Naran, Babusar, Gilgit, Hunza & Khunjerab on a hatchback

[geek.maan]

Dear Pakwheelers, who have travelled alot to north in their cars. I'm seeking recommendations and advice on taking my 2007 hatchback (Cuore CX AT) on the tour (mentioned as the topic). I've travelled a few times on the same track and found roads to be perfect in July, So I've planned for the same month -- last week of july most probably.

How good would be a well maintained cuore be? with 2 persons and luggage only
Two main questions,
a) can it cross babusar -- now the road is all carpeted?
b) Can it go all the away from Sost to Khunjerab? Little breaks to cool it down are okay.

Regards,

[nagar1]

Aoa If it is mechanically fit it can go. no issues..check for heating problems before leaving and do a general checkup. you might face some problems at the glaciers coming on road as the car may hit from below. However by end of july the road is all cleared up.

[geek.maan]

Thank you, yes the car is mechanically ok, but I will still do a complete checkup after Eid so to know that it in good enough shape to go.

I've also planned a little inventory to carry with me for this ~15 days trip.
a) 1 Ltr of Engine Oil
b) 1 Ltr of ATF
c) A few wires & toolkit
d) Jumper Cables & Tow-Chain
e) 5 Ltrs of Petrol
f) 4 Ltrs of Distilled Water/Coolant
g) Spare Tire

[nagar1]

That seems fine. Hope the tyres are in good condition as if it rains they would slip

[nagar1]

be careful about excessive usage of brakes

[geek.maan]

Tyres are so far okay, I have been to Pir Chinasi, Neelum, Kalam, Swat on this very ride. Alhamdulillah!

[nagar1]

You are a Pro then..

[umairzafar]

Haha you are right. If he has done Neelum and Kalam then he does not need any guidance

Just one advice from my side. check your car at least one week before your trip. Mechanics ka kuch pata nahi achi bhali gari main koi masla dal dain so you have ample time to test your car.

Have a safe trip bro!

[geek.maan]

You are a Pro

haha! well that's a compliment. Thank you! Just a regular guy with a tiny car.

Mechanics ka kuch pata nahi achi bhali gari main koi masla dal dain

indeed, true.

Have a safe trip bro!

Thank you

[bilal.tariq.18041]

Please get break service and radiator service done also get fan and hose pipes checked. You can get wheel balancing and alignment done if required.

If your car reaches babusar top smoothly then take decision to move ahead towards chilas otherwise return back to naran. Because chilas side is more steep. It is very risky while descending and while ascending lack of power is observed.

[geek.maan]

True that, i will be putting on new brake pads a day or two before departure, get wheels balanced and aligned, oil checked, battery checked, generator checked along with radiator service -- i recently got a new cap and metal hose/pipe of the cuore since old ones died away.

[nagar1]

The right way is not to press accelarator too muxh to gain speed...dont try to move too fast when ascending and same goes while descending.let the other cars honk horns at u....dont try to touch ur cars limits

[geek.maan]

and so it is finally happening,
InshaAllah -- Aug 24 to Sept 1, 2019.

I hope all is well with the roads @nagar1 bhai. Weather seems okay as per forecast for Naran, Gilgit and Hunza.
24th August - 1st September 2019

Day 1: 24th August
Depart for Balakot from Home ~ 0400 Hrs
Arrive at Balakot ~0830 Hrs (Breakfast)
Depart from Balakot ~0930 Hrs
Arrive at Naran (or Batakundi) ~1330 Hrs (Lunch)
Depart from Naran ~1430 Hrs
Stop by Lulusar/Babusar for Snacks
Arrive at Gilgit ~2000 Hrs (Dinner and Check-in)

Day 2: 25th August
Spend a Day in Gilgit
May hire a Jeep for Naltar Lake (from Nomal)
Lunch at Naltar or Gilgit
Rest and Explore Gilgit

Day 3-4: 26th & 27th August
Depart for Hunza from Gilgit ~0730 Hrs (after Breakfast)
Arrive at Hunza ~1100 Hrs & Check-in
Explore Hunza Valley
Forts, Eagle Nest, Bazaar & Hoper Valley (if possible)

Day 5: 28th August
Depart from Hunza ~0730 Hrs (Breakfast)
Arrive at Khunjerab Pass ~1230 Hrs
Depart from Khunjerab Pass ~1230 Hrs
Arrive at Sost ~1400 Hrs (for Lunch)
Depart from Sost ~1500 Hrs
Arrive at Hunza at 1700 Hrs (Rest, Dinner & Stay)
-- or run all the way back to Gilgit by 2000 Hrs

Day 6: 29th August
Depart from Gilgit ~0730 Hrs (Breakfast)
Stop at Babusar for Tea/Snack (~1200 Hrs)
Arrive at Batakundi ~1400 Hrs (Lunch & Check-in)
Rest & Explore Batakundi Area (Lalazar area optional)

Day 7: 30th August
Depart for Saif-ul-Malook Lake ~0800 Hrs (breakfast)
Arrive at Lake ~ 0930 Hrs (via Jeep)
Head back to Naran ~1030 Hrs
Spend the Rest of the Day at Naran

Day 8: 31st August
Depart from Huts ~ 0900 Hrs
Arrive at Balakot ~1300 Hrs (Lunch & Break)
Depart for Abbottabad ~ 1400 Hrs
Stop by for Snacks & Rest ~1630 Hrs
Depart for Home ~1700 Hrs
Arrive Home ~ 2030 Hrs

Day 9: 1st September
-- Left as a Buffer/Rest Day where required.

My little hatchback is getting ready for the road trip.

[nagar1]

Bhai 1st day himmat kr k hunza he chale jaen. Roads khuli hain sb abi tk to

[geek.maan]

InshaAllah Hassan bhai @nagar1 -- koshish hay but because of family, i have to make stops

[shahg791]

Nagar bhai
While descending which gear one should use from babusar to chillas while driving automatic car
Further gow it is possible that wo break car will decline in steepy road
Just need your exper advice
As in normal downward steep wo.pressing the break the car keep rolling in high speed

[geek.maan]

In my mountains trip I use L on my auto cuore for downward drives and use brakes as required.

[nagar1]

Yes Use L or 1 and dont press accelaratit too much

[geek.maan]

Hassan @nagar1 bhai, Hopar valley ki road choti gari k liye kaisi hay aj kal? jo Nagar Khas Road hay i think Jo Murtaza-abad se nikalti hay?

[nagar1]

Yar men vitz pa to gya hua hun hoper tk. Chali jati hain cars