RZ's Road Tour Karachi~Islamabad~Lahore~Karachi (Dec 09 ~ Jan 10)

[RZ]

Hi RZ,
Very nice pics and indeed a good experience.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com<img src=" /><o:p></o:p>
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I am planning the same trip to Islamabad from Karachi and would like to take some guidance from you<o:p></o:p>
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Please let me know that how much petrol will cost me for one-way trip on Honda City Vario, and I also have 2 kids of around same age so I will also be travelling with family, please let me know that is it safe and convenient to travel with family for this long trip?<o:p></o:p>
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Thirdly, is it necessary to bear current driving license and road tax paid for the journey, I mean is it checked? <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Looking forward for your advice.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Regards<o:p></o:p>
Atif

Assalam Alaikum Atif sahib.

Thanks for going through this thread and the appreciation.

I wish you a safe and enjoyable journey.

I have never owned a Honda City but according to friends this car easily gives 14~16 kms/L on highways with air-conditioner—provided you use tyres and rims with stock specifications. It took me a drive of 1535 kms to reach Islamabad as I went to Multan for night and also went some ‘extra miles’ when I missed to turn towards Gojra from Toba Road. Time and distance could be saved by bypassing Multan and using Lodhraan~Khanewal road. You can calculate your petrol consumption on this observation. A rough estimate is 2.5 petrol tanks.

Alhamdolillah it is safe to travel with family. Allah has gifted us Dua-e-safar, Ayat-al-kursee to recite and stay out of trouble during the journey. However my friends strictly advise to avoid night time travel in interior parts of Sindh province when travelling with family. The kids will really enjoy this trip and will always remember it.

The documentation like car registration book, tax payment and driving license should be religiously up-to-date as a routine procedure. As mentioned earlier, I was asked for documents and license only while traveling between Ubaro and Rohri bypass. No one asked for any document during the rest of the tour, except for my NIC while entering cantonments and red zones. The essential documents you must carry are: CNIC, car registration book, authority letter if car is registered to other person, tax receipt, third party insurance and Highway code book.

Like other members of this PW family, I am always available to advise you. Feel free to contact me through email / phone and I will be more than happy to guide / suggest you route and other essentials based on your schedule. However there will be a fee for it – and it will be your detailed thread on Pakwheels about your journey :)– no discount on it (H) .

Best wishes!

RZ

[Yahyujee]

First, let me say this thread is going to be very useful for all future travelers between Isb and Kci.
I have been traveling on long routes for quite some time now. Two most prominent journeys were from Karachi to Isb once, and second, from Quetta to Peshawar.

First journey: Kci to Isb (July 2005)
1. Car = Nissan Sunny 98(loaded, CNG, powered, alloy rims and radial tyres)
2. Passanger = 5 (Myself, wife, mother and 2 kids of 4 and 6 years)
3. Travel Policy = All traveling during light hours. No driving after 8 pm at night.
4. Route/Stop Overs for night
* Karachi -> Sukker ( 9 am to 7 pm)
* Sukker -> Multan (10 am to 4 pm)
* Multan -> Lahore ( 9 am to 5 pm)
* Lahore -> Isb ( 11 am to 4 pm)

Second Journey: Quetta to Peshawar (July 2008)
1. Car = Same (Nissan Sunny 98)
2. Passanger = Same with one addition of 4 months old baby!
3. Travel Policy = Same. No driving after 8 pm at night.
4. Route/Stop Overs for night
* Quetta -> Sukker ( 9 am to 5 pm)
* Sukker -> Multan (9 am to 3:30 pm)
* Multan -> Lahore ( 10 am to 6 pm)
* Lahore -> Isb ( 10 am to 2 pm)
* Isb -> Peshawar (2 pm to 4:30 pm)

Let me tell you all, that during these journeys, I was neither stopped by any police post etc, nor chased by decoits and looters! It was for the same reason that I decided that we shall NOT travel at night. While we spent 3 - 4 days traveling, we enjoyed each city we stopped in, and it became a tourism besides a journey! I can't remember the cost of fuel (mostly CNG) but it was something like Rs. 12000/- from Kci to Isb and around Rs. 18000/- from Quetta to Peshawar (because I had to use petrol from Quetta to Sibbi, no CNG on this route). Both the journeys were memorable!

Now in next month, I have a plan of going to Karachi from Isb by road, this time in my new car, Civic Oriel 2010. The only concern is fuel, as it is going to be costly. But surely would be more entertaining to drive! After seeing this thread, I am thinking of capturing lots of pics enroute, and note down all details of the journey. Specially road conditions etc, that may be useful for others traveling in near future.

It is a great thread started by RZ! Best of luck and have a very safe driving!!

[RZ]

@Yahyujee

Assalam Alaikum,

Thanks for viewing this thread and for the appreciation. ‘Special’ thanks for sharing ‘short’ description of your great travel experience :). The travel mentioned by you deserves two detailed threads on pakwheels :).

Let’s thank to Allah for keeping our travel safe by all means(H). I love the Diesel version of your Nissan Sunny. The new Civic reborn is a very nice car and economical while comfortable on long routes. Hope you have not added a CNG cylinder to it. Believe me and Insha Allah this car will give you 18+ kms /L on long routes so stop worrying about fuel costs:). Have a safe journey and please do share your travel experiences with your PW family members.

Best wishes!

RZ

[HanifBhatti]

Assalam Alaikum Kaleem bhai,

Thank you for the appreciation. Insha Allah next trip very soon Would like to explore every beautiful spot of my beloved country.

Regards,

RZ

When?

[RZ]

@Libra

Haneef bhai not confirmed yet but Insha Allah during this summer vacation of school. This time towards Naran

[HanifBhatti]

@Libra

Haneef bhai not confirmed yet but Insha Allah during this summer vacation of school. This time towards Naran

Do take a tent with you, just incase
There is no place left to go except Naran, KKH is closed, cant go to Swat. Murree is over crowded, and 60 million Pakistani will be going to Naran

[RZ]

Do take a tent with you, just incase
There is no place left to go except Naran, KKH is closed, cant go to Swat. Murree is over crowded, and 60 million Pakistani will be going to Naran

Yes Hanif bhai, tent is included in the luggage as the male members of the expedition are in full mood of camping at lakes. However, keeping our fingers crossed considering the current situation.

On the other hand I am thinking about the people in these areas where major source of income is from the tourists visiting during these three~four months time. May Allah help them.

[Ansari000]

Excellent save journey.Inshallah.
owsum coverage.r u a media person::

[RZ]

@Ansari000

Thank you Ansari sahib. No I am not a media person

[abdullah_kaloodi]

Aaslam walekum RZ nice to c ur tour pictures, comments and guidence i really enjoy it and hope u also enjoyed whole journey
sir i am also planing a family tour program from karachi to islamabad so plz can u guide me the road map which can i easily reach to islamabad bc i m going first time to islamabad by road so i have no any idea, i have just an idea of travel from karachi to sukkur later no road idea so can u plz guide me i m waiting 4 ur reply
thanks
Regards
A.K (Abdullah Kaloodi) abdullah_kaloodi@yahoo.com

[RZ]

Aaslam walekum RZ nice to c ur tour pictures, comments and guidence i really enjoy it and hope u also enjoyed whole journey
sir i am also planing a family tour program from karachi to islamabad so plz can u guide me the road map which can i easily reach to islamabad bc i m going first time to islamabad by road so i have no any idea, i have just an idea of travel from karachi to sukkur later no road idea so can u plz guide me i m waiting 4 ur reply
thanks
Regards
A.K (Abdullah Kaloodi) abdullah_kaloodi@yahoo.com

Dear Abdullah,
Wa Alaikum Assalam.

Thanks for your appreciation. I pray to AlMighty Allah and wish a safe and enjoyable road tour for you and your family.

Along with your PW family members, I am always available to guide you within our capability. How many people are travelling with you and which vehicle you will be using? Will you be driving alone?

Best regards,

RZ

[mazamwarraich]

Aaslam walekum RZ nice to c ur tour pictures, comments and guidence i really enjoy it and hope u also enjoyed whole journey
sir i am also planing a family tour program from karachi to islamabad so plz can u guide me the road map which can i easily reach to islamabad bc i m going first time to islamabad by road so i have no any idea, i have just an idea of travel from karachi to sukkur later no road idea so can u plz guide me i m waiting 4 ur reply
thanks
Regards
A.K (Abdullah Kaloodi) abdullah_kaloodi@yahoo.com

Abdullah i guess this link will help u look at this its in 5 parts traveling by owais mughal. first time i went i noted on a paper distance of cities and its helped me a lot. Traveling on N5 - Part I : ALL THINGS PAKISTAN

[khawarriaz]

What documents to be taken if we have hired a car on rent waiting for replies?

[RZ]

What documents to be taken if we have hired a car on rent waiting for replies?

Brother, I have never used a self-driven rented car-- hence no idea. However I am sure your car renting agency will give you the accurate information.

[khawarriaz]

Thanx bro.......

[khawarriaz]

Assalam Alaikum,

I went on a fascinating road trip with my family covering almost half of my country. Alhamdolillah it went very well and we enjoyed it a lot.

Passengers:
RZ
Mrs. RZ
Muhammad Usman Zia (5 years)
Aaminah Zia (4 years)
Afifa Zia (2.5 years)

Vehicle: Corolla 2.0D Limited, Model 2000

Services:
Driving overall: RZ
Photography: Mrs. RZ (over 5,000 snaps)

Camera used: Nokia E63 (Couldn't have photograph any better even with a professional camera considering our photographic abilities)

Route: Karachi~Multan~Islamabad~Narowaal~Lahore~Sadiqabad~Karachi.

Total Days: 18 (20th December 2009 to 6th January 2010)

Total journey: 4,164 kms
Total fuel consumed: 350 ltrs Diesel / Rs. 24,745

Fuel average given by car: 10~14 km/L (overall average 12km/L)

		 			Hi I want to Ask that i want to travel from Islamabad to Karachi in September with friend !

1. Is There safe to travel on Rent a car in good condition? Car papers ka problem tu nhn huga kia sindh main?
2. How Much time will it take in single attempt as we have 2 drivers?
3. Best Route to be taken in detail?
4. Things to be taken?
5. CNG Cost For Altis?
6. Hotel Fare for Night stay in karchi?

looking Forward For Your Replies Thnx!

[RZ]

Dear Khawar Sahib,
Assalam Alaikum.

My humble opinions in response to your queries are as follows:

Is There safe to travel on Rent a car in good condition? Car papers ka problem tu nhn huga kia sindh main?

i) There will be no problem if the car is in good condition.
ii) The Sindh Police officials posted between Obaro and Sukkur try to prove discrepancy in your papers and after failing they will start begging for money. It happens nowhere else in the country.

How Much time will it take in single attempt as we have 2 drivers?

Two drivers can complete the journey easily (with short breaks for namaz and food). People have done it in 20 hours but under normal circumstances, the time is 24 hours.

Please check the current road conditions from a recent traveler as I am unaware of conditions on N5 after the recent floods.

Best Route to be taken in detail?

Option 1)

All double road. CNG available throughout the route. Ongoing traffic round-the –clock in Punjab.
Islamabad
Motorway M2
Lahore
N5
Bhaipheru
Pattuki
Okara
Sahiwal
Harappa
Mian Channu
Multan
Bahawalpur
Ahmadpur Sharqia
Sadiqabad
Obarro (Sindh-Punjab provincial border)
Ghotki
Panno Aqil
Rohri Bypass
Khairpur
Kandiaro
Moro
Sakrand
Hyderabad
Karachi.

Option 2)
CNG available for sure on M2 and N5. I have no idea about Kamalpur~Kachcha Khoo and Khanewal~Lodhraan segments.

Islamabad
Motorway M2
Kalar Kahar
Bhera
[I]Exit M2 from Pindi Bhattian Interchange and enter M3

Exit Motorway (M3) from Kamalpur Interchange
[/I]Gojra
Yousuf Chishti Chowk
Pir Mahal
Abdul Hakim Cantonment
Kachcha Khoo
(Enter N5)
Mian Channu
Khanewal
Leave N5 and turn left towards Lodhrah. This will be a single track road till Lodhraan
Dunyapur
Lodhraan
Back on N5
Bahawalpur
Ahmadpur Sharqia
Sadiqabad
Obarro (Sindh-Punjab provincial border)
Ghotki
Panno Aqil
Rohri Bypass
Khairpur
Kandiaro
Moro
Sakrand
Hyderabad
Karachi.

If you take Option 1, start your journey at 19:00 hours. This will give you nighttime travel in Punjab and daytime while travelling in Sindh Province.

Things to be taken?

A camera for photography during the travel so that you can post photos with description in a thread on pakwheels.

CNG Cost For Altis?

Sorry brother no idea about CNG. However you may refer to the following threads—these brothers used CNG vehicles during their travel.

https://www.pakwheels.com/forums/road-trips-vacations/142439-road-trip-naran

https://www.pakwheels.com/forums/road-trips-vacations/138875-khi-rainy-naran-via-murree-showgran

In 2006 our Baba-e-travel threads @oodbalow also used CNG fueled Corolla for a countrywide tour:
https://www.pakwheels.com/forums/road-trips-vacations/52003-byroad-karachi-northern-pakistan-oodbalow

Hotel Fare for Night stay in karchi?

Hotels in Karachi are available from 1,500 to - - - - . I think your company’s administration manager can get you a corporate discount.

Some advises:
Recite duaa-e-safar, ayat-ul-kursi and duaa-e-Abu-Dardaa.

Your vehicle should be properly checked before leaving.
Check engine oil, brake oil, power steering oil, clutch oil and radiator coolants whenever you stop for more than 15 minutes.
If you feel anything unusual in the driving, stop the car at the first fuel station / hotel and check it. Don’t try to continue journey with doubtful performance of your ride.

The alterness of person on front passenger seat is mandatory throughout the road tour. If he wants to sleep he should exchange the seat with another fellow. His role is to keep an eye on driver and talk with him after short intervals.

Whenever the the driver feels exhausted, he should immediately handover the car to companion. Never try to drive while you are worn out.

Seatbelts are not options—they are essentials.

Follow milestones—they are always helpful. (Try to) Drive within speed limits.

Personally I am against driving CNG vehicles on long routes. Always keep at least half tank filled with petrol. CNG is a totally unreliable fuel in terms of availability, pressure, mileage and car’s performance. If you run out of CNG, you have no option other than pushing your car to nearest CNG station. In case of petrol or diesel, you can at least keep extra jerry-can or borrow from someone.

I am always available if you need any further information. Wish you a safe and successful journey:)

[RZ]

@khawarriaz

I feel bringing a rented car to Karachi with only two people on-board will be costly.

Use Daewoo for Islamabad~Karachi route. The service is very comfortable and punctual-- the hostess are far better if compared to those we get in PIA:D

:- Daewoo Express (Dream Journey)-:

For roaming within Karachi you can rent a car or use radio cabs.

It was just a brotherly suggestion

[tasneem_sbp]

I also plan to travel from Islamabad to Karachi for celebrating Eid at HOME. This would be my first by-road trip to Karachi. Could somebody please post update on road conditions post-flood, especially of Sindh's? Also, what documents I MUST accompany to fail Sindh police in forcing me provide some Eidi to them?

[khawarriaz]

dear khawar sahib,
assalam alaikum.

My humble opinions in response to your queries are as follows:

is there safe to travel on rent a car in good condition? Car papers ka problem tu nhn huga kia sindh main?

i) there will be no problem if the car is in good condition.
Ii) the sindh police officials posted between obaro and sukkur try to prove discrepancy in your papers and after failing they will start begging for money. It happens nowhere else in the country.

how much time will it take in single attempt as we have 2 drivers?

two drivers can complete the journey easily (with short breaks for namaz and food). People have done it in 20 hours but under normal circumstances, the time is 24 hours.

Please check the current road conditions from a recent traveler as i am unaware of conditions on n5 after the recent floods.

best route to be taken in detail?

option 1)

all double road. Cng available throughout the route. Ongoing traffic round-the –clock in punjab.
Islamabad
motorway m2
lahore
n5
bhaipheru
pattuki
okara
sahiwal
harappa
mian channu
multan
bahawalpur
ahmadpur sharqia
sadiqabad
obarro (sindh-punjab provincial border)
ghotki
panno aqil
rohri bypass
khairpur
kandiaro
moro
sakrand
hyderabad
karachi.

option 2)
cng available for sure on m2 and n5. I have no idea about kamalpur~kachcha khoo and khanewal~lodhraan segments.

Islamabad
motorway m2
kalar kahar
bhera
[i]exit m2 from pindi bhattian interchange and enter m3

exit motorway (m3) from kamalpur interchange
[/i]gojra
yousuf chishti chowk
pir mahal
abdul hakim cantonment
kachcha khoo
(enter n5)
mian channu
khanewal
leave n5 and turn left towards lodhrah. This will be a single track road till lodhraan
dunyapur
lodhraan
back on n5
bahawalpur
ahmadpur sharqia
sadiqabad
obarro (sindh-punjab provincial border)
ghotki
panno aqil
rohri bypass
khairpur
kandiaro
moro
sakrand
hyderabad
karachi.

If you take option 1, start your journey at 19:00 hours. This will give you nighttime travel in punjab and daytime while travelling in sindh province.

things to be taken?

a camera for photography during the travel so that you can post photos with description in a thread on pakwheels.

cng cost for altis?

sorry brother no idea about cng. However you may refer to the following threads—these brothers used cng vehicles during their travel.

https://www.pakwheels.com/forums/road-trips-vacations/142439-road-trip-naran

https://www.pakwheels.com/forums/road-trips-vacations/138875-khi-rainy-naran-via-murree-showgran

in 2006 our baba-e-travel threads @oodbalow also used cng fueled corolla for a countrywide tour:
https://www.pakwheels.com/forums/road-trips-vacations/52003-byroad-karachi-northern-pakistan-oodbalow

hotel fare for night stay in karchi?

hotels in karachi are available from 1,500 to - - - - . I think your company’s administration manager can get you a corporate discount.

Some advises:
Recite duaa-e-safar, ayat-ul-kursi and duaa-e-abu-dardaa.

Your vehicle should be properly checked before leaving.
Check engine oil, brake oil, power steering oil, clutch oil and radiator coolants whenever you stop for more than 15 minutes.
If you feel anything unusual in the driving, stop the car at the first fuel station / hotel and check it. Don’t try to continue journey with doubtful performance of your ride.

The alterness of person on front passenger seat is mandatory throughout the road tour. If he wants to sleep he should exchange the seat with another fellow. His role is to keep an eye on driver and talk with him after short intervals.

Whenever the the driver feels exhausted, he should immediately handover the car to companion. Never try to drive while you are worn out.

Seatbelts are not options—they are essentials.

Follow milestones—they are always helpful. (try to) drive within speed limits.

Personally i am against driving cng vehicles on long routes. Always keep at least half tank filled with petrol. Cng is a totally unreliable fuel in terms of availability, pressure, mileage and car’s performance. If you run out of cng, you have no option other than pushing your car to nearest cng station. In case of petrol or diesel, you can at least keep extra jerry-can or borrow from someone.

I am always available if you need any further information. Wish you a safe and successful journey:)

thnx bro for your answers and suggesstions..........(h)