42 Islamabad – Aliabad (by bus) Instead of riding up the Karakoram to the Chinese border and
returning the same way, taking a bus to Aliabad and returning by
bicycle to pick up the Indian visas before running out of visa time in
Pakistan made more sense.
After a slow start, a short bike ride led to Rawalpindi, from where
busses departed to Aliabad in the Hunza Valley. The bus left at 14h30
and we settled in for the long overnight trip. The ride was painfully
slow and somewhat uncomfortable. Nevertheless, I once again
admired backpackers travelling overland by bus.
Aliabad - Karimabad
Being a night bus, little sleep was had as the bus rattled, bumped,
and shook along the narrow, bumpy KKH. Arrival in Aliabad was at
midday, making the trip a 22-hour bus ride. A short seven-kilometre
bike pedal from the bus stop ran to Karimabad via a sharp two-
kilometre climb.
Sporting excellent vistas and good food, Haider Inn was a popular
hangout amongst overlanders and backpackers alike. A communal set
dinner was served in the evenings, consisting of soup, veggies, pasta,
dhal, rice, tea, and dessert. The long table made a social get-
together, and many hours were spent chatting with other travellers.