The wrong way, Kohat & Zhob

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So I normally tried to do what l'm told, could be debate there, but anyway this time I did go he wrong way, to tribal areas, specifically excluded on UK foreign office web site, and did rely on Pakistan security for probably a 600km escort, for which I am very greatful. The western areas have a lots too offer, mountains, friendly people, much more scenic and cooler route than west from Lahore through Multan, in theory obtaining a NOC document from Rawalpindi would be the way to go, but for for foreign tourist this would be very hard to obtain.

See web https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/pakistan



So from Rawalpindi I traveled west, following advice from the tyre shop, only when I stopped at a check point 40km from Kohat did I realise th error of my ways, alternative now being an extra 800km to back track via Lahore again, in British way I was insisted I would like to visit Kohat and they let me continue, a little later on when I saw fortifications around Kohat police HQ did I realise the size of error, perhaps regret being pushy.



So more police escorts and wait about, was escorted into police HQ compound in Kohat, -"Why was I here?" Feeble response "Bad advice, on an adventure, wanted to reach Quetta & Iran". Eventually taken to meet station chief at his residence, who had traveled though Europe, & had a lot respect for British and the things they had done for Pakistan, so warned to help me. Stayed in his compound or spare flat, discuss families & bit politics over chicken curry supper, nice people.



So left Kohat at 8am for escorted trip to Zhob, the terrorist threat may be bad, but scenery and mountains are just brill. Traveled east though Bolan gorge - 800ft high conglomerate clift's with near polished rocks in river bed. Passing by the high Sandeman fort bilt by British in 1920. What fantastic scenery they have in this risky part of world. In Zhob straight to basic hotel (5$), instructions don't leave hotel!



From Zhob, a simple 300km run to Quetta, but had to try leave town to find a police escort, but why don't U come for more 'Chai' at headquarters! All pleased to meet the mad Englishman, where U going, U should not be here, what is U'r email & Skype ID, when will U (British army) leave Afghanistan, all good questions. Almost 2pm departure, with10 different police escorts, sometimes a 70cc bike at 25kph or smokey pickup, often stop for more cups Chai, arrived Quetta following the Assistant police commissioner in his posh pickup, with very bright flashing lights for a speedy final leg. 9pm into an anex in his compound to be surrounded by 6 children - best get my ballons out for kiddies.

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Photos

Cafe near Kohat
Stopped for coffee, 1 of crowd spoke English, but what a buzz wanted to know who stranger was and about his machine

Huts
Agric near Kohat was busy, lots cultivations - 3 tractors in one field, so must be good irrigation - it was hot. Many of these huts about, I think food store bit like hay stack?

Sheep on move.
If I had choice would get seat on top layer.

Police compound Kohat
Personal bodyguard & manservant in PIC, with his personal car.

Police HQ
Scarry place?, definitely safe inside compound, but bomb had gone off just 40km away day before. A stranger & his bike was something new.

Bolan gorge
600ft conglomerate Clift's, photo taken on move, could I stop -not really.

Mountain road
It is a shame few people come here with the terrorism risk, Hard to get a good PIC, some how hazy & not stopping adds to the challenge.

Sandeman fort
English general built this fort back 1920, given more time would been nice to ride up track to see.

Tea party in mountains, made me giggle.
There were biscuits - so a real proper meeting.
What is U'r Facebook ID & stuff, but location was superb.
This check point was at border with Baluchistan, a scary place maybe, but l did not feel threatened.

Zhob hotel
Hotel was cheap $5, supper delivered to my door, so could stay safe. Was OK.

Zhob market
Looking down street outside hotel.

Nuts & spices
Bought 1-2kg of nuts, if U'r stopped, have something to share, takes heat out argument.

Zhob police compound
Trees planted by British many years before.
They drive on left which is also result of Brits, but if oncoming lorry wants you're side, slowly th're just avoiding ruts in road - best drive round him!

Brass in HQ
Spent 2hours or more drinking tea, exchange Email, discuss how to fix stuff. All very nice people, wanted to meet foreigner, to point I was nearly trapped when all went to payers on Friday.

Anex to Police house
Was surrounded by kiddies, eldest spoke English, so I was good practise, mum's never appeared. Ever present bodyguard, with his gun left on floor - perhaps a trip hazard or much worse? (Young fingers about)