How to ensure that we take the right road to Balakot?

Road Trips / Vacations / Hiking / Trekking

TC2009 (TC2009) 2010-07-20 08:23:35 +0500 #1

I have read many posts which say that since there are no signs, therefore it is very easy to get lost while going to Mansehra from Abbotabad.

Can someone please guide so that I take the correct road (taking the Mansehra by-pass).

mehrozniazi1 (Mehroz Khan Niazi) 2010-07-20 08:48:49 +0500 #2

from abbottabad if you take left that goes to mansehra and then shinkiari..and if going towards naran or balakot ..take right side on by-pass

there is a sign board to tell you the direction towards mansehra

TC2009 (TC2009) 2010-07-20 10:13:26 +0500 #3

If I follow the sign board (towards Manshera) will I end up entering Manshera city or does that sign lead towards the Manshera by-pass? Can you kindly clarify because I want to take the Manshera by-pass. Thanks

asad01 (asad01) 2010-07-22 11:13:03 +0500 #4

I haven't been there recently, so I can't tell about any signs but when you go past Ghazikot Township (just before Mansehra), there is a fork in the road, the left one is the by-pass and the one on the right takes you to the city. Karakoram Hotel Mansehra is on the right. There are a couple of adjacent CNG stations between the fork with access from both sides.

There is also a new by-pass, which is just before the fork, it turns right and down(it was a mud track for about 100 meters or a little more due to land ownership dispute), but then its a nice winding road and goes over some hills and connects to Balakot road, on the way there are nice views of the city.

TC2009 (TC2009) 2010-07-22 11:23:51 +0500 #5

Thanks Asad.

Zaeem89 (Zaeem89) 2010-07-22 11:25:38 +0500 #6

I went to Naran a month ago and there were no signs to guide towards bypass of mansehra so i went to Naran after crossing mansehra city but on the way back from Naran i saw a sign of mansehra bypass and i used it.

TC2009 (TC2009) 2010-07-22 11:29:37 +0500 #7

Hi Zaeem89. That's exactly what i have gathered after reading various posts i.e. there is a sign if you're coming from Naran side but nothing if you're going towards Naran.

Janj (Janj) 2010-07-22 13:05:48 +0500 #8

asad01 (asad01) 2010-07-23 17:19:16 +0500 #9

If I recall correctly, this board is on the Balakot road after crossing Mansehra on the left side. People need clear indications to get to that point.

There should be large overhead boards before Mansehra city and before Balakot road turning.