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

Charna Island Boating Trip

Our Catch During Boating Trip at Charna Island

Asked

Assalamoaleikum

Muzammil how are you?

Recently read your blog-post about a boat ride and fishing at CharnaIsland.

Been looking for your advice as some of our office colleagues are also interested in a similar trip on this upcoming Sunday.

As your wrote, the trip is economical only if we get a group of 18-20 people but the problem is that we may be six or seven maximum. Any idea how can we make it more economical?

Your help will be highly appreciated.

Thanks and regards

Replied

Walaikum Salam Os

I am good. Thanks.

Charna Island is indeed a great sea outing around Karachi and this is the perfect weather to undertake that. However, it is a long journey and would only suit to people who can bear the sea sickness.

There is an alternate way of doing this trip which is economical but less comfortable: first reach Mubarak village by car. You can a hire a boat from there, locally called 'hora' for the adventure.

Hope this will be helpful.

Regards

Muzzammil

Asked

Thank you very much Dear Muzamil for your prompt response.

I will try my best Inshallah to arrange a big gathering for this trip or else I am going to follow your advice about the road trip to Mubarak Village.

Will keep you posted about the plan.

Best regards

Karachi to Quetta and Ziarat

Quaid-e-Azam Residency in Ziarat, Balochistan

Asked

I've been following your travel blog and found it very interesting and informative. Now, I am planning for a Karachi - Quetta - Ziarat trip and need your help to make it a low cost, comfortable, and enjoyable as much as possible.

I am planning to leave this Saturday and return on Tuesday or Wednesday with my mother, wife, and 3 kids.

Appreciate your quick response.
 

JazzakAllah

Thanks & best regards,

Replied

Regarding Karachi-Quetta-Ziarat, we first took Al-Aziz Coach from Karachi to Quetta. Seats were very comfortable (2+1 in a row rather than conventional 2+2 in a row) and the ride was also good, however, it is a long journey, around 12 hours, and if your family is not used to of long journeys than this may get tiring.

From Quetta, we took the public hiace to Ziarat, without staying in Quetta. However, I would not suggest this for you because it would be hectic for the family. Instead, I would suggest staying in Quetta overnights and then make a day trip to Ziarat the next day, and came back to Quetta for the night stay.

We visited Ziarat in November and it was very very cold out then. So in December it will be very harsh, especially Ziarat, so please do consider that because you mentioned that your mother will accompany you and usually for aged people cold is more troublesome.

If you can bear with that than as I suggested above, do plan to stay overnight in Quetta, and make a day trip to Ziarat. There is a PTDC in Ziarat but it was closed when we visited due to winters. The other hotel is Shalimar but since there is a gas crisis in Balochistan (http://tribune.com.pk/story/811368/balochistan-without-gas-for-third-straight-day/), it will not be viable.

This will be the rough plan for your trip:

Saturday: Depart for Quetta (there are two departures; early morning and then before sunset)

Sunday: Stay in Quetta

Monday: Day trip to Ziarat. Come back to Quetta around sunset.

Tuesday: Return back to Karachi

So these are two cents from my side. Hopefully it will help you in making a decision.

Regards

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 :-)

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

Karachi to Naran and Lake Saiful-Mulook: Itinerary, Logistics, and Cost

Asked

Dear Muzamil,

How are you , hope you are fine with good health. I have seen your blog on website regarding the tourism, it was awesome  and good article. We are couple want to avail our holiday from 26 of Ramadan to onward 4 august and we are from Karachi.  We last time, visited Muree , Patriayata and Isalamabad. Now we want to see another areas and need some guidance. Can you help me where to visis step by step with cost of living and meal etc if possible.

Thanks and Best Regards

TY

Replied

Hi TY

Thanks for your email and I'm glad that you found my blog helpful.

This year I suggest you to explore beyond Murree and Islamabad. You have ~10 days to spare - which means you can explore either Naran valley till Lake Saif-ul-Mulook or Kashmir's beautiful Neelum Valley uptill Arang Kel. (Google these places for photos and information)

Naran valley will be expensive so if cost is the constraint then Neelum Valley is a good choice.

For both, you have to first reach Islamabad/Rawalpindi. May I ask how do you plan this travel: by road, train, air, or you plan to take your own car?

So these are my first thoughts. Hopefully helpful. I'll wait for your feedback and will be happy to assist you in developing a good itinerary inshallah.

Regards

Muzzammil

Asked Again

Thanks you so much for your kind reply.

we will start my traveling from Karachi to Rawalpindi but still ticket not confirm for train or bus. 

I think I have to go to first taxila, onwards, abbotabad, naran, kagan, saiful malook, ansoo jheel and them up the bapostr. If you have any more ideas for more beautiful areas, then suggest me. But what will be cost , have no idea for that tour.   Will I get transport and accommodation easily during trip? And  how I can cut the cost .

I have 50000 Budget plan including traveling from Karachi to pindi.  I am fear that I will not get any train or bus ticket. Is Daewoo is feasible for long journey.

Regards

TY

Replied

My pleasure TY :-)

After reading your feedback, I've given that a thought and here is a rough plan from my side:

Day 1: Leave Karachi

Day 2: Arrive Islamabad/Abbottabad. Night stay.

Day 3: Arrive Naran. Night stay

Day 4: Visit Lake Saiful-Mulook. Possibly visit Aansoo Lake. Night stay in Naran

Day 5: Visit Babu Sar Pass. Night stay in Naran

Day 6: Arrive Shogran. Night stay in Shogran.

Day 7: Visit Sri Pai. The move to Islamabad. Night stay in Islamabad.

Day 8: Visit Taxila. Night stay in Islamabad

Day 9: Back to Karachi

Hope the above would be helpful. You might have noted that I have replaced Kaghan with Shogran plus Sri Pai. If you can add an extra day then extending your stay at Abbottabad would be worthwhile mainly to visit Thandyani. Further, I have kept Taxila for the tail-end of the trip so that it can also be used as a backup day should you desire to extend your stay in the hills or if it wouldn't go as per the plan, which is a possibility mainly because of the rainy weather.

Karachi-Islamabad Logistics:

I usually go by train; buy Karakoram Express Economy, which comes with the berth and an excellent dining car, for around Rs. 1,500, and unbeatable value for money. I go as far as Faislabad/Lahore and than continue by bus to Islamabad, another Rs. 700-800. But for Karkoram Express I doubt you will get seats now as a friend visited Northern Areas last month and he had to book that 2 weeks in advance, and then it might be Eid pressure now. However, you should try your luck as it is the most comfortable and cost effective option in my opinion, Don't go for any other train, as they might not be as reliable and can ruin up the whole trip. Business Train is a good possibility if that can fit into the budget. I guess it costs around Rs. 4,000-5,000 per person. Personally, I would avoid the Business Train as it adds not much for the extra cost.

Alternatively, Daewoo is the option. Bad thing is that it is too long a journey for a bus ride. Although it is comfortable and stops almost every two hours but still too tiring for me. Since you are two people, so the company might help. But the biggest advantage is that you can reach directly to Abbottabad, which I have also mentioned in the above plan. So in case I wouldn't get Karakoram Express ticket, I will go with Daewoo. And in any case, I will book the tickets without any more delay. Just to mention, one of my colleagues came back from Naran just last week and they did that the Daewoo way, however, it was an organized group.

Cost:

Rs. 50,000 is decent budget in my opinion. Main cost will be logistics, then hotel accommodation, and then food and other things.

Transportation Cost:

Let's take the Daewoo case. Their website (http://www.daewoo.com.pk/) shows Rs. 4,550 for Karachi-Abbottabad and 4,350 for Karachi-Islamabad. So it will be ~18,000 for the round trip. From Abbotabad to Naran, I will advise taking the public transport (usually hi-ace) which shall not cost more than 500 per person, so add ~2,000-3,000 for the round trip. Note that you may need to go to Mansehra/Balakot first if there is no direct transport from Abbottabad to Naran, In case, you opt for the hi-ace, be there at the bus station really early in the morning and ask for the front seats for a better experience. To avoid being cramped up, I usually buy an extra seat, especially when the front ones are not available.

For Lake Saiful-Mulook and Babusar, you have to hire jeeps. These jeeps can be found at Naran's main bazaar. They are usually lined-up and controlled by an association with fixed rates. Hiring one directly from there, rather than through the hotel or by some passing-by jeepwala, would give you cost and reliability advantage. Again the key would be to be there early, to beat the crowd. For Naran-Shogran and then Shogran-Balakot/Mansehra-Islamabad, I would go again with the public transport while for Sri Pai, the same jeep system works. For Taxila, you can hire a car from Islamabad, or contact PTDC Islamabad as I believe they arrange daily tours for that. Car shall not cost you more than Rs. 2,000 while the PTDC one can be cheaper and might include entrance fee and guide service - so the preferred option for me.

So in all, transportation may cost you around Rs. 25,000-30,000 for the whole trip.

Accommodation Cost:

You might have already noted that transportation cost is mostly not negotiable, unless you are relying much on taxi and car hire. On the other hand, it is the hotel expense which needs to be controlled and dealt with smartly otherwise your budget can be broken badly. It will be the peak tourist season so expect some outrageous price quotes from hotels, especially at Naran and Shogran. But there are way-outs indeed.

First and the most important is timing your arrival to a new destination. Try reaching as the first person, so leave the previous place really really early in the morning. As the day day passes, price quotes start reaching new skies. I know nothing can be more difficult for Karachiites than waking up early in the morning and getting to bed early in the evening, but as they say 'When in Rome, Do as Romans Do'. In this situation, we usually skip table breakfast and instead keep stuff which we can eat on the go. Other than better bargaining power, waking up early in the morning will also give you more daylight for sight-seeing, the main reason you will be committing this journey.

Additionally, doing some internet research about the hotel cost in your target destination can never be wasteful. There are many online resources available for that but I have particularly found http://www.pakwheels.com/forums/road-trips-vacations/ and wikitravel's pages helpful in this regard.

If you can keep the average cost of night stay around Rs. 1,500-2,000, which will be a good achievement, then it would total up to Rs. 10,000-15,000. So the overall cost is still within your budget.

What to Pack:

Don't load too much stuff as you will be mostly on the go but keep a couple of warm clothes as it will be very cold in Naran and Shogran.

So these are my two cents worth. Hopefully helpful. Please feel free to ask if you have more questions. And I would be glad if you keep me in updated of developments, with your convenience, and can share the feedback once you are back.

Happy travels.

Muzzammil