AOA All,
Can someone answer about the following?
what kind of online/real-time maps OR GPS can be used in Naran, Swat, Gilgit, Hunza, Skardu etc? is there any popular IOS/Andriod app which can display offline maps (in areas where cell phone service is available). Any suggestions for those who are traveling for the first time (by their own) in these area about directions routes, etc.
Petrol/diesel availability. Specially from Balakot to Naran and on KKH. Any places where fuel is hard to get, and places where travelers should full their vehicle tanks and spare tanks.
Any recommendation of good restaurants/hotels and their specialty dishes. Travelers should tell the restaurant owners about this word of mouth marketing so they keep their standard high. i know people have different taste/choices but this will be helpful in deciding and improving the quality of services if owners know that good service can boast their business and bad service can kill it.
Any precautions?
Good shopping places. any thing specific to these shopping sites?
Wikiloc is good app to track all your activities such as hiking/off roading/cycling/swiming/drive basically it connects your GPS from satellites so when you don't have signal you can still track your route. I use this for my hiking trips.
Just use Google Maps app on Android. Download the offline area that covers your place till Naran. Offline navigation in Google Maps works in Pakistan in recent updates.If you can get Sygic, it has much better offline navigation experience. Keep a spare car charger too, as they will drink your battery fast. Remember or write the main cities, the road/path is very well known, you can always ask roadside hotels/shops for path of your next destination.
There is a PSO pump in Naran too. Fill at Balakot to be on safe side.
Taste and quality of food starts to decrease, as you pass Mansehra. But, there is a renovated Moon restaurant, which is good. It is well lit up at night. Clean chairs and tables, at least far cleaner than any place in Naran.
Avoid tour in heavy/constant rains. Don't buy honey from the wanderers in bazar. Take medicine and warm cloth, shoes etc.
Thanks, I downloaded Wikiloc and it is working great here in USA. I'll try this summer in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Insha Allah.
Thank you Saqib. This is good information. Will add in my notes. Any info about Babusar pass opening in first week of October? will it be too late?
