Pakistan overland?

onewoman · Jan 9th, 2006, 06:09

Ok,

Anyone who has read any of my recent posts will think I am completely crazy. I found some information earlier today around voluntary work in Pakistan, near Balakot where the earthquake hit worst. Their website address for information is www.unitedpakistan.org .
I am thinking of spending 2 weeks of my month away at the camp there helping out.
Now, all I have to do is get to Islamabad and they will transport me from there.

Could I have any suggestions on the best way of getting to Islamabad from Delhi - overland if possible. I am quite keen to return to Amritsar and the Golden Temple, so would like to/be able to make a few stops in either/both direction.
I have no idea whether this is in fact completely impossible without taking a plane. I have looked in the LP guide, but there are only details about travelling to Lahore from Amritsar - for which it says there are restiriictions (this was in 2001 - they said it may have changed).
Another post mentioned that visa restrictions for Pakistan have been waived for those going to help the quake victims. Can anyone verify/shed any light on this?
Many thanks, V

Alchemy · Jan 9th, 2006, 06:22

Check out this thread, which has a few answers (including mine).

Who is United Pakistan? Are they affiliated with the government or a Pakistani organisation, or are they a Western outfit?

onewoman · Jan 9th, 2006, 14:09

Thanks for that - all the info I needed on the border crossing. As far as I know, United Pakistand are a Pakistani NGO. They do not seem to have an overwhelming religious affiliation - although there may be some sort of affiliation.

Shiver me Timbers · Jan 9th, 2006, 14:39

This border crossing is straightforward as long as you have your visas sorted (of course). The border is 30 minutes from Amritsar, try to make your arrival in Pakistan coincide with the border closing ceremony, which starts at 4pm Pakistan time. Not to be missed. You can watch it from the Pakistan side, they move all foreign tourists right up to the front to watch, very cool.

And then it's another 45 minutes on to Lahore, a really great place, lots to do and see........and then on to Islamabad, by bus is better than train I think, try and get a Dawoo bus, they're the cosiest buses in Pakistan, they do the trip in about 3 and a half hours I think.

Also, please check out the Pakistan Travel Forum, you'll get lots of help there.

Jan 9th, 2006, 06:09	#1
onewoman Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Peckham, South East London Posts: 56	Pakistan overland? Ok, Anyone who has read any of my recent posts will think I am completely crazy. I found some information earlier today around voluntary work in Pakistan, near Balakot where the earthquake hit worst. Their website address for information is www.unitedpakistan.org . I am thinking of spending 2 weeks of my month away at the camp there helping out. Now, all I have to do is get to Islamabad and they will transport me from there. Could I have any suggestions on the best way of getting to Islamabad from Delhi - overland if possible. I am quite keen to return to Amritsar and the Golden Temple, so would like to/be able to make a few stops in either/both direction. I have no idea whether this is in fact completely impossible without taking a plane. I have looked in the LP guide, but there are only details about travelling to Lahore from Amritsar - for which it says there are restiriictions (this was in 2001 - they said it may have changed). Another post mentioned that visa restrictions for Pakistan have been waived for those going to help the quake victims. Can anyone verify/shed any light on this? Many thanks, V

Jan 9th, 2006, 14:39	#4
Shiver me Timbers Colder than a well digger's ass Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: North Atlantic Posts: 1,663	This border crossing is straightforward as long as you have your visas sorted (of course). The border is 30 minutes from Amritsar, try to make your arrival in Pakistan coincide with the border closing ceremony, which starts at 4pm Pakistan time. Not to be missed. You can watch it from the Pakistan side, they move all foreign tourists right up to the front to watch, very cool. And then it's another 45 minutes on to Lahore, a really great place, lots to do and see........and then on to Islamabad, by bus is better than train I think, try and get a Dawoo bus, they're the cosiest buses in Pakistan, they do the trip in about 3 and a half hours I think. Also, please check out the Pakistan Travel Forum, you'll get lots of help there. __________________ Europe to India Overland / Andaman's Tips / Pakistan Tips / Flickr Photos / IM Photos

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Lhasa to KTM overland	volga_volga	Crossing the Border	10	Oct 29th, 2005 21:42
Overland Trail caravanserai	Shikari	Crossing the Border	13	Feb 23rd, 2005 16:17
India overland via Turkey, Iran, Pakistan	Shikari	Crossing the Border	26	Feb 14th, 2005 22:59
Overland From Mumbai to Kathmandu!	james00smith	Indian Railways	0	Jan 25th, 2005 17:58
travelling to India overland?	icetea	Crossing the Border	27	Nov 11th, 2004 22:37

Jan 9th, 2006, 06:22	#2
Alchemy Fair and Lovely Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Europe Posts: 160	Check out this thread, which has a few answers (including mine). Who is United Pakistan? Are they affiliated with the government or a Pakistani organisation, or are they a Western outfit?

Jan 9th, 2006, 14:09	#3
onewoman Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Peckham, South East London Posts: 56	Thanks for that - all the info I needed on the border crossing. As far as I know, United Pakistand are a Pakistani NGO. They do not seem to have an overwhelming religious affiliation - although there may be some sort of affiliation.

User Name		Remember Me?
Password