Since the initial topic was about taking your own car up north or not.
I did karachi to Hunza trip on a lended Toyota Prado, Alhamdulillah everything went well,
Just a small patch tatta panni, Its was raining stones (barish aswell as small stones) ok all went smooth, But being a lended car stone chips was my major concern,
Later just before Gilgit City, A vitz was stuck where a rock came under it, Locals were kind enough to lift his car and let go, But later a full fledge rock falling started which lasted good 15 minutes.
On reaching Eagles nest top, I was too scared to bring this big car down, Since i wasnt comfortable with the braking, a local driver teached me how to use the L4 and H4 for down hill, then it was smooth as butter.
After that we had to reach bhurban, KKH> BESHAM > ABOTABAD> going down hill towards nathiagali the brakes failed, (ZERO PRESSURE) Stopped the car with handbrake.
an hour later it came back to normal,
After discussing the same with my mechanic, He told me you shouldnt apply brakes so often on down hill, And also change the brake oil when going up north (Japani oil, It wouldnt let the brake pressure go).
Fortunately coming down hill from Babusar nothing happened,
So when ever going up north, I would recommend not to be extra adventurous,
Those tour operators are also there to earn their lively hood, Spending lacks, a mere 5000/10000 wont dent you. And you would be trouble free.
One goes up north to relax not to get in to more trouble, Going with families is different and going with friends is different.
The Karachi Hunza trip, all day i would drive, and sleep in the night, only in Hunza when i didnt wanted to take the car down, We hired a driver who showed us around, The way locals show you around no body can do that.
its always ok to tip someone or pay someone that saves time too.
Similarly last year i parked my car at the islamabad airport and from there took flight to skardu. booked a car + driver there.
