Thank you to all those PW Friends who have taken the time to read the lengthy write up and appreciate it. I have noted with deep appreciation that people like Mr. Khan Omar whose daring travel logs have been a source of inspiration to me, have liked my post as well as the ever adventurous Mr Mobeen Mazhar who has taken us on virtual tours of Neelum and Leepa valleys in the past. He has some amazing talents. Pak Wheelers are lucky to have him around. I will try to answer a few questions asked so far:Broken Bridge on way to Utror: We did come across a newly built concrete bridge probably half way between Kalam and Utror. Probably the collapsed bridge has been built now as we did not have to cross any fast flowing waters. Forest Resthouse at Jahaz Banda: This rest-house building looked like recently built or atleast it had been recently painted. The map that was distributed by the Pak Army shows Jahaz Banda arae right on the main track coming down from the Top. So looking at that map I assume that the forest rest house is located. I didnt see any village around though. But I do have a photo of this rest-house which I will post soon. I have located this rst-house on goofgle earth and can forward you the exact coordinates. I am not sure if we are talking of the same rest-house or two different rest-house. It will be clear when I post its photo.The track repair is all subject to the buisness for taxi drivers. It is sad that the KPK Govt nor he Federal Govt is willing to invest on these tracks. The locals do it themselves for staying alive. There aren't much visitors to Kalam yet and very few who want to venture beyond Kalam. The repairing of the track takes a lot of effort from the drivers and locals and they wouldn't want to undertake that unless they have a sizable amount of customers wanting to go across the pass.I agree with Mr. Khan Omar that it is time to quit smoking. Rather high time. Thanks for your concern. I look forward to see his amazing collection and ride with him one day on a 250 surely next time.
Great Trip and superb narration.
I had crossed this pass on jeep from Utror side in Sep/Oct 2012.
The jeep takes 3500/-. (inclusive of 5km of Kumrat Vally uptill Rest House). There was one chashma for water at a mid point.
The best bike in these areas is CG-125 with maintinance/parts availability in farmost areas also.
Great write-up & seems to have been an excellent adventure! Enjoyed reading it!
welldone boys.brave work.pics pls.keep rolling.
o boy o boy
waiting for pictures (H)(H)(H)
Sikander sahab you and tayyab bhatti sahab are surely looking like robots that is why people at thal looked at you like being some aliens
Sir what a narration.
This is at pit-stop somewhere between Bahreen and Kalam. The Bone-shaking ride has drained us down and I make full use of the land-space available to me.
Views from the Malik Guest House, a liitle outside Kalam, on the Utror Road. The location of the Guest House was quite serene, away from the concrete jungle of jam-packed Kalam. Water is scarce in the area and the only complaint was that the toilets were stinking from the back-fire of the septic tank. We advised them to install P traps to get rid of the stink.
Some more views from the roof of the Malik Guest House.
The Swat Festival Grounds just 20 meters from our guest house. The view is from the roof-top.
Fawad hunting for a place to eat in Kalam bazar. The Army had organized our mess facilities at the PTDC motel, but frankly speaking it was quite inadequate for some 400 festival performers.
This place is across the Kalam River. You cross the river, then get onto the Utror Road and shortly after you will see a board marked "Camping Grounds". Go up that track by making a sharp u-turn and you will arrive at vast open green meadows surrounded by the dense forests of Kalam.
Buddy Tayyab is a full of energy, extremely restless personality, always wanting to get into action. He really has to make an effort to stand still for a shot. Enjoying his bike and the surroundings!
Fawad admiring the serene surroundings so close-by, but remain undiscovered by many Kalam visitors.
Thats me in the meadows.
My beloved V-Strom, which on the following day drove the daylights out of the three member team on the Utror-Thal section.
Tayyab's XR400, a go-anywhere machine!
This cute little kid and his family were out hunting for fire-wood