WasifHussain WasifHussain Ammar, this sounds awesome, and many thanks for all the detail. While there was little that could discourage me from such a trip, reading the above was very encouraging.
An uncle of mine who used to be a Pakistani politician has offered to 'send a driver' and to 'take responsibility for the trip', which was generous. I will probably travel with a cousin from Pakistan, and luckily a UK friend from a company called Travelpak has given me lots of useful information.
I hope to travel via Naran, and come back via Besham. While the middle of March is ambitious in terms of the weather, I hope to travel to see Saiful Maluk Lake and Fairy Meadows if possible. The main highlight will be the highway, regardless of the stopovers, but Pasu via the artificial lake would also be superb.
Im glad to hear that you went 1-2 months back, and I think it must have been quite cold then so you did very well. Thanks for the option of putting me in touch with relevant people, and I would welcome this in terms of booking hotels or any activities ( Jeep safari or Passu Trekking). I think the main problem is finding a Motorbike, and we may just have to carry a 120cc in the back for small parts of the route, as some compromises may have to be necessary and unavoidable.
It was a real pleasure to hear from you and all the very best. I am always happy to discuss a part of the world which I think may be a real hidden treasure.
Travel Forum 1 year ago
Ammar Hey Wasif - I recently visited the KKH, and like always the views and the whole experience is breathtaking. The highway's condition is pretty decent, however there are patches where the roads are unpaved for 50-60km, and then there's always the danger of a mudslide which basically blocks off a portion of the KKH temporarily. I traveled across the length of KKH, and to be honest didn't really face any major problems.
But, motorcycling on the KKH would be awesome - particularly with the altitude, the terrain, and the whole scenery. On my trip a couple of months back, I didn't see many bikers (only a Japanese couple), possibly due to the perceived security risks (the on-ground situation isn't as bad as it seems). Although I doubt that you can get a solid motorbike for hire (which can travel across the KKH) - you may have to arrange that on your own (costly alternative).
If you need any more details, do let me know - I shall try to hook you up with relevant folks.
Cheers.