Family tour to Lahore, Islamabad, Murree and Kaghan Valley in Sept. Needs few ans

[msohail]

Hi all,

I read a number of threads here and really got inspired by interaction and assistance provided. It encouraged me to ask for some suggestions for my upcoming family tour. Though I have been these areas for few times but that happened some 7-8 years ago that too was with friends, not with family. So, I'm a bit perplexed how to execute my plan. I hope, will get some practical suggestions from a lot of experienced people here.

My plan is to leave Karachi on 14 Sept via train to lahore. After spending a couple of days there, will move to Murree or Muzaffarabad via Daewoo service (What do you say, which one is better?). In Muzaffarabad (MBD), I am intended to visit Pir Chanasi only, so only one day would be enough. I got an impression from a number of posts that Neelum valley lacks proper tourists facilities, so I ignored that area. From MBD will come to Murree for Nathia gali and Patriata. Stay for two days would be enough, I guess.

From Murree, I am thinking to go to Abbotabad for Thandiani for just one day. From there move to Shogran for overnight stay there. And finally visit to Naran and adjoining places. I guess 2 days would be enough.

After that come down to Islamabad for a couple of days and then back to Khi.

My specific questions for you guys are:

1. What about the weather in Mid of september, particularly in Kaghan valley and Saiful Malook?

2. Would it be nice to visit all the way to Saif ul Malook with a toddler son (He's just 3 years old).

3. Any suggestions for hotels, particularly in Shogran. (I've never stayed there in my past visits).

4. I am also intended to inlcude Salt mines, Khewra, in my trip. But I don't know whether there is public transport facility available from lahore to khewra and then from khewra to islamabad. Can it be a one day tour?

Any other suggestions and opinions would be highly appreciated.

Looking forward to hear from you people soon.

[arsalabbasi]

How many days do you have exactly?

1. What about the weather in Mid of september, particularly in Kaghan valley and Saiful Malook?
Rainy Season
2. Would it be nice to visit all the way to Saif ul Malook with a toddler son (He's just 3 years old).
Yup no issue but you will need some specific family tips with a baby.
3. Any suggestions for hotels, particularly in Shogran. (I've never stayed there in my past visits).
Best Family Hotels available, depend on your budget.
4. I am also intended to inlcude Salt mines, Khewra, in my trip. But I don't know whether there is public transport facility available from lahore to khewra and then from khewra to islamabad. Can it be a one day tour?
No direct Public Transport to these areas however you can hire a taxi from LHR-Salt Region-ISB.

[msohail]

Thanks Arsal for your quick response. I have 2 weeks for this tour with a flexible budget.

So you are saying that it is possible to visit lahore to salt mine to islamabad in one day by hired taxi, great!

[arsalabbasi]

Thanks Arsal for your quick response. I have 2 weeks for this tour with a flexible budget.

So you are saying that it is possible to visit lahore to salt mine to islamabad in one day by hired taxi, great!

Yup easily, with 2 weeks from KHI you can easily manage the whole trip with relaxation.

Naran Kaghan is also a good option but dont under estimate the Kashmir Valley Both have separate type of Beauty & both places need to visit.

For Kashmir Family Visit check my Thread with Costing:
https://www.pakwheels.com/forums/road-trips-vacations/237984-neelum-valley-family-visit-public-transport-just-before-ramzan

You can visit:

Option 1; KHI---LHR---Salt Range---ISB---Abbotabad---Shogran---Naran---Abbotabad---Nathia Gali---ISB---LHR/KHI

Option 2; KHI---LHR---Salt Range---ISB---MZB---Mansehra---Shogran---Naran---Mansehra---Abbotabad---Nathia Gali---ISB---LHR/KHI

[Xoofi]

If you want to visit Khewra Salt mines on public transport, it is possible but it will be a bit hectic.

You will have to go from Lahore to Jhelum on coaster and then catch a van for Pind dadan khan and then another van for Khewra.

[msohail]

Thank you guys for your replies.

I guess hiring taxi for salt mine would be a better option.

Arsal, yes, I went through yours and several other posts on Neelum valley and even chalked out my own plan (well, at least on paper), but Since I have never been there so was confused will it be a good decision to go with your family for the first time to a place you don't have a clear idea. For Kaghan valley, I ve been there for a couple of time, though not too recent.

But I must say, posts related to Neelam valley are too tempting and it my in future plans to visit there.

Initially, I was thinking to make a plan from MBD to Kutton have a night stay at Jagran, from there next day to Kel and stay there for a couple of days to visit Taobat and Sharda. (Apologies, if I've miss-spell names of some places). But then I feel myself in comfort zone to go for Kaghan valley. What do you say, was that plan workable?

Another thing I wanted to ask, would it be worthy to go to MBD to visit Pir Chanasi?

[arsalabbasi]

Thank you guys for your replies.

I guess hiring taxi for salt mine would be a better option.

Arsal, yes, I went through yours and several other posts on Neelum valley and even chalked out my own plan (well, at least on paper), but Since I have never been there so was confused will it be a good decision to go with your family for the first time to a place you don't have a clear idea. For Kaghan valley, I ve been there for a couple of time, though not too recent.

But I must say, posts related to Neelam valley are too tempting and it my in future plans to visit there.

Initially, I was thinking to make a plan from MBD to Kutton have a night stay at Jagran, from there next day to Kel and stay there for a couple of days to visit Taobat and Sharda. (Apologies, if I've miss-spell names of some places). But then I feel myself in comfort zone to go for Kaghan valley. What do you say, was that plan workable?

Another thing I wanted to ask, would it be worthy to go to MBD to visit Pir Chanasi?

I agree, when decided to go with family than you should have full confidence about the visiting places, For only Pir Chinasi i will not recommend to visit MZB instead of that stick with your own plan of Naran+Shogran+Abbotabad+Nathia Galli+ISB+Salt Range+LHR

[msohail]

Thanks again Arsal, I am clear in my mind now. Now reading specific posts for Kaghan Valley and looking for the tips gained after personal experience. Would share my detailed plan shortly.

[msohail]

Finally, I have a bit detailed program for my trip. You are welcome to review it and provide some nice suggestions. Particularly for hotels, suitable for family, me, my wife and our 3 years old son, any thing in the range of 2500-3500 rs per night would be affordable.

1. Day 1 (Sept 14, 2014, most probably): Departure from Khi to Lhr via business train. (I guess, it is one of the best trains available a part from Khi express and Korakoram)

2. Day 2: From station to Hotel. (Can you advice any hotel? How is Regency Inn?). After rest, visit, historical places, including Yadgar, Shahi Qilla, Shalamar bagh and dinner at food street (gawalmandi). Have I missed anything?

3. Day 3. I am planning to visit Hiran Minar. Any one having experience of this place? Will it be better to hire a taxi to go there or to take public transport for Sheikhupura? I need to comeback from there after lunch. Any good restaurant there? If it is not a good idea then alternate is Jallo Park. How about it?

In the evening visit to wagha border.

1. Day 4: Hire a taxi for Khewra and from there to Islamabad. Night stay at Islamabad. (Again hotel?)

2. Day 5: Visit Faisal Masjid, Daman i Koh, Pir Sohawa and a shopping centre (any suggestion?).

3. Day 6: Visit Shakar Pariyan and Rawal Dam. Evening Village Saidpur (If I am not spelling it wrong).

Am I missing something? Any suggestions about restaurants?

1. Day 7: Islamabad to Naran (It is 6-8 hrs journey by public transport?) Or it is better to take Jeep from Balakot?

Evening: visit Naran bazar and take rest

1. Day 8: Saiful Malook.

2. Day 9: Lalazar and Lulusar/ Babusar top (will it be feasible?)
   Evening, move to Shogran

3. Day 10: Shogran, Sri Paey
   Evening move to Abbotabad

4. Day 11: Abbotabad, Thandiani
   Evening: Move to Murree (Where to stay?)

5. Day 12: Ayubia, Nathia gali

6. Day 13: New Murree
   Evening return to Islamabad and take flight to Khi.

Any expert suggestion would be highly appreciated.