021 Cycle Touring Pakistan

(Leana) #1
84   The     following   immunisations   are     recommended     for     long-term   travellers  (more   thanone    month)  or  those   at  special risk:

Japanese B encephalitis, Meningitis, Rabies and Tuberculosis (TB)
I’m no medical expert, but best follow the above ideas as we don’t want to be sick;
we want to cycle.


Natural Disasters in Pakistan
The monsoon season in Pakistan is from late June to early October. Heavy rains can
cause severe flooding, particularly in Sindh and Punjab Provinces.
Check local forecasts and news reports and know the risk of landslides and road
blockages, particularly in hilly and mountainous regions along the KKH. Take extreme
care crossing swollen rivers.
Earth tremors are common and mountainous areas regularly experience floods and
landslides. On 26 October 2015, a 7.5 magnitude earthquake affected Pakistan.
According to local authorities, over 220 people died, and at least 1,600 were injured.
The districts of Chitral, Lower and Upper Dir, Shangla and Buner were particularly
affected.


Do’s and Don’ts
Do: Respect the country’s laws.
While you may not be of Pakistani origin yourself, please try to follow the customs of
their religion and culture. A classic example is not to take photographs of residents
without their permission. In Islamic culture, photographs are considered gravenimages, which are forbidden in Islam—especially taking pictures of the eyes.


Modest dress is highly recommended, and you should ideally always dress modestly.
Both men and women should cover their legs and shoulders in public places. During
the holy month of Ramadan or if you wish to visit sacred areas, you should be
especially considerate. Women’s heads must be covered with a scarf or something
similar when entering mosques or other holy places and travelling to more rural areasof Pakistan.


Do: Check your country’s government website for travel advice to Pakistan
Unfortunately, with the rise of terrorism, some government websites have issued
strong advice about travel to Pakistan at certain times.

Do: use cash.
The economy primarily operates on a cash-only basis but try not to take too much
cash out at once.
Don’t: get bitten by mosquitoes.
Make sure you pack protective clothing and insect repellents.
Don’t trek or climb unless experienced.
There are several closed zones near the Pakistan and Afghanistan border and the Line
of Control between Pakistan and Kashmir.
The Himalayas and other mountains may sound enticing, but you should only travel
across them if you are experienced at trekking.

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