Season. 1 Episode. 01: From Quetta to Islamabad by Bus
Saturday, May 11 – Sunday, May 12, 2024 (895 km)
When we finally decided on our bike adventure route, our first debate was whether to start from Quetta or take a bus to Rawalpindi and begin our ride from there. After a long discussion, we chose to take the bus, pack our bike along, and kick off the journey from Rawalpindi. With tickets in hand, we set off with excitement and prayer, departing Quetta at 6 pm on Saturday. spending time with other co-travelers on the bus was different experience. After about 14 hours, we arrived in Rawalpindi on Sunday morning at 8 am. The weather greeted us with a cool, refreshing breeze as we enjoyed breakfast and geared up, securing our luggage onto the bike for the next leg of our journey toward Murree.
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| Quetta to Rawalpindi Bus Thanks to Google |
From Rawalpindi to Abbottabad via Murree and Galliyat (Sunday, May 12, 2024) – 133 km
Our first destination was Murree, with the main goal of hiking the Mukshpuri trail. This stunning, scenic route is known for its beautiful ascents. Mukshpuri Top, at around 9,452 feet (3,150 meters), is the second-highest peak in Galliyat. The trail begins at the Pines Hotel in Nathia Gali and winds through a lush, green pine forest, showcasing the breathtaking natural beauty of the area.
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| Mukshpuri top thanks to Google |
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| Mukshpuri trail thanks to Galiyat Development Authority and Google |
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| Mukshpuri Trail Thanks to Google |
We set off on the moderate, 4-kilometer trek, starting at around 7,500 feet and steadily climbing to 9,200 feet. Locals assured us it was manageable but warned about the unpredictable mountain weather. Surrounded by towering pine trees and dense greenery, we paced ourselves, knowing we’d need energy for the steeper parts ahead. Every now and then, we paused to soak in the peace of the forest and snap a few photos of the scenery.
An hour into the trek, we reached a viewpoint that offered sweeping vistas of the Galyat range. As we stopped to catch our breath, we noticed dark clouds gathering on the horizon. Moments later, a light drizzle began. We pulled out our raincoats, determined to make it to the top despite the weather.
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| Mukshpuri top view Thanks to Google |
Just as we neared the summit, the rain turned into a hailstone, and the temperature plummeted. A fierce wind howled through the trees, making the path slippery and treacherous. Our clothes were soaked, and the cold bit through every layer. We finally reached the top but could not find shelter there. The spectacular views were veiled by clouds and fog, creating a haunting, almost mystical atmosphere. Cold droplets stung our faces as the wind roared, reminding us of the mountains' raw power.
Despite the discomfort, we felt exhilarated. Nature had revealed its untamed side, reminding us that the mountains are both beautiful and unpredictable. Shivering, we huddled under our makeshift shelter, refueling with water and protein bars to keep our energy levels up.
Once the worst of the storm had passed, we started our descent, moving carefully along the muddy, slippery path. The rain had eased by the time we reached the base, but we were soaked and exhausted. Yet, it was an incredible experience! We had faced a dramatic weather shift—from the 40°C heat of Punjab and KPK to Muk shpuri’s chilly 10°C peak. The sudden change even gave us headaches, but we managed to find warmth and relief by boiling eggs and making tea.
Journey to Abbottabad (30 km)
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| Galiyat to abbotabad road Thanks to Google |
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| The beautiful Abbotabad Thanks to Google |
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