ISLAMABAD: Riding more than 2,000 kilometers across Pakistan’s diverse terrain — from snow capped mountain passes to fertile river plains — a group of eight Omani bikers say their journey through the country has been unlike any other.

The motorcyclists from Oman’s Bousher Bikers Club are in Pakistan on a 15-day goodwill tour, part of a broader initiative to promote people-to-people ties between the two nations. Over the past two weeks, they have traveled through Islamabad, the northern Gilgit-Baltistan region, the Naran resort town and parts of eastern Punjab, with a final stop planned in Lahore before their departure today, Thursday.

“[This is] the best experience. I say that people here in Pakistan, they open their heart before they open their door for us,” said Majid Al-Rawahi, the group’s leader, speaking outside Islamabad’s Faisal Mosque on Monday.

“We really feel as our country here, as our home.”

The Omani riders, all part of a 40-member club based in the Bousher neighborhood of Muscat, arrived in Pakistan on June 20 on a visit facilitated by the Pakistani embassy in Muscat and the Omani government.

During their journey, they’ve explored Islamabad, the Sargodha region in Punjab, the Naran resort town in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the Khunjerab Pass, the world’s highest paved international border crossing between Pakistan and China.

Al-Rawahi said that while some of what they had heard about Pakistan before the trip included negative stereotypes, their experience on the road quickly proved otherwise.

“We crossed more than 2,000 kilometers by bike and it was a very interesting trip for us as we met a lot of people, friendly people, peaceful people, and helpful people,” he said.

Issa Al-Hasani, another member of the group, said the journey through northern Pakistan had been filled with “breathtaking landscapes,” including waterfalls, rolling hills, and vibrant small towns. But it was the warmth of the people that left the strongest impression.

“The people were kind and friendly, always greeting us with warm smiles,” he said. “Pakistan is a beautiful country with high security, good people, good manners and respect, and I want to say thank you to everyone.”

EDIBLE MEMORIES

Pakistan has in recent years promoted its northern areas as a haven for adventurists and nature lovers. With snow-capped mountains, alpine lakes, historic forts, and expansive deserts, the country offers routes that appeal to both local and international travelers, particularly bikers and overlanders seeking remote, scenic journeys. 

Pakistan offers visa-free entry to citizens of 126 countries for tourism and business purposes, effective August 14, 2024. These travelers can obtain an electronic visa within 24 hours, free of charge, and use e-gates at select airports and Gwadar Port. The eVisa is valid for a single entry for 90 days. 

The Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) projects the travel and tourism industry to grow annually by 6.75 percent from 2025 to 2029, reaching a market size of $5.53 billion by the end of the period.

Still, the experience of traveling in Pakistan isn’t without its challenges.

Al-Rawahi said Pakistan’s roadside infrastructure, particularly rest areas, washrooms and restaurants, could benefit from improvement to better serve tourists.

That said, the group also expressed deep appreciation for what they experienced, especially the food.

“We tried various traditional dishes and found them delicious, especially biryani and local sweets,” said Al-Rawahi.

For Kamil Al-Wahaibi, the memories are also edible. 

He said he especially enjoyed kulcha paratha, a flaky, buttery flatbread.

“We call it lola in Oman and we eat it with tea,” he said with a smile.

As the group’s tour enters its final stretch with a visit to Lahore before departure on July 4, the riders are already thinking about returning. 

“I want to bring my family, especially to the [Azad] Kashmir side, and during the winter to the desert as it is a good tourism time here,” Al-Rawahi said.

Al-Wahaibi agreed:

“I will come back with my family and with my friends. They will enjoy it.”