security Situation

Asked

Salam,

This is S. I live in Lahore and planning to visit Gwadar. Do you think it is safe these days to travel?

Many thanks in advance,

Replied

W'salam Saheem

Imo, Gwadar's security situation is not much different from past.

One can still visit the place with appropriate precautions:
- keep it low profile
- time it well
- be gentle to locals

First major security nuisance is Hub, which can be managed by passing it without a stop.
Afterwards it's pretty smooth till Ormara. This part of the journey is the most beautiful also. You can make a sojourns - at Kund Malir beach, Princess of Hope, and Buzzi Pass - in addition to making a manageable detour of Nani Mandir. If you've a contact in Pakistan Navy then visiting their Ormara base, especially the hammerhead PNS Ahsan, can be a lifetime experience.

From Ormara to Gwadar I usually find it monotonous. Pasni is situated midway of this portion, however, I see little reason to visit the place mostly because of the security situation which arises because of its connectivity with Turbat, a relatively troubled town in Balochistan.

Once you're in Gwadar things will be much simpler than you'd have expected.

The bigger issue imo is the almost absolute lack of road side facilities along the way. You may also already know the need to carry extra fuel with you.

Hope this is helpful. Feel free to email me should you've more questions.

Regards

Muzzammil

Asked

Thank you Muzamil for writing back quickly. Since I will be coming from Lahore (and would only want to travel through coastal highway because your article / beauty of the area inspired to do so). Otherwise I would prefer taking my flight from Lahore to Gwadar.

Could you please further suggest if I should take a little risk and use the coastal highway to enjoy the beauty of the area, or rather take the flight directly from Lahore to Gwadar.

If you think I can easily travel on Costal Highway from Karachi (by first taking a flight from Lahore to Karachi, and then using costal highway), what mode of transport would you recommend.  Since I won't be using my personal car, should I prefer taking a rent a car / jeep etc., or use public transport i.e. coaster / 10 seater etc.

Many thanks,

 

Replied

 

My pleasure S

I'm also glad that you found my postings inspirational.

You've already picked it right - the crux is Makran Coastal Highway. Personally, I've done that by own car all the time I visited. This is by far the most preferred way for me on this route.

Alternatively, there is a bus service also which can be taken from Karachi.

Hiring a car can also be an option.

Since you don't plan to use your own car, you can take the flight from Gwadar on the way back.
Whichever way you do that, you'll surely having a great time.

Regards

Muzzammil
 

Asked

Thanks a lot Sir. Hiring a car (w.r.t. to expense / money) is not a problem for me. I am very comfortable in hiring a car / jeep (as you have suggested to taste the desert safari on the way), as long as this option is safer.

In case you know anyone (rent a car etc.), I can take more help near to the date of my arrival (I am planning to visit during the first week of September).

Best,

 

Replied

 

My pleasure

There are usually 'car services' besides the coach-walas. I'd trust them more because they run only on that route and more economical. Other rent services might not be that reliable because usually they are experts of normal routes.

And sure, you can contact me once your plan is firm.

Further, I'd suggest looking into PakWheels.com vacation's section (forum).

Thanks

Muzzammil

Asked

Many thanks once again for all the guidance you are providing. I am just wondering, would it be possible for us to Skype at some point for me to clearly tell my visit plans / needs.

Replied

Yaar I've not been using Skype, etc. Still living in stone age, hehe, so email (muzamil79@gmail.com) is by far the best mode to contact me.

 

Asked

 

Thanks ..

Replied

You are most welcome :-)

Chitral, Gilgit, and Skardu with Family

Asked

Dear Muzzamil,

I have seen your blog regarding Chitral and Gilgit, which I really liked.

I would like to visit Chitral, Gilgit and Skardu with my family. I am Lahore based. Please advise which route could you suggest? Could we take Daewoo from Lahore? I look forward to hear from you.

Regards

Replied

Hi there

Thanks for your email. I'm glad that you liked my blog.

Chitral, Gilgit, and Skardu are great traveling destinations. In fact, we Pakistanis should feel lucky that we have natural beauty in this much abundance. However, while visiting these places it should be taken into consideration that transport is not easy in this part of the country, especially with the family, and distances are also long. For instance, Rawalpindi to Gilgit is almost 24 hours by road!
Also, there is no Daewoo to any of the destinations you mentioned.

Therefore, I'd suggest to target one destination at a time. Please let me know that so that I can assist you more.

By the way, have you been to other destinations in Pakistan, e.g. Swat, Kaghan Valley, Kashmir, etc which are easier to approach?
 Thanks

Muzzammil

Asked Again

Dear Muzamil

Thanks for your quick response.

Do you think  his one could travel by car? Is it safe? Yes, we have been to swat, naran, kaghan and muzaffarabad etc.

I will wait for your experience in Neelam Valley, which I believe is more easily accessible. By the way, if I could reach Chitral, how difficult it will be to take a transport for Gilgit etc and back to Islamabad?

Best regards

Replied

My pleasure.

I seriously doubt that one can go to Chitral by car. Lowari Pass, or Lowari Tunnel, is the major hurdle. While Chitral-Gilgit is certainly impossible by car.

For Chitral, the best is to take overnight coaster from Rawalpindi.

From Chitral to Gilgit, first one has to take jeep to Mastuj then NATCO bus, or jeep, to Gilgit. This might not be difficult as such, however, it'll be slow and one needs to be a bit methodical. Just to mention, Chitral-Gilgit passes trough Shandur Pass, so absolutely worth it. From Chitral to Islamabad, through Gilgit, takes at-least 3-4 days, and that too without any side tours.

However, both Gilgit and Skardu are accessible by car from Rawalpindi.

Hope this is helpful.

Muzzammil