Is Karachi to Northern Areas / Gilgit doable and safe?

[sahmedk2]

First I just want to clarify I've checked out all the similar threads on all the forums, and the latest one is from a few months ago with many being from years and years ago.

The thing I noticed is all of those threads have different reports on the road construction situation and the security situation is always changing. So I want to know people's experiences these days and suggestions.

Car is a Honda BR-V 3-4 years old, very lightly used and serviced by Honda. Tips on good fuel economy also welcome. 6 passengers including 3 guys with driving licence and rest ladies including one 60+ (she insisted on road trip).

Also note that I need to work during the AM hours due to remote job in a different timezone. We also have phones, laptops etc including an expensive company laptop so security is important.

[faiq.zakai]

There is no security Issue from Karachi till Gilgit.. but you have to take your laptops with you all the time.. don't leave any valuable in the car when no one is there in the car. Rest all will be OK.
I have frequently traveled from Karachi to Islamabad (say every year or some time twice an year) recently travel in January'22 and i didn't face any security concern during the journey.. last time I travel without any night stay and reach to Islamabad in 16.5 Hours. There were two drivers onboard.

Best of Luck

[sahmedk2]

Wow, you're the first person to say you traveled without night stay. For me this would be ideal, because everyone is telling me we'll waste 3 days if we do night stay. I guess if I can do without night stay then it's a huge plus, I can reach in half the time. Would you recommend this and consider it a good experience or would you say don't do it?

Also if it goes as planned I might detour via Lahore, any experience with that?

[faiq.zakai]

Wow, you're the first person to say you traveled without night stay. For me this would be ideal, because everyone is telling me we'll waste 3 days if we do night stay. I guess if I can do without night stay then it's a huge plus, I can reach in half the time. Would you recommend this and consider it a good experience or would you say don't do it?

Also if it goes as planned I might detour via Lahore, any experience with that?

Yes I recommend to travel without night stay but there are some conditions:
*) You have a craze of long driving..
*) Your vehicle should be perfect. as I travel on new acquired Yaris 1.5 CVT having Cruise installed in it.
*) Leave sharp at 4:00 am and take 10-15 minute stop over after every 3 to 4 hours whichever feasible. never stretch the car beyond 4 hours continuous.

Rest best of luck.

[sahmedk2]

Sorry for all the extra questions, one more: how much were the fuel/food and miscellaneous costs involved either per head or for the family?

BRV is 1.5 CVT (but much heavier, extra AC power and people travelling) so I'm thinking I'll use 1.5-2x your own fuel costs as my budget and account for the fuel price changes.

[pwuser152725461176]

I traveled last year but stayed in Multan. Since I was going on vacation and was not in a hurry so didn't tried for one go till Islamabad. Also I was the only driver. Car was 2012 Altis.

It's fun driving up to northern areas and absolutely safe. If you decide to go by road then I can guide in detail.

[faiq.zakai]

Sorry for all the extra questions, one more: how much were the fuel/food and miscellaneous costs involved either per head or for the family?

BRV is 1.5 CVT (but much heavier, extra AC power and people travelling) so I'm thinking I'll use 1.5-2x your own fuel costs as my budget and account for the fuel price changes.

Brother it took almost 2.5 Tank of Yaris 1.5 CVT to go till Islamabad and it gives average of around 17 Km with AC on 26 degree and Cruise is set on 120 KM/Hr Speed (but on some stretches' I reach at the speed of 150 on Multan Sukkur Motorway)...
* My first Stop Over at Moro Taj Restaurant. (20 Mins)
* Second Stop Over at Sukkur Motorway Entrance. (10-15 Min)
* Third Stop Over At Multan Rest Area. (10 Min)
* Fourth Stop Over at Sial Service Ares (10-15 Mins)
* Fifth Stop Over at Chakri Service Area (10 Mins)
At Every Stop Over I initially pour a 2.25 Liter of Water Bottle on Radiator and AC Grill to cool it down..

W.R.T. Food expense it all depend upon your taste and selection well I generally prefer light food and less water intake while travelling to avoid sleep and frequent use of washrooms because this will disturb the travelling plan...and my sincere advise for you to just use home made sandwiches with tea / coffee during stopover. and avoid shopping from the service areas they are costly and mostly unhygienic (except the brands)..

[sdqz11921]

Assalam o Alaikum

I have traveled twice by road, recently till Azad Kashmir last year
On my last trip I traveled to Islamabad without stay. I will advise you not to stretch and overexert yourself. Please note that night driving is entirely different and can actually become cumbersome and dangerous if the driver is tired.
If you want to enjoy the road trip, you should stick to day driving only. Once sundown, the journey becomes boring, both for the driver as well as the passengers. Then there are those ignorant and careless drivers with bright HIDs from the oncoming traffic which are blinding. Even though the motorway is very good, but it can get dangerous due to decreased awareness and high speeds.

[Moderator]

This thread has detailed coverage of many northern locations