A Czech Wants to Visit the Makran Coastal Highway

Asked

Dear Muzzammil,

I have read your very interesting and valuable posts on your blog and on LP Thorn Tree. Thanks a lot for posting for all the travel community.

I fly to Karachi next week and my plan is to hire a car and go by Makran Coastal Highway to Gwadar and back (I do not have much time). I thought no special permit is needed for this trip but now I am not sure. Would you please know what is the situation? Do I need any special permit other than visa?

Thanks a lot and if you ever visit Prague, Czech Republic, let me know.

Regards

Replied

Dear D

Thanks for your email and your kind words about my posts. I'm glad that you are visiting Pakistan.

Makran Coastal Highway offers great scenery and untouched beaches. Definitely worth going, Hiring a car is probably the next big way to do it after self driving. So it is a go, imo.

Regarding the permit, I do not know of any such requirement for Gwadar. However, I can understand where you are coming from. Even if there is no requirement still then there is a chance that security forces might bug you on the way and try to stop you as well. They will be more interested in knowing your purpose of visit and 'only for the sake of traveling' might not be a convincing reason for them. However, if there is some 'business' then they might be more understanding.

Unless there is a specific reason for you to go all the way to Gwadar, I may suggest an alternate. One can make a day trip to Buzi Pass and then return back to Karachi by evening. This will be almost half way to Gwadar and most of the enroute wonders could be covered until this place.

And thanks for your kind offer regarding Prague, which is indeed a beautiful place and on my list from some time. Hopefully I will be visiting some time in the near future.

 

Happy travels

Muzzammil

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 :-)