Road trip from Karachi to Islamabad

[tintin1]

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[sdqz1192]

JazakAllah for such detailed info and advice.
Yes the sole purpose of this trip to enjoy snow. I am traveling with my wife and 2 kids (toddlers) and this is purely a vacation trip so comfort will be my priority. I do not know about Murree but generally people have this perception that its a very crowded place and a good idea to avoid.

As I said, my main purpose is to enjoy snow so yes Nathia gali is an option but malam jabba is also an option. If you have any other suggestions please let me know, keeping into consideration that I am with my family, so I will give preference to a comfortable and easily accessible location with good hotels (hot water and heaters being a must). Can you recommend some really good hotels? Last time I stayed at Hotel Amore at Dunga Gali but it seemed overpriced compared to the overall ambiance and facilities.

Honestly, you are the first one to say that driving in fog is fun. But frankly that is motivating for me
Also I will not drive at night but will likely travel in the early morning hours

[kn_khipk]

Keep the following in mind...Don't forget to check your car's heater/AC. Without the heater it will be nothing but a punishment for all. Also, better to have your battery checked as well. Extreme cold weather can create issues for an old battery. If you regularly top up the radiator with water then yes you will face an issue. Better to drain it and replace with recommended coolant/anti freeze. And it will be unsafe to drive without chains in the snow. Easily available in ISB/RWP, just google.

[sdqz1192]

noted. Heater/AC working well Alhamdulillah.
only topped the radiator a few times in a year. Will get the battery checked and if needed replace it.
I know I will not be able to drive in snow, not even with the tire chains. Ironically, I am going in the snowy season to enjoy snow but am afraid to drive in snow

Well my intention is to first reach Islamabad, I will then consult if the road conditions are clear i.e. without snow. If it's not I will not take my car and hire a car for further travel. Please feel free to correct me or suggest me if I am wrong

[tintin1]

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[sdqz1192]

This is sooooo true! Every time I traveled upcountry, I have always met friendly people. Except for one instance in Naran hotel, where the person was not very cooperative. I think that is because business and money have come in the way just like it has in our beloved city of Karachi.

Only yesterday I called this man Mr. Asif who were our guide last year to Malam jabba, Kalaam & Mahodand lake. When I introduced myself, i could sense the happiness and his smile over the phone. Seemed like he was genuinely happy to talk to me. They are truly sober, kind and gentle people

Last year I went to Nathia gali in August, it was the most immersive driving experience i had so I have similar expectations as far as road conditions are concerned. But cannot say about road blocks due to snowfall.

I have been to Peshawar long time back. But I have only a week so I don't think I can visit there this time. Just checked Besham and its a 7 hour drive from Islamabad so it seems quite far. But I will InshaAllah check out more information

[sdqz1192]

To be honest, the perfect experience is to stay with the locals rather than the hotels in order to get the true experience of their living.
But as i write this I know that I myself cannot adjust into their lifestyle because the city life has made me so weak

[tintin1]

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[sdqz1192]

Noted.
I recall now that from Nathia Gali I went till Abbottabad and then returned back to Islamabad via M-15 i guess.
I will give it a thought for Besham though. How are the hotel / resort facilities there?

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[asifcae]

unfortunately i dont have much expeience / latest experience of hotels in Gilyat region.....

[oracle]

To All friends from Karachi: I suggest that some of you are new and planning for long trip then it will be better that you all adjust yours plans and move together from Karachi to Islamabad as convey. This will help all of you to have support from each other in case something goes wrong, feels secure and can tackle any issues together rather than depending on unknown person. (As all of you have Pakwheels History and can meet in Karachi)

[sdqz1192]

I agree specially for first timers.
However, it is my personal opinion that when travelling with family, everyone has their own pace (as in driving capability, rest stops, sight seeing preferences etc). In this case, it may become difficult. But yes that is surely a good advice.

For me, right now the greatest concern is the fog & getting a good hotel either in Galiyat or Malam jabba region, a place where there central heating or atleast 24hrs hot water. If anyone can recommend please do so. Budget is not an issue in this trip as the sole purpose of this trip is to enjoy snow but not at the expense of my family's comfort. I even checked PC Malam jabba but that is full as they communicated over phone.
PC Bhurban is an option, but then it is Murree which no one recommends. If any member can advise in this regard, it will be very helpful.
JazakAllah

[tintin1]

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[sdqz1192]

This will of great help. Honestly, we plan to leave Multan to Islamabad at 10-11am due to fog Just out of curiosity, as you said travelling is allowed till 4pm so what happens to those commuters who are already on the motorway and on their way.
JazakAllah

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