Is this OK for a couple to drive from Karachi to Lahore by road

[dms664]

I have a brief check list that you may go through before starting the trip,

battery touching wires,
Tow rope,
Mineral Water bottles,
Check the battery,
Check Engine oil,
Check Radiator coolant
Check car's tire condition,
Check tire pressure,
Keep some eatables wid you dun buy from some dhabbas
Like Chips
Nesvita,
Redbull,etc somewhat like these sort of things
And a Medical kit is a must,
Car mobile charger.

u forgot to mention a licensed weapon on board

[ali_neo11]

u forgot to mention a licensed weapon on board

Weapon?
Driving license,
Car documents,
I have heard of an noc that is issued by aclc for travelling from sindh to punjab kindly check that also

[asifcae]

do u live in Iraq???????

Pakistan wara hua hai itna bhe nai abhe. ap GT road par din ya raat dono may travel kar saktay hain

[Ocean]

I had an experience if going from Lahore to Karachi in dec 2008 and from Karachi to Lahore in dec dec 2009 car was Honda City Vario 2008

From lahore to Khi
Me & My Father
Started off at 5 and reached okara in 2 hours 5 min break for water n stuff
Started off again and did our lunch on highway after crossing Bahawalpur
Near sadiqabad we thought of getting re-fuel and we found no fuel at stations as its was 4th day after eid holidays n we end up fuelling from road side fuel sellers
Reached Pano Aqil cantt by Magrib that was 4 pm .road between sadiqabad and Pano Aqil was not in good shape.
Stayed at Pano Aqil cantt for the night where I got my cars front disc pads changed as originals one giving sound on breaking.
Started off at 7 in the morning again and before rohri I saw smoke coming out of front wheels n breaks were not working fully , pulled over and got the word done from road side. Stated off again and reached Hyderabad at noon where we had lunch n my father meet some of his old colleagues left at 4 n reached Karachi by 6

From Karachi to Lahore
Me , My brother and a family friend
My brother landed at Karachi Airport from us at 2 am he had a 18 hour flight, I haven't slept that night as well, and the family friend too
So at the start of our journey we all were almost dead tired
At 4 we left Karachi my brother took the driving seat and by 6:30 we were crossing Hyderabad. From here I took the driving seat n we were having our breakfast after crossing rohri at 9:30 I drove real fast as roads were empty and I would like to take advantage of that but it was not wise to drive on highway at 160
After breakfast our family friend took the driver seat n I shifted to back seat for taking nap.
I was trying to sleep but having baychani if something is going wrong n the time I go in a sleep car got jerk n I woke up suddenly saying what happened !! The driver slept while he was talking with my bro and having his eyes open, car was on kacha n tracked off from the road but thanks to Allah nothing happen driver controlled. Now my brother took the seat n in next 5 hours we were at Bahawalpur. From bahawalpure I took the driving seat again n we reached home at 8 PM taking our dinner

We drove real fast just to reach in a single day as I have to come back KHI after 1 day, it was not wise but if having 3 drivers n fresh too one can stretch this journey in a single day.

Highway is good just check from some one had a recent visit to have 1st hand knowledge, you can have all the facilities available n highways police s patrolling.

You ar the only driver so it is advised to leave early n should stay your night somewhere near rahimarkhan or bahawalpur

Have a safe journey

[waqastariq]

Soo MR Traveler

Well nice to hear your on a trip on your GLI!

Well first all make sure you got CNG! or you will have a cut pocket. As you will be reducing half your cost.

My cal shows something arround 35,000 for petrol & arround 15 for CNG.Return

Do you think it is worth travelling by road as you can use PIA for almost the same cost incl kids. and you get to save 2 days 4 days of your precious life as after travelling 2 days ull wana rest another 2 days.

then the food cost lodging cost for the high way.

Well i just had to say becuase i travel frequently so i have developed a mathametical statistical chart, with Expernce.

well my travelling schedule is 50/50 % on plane and daewoo. and a few road trips but those were casualy.

unless you think it is an advantage you having your car, which i must say you will need once you hit punjab.

so say you are travelling by road, yea same recomendation as above,

good idea leave at 4.

push it down as khi roads will be empty push it till 7 then you will witness trafic pick up noon u must cross sadiqabad this way.

well no more we have them old rural highways, the scene has totaly changed, specialy in punjab & a lil bit in sindh. i was just astonished to see some i dont know wedding halls or restoronts what but realy full of cars, which shows that they are family places all over highwy

i would recomend stick to the road up till 8 and 9 and if you see your self alone with no cars arround it is time to stop.normaly it happens when you are away from cities.

keep a gun all pakistan for safety.

keep front windows untinted however there is no problem as not many chekc points

Are you sure you are not exaggerating things?

35,000 for petrol means your car does less the 3KM/ ltr one way, if you were talking about two way then 6km/ltr, if this is true, your driving a crap engine, a corolla 2010 will for sure do 15~17km/ltr on highway that will come nearly to 8,000 one way (KHI to LHR)

Last time I checked PIA ticket is worth 12K per person one way, 24K for two people one way.

Food cost, 2 ppl: 1,500. lodging no more then 3,500 = 5K if you want to go 5*

TO OP: The best time to leave from Karachi IS 4am as you said, fill up your petrol tank and CNG (if you have) use CNG as much as you can when you cant find CNG use petrol. its perfectly doable, and you will love the experience as a couple. stay clear of roads in Sindh at night (as everyone is saying)....

Get the highway code book from your local post office before leaving, this is one of the reasons police try to mint money of you while in route.

[kn_khipk]

Hi All,
I want your opinion about security/safety regarding the journey from Karachi to Lahore by road for a family. We are a couple, planning to take our 2010 Corolla GLi to Lahore, I will be the only driver. Any tips/advice will be highly appreciated regarding:

- Is this OK to use window shades to keep the vehicle cool? Or police will give us a ticket for this?

- What are some family-friendly locations to stop for a while

- How many hours it takes to reach different cities? I will keep it as a guide to know if I am going on a right speed.

- Is this OK to drive non-stop?

- What speed range is safe?

- Is this OK to leave Karachi at 4am?

Thank you in advance.

Regards,
KA

kamin: congratulation on your forthcomming road trip! i am certain that it will be a very memorable road trip for you and the family. You may have received many responses and I'm positive will receive many more as well. what is important that you do read and understand all if the responses and make up your mind of how and when. i will try and answer to you point wise.
- Is this OK to use window shades to keep the vehicle cool? Or police will give us a ticket for this? As with driving on highways, keep your rear window clear of any obstruction so drivers behind you can see the read ahead. you can use shades for the rear seats but but not adviseable fpr the front seats. Dont worry about keeping your car cool with shades, your A/C should do a good job.
- What are some family-friendly locations to stop for a while. There are many PSO stations and also several CNG stations on the way. My advise would be to stop at the CNG stations as the toilets are newer and hopefully better maintained. Normally these CNG stations also have a tuck shop as well and mineral water is available there. But the best tea will only be available at truck stops/dhabaas. Carry a thermos so you can load up for the road as well.
- How many hours it takes to reach different cities? I will keep it as a guide to know if I am going on a right speed. Just follow the speed limit. 70 in popukated areas and 100 on the highway. How fast you go is up to you. Check out www.nha.gov.pk for distances.
- Is this OK to drive non-stop? It depends on your stamina. However you must ensure that you stop and freshen up every 2.5-3 hours. And if you are feeling drowsy, STOP and take a power nap! Dont push it, its not worth it.
- What speed range is safe? Answered this in the above point.

• Is this OK to leave Karachi at 4am? yes, it is if you've had a good rest and sleep. if not then you should plan right after Fajar.
  Make sure you have a copy of the hiway code book. If you dont have one, you can get it from GPO or a CPO post office. If the car is on your name, then keep all the papers handy. If it is leased or on a company name make sure you have a authority letter. some may say that you need a NOC from CPLC. Take it if you like. I've never taken one.
  Now go on, plan your trip and make sure you cross into Punjab during daylight. Best wishes on a safe road trip and dont forget to carry your camera. k

[kamin]

kamin: congratulation on your forthcomming road trip! i am certain that it will be a very memorable road trip for you and the family. You may have received many responses and I'm positive will receive many more as well. what is important that you do read and understand all if the responses and make up your mind of how and when. i will try and answer to you point wise.
- Is this OK to use window shades to keep the vehicle cool? Or police will give us a ticket for this? As with driving on highways, keep your rear window clear of any obstruction so drivers behind you can see the read ahead. you can use shades for the rear seats but but not adviseable fpr the front seats. Dont worry about keeping your car cool with shades, your A/C should do a good job.
- What are some family-friendly locations to stop for a while. There are many PSO stations and also several CNG stations on the way. My advise would be to stop at the CNG stations as the toilets are newer and hopefully better maintained. Normally these CNG stations also have a tuck shop as well and mineral water is available there. But the best tea will only be available at truck stops/dhabaas. Carry a thermos so you can load up for the road as well.
- How many hours it takes to reach different cities? I will keep it as a guide to know if I am going on a right speed. Just follow the speed limit. 70 in popukated areas and 100 on the highway. How fast you go is up to you. Check out www.nha.gov.pk for distances.
- Is this OK to drive non-stop? It depends on your stamina. However you must ensure that you stop and freshen up every 2.5-3 hours. And if you are feeling drowsy, STOP and take a power nap! Dont push it, its not worth it.
- What speed range is safe? Answered this in the above point.

- Is this OK to leave Karachi at 4am? yes, it is if you've had a good rest and sleep. if not then you should plan right after Fajar.
Make sure you have a copy of the hiway code book. If you dont have one, you can get it from GPO or a CPO post office. If the car is on your name, then keep all the papers handy. If it is leased or on a company name make sure you have a authority letter. some may say that you need a NOC from CPLC. Take it if you like. I've never taken one.
Now go on, plan your trip and make sure you cross into Punjab during daylight. Best wishes on a safe road trip and dont forget to carry your camera. k

Thank you bro for the point-to-point advice, yeah I'll surely keep my dslr all the time in the dashborad glove-box

[kamin]

Are you sure you are not exaggerating things?

35,000 for petrol means your car does less the 3KM/ ltr one way, if you were talking about two way then 6km/ltr, if this is true, your driving a crap engine, a corolla 2010 will for sure do 15~17km/ltr on highway that will come nearly to 8,000 one way (KHI to LHR)

Last time I checked PIA ticket is worth 12K per person one way, 24K for two people one way.

Food cost, 2 ppl: 1,500. lodging no more then 3,500 = 5K if you want to go 5*

TO OP: The best time to leave from Karachi IS 4am as you said, fill up your petrol tank and CNG (if you have) use CNG as much as you can when you cant find CNG use petrol. its perfectly doable, and you will love the experience as a couple. stay clear of roads in Sindh at night (as everyone is saying)....

Get the highway code book from your local post office before leaving, this is one of the reasons police try to mint money of you while in route.

I agree with you regarding fuel cost, it should be 8-10K max. I already have the highway code book, but I don't have third-party insurance paper. I think I should get the insurance paper in next 2-3 days. Thanks for the precious info.

[kamin]

Weapon?
Driving license,
Car documents,
I have heard of an noc that is issued by aclc for travelling from sindh to punjab kindly check that also

Thank you bro for the check-list. I've no noc because the car in my own name (should I carry the front-page only or the whole registration book?). I won't be carrying any weapons with me, I believe we should never resist when bad time comes, life is more important than money

[sajidahmed]

My suggestion is to book your car for Lahore two days before your departure and you go by train business express, I use it it too cool and you will enjoy the trip and you will get your car ib Lahore use it onwArds.

This is safe, secure and economical on top of them enjoyable. Try it if you don,t like then on your way back use your car otherwise use the same.

I will not rcomend you by car all the way, firstly you are couple technically any thing may happen in car ny time so you will be in a great trouble how to look after your wife and car at same time. Security is other concern even Punjab is not safe in night.

[kamin]

I had an experience if going from Lahore to Karachi in dec 2008 and from Karachi to Lahore in dec dec 2009 car was Honda City Vario 2008

From lahore to Khi
Me & My Father
Started off at 5 and reached okara in 2 hours 5 min break for water n stuff
Started off again and did our lunch on highway after crossing Bahawalpur
Near sadiqabad we thought of getting re-fuel and we found no fuel at stations as its was 4th day after eid holidays n we end up fuelling from road side fuel sellers
Reached Pano Aqil cantt by Magrib that was 4 pm .road between sadiqabad and Pano Aqil was not in good shape.
Stayed at Pano Aqil cantt for the night where I got my cars front disc pads changed as originals one giving sound on breaking.
Started off at 7 in the morning again and before rohri I saw smoke coming out of front wheels n breaks were not working fully , pulled over and got the word done from road side. Stated off again and reached Hyderabad at noon where we had lunch n my father meet some of his old colleagues left at 4 n reached Karachi by 6

From Karachi to Lahore
Me , My brother and a family friend
My brother landed at Karachi Airport from us at 2 am he had a 18 hour flight, I haven't slept that night as well, and the family friend too
So at the start of our journey we all were almost dead tired
At 4 we left Karachi my brother took the driving seat and by 6:30 we were crossing Hyderabad. From here I took the driving seat n we were having our breakfast after crossing rohri at 9:30 I drove real fast as roads were empty and I would like to take advantage of that but it was not wise to drive on highway at 160
After breakfast our family friend took the driver seat n I shifted to back seat for taking nap.
I was trying to sleep but having baychani if something is going wrong n the time I go in a sleep car got jerk n I woke up suddenly saying what happened !! The driver slept while he was talking with my bro and having his eyes open, car was on kacha n tracked off from the road but thanks to Allah nothing happen driver controlled. Now my brother took the seat n in next 5 hours we were at Bahawalpur. From bahawalpure I took the driving seat again n we reached home at 8 PM taking our dinner

We drove real fast just to reach in a single day as I have to come back KHI after 1 day, it was not wise but if having 3 drivers n fresh too one can stretch this journey in a single day.

Highway is good just check from some one had a recent visit to have 1st hand knowledge, you can have all the facilities available n highways police s patrolling.

You ar the only driver so it is advised to leave early n should stay your night somewhere near rahimarkhan or bahawalpur

Have a safe journey

Thanks brother, your experiences are encouraging for me. Thank God you were safe when the driver took the car to off-road.

[kamin]

My suggestion is to book your car for Lahore two days before your departure and you go by train business express, I use it it too cool and you will enjoy the trip and you will get your car ib Lahore use it onwArds.

This is safe, secure and economical on top of them enjoyable. Try it if you don,t like then on your way back use your car otherwise use the same.

I will not rcomend you by car all the way, firstly you are couple technically any thing may happen in car ny time so you will be in a great trouble how to look after your wife and car at same time. Security is other concern even Punjab is not safe in night.

Thanks. You are right any time there can be an emergency, but I've heard you can call the highway police and usually they'r nice enough to help you. How much are the charges to book a car to lahore?

[haris001]

@kamin bro many members have given u great suggestions.....just stick to your plan and dont worry...have gone to sindh many times by road and even interior sindh for hunting and no issue at all (maybe because we were always 3 SUVs and armed) ! but no worries...GT road is very safe now and u will sure love the experience...
and 35000 fuel cost for a corolla is very exagerated.....my prado, vigo and even land cruiser eat way less fuel than this...so ur idea for 8 to 10k for one side is correct...

[Sulaiman75]

Salam all,

[kamin]

@kamin bro many members have given u great suggestions.....just stick to your plan and dont worry...have gone to sindh many times by road and even interior sindh for hunting and no issue at all (maybe because we were always 3 SUVs and armed) ! but no worries...GT road is very safe now and u will sure love the experience...
and 35000 fuel cost for a corolla is very exagerated.....my prado, vigo and even land cruiser eat way less fuel than this...so ur idea for 8 to 10k for one side is correct...

@haris001 yeah I am much encouraged by the feedback, and im sure i'll enjoy the journey InshaAllah. Thanks bro.

[kamin]

Salam all,

I moved to Pakistan from Canada and purchased my very first car here, a 2010 Corolla XLi in October of 2010. I have years of experience driving all over the US and Canada but it was my dream to one day travel throughout Pakistan while driving myself.

The hardest part was shifting from a left hand steering to Right Hand.

In any case, I purchased the car a week before Eid, and on the third day of Eid (Fri) morning my wife and I left for Islamabad at 5:15 AM from Karachi, not knowing any road conditions or any access to GPS in Pakistan. What I did learn while in Pakistan was not to be shy and ask for directions when uncertain.

We had a relative book an Army Guest House for us in Bahawalpur since we anticipated that Bahawalpur would be half way which we would reach at night and then carry on the next morning towards Islamabad and reach there the second night.

Much to my surprise and the excitement of driving in Pakistan, and more so driving for the first time North to Islamabad and then Peshawar (that is where I was born). We reached Bahawalpur at 2 PM and although I thought maybe there is another Bahawalpur down the road since this cannot be it but the odometer added up to what had been shown on google maps prior to my leaving Karachi. We stopped for an hour for lunch in a nice highway restaurant garden where the food was although a bit expensive but absolutely wonderful.

We then carried on towards Lahore and reached the bypass towards Islamabad at around 10:30 ish and carried on the motorway as we had no intention of going to Lahore. The motorway was like home to me so that woke me up but at around 12:30 am I indeed felt a bit sleepy and knowing my limits I pulled over at a rest area and ordered coffee to help me wake up and after a brief 15 minute stop I started again and at exactly 2:30 am we were in Islamabad in a one day trip.

I have to say I can NEVER do that again since it was the PERFECT DAY to drive since it was the third day of Eid and people were sleeping in late, no transport , no trucks, and being Friday I knew people would wake up late just to have Nashta and then prepare for Jumma.

I was lucky enough not to be caught by speed cameras and did on average 120 - 140 km/h and at times hit 150 as well, not that I am proud of that and suggest no more than 100 to 110 as I found out on the way back when I ticketed twice (Rs 700 Fine in Punjab and then another Rs 400 in Sindh).

Now about places to stop. I also have a 2010 Corolla (Xli) and had it on Petrol, not CNG. If you drive steady as in cruise control (which I don't have) but try to stay on a steady speed without sudden acceleration then you should get 700 KM on a Full Tank, don't know what that works out to per liter. Fill up to the top in Karachi, then again in Hyderabad. The fill up in Hyderabad will easily get you to Bahawalpur where you can again fill it up.

My advice is to leave early as one of the other posts mentioned, leave at 4 or latest 5 am. You can clear Sindh during the day. I stopped for photography and the highway stops where they sell the Mava Mithai and we did stop for Chai but in Punjab since nothing was open before Jumma Namaz and it was also Eid Holiday.

I will post more details and pics for you later.

Sulaiman

Man you were too fast to reach Bahawalpur in only 8:45 hours I'll feel excited even if I manage to be there within 12 hours (I plan to drive at 120 for khi to hyderabad, and then at 110 throughout the way). I plan to have only two 20 minute stops (moro, rahimyar khan) on my way to bahawalpur.

[atharshah]

Well People people and my fellow folks :D:D:D

Assalam o aliku
Warahamutullah e wabarakatahu

Distance BTW Khi to Lahore

1029.68

add some KMS from the city

80

Total distance Travelled

1109.68

say as you claim 17 KM/pl on petrol (how ever i am yet to achieve those dream figures in my 2010 Axio:D)

i would settle for 14 KM/Pl high way (H)

Total distance travelled 1,109

1,109 (divided) by 14 KM/PL=

Total fuel required=> 79.21 Litres
*
Fuel price: 103 Pkr P/L (i am not in pk used PSO website for reference)

Total cost one sided=> 8,137 /=

• 2 way => :-$:-$:-$16273:-$:-$

Sorry for the exadjuration as i was calculating khi to lod @ 1500 + so dont get me wrong- I appolagise.

[atharshah]

well at these calculations i think it is quiet reasonable to travel by road specialy
if more then 1 person .

Planes if you are lucky you can get seats for as low as 7000

i remember getting them for 5000 2years back,

business train(yet to travel) Might soon

Daewoo : 2700 reasonable (considering services)

[atharshah]

can you use you all sindh licence (if u make an noc or something)

[atharshah]

bhaiy ankhen band ker ke travel kero highways are safe (if you feel like travel at night also) dont worry ALLAH is there this world is yours