Suggestion needed for a family trip From Karachi to Thandiani, Murree, Nathia Gali, Khanspur, Sharan, Naran, Babusar - September 2021

[khizernajeeb]

Assalamualaikum all,

I was a silent reader and observer on PakWheels till now. After months of reading, I can truly say that this is the best forum related to Travel n Tours. It is a very commendable step that people come here to help others without any benefit.

I’m planning to go preferably Naran & Galliyat with my wife and my 4-month-old son. In total, we’re 3 adults and an infant. At first, I made a plan to visit Galliyat and Swat (Malam Jabba, Kalam, Mahodant Lake) but I thought road conditions in Galyat and Naran will be more suitable for infants so I changed my plan. I have a total of 16 days available from Karachi.

This is how my plan looks so far and I would request you guys to please fill in the blanks or suggest something better especially where should I go with my infant.

Day 1: Karachi to Lahore by train
Day 2: Lahore to Islamabad via bus (Stay in Islamabad).

1. Kindly Suggest a good and economical guest house in Islamabad.

Day 3: Islamabad - Muzaffarabad - Stay in Balakot (visit Kashmir Abshaar & Pir Sohawa)

1. Is it okay to book a vehicle for a complete day?
2. How much does it cost from Islamabad to balakot with visiting the mentioned points?
3. Good and economical hotel in Balakot

Day 4: Balakot to Kiwai - short stay in Kiwai Abshaar and then took a jeep for Sharan from

1. Paras (Stay in Sharan Camping Pods)
2. Can we go to sharan with an infant?
3. How to book camping pods - any phone number available?
4. Camping pods stay timings? For example, If I book a pod for today then what would be the enter/exit timings - When I could enter today and exit tomorrow?
5. From where to hire a vehicle in Balakot for Naran?

Day 5: Spend time in Sharan forest, Stay in Sharan camping pods

1. Can we go somewhere in the surrounding of Sharan top?

Day 6: Left sharan in the early morning (Stay in Batakundi)

1. Kindly suggest some attraction points where we can go with the infant
2. Good and economical hotel in batakundi

Day 7: Batakundi to Lulusar Lake & Babusar Top (Stay in Batakundi)

1. Can we get a vehicle in batakundi for lulusar lake and babusar top?
2. How much they would charge for a return trip?

Day 8: Left batakundi in the early morning (Stay in Thandiani Top Camping Pods)

1. Can we get a vehicle for Thandiani top in Batakundi?
2. Can we get a vehicle in Thandiani top to go to our next stop or do we have to hire a vehicle for our complete stay in Thandiani Top?
3. How much they would charge?

Day 9: Spend time in Thandiani Top (Stay in Thandiani Top)

1. Can we go somewhere in the surrounding of Thandiani top?

Day 10: Left Thandiani top in the early morning - Visit Nathia Gali/Dunga Gali (Stay in nathia Gali)'

1. Good and economical hotel in Nathia Gali.
2. Where to get a vehicle for Ayubia and what will be its est cost?

Day 11: Nathia Gali to Ayubia - Visit Ayubia Chairlift, Pipeline Track (Stay in Khasnpur youth hostel or hotel)

1. How to book a room in Khanspur youth hostel
2. Kindly suggest a good and economical hotel in Khanspur

Day 12: Spend Time in Khanspur - Visit Khanspur Church (Stay in Khanspur youth hostel or hotel)

1. Can we go somewhere in the surrounding of Khanspur?
2. Where to get a vehicle for Murree?

Day 13: Khanspur to Murree - Visit Mall Road / Kashmir Point / Pindi Point (Stay in Murree)

1. Good and economical hotel in Murree (Peaceful Place).
2. Where to get a vehicle for Islamabad and what will be its est cost?

Day 14: Murree to Islamabad Visit Faisal Masjid/Daman e Koh - Dinner at Monal (Stay in Islamabad)
Day 15: Islamabad to Karachi via bus or train
Day 16: Karachi

The main reason to add Sharan, Thandiani Top & Khanspur is to go someplace where only nature exists. You guys are open to add some points where I can go with my little champ. On my trip, I want to go to a greenery area something in between forests or mountains where I can stay at least 4 - 5 days with my family and infant.

Checklist:

This is my initial checklist, Kindly suggest to me If I need to add something else especially for my son.

Medicines:
- Panadol infant drops
- Panadol & Panadol Extra tab.
- Move Cream
- Flagyl syrup.
- Flagyl tab.
- Motilium tab.
- Entamizole (for Infant)
- Brufen
- Spoon for medicines
- Mospel
- Dressing and surgical tape
- Polyfax or mycitracin
- Saniplast
- Good quality Sunblock
- Infant Stuff:
- Infant powder milk
- Water
- Diapers
- Wipes
- Shoppers for diapers
- Baby Carrier

Edibles
- Dates
Chips
Biscuits
Water

Other items:
- Original CNIC of adults
- Clothes
- Shoes
- Socks
- Towel
- Sunglasses for everyone
- Hats for everyone
- Plastic glasses
- Plate & spoon
- Cotton bedsheet
- Surf sachets
- Small Scissor
- Thread & Needle
- Tissue Rolls
- woolen caps
- Thermos
- Jacket
- Umbrella
- power bank
- Soap
- Pocket torch
- Pocket knife
- socket adapter & extension wire
- Shopping bags to be used as a trash bin.

I request all the travel gurus, especially those, who have traveled with a baby, to give their opinion and feedback. I know it’s difficult to cover up all queries but this is my first time with family and my son so I want to make everything as planned. Feel free to add, update any point which I mentioned in this thread.

@nagar1, @haroonmcs26 @qwertypoiu @HanifBhatti @asifcae @umarxe @incognito59 @ali454 @emmaar @aks_e_ahmed You guys are the gem of PakWheels forum, kindly give your valuable feedback.

Waiting for replies!

[incognito59]

In my humble opinion this itinerary is too hectic with a four month old infant more so since you will be using public transport. Please also consider COVID situation with regard to your young son.

I will suggest that find a good place either in Kaghan Valley or Nathiagali and just spend your holidays there with peace. You can use apps like booking.com or TripAdvisor to search for suitable accommodations. Always read the reviews before deciding where to stay. Wish you safe travels.

[ali454]

Visit one area at a time instead of just travelling here and there especially in hired transport.

Camping with an infant is not advised.

Kaghan valley at this time of the year is not very attractive as most of the snow has melted and plus is considerably warm during the day. Monsoon season is an invitation to landslides and that can be a hurdle especially with a little child.

I would suggest only a little change in your itenarary without the costs.
1. Lahore to Rawalpindi via train.
2. Stay for a day in Islamabad/pindi according to your budget. You can visit pir sohawa but with a child I would suggest to just relax for that day.
3. Go to shogran direct from Islamabad via Hazara Motorway. Stay in Shogran for the night. Visit Siri Paye next day. Avoid Balakot as it will be hot. You can hire a car from islamabad to take you to shogran. I am not a fan of Sharan forest personally.
4. Go to Batakundi and stay for 2 nights there. (There is no mobile coverage, telenor works sometimes)
5. Hire a jeep from Batankundi and go to Babusar top/lake saifulmulook. Lalazar can be skipped after you have seen siri paye.
6. Back to Abbotabad.
7. Visit and stay for a night in Thandiani.
8. Nathigali can be skipped if you want to.
9. No need to go to the muzaffarabad route.

There are a lot of places to see in the kaghan valley but with a child with u these places will be feasible only.

But keep in mind weather will not be very ideal. Itll be hot during the day and rainfalls can lead to delays/inconvenience.

Best time to visit Kaghan valley is between end of may to mid july.

You can stay in Batakundi at Hotel De Rosewood. A nice comfy place with good in house dining. Rates are economical. 03419418800 call them and ask.

Good luck

[humsafar77]

Since My queries are of similar nature so I though to ask it here instead of creating a separate post.

We are also planning Karachi to Khunjrab on Honda city 5th generation. I have 195/65 tyres which give 0.5 inch extra clearance and I am also planning to install 1 inch aluminum spacer so the total extra clearance will be around 1.5 inch which I am assuming will be enough if I drive carefully. I have driving experience in mountains but not in Pakistan.

Planning to leave on 28th August. we will have 10 days on hand

We are going to be 4 adults and 1 youth (11 yrs). I am the only driver. One adult will be my mother who is around 67 she has back pain problem as well but she is the one who is most excited to visit all the beautiful places and ready to do tracking and bumpy jeep rides to visit the places. which of course is not feasible.

This will be the very first visit to norther areas so need help from Gurus in planning the Northern areas trip

I don't want to do a lot of off-roading. so mostly want to stay paved routes with an exception of light off-roading in hired jeep.

Since I have not Idea where to go what to see so I leave the forum open for suggestions. I really appreciate and count on your guidance.

If the helpful members have times I would request a detailed step by step plan to follow.

Also advise if 1st week of September is suitable time to visit in terms of crowd and landslides

[haroonmcs26]

السلام علیکم۔ برادر جتنا آ پ نے سامان کی لسٹ بنائی ہے وہ اس وقت مناسب ہے جب آ پ اپنی گاڑی پر ہوں۔ اگر اپنی گاڑی ہو سکے تو زیادہ مناسب ہے۔ ورنہ کرائے کی مد میں آ پ کا مین خرچہ ہو گا۔

[haroonmcs26]

اگر آ پ نے اسلام آباد کو وزٹ کرنا ہے جیسے دامن کوہ اور مونال وغیرہ تو پہلے دن کریں کیونکہ گلیات اور ناران کے بعد آ پ کو یہ جگہیں اچھی نہیں لگیں گی۔ تو پہلا دن اسلام آباد کو دیں

[haroonmcs26]

اگلے دن اسلام آباد سے پٹریاٹہ چیئر لفٹ اور رات مری میں قیام

[haroonmcs26]

اگلے دن ایوبیہ خانس پور اور ممکن ہو تو پائپ لائن ٹریک لیکن بچے کیلئے آ پ کے پاس چیسٹ یولڈر جس میں بچے کو ڈال کر آ پ چل سکیں لیکن خیال رہے پائپ لائن ٹریک آ نے جانے کا آ ٹھ کلومیٹر ہے لیکن چڑھائی نہیں ہے سموتھ ٹریک ہے۔
رات نتھیا گلی میں

[haroonmcs26]

نتھیا گلی سے ٹھنڈیانی اگر وہاں مناسب رہائش مل جائے تو ٹھیک ورنہ اگر وقت ہو تو ایبٹ آباد کی طرف نکل جائیں۔ اور وہاں یا جتنا فاصلہ طے ہو سکتا ہو کریں اور مانسہرہ سے آ گے ناران روڈ پر کہیں قیام کریں۔

[haroonmcs26]

اگلے دن شوگران، سری پائے، رات شوگران

[haroonmcs26]

اگلے دن شڑاں اور ٹاپ اور رات قیام شڑاں پوڈز میں یا ناران میں۔

[haroonmcs26]

اگلے دن سیف الملوک اور اگر دل کرے تو لالہ زار بھی کر سکتے ہیں رات بٹہ کنڈی میں۔

[haroonmcs26]

اگلے دن لولوسر جھیل اور بابو سر ٹاپ اور رات چاہیں تو جلکھڈ،یا بٹہ ہنڈی یا ناران

[haroonmcs26]

یہ ٹور تو آ پ کا مکمل ہو جاتا ہے باقی جو جگہ آ پ کو زیادہ اچھی لگے وہاں قیام بڑھا لیں۔

[haroonmcs26]

ستمبر میں موسم اچھا ہو گا اور رات کو خاصا سرد تو چھوٹے بچے کے کپڑوں کا خاص خیال رکھیں۔ ساتھ ایک شہد کی چھوٹی بوتل رکھ لیں اور دودھ میں چینی کی بجائے وہ استعمال کروائیں۔ساتھ بچے کا کمبل بھی رکھیں۔

[haroonmcs26]

بچے کو منرل واٹر میں ہی دودھ بنا کر دیں۔ گرم پانی کا تھرماس دودھ بنانے کیلئےساتھ رکھیں ورنہ ہوٹل والے بھی پانی گرم کر دیتے ہیں۔

[haroonmcs26]

اگر اپنی گاڑی ہو تو بچے کیلئے پرام بھی رکھیں اس سے آ پ اور بچہ دونوں ایزی رہیں گے۔ بچے کو منرل واٹر کے علاوہ دوسرا کھلا پانی کسی صورت میں استعمال نہ کروائیں ورنہ پیٹ خراب ہو سکتا ہے

[khizernajeeb]

Thanks, @haroonmcs26 @incognito59 @ali454 for your valuable suggestions.

After your suggestions, I've updated my plan to visit Kashmir possibly Muzaffarabad, Keran, Kutton, Sharda, and surroundings.

This is my updated itinerary that I've made till now, Kindly review it and share your feedback.

Day 1:
Left Karachi via train

Day 2:
Reached Islamabad
Overnight stay in Islamabad

Day 3:
Enroute towards Muzaffarabad
Visits:
• Patriata
• Pir Chanasi Top
Overnight stay in Muzaffarabad

Day 4:
Enroute towards Keran
Visits:
• Neelum Jehlum Hydro Dam
• Dhani waterfall
• Athmuqam
• Upper Neelum
• Keran
Overnight stay in Keran

Day 5:
Enroute towards Kel
Visits:
• Shardah university
Overnight stay in Kel or Sharda

Day 6:
Enroute towards Kutton
Visits:
• Kundal Shahi waterfall
• Kutton Valley
Overnight stay in Kutton

Day 7:
Explore and relax in Kutton
Overnight stay in kutton or Muzaffarabad

Day 8:
• Kashmir Abshar
Enroute towards Khanpur Dam
Visits:
• Tarbela Dam
• Khanpur Dam
Overnight stay in Islamabad

1. Is it possible to visit and stay in Taobat with infant or I should only go till Kel?

2. I have one or two days in my spare, any other good places in Kashmir where I can visit with my infant.

3. Good and economical hotels in Kashmir?

[khizernajeeb]

no doubt, durust farmaya.

[khizernajeeb]

chotay bachay kay sath sharan top ya thandiani top jana sahi rahay ga? kisi qism ki mushkilat ka saamna to nahi karna par sakta? for example, jeep track or camping pods me stay?