Scenic motorcycle trails with a Motorbike Tour from Quetta to Swat on a Honda CG125 – May 2024

 

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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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Beautiful view of zhob.

Thanks to Google 

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

Thanks to Google

c. Shangla Top

Thanks to Google

d. Thandyani top

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!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scenic motorcycle trails with a Motorbike Tour from Quetta to Swat on a Honda CG125 – May 2024

 

Season 1. Episode. 4: Kalam to Mingora: A Journey with full of Memories

Thursday, 16 May 2024

The morning scene is a bit different in Kalam – cool air and with new energy, we prepared our bikes and started our journey after having a tasty breakfast. The plan was to ride 98 km and reach Mingora via Khuazakheil, crossing the N-95 highway along the Swat River.

Riding along the banks of Swat River was a beautiful experience. The water of the river was sparkling in the sunlight, and the twists and turns of the road emerging from the middle of the mountain were creating a new excitement. After every 5-10 km the views change—some lush green fields and some small houses of door-to-door villages.

Our plan was to take a detour before reaching Mingora and go on the road to visit the historical White Palace, which is about 16.8 km from Mingora. This palace is famous for its royal architecture, and is a dream destination for history lovers.

Reaching Mingora, Swat.

We reached Mingora around 5 in the evening. The hustle and bustle of the city was a different kind of fun. Lucky that one time we got a nice and affordable hotel room. After quickly freshening up and unloading the bike, we set out to visit the famous White Palace of Swat.

Evening time and the golden rays of the setting sun are making the journey on the road even more surreal. After about 40-50 minutes we reached the White Palace. The once royal palace has today been converted into a restaurant. Entry ticket was Rs. 250 per person.

Glorious white palace, swat

The then currency of Kingdome of Swat

The then King of Swat

As we entered the palace, we felt as if we had entered a different world. The shine of white marble and the architecture of old times was still there. The interior has been modified in restaurant style, but the original beauty is untouched. We walked and explored the spring, and spent some time in the lush gardens of the vehicle.

At 8 o'clock we returned to our hotel. After the completion of the evening, both of us were relaxing a bit, but our hearts were still ready for tomorrow's adventure.

Malam Jabba Adventure
Friday, 17 May 2024

Malam jabba

Next morning, we had planned to go to Malam Jabba. This place is famous for its natural beauty, ski resorts and hiking trails. As soon as we reached Malam Jabba, sunny weather and green valleys welcomed us.

We started our hike from zero point. One step down the trail through dense forests and open patches, a new story was being heard. After about 1.5 hours of hike, we reached the summit.

The view from the summit was breathtaking. There was only greenery on each side and the view of the valleys that stretched till the door. This was a place where time seemed to have stopped. We cooked our own lunch there – it felt like a small bonfire, and eating it amidst nature was a different kind of fun. We cooked lunch for us and enjoyed meal.

Lunch time.👌

Till evening we sat in the vehicle soaking in the beauty of nature. I couldn't figure out how the time passed. After about 3 hours we started descending. The evening time and the golden glow of the setting sun were making the hike even more beautiful.

Winding up our 1st tour to North of Pakistan

In the evening, we returned back to Mingora. The ambiance of the vehicle and the interior space together create a peaceful vibe. At night we discussed about our journey and decided that it was time to return back to Quetta.

Saturday, 18 May 2024

In the morning we got our bikes ready and D.I. Started the ride to Quetta via Khan's route. This journey is officially over, but some of the experiences will always remain alive.

Expectation of journey

The journey from Kalam to Mingora was a complete package—a perfect mix of adventure, history, and nature. Be it a bike ride along the Swat River, the royal vibes of the White Palace, or a hike on the hills of Malam Jabba, Mukeshpuri trail and from Kalam city to Kalam Glacier, every moment was memorable.

Traveling by bike creates a different connection—every turn of the road, the touch of every breeze and the sight of every view feels extremely personal. This was a journey that can never be forgotten.

If you also want to enjoy the combo of nature, adventure and history, then this route is a must-visit. This journey has ended, but a new story has been written in our travel diaries. Now just waiting for the next trip!

Scenic motorcycle trails with a Motorbike Tour from Quetta to Swat on a Honda CG125 – May 2024

 

Season. 1. Episode. 02. From Abbotabad to Bishaam – 139 km via N-35 and Hazara Motorway (Monday) 13 May, 2024

Bulbul...the bike❤️

Somewhere between abbottabad and Besham
Thanks to Google

Advice of Friend:

Last night, in Abbottabad, we asked our friend the way forward and where to go. He gave a great suggestion to us – Thandiani Top! This place was just 32 km away from Abbottabad. At the request of our friends, we thought let's see this trip, and packed our bikes and set out. Our friend also accompanied us with his bike. The weather was very strong, the sky was absolutely blue, and even the snow was melting over Thandiani. The community said that this ride was going to be special.

Ride towards Thandiani:

After breakfast, we packed the luggage of our bikes tightly and set out towards Thandiani. If you talk about the road, it is absolutely a dream ride for any biker. with few raw patches, this road gives opportunity to enjoy new views, as visible as the world turns. The distance till Thandiani was 32 kilometres, and as we walked towards it, the world was opening up with every kilometre. The view of the mountains rising above, the warriors and dense trees on both sides of the road, everything was perfect.

 

towards Thandyani top
thanks to Google

we were walking in the path of pine trees, and enjoying the fresh fragrance in the air. Sights were found on every mode. We feel as if we are entering a hidden paradise by leaving civilization behind. As we approached the peak, there was another world in front of us, where everything was visible.

thanks to Google

Changing Landscape:

As we progressed, the scenery became even more captivating. The darkness of the night had completely ended, and the sun was turning the valleys green and golden with its pure light. We stopped at a small clearing, and seeing everything with our own eyes filled our hearts. Small villages were visible along the valleys, and there was dense forest on each side. We all are feeling within ourselves how special this moment is.

Road to thandyani
Thanks to Google

As we moved forward, the road became a little steeper and the temperature also started falling. As we approached Thandiani Top, the coldness increased in different ways. This place was “very beautiful” exactly like its name. But, it was a refreshing experience to feel such cold air, and it made us remember how high we had reached. Clouds were also quite close and some clouds were completely above the road, giving the road a dream-like quality.

Experience of Thandiani Top:

After around 2.5 hours of travel, we finally reached Thandiani Top. Parking the bike, we got off, did some stretching and took a breath of the mountain air. Thandiani Top was as we imagined it to be – peaceful, untouched, and breathtakingly beautiful. This was not a viewpoint, but an open space, from where the view of the surrounding peaks and valleys was visible without any obstruction. Clouds were hovering around the mountains for a long time, and as much as was visible in front of my eyes, it was as if it was empty.

 

Beautiful road to thandyani top.
Thanks to Google

We explored here for about an hour, completely immersing ourselves in the mountain vibes. This place was no less than a dream, every thing was in its place, and there was no interference. The environment around Thandiani Top was completely untouched, and these are moments like these that we all come across in our lives. We spent some more time here and then decided to return.

Back to Abbotabad:

As we started descending from Thandiani Top, it seemed as if with every step we got to see something new. It was fun to go down, and with every turn, another angle of the ancient valleys was found. This descent is as thrilling as the ascent. Road winding thi, and views on every mode remain the same. That beauty at the top and the new view at the bottom will always be remembered.

 

Journey towards Bishaam:

Beautiful view of Besham
Thanks to Google

At around 12 o'clock pm, we descended from Thandiani. Got the bike washed and then continued our journey to Bisham. Bishaam is a small town, where we found a hotel.

As bikers are not allowed on motorway therefore, had to choose alternative route, which was beautiful and zigzag. On the left side was a roaring river, and on the right side were steep hills. This road was a bit adventurous, and with each turn we got closer to our destination Bishaam. The friend who was with me, his name is Muhammad Hanif. Hanif is a great rider, tough, fearless, and always ready for any adventure. Well, there was a small matter - I always ask him to go a little faster where easily possible and safe to accelerate but he rides as he likes. We both had our own style, and always had light-hearted arguments about what was going on, but he is a very positive person.

Bisham Arrival:

Having traveled 139 km, we reached Bisha at 8 pm. I was a little tired, but there was a lot of excitement. We found a small hotel and got a two bed room for just Rs. in 1500. It was quite economical. This was probably due to the season being a bit early. In the month of May, it is necessary to have fans in hotels, because of weather and mosquitoes. We turned on the fans in the room and slept well so that we could get full energy for the next day's adventure.

 

This Day – Another memorable journey:

This day was the way it was, the way we thought. The journey to Thandi was a dream, and when we reached in the morning, we realized that the journey itself was fun. Every mode, every turn, every moment was telling its story.

Get ready for the next day, think about exploring something new, because every day there is something new to learn.

 

continued..................................