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

 

Season 1. Episode. 3. Bisham to Kalam (138 km) via N-90/95 (Tuesday, 14 May, 2024)

Oshu Forest, Kalam

Slept well and got up early in the morning of Tuesday, 14^th May, 2024, had our breakfast and got our luggage tightened on our Honda CG-125. So far, bike was performing awesome. We started our ride to Kalam first via N-90 and then N-95. Rided through Shangla top and had a little break so as to cool down our Bulbul. Sorry I forgot to tell you gys the name my ride. Bulbul is a beautiful bird as she is also a beautiful machine so deserve this name. Today I took the driving seat and started our ride right from Besham through Shangla top, Khuazakhela, via Besham-Khuazakhela road (N-90/67km) and from Khuaza khela to Kalam (71 km) via Matta-Khuaza khela road through Kala coat, Madain and Bahrain.

 

Motorcycle Adventure of Swat Valley: Besham to Kalam Travelogue

Our journey started with the morning view and the chatter of the motorcycle. We start our adventure from Besham, a journey that was not just to see the attractions of Swat Valley, but also to experience a new motorcycle adventure.

                     

Towards Shangla: a challenging ride

Thanks to Google 

Beautiful shangla Hills
Thanks to Google

At sharp 9 o'clock we started from Besham and headed towards Shangla enjoying the cold breeze on the road. The route to Shangla was a bit challenging, but by following the motorcycle adventure tips we enjoyed every twist and turn. Essential gear for motorcycle touring like helmet, gloves, and raincoat kept us safe and comfortable. As soon as we reached Shangla, we were charmed by its peace and natural beauty.

 

Khoazakheil: Nature and Tranquility

Khuazakhaila to Kalam road
Thanks to Google

Khuazakhaila city
Thanks to Google

The next destination from Shangla was Khoazakheil. The lush green mountains and narrow roads here made motorcycle touring even more thrilling. Swat Valley attractions show their colours here too – lush green valleys and serene views all around. Here we found a local tea stall, where a cup of hot tea and stories of local people won our hearts.

 
Madaan: Mix of Culture and Adventure

Beautiful madyan 
Thanks to Google 

Beautiful madyan
Thanks to Google

After Khozakheil, we travelled to Madaan. The culture and people here are always welcoming. The real fun of Swat Valley adventure lies in its winding roads and deep valleys. An important lesson of motorcycle adventure tips was learnt here – keep your speed under control and keep absorbing the scenery.

 

Bahrain: A place on the banks of the river

Mdyan city 
Thanks to Google

Bahrain is a charming place which takes you closer to the Swat Valley attractions. We spent some time on the banks of the river Swat. After the motorcycle adventure, the peaceful vibes here seem like a blessing. We also bought some souvenirs from the local market.

 

Final Destination: Kalam City

Kalam

The final destination was Kalam, where we reached at 5 pm. The road was a bit tough, but the real fun of motorcycle adventure is in this. The cool weather and lush greenery in Kalam took away all the fatigue of the journey. The fun of the forests and trout fish here made our day. Essential gear for motorcycle touring kept us hassle-free during the entire ride.

Since it was our first-ever long ride on a bike, we were a bit over-packed with stuff. Most of the time, we stayed in hotels, and only occasionally with friends. As I mentioned earlier, we planned this trip before the peak tourism season, which usually starts after June 15 and lasts till October. Unfortunately, this meant we couldn’t camp at Badagoi Top as we had hoped because it was blocked by a glacier, which wasn’t expected to clear until mid-June.

Walking thorough Oshu forest

Hospitality of locals at Matiltan

Towards Kalam glacier

Kalam glacier

The next morning, we decided to go on a hike through the stunning Oshu Forest, Oshu City, and Matiltan Village, all the way to Kalam Glacier via the Mahodand Lake road—a route of about 13.4 km. We prepared some food for ourselves, had a delicious lunch, and brought along some bread we had packed earlier.

 

That day, our hike turned out to be an unforgettable adventure! The total walk ended up being 26.8 km, taking us almost 9 to 10 hours. We walked slowly, soaking in the breathtaking beauty of nature and the charming villages we passed. It was a true blend of adventure and serenity.

 

By the time we returned to Kalam City around 8 PM, we were completely exhausted. We could barely thank the hotel owner, who had already prepared dinner for us. After a quick meal and offering Esha prayer, we immediately fell asleep, completely worn out but thoroughly content with the day’s experience.

 

 

Takeaways for Motorcycle Enthusiasts

Swat Valley adventure is a lifetime experience, and this journey teaches us the following: 

1. Planning is a must: Always keep your essential gear for motorcycle touring ready.
2. Follow adventure tips: Slow and steady makes the journey more enjoyable.
3. Enjoy Swat Valley attractions: Every place has its own charm and story.

This ride in Swat Valley will always be remembered – a perfect combo of nature, adventure and peace. If you too are a motorcycle enthusiast, then this journey of Besham  to Kalam should be on your bucket list!

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

 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.

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.

Mukshpuri top
thanks to Google

The trail was blanketed with a "fairy carpet" of wildflowers – an enchanting sight, especially vibrant during the rainy season. Another trail descends toward Dunga Gali, offering panoramic views of Ayubia National Park below. This route, however, isn’t for the faint-hearted, especially those with a fear of heights. For our hike, we parked our bike near Dunga Gali, where the trail begins.

Mukshpuri trail
thanks to Galiyat Development Authority and Google

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.

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)

Galiyat to abbotabad road
Thanks to Google

At around 6 pm, we got back on our bikes and began the ride toward Abbottabad. The journey took a little over two hours, and we arrived by 7 pm, grateful to be welcomed by the warmth of a friend’s home. We were cold and drenched, but luckily, our friend had gas heaters waiting for us. We couldn’t have been more thankful!

The beautiful Abbotabad 
Thanks to Google

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

 

Introduction:

If you're dreaming of Scenic motorcycle trail that mixes rugged adventure with rich culture, then a motorcycle tour from Quetta to Swat might just be calling your name. This journey isn't just about the thrill of the open road; it's about connecting with Pakistan’s incredible landscapes and history along the way. Whether you're navigating the changing road conditions or soaking up the cultural experiences in Swat Valley, there’s something truly special around every corner.

In this guide, we’ll share practical motorcycle adventure tips to help you get the most out of your ride and ensure a safe, memorable journey through one of Pakistan’s most captivating routes.

Background: 

One of my best friends, Mr. Muhammad Hanif Barech, convinced me to embark on a Breathtaking motorcycle path to Pakistan’s northern regions. The catch? Neither of us had ever attempted a long-distance bike tour like this before. My longest ride to date had only been around 1400 km. This adventure would test both our endurance and the resilience of our bike! But Hanif's enthusiasm was contagious, and before long, we finalized our plan and packed the essentials.

Armed with basic gear and Hanif’s experience in hiking and camping, we set out by bus from Quetta, taking our bike along with us to Rawalpindi. From there, the real journey began. On one bike, loaded with camping gear and our excitement, we set off to explore the beauty of northern Pakistan.

Our first stops included Murree and Galliyat, where we hiked the scenic Mukeshpuri track. The next day, after exploring Thandiyani and Abbottabad, we rode toward Bisham and then onward to Kalam in Swat. In Kalam, we immersed ourselves in the stunning landscapes and later headed to Mingora, where we spent two nights. Here, we visited the historic White Palace of the Nawab of Swat and the famous Malam Jabba.

On our return, we rode over 1100 km back to Quetta, breaking the journey and scenic motorcycle path with a stop in D.I. Khan. The first leg was a 555 km stretch, and the second was 547 km. It was a challenging but unforgettable ride. So, let’s dive into the journey from the very beginning!

---

Highlights of the Journey

After finalizing our week-long itinerary from Quetta to Kalam, we boarded a bus from Jabal Noor-ul-Quran, Quetta, at 6 pm, with our bike secured for the trip to Rawalpindi. We arrived in Rawalpindi at around 8 am, had breakfast, fueled up the bike, and set out on day one of our adventure!

Day 1: 

Our first day took us to the scenic spots of Murree, Nathia Gali, and Galliyat. We hiked the Mukeshpuri trail, 2nd Highest peak in Galliyat, soaking in the fresh mountain air and beautiful vistas. at the top, we faced heavy rainfall and hailstone. By nightfall, we reached Abbottabad, where we stayed with a friend in his house. stay connected for further details. 

Day 2: 

After breakfast, we headed to Thandiyani, a serene spot about an hour from Abbottabad. Once back, we gave our bike a wash, readying it for the next leg to Besham. We started the ride at around 1:30 pm and arrived in Besham by 9 pm, where we rested up for the night in a hotel.

pic of thandyani....thanks to google

pic of thandyani...thanks to Google

Day 3: 

The next morning, we hit the road from Besham to Kalam at 9:30 am, stopping frequently to enjoy the views. we crossed Shangla mountain top and finally, by 3 pm, we arrived in Kalam, found a hotel, and explored the vibrant local scene at the evening. The following morning, we took on our second hike – a challenging trek from Kalam city to the breathtaking Kalam Glacier. The journey took around 3.5 to 4 hours each way, leaving us exhausted but exhilarated. We stayed one more night in Kalam to recharge ourselves for next day's adventure.

Kalam city....thanks to Google

Day 4: 

We left Kalam for Mingora at 9 am, arriving around 1 pm. After resting at the hotel, we visited the White Palace, a masterpiece of architecture and history in Swat. We spent the night in Mingora, eager for the next day’s adventure.

Hotel white Palace, Mingora, Sawat
thanks to Google

Day 5: 

This day was all about Malam Jabba! After a two-hour bike ride, we reached the peak, parked, and tackled our third hike. It was an exciting, challenging experience, and the views were worth every step. Afterward, we returned to Mingora around 4 pm, where we spent the evening exploring the city.

Malam Jabba, Sawat
Thanks to Google

Kalam Glacier, Matiltan
Thanks to Google

Day 6-7: 

The time had come to start the journey back to Quetta. We embarked on a 515 km ride from Mingora to D.I. Khan at 8 am, reaching D.I. Khan around 7 pm, thoroughly exhausted but content. After a night’s rest, we set out on our final stretch – the 550 km ride from D.I. Khan to Quetta. We left at 9 am and arrived at 9 pm, completing our unforgettable adventure.

Thanks to Google

Conclusion

Stay tuned for episode-wise details of this tour  – from day one to day seven and everything in between!