Distance: 170 miles; Travelling time: 0615 – 1445; Temperature range: 32 – 13°C

The Pakistan National Monument, Zero Point, Islamabad – our final visit before our departure 

The day has finally arrived to set off, wheels rolling, for home. With about 6,300 miles ahead of us we had the first challenge; to get everything we wanted in the car . .  and then to get the car started . . .

The car has been through a thorough makeover in the last weeks of August, replete with endless spares brought back from the UK and expertly fitted and overseen by Murray’s super driver, Zahid. Not only was the engine looking immaculate, as a treat and a surprise all the bodywork had been smoothed and sprayed to look like new! Pretty good for a 15 years old car – let’s hope it can stay the distance.

We set off at 0615 having found the car had been decorated by some stealthy neighbours (thank you, Giles and Lucy!), “Blighty or Bust” was emblazoned on the back of the car with trailing bottles to boot!

 

With everything packed in its place we set off for Murree on the Kashmir Highway, the sun rising and the promise of a beautiful day ahead, we had our metaphorical rose tinted “exit specs” on and everything looked stunning! We beat the morning rush and enjoyed the beautiful hills, the calm and the fresh air of Murree and Nathia Ghali to get through busy Abbottabad and on to the Karakorum Highway (KKH) arriving at Mansehra by midday and on to our first night in Naran.

Views from Murree across to Kashmir

The KKH (N35) is the main, and only, road into China through the mountainous Northern Areas of Pakistan. Consequently it is busy and slow with heavy loads carried by the fabulously colourful jingle trucks, with some ancient Bedford trucks still in service. However, for a few clement months of the year a pass is open to non haulage traffic leading from Mensahra to Chilas via Naran (N15), going over the Babusar Pass. This is a stunningly beautiful road winding along the river through the Kaghan Valley and Little Himalayas and up to the highest point at Babusor at 13,690 ft (4,170m).