64 Abottobad – Islamabad – 125 km The route into Islamabad was an unpleasant ride following such a
long time in the mountains with fantastic vistas - how spoilt we’d
become. Our journey was marred by roadworks, which never made
for pleasant riding; instead, it became dusty and frustrating. Although
away for over two weeks, we found the same people still at
Islamabad's campsite, waiting for their visas.
Islamabad
Luckily, our Indian visas were ready, and Ernest spent two days
cleaning and servicing the bikes. We were operating in low gear and I
bought two more books as they were incredibly cheap (all copies).
Therefore, added to my luggage was not only an exceptionally thick
Indian Lonely Planet but also two novels.
Being Ramzaan (Ramadan), the markets were quiet. Still, mosques
started at 4 a.m., and at the campsite the call was followed by a
sudden and loud clatter of pots and pans as workers and camp
guards prepared to eat before sunrise.