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Thanks to Google
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Season 1. Final Episode: Mingora to Dera Ismail Khan Saturday, 18 May, 2024 (527 km via N-55 Indus Highway)
Mingora to Dera Ismail Khan: ready for a long ride.
We had decided to cover the entire journey from Mingora to Quetta in 2 days, one night stay at Dera Ismail Khan (D.I. Khan) was planned. This journey was long for us, because we are new riders, but our enthusiasm and passion were sky high.
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| Thanks to Google |
First we got our bike, which we
named “Bulbul”, changed its engine oil. This was an important step as the bike
needed to be well maintained considering the long journey and highway
conditions. Then we started our journey, and guided our ride on N-55 highway,
which is also known as "Indus Highway" in Pakistan.
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In the first stage of the journey
we passed through the areas of Mardan and Chamkani. There was greenery along
the roads, and at some places there was peace in the rural areas. But this highway
comes with its own challenges. Many sections were under construction, and some
places required attention and patience in the face of two-way traffic. But our
“Bulbul” handled every challenge smoothly.
After flashing, we headed towards Lakki Marwat crossing Lachi and Bannu.
Evening time has come, we reached Dera Ismail Khan at about 7 pm.. This city seemed very busy and lively, and it was evening time and the place was in a different mood. We took a hotel for the night, rested a bit and made plans for our next day's journey. The journey was long, but there was a satisfaction that we had fulfilled our riding dreams with a new adventure and the traffic was quite a mix – sometimes smooth stretches, sometimes rough patches that tested our riding skills. Each section of this journey was writing a new chapter of experiences and adventure.
This journey was not just a ride,
but an experience that taught us the challenges of the roads, self-confidence,
and a different level of adventure. The stretches of highways, the charm of
local areas and the comfort of bike riding—all combined together made this
journey unforgettable.
Now the excitement and energy for
the next day's journey towards Quetta was high!
Dera Ismail Khan to Quetta (555 km): Story
of an other but final Long Journey
Sunday, 19 May 2024
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| Thanks to Google |
It was morning time and a slight
warmth was being felt in Dera Ismail Khan. At about 9 o'clock, we started our
journey to Quetta. But before that, a little shopping was necessary—D.I. Khan's
famous halwa! It's fun to start a sweet journey with a bike.
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| Thanks to Google |
The fatigue from the first day's
ride was still there, but the enthusiasm was not stopping. We ran our “Bulbul”
on the road and covered the way to Daraban and Darazinda with ease. Once we
entered Suleman Mountain Range, the road became zigzag. But it was not just a
matter of slowing down the speed; The beauty nearby forced us to stop and take
a break.
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| Thanks to Gulan Khan and Google |
We took a stop at Dhana Sar for about 20 minutes. Mountain air and beautiful views brought energy back. It was 12:30 in the clock, and we started our journey back. Road condition improved, and we reached Zhob at about 2 o'clock. Took a short break for lunch, and then started our next journey towards Quetta.
From Zhob to Muslim Bagh: A Fast Ride
The section after Zhob was
relatively smooth, and we covered the distance of 147 km till Qilah Saifullah
in just 2 hours. Clock was 4:30, and our speed increased till 100 km/h. Bulbul
was performing quite well, but its headlights were not that powerful, so we
planned to use the maximum day-light.
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| Zhob. Thanks to Google |
After Qilah Saifullah we covered
the next section till Muslim Bagh (67 km) without any break. At about 5:25 we
reached Muslim Bagh. we still had 2 hours
of daylight.
Muslim Bagh to Quetta: A Cool Journey
This season has become much
cooler and colder. Doctor Zhob Tak from Peshawar, who had faced extreme heat,
was now less affected. Now we were crossing the coolest points like Kaan
Metarzai, and the effect of the cool air was directly felt.
This section was the final
stretch of our journey. Roads, light traffic, and mountain sceneries make the
ride a perfect wrap-up. Although it was getting dark, Bulbul took us till
Quetta without any problem. At around 8 in the evening, we reached our destination
safely.
Conclusion: The feeling of travel
This journey was an
unforgettable experience of my life. Going on a long ride with a good friend
gives a different feeling. This journey was a perfect mix of adventure,
happiness and challenges.
The fun of travel starts
with planning—packing, excitement, and finally hitting the road. Roads were
mostly eaten, and the touch of air, open space and freedom gave a fresh energy.
Every small place, every stop had its own charm. Interacting with the local
people and enjoying their hospitality was a unique part of the trip.
Challenges also came.
Some rough roads and steep hills tested our stamina, but by inspiring each
other we overcame everything. Every smooth road becomes more fun when you cross
rough patches.
This journey was not just
a journey, but a lesson. Every turn, every pause made and every view tells a
story. Now there is a new excitement for the next journey, because this passion
of bike riding is not stopping now.
The Best Parts
a. Mukeshpuri hiking track
b. Beautiful Hazara Motorway
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| Thanks to Google |
c. Shangla Top
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| Thanks to Google |
d. Thandyani top
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| Thanks to Google |
e. Hiking from Kalam city to Kalam Glacier
f. Hiking at malam Jabba Top
g. Riding through Sulaiman Moutain Range
The highlight of the trip was definitely the
scenic spots we came across. There were beautiful fields of wildflowers, rivers
running along the side of the road, and hills that stretched out in every direction.
Moments like this made the journey feel less like a race and more like a
pleasant escape.
At night, we stayed in cozy inns and shared
stories with other local fellows. Hearing their tales of places they had been
and the adventures they had was inspiring and made me look forward to more bike
tours in the future.
The Memories
Looking back, my first long bike tour was
filled with so many wonderful experiences. From the early morning starts to the
laughter and support along the way, it was truly a bonding experience with my
friend and a test of our endurance. The beautiful scenery, the friendly
strangers, and the freedom of the open road made it an unforgettable adventure.
That trip taught me the joy of exploring at a
slower pace, and I’m already looking forward to the next bike tour. This
experience will always be one of my favorite travel memories, a perfect mix of
friendship, discovery, and freedom.
Expenditure of the trip:
Trip Expenditure Breakdown
The total expenditure for our trip amounted to
PKR 48,000, which is approximately 172 USD. This cost covered all major
expenses, including:
1. Bus
Fares: The journey
from Quetta to Islamabad via bus was a significant part of the budget.
2. Meal
Charges: All meals
during the trip, from hearty breakfasts to snacks and dinners, were accounted
for.
3. Fuel
Costs: Given that we
covered extensive distances on our bike, fuel expenses formed a substantial
part of the budget.
4. Hotel charges. Comfortable yet
economical accommodations were chosen throughout the trip to keep costs
manageable.
The total amount was equally divided between
the two of us, making it just 85 USD per person. This division made the trip
incredibly economical, especially considering the adventure, experiences, and
memories it provided.
For anyone planning a similar journey, this
budget demonstrates how an exciting and fulfilling trip can be undertaken
without burning a hole in your pocket!
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