Where mountains meet hospitality: Oman-Pakistan ties ride high

Times of Oman

4 days ago

Muscat: Towering snow-capped mountains, serene alpine lakes, roaring rivers carving through rocky valleys, cascading waterfalls, lush green forests, and quaint villages nestled in the hills — this isn't a scene from a movie but the unforgettable reality a group of Omani bikers encountered on their recent adventure across northern Pakistan.
For these riders, it was nothing short of 'paradise.'
'It is a paradise for bikers... the hills, the lakes, the waterfalls, small villages, and the warmth of the people... it's a dream come true biking around in these places,' said team leader Issa Al Hasani, speaking after completing the 12-day ride from June 20 to July 2.
Inspired by Muhammad Iqbal Ghangla, a renowned Pakistani motorcycle adventurer, the group — composed of seven Omanis and two Pakistanis from the Bousher Bikers Club — set off from Islamabad on what they described as the trip of a lifetime.
'Pakistan is a happening place for bikers,' Al Hasani said. 'Many areas are still untouched and offer raw, natural beauty. Although the roads can be rough in places, that's part of the thrill — it adds to the adventure and excitement.'
The group covered an impressive 2,500 kilometres, riding through a mix of terrain that included bustling cities, remote mountain trails, desert paths, and verdant valleys. They averaged around 300 kilometres a day, typically starting at 9am and riding until evening.
Their journey culminated at the majestic Khunjerab Pass, a high-altitude border between Pakistan and China, located at over 4,600 metres above sea level.
All bikes were sourced locally in Pakistan, ranging from 150cc to 750cc, and the group was accompanied throughout by an ambulance and government convoy for safety and support.
'What melted our hearts were not just the landscapes, but the people,' one of the riders shared.
'Everywhere we stopped, we were welcomed with smiles. Even the police and military personnel were incredibly friendly and supportive.'
To celebrate the success of the journey and to highlight the deepening ties between Oman and Pakistan, the Ambassador of Pakistan to Oman, Syed Naveed Safdar Bokhari, hosted a special reception at his residence on Tuesday.
'The northern part of Pakistan is blessed with some of the world's most breathtaking natural beauty — mountains, meadows, countryside, snow, and glaciers,' said Bokhari. 'It rivals the best of any continent, and trips like this help promote Pakistan as a key destination for adventure and eco-tourism.'
The initiative was part of the 54th anniversary of Oman-Pakistan diplomatic relations, with the embassy playing a crucial role in organising and facilitating the journey. Planning began just 28 days before the departure, underscoring the strong collaboration between the two nations.
Among the team members was Kashif, a passionate biker originally from Rawalpindi, who has lived in Oman for nearly a decade. A dedicated member of the Bousher Bikers Club, Kashif said the club, founded in 2016, now includes 40 members from various nationalities, united by a shared love for the open road.