Taftan Plantak 2005 (4x4 Offroaders Club Karachi) http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/ A group of three enterprising young Britons left England in August in two 4X4 vehicles on a gruelling expedition to drive 65,000 km to New Zealand to raise money for charity. They meet up with 17 Pakistani members of the 4X4 Offroaders Club Karachi who drove to Taftan in a convoy of seven jeeps to welcome Marianne (Maz) Towns, her husband Alex Towns, and Martin Pitwood, and then drove back with them to Karachi, on a five-day journey that through Saindak, Qilla Ladgasht, the Mashkel salt flats, Palantak, Panjgur, Saka Qalat, Besima, the Nal valley, and Khuzdar.

See East meets West in Koh-i-Taftan on the Pakistan-Iran border today.

]]> Wed, 07 Dec 2005 22:49:39 +0500 Somewhere in the desert http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/somewhere_in_the_desert.html <p><a href="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/somewhere_in_the_desert.html"><img src ="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/000013-thumb.jpg" /></a>Doc, Maz, Alex, and Martin somewhere in the desert.</p> http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/somewhere_in_the_desert.html Somewhere in the desert Mon, 05 Dec 2005 22:25:14 +0500 Jeep bumper closeup http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/jeep_bumper_closeup.html <p><a href="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/jeep_bumper_closeup.html"><img src ="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/000042-thumb.jpg" /></a>A closeup of Doc's Jeep.</p> http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/jeep_bumper_closeup.html Jeep bumper closeup Mon, 05 Dec 2005 23:20:03 +0500 Racing to Panjgur http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/racing_to_panjgur.html <p><a href="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/racing_to_panjgur.html"><img src ="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/000085-thumb.jpg" /></a></p> http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/racing_to_panjgur.html Racing to Panjgur Mon, 05 Dec 2005 23:27:44 +0500 Camel http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/camel_1.html <p><a href="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/camel_1.html"><img src ="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/000088-thumb.jpg" /></a> </p> http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/camel_1.html Camel Mon, 05 Dec 2005 23:32:58 +0500 Somwhere between Plantak and Panjgur http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/somwhere_between_plantak_and_panjgur.html <p><a href="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/somwhere_between_plantak_and_panjgur.html"><img src ="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/000105-thumb.jpg" /></a> </p> http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/somwhere_between_plantak_and_panjgur.html Somwhere between Plantak and Panjgur Mon, 05 Dec 2005 23:39:16 +0500 1942 Ford http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/1942_ford.html <p><a href="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/1942_ford.html"><img src ="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/000136-thumb.jpg" /></a>Speeding along.</p> http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/1942_ford.html 1942 Ford Mon, 05 Dec 2005 23:40:55 +0500 Enroute to Winder http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/enroute_to_winder.html <p><a href="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/enroute_to_winder.html"><img src ="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/000145-thumb.jpg" /></a>Heading back to Karachi. We had crossed Uthal and are heading towards Winder.</p> http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/enroute_to_winder.html Enroute to Winder Mon, 05 Dec 2005 23:43:35 +0500 A CJ5 awaiting resurrection http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/a_cj5_awaiting_resurrection.html <p><a href="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/a_cj5_awaiting_resurrection.html"><img src ="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/000152-thumb.jpg" /></a></p> http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/a_cj5_awaiting_resurrection.html A CJ5 awaiting resurrection Mon, 05 Dec 2005 23:46:31 +0500 Distance signboard http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/distance_signboard.html <p><a href="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/distance_signboard.html"><img src ="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/DSCN0115-thumb.jpg" /></a>One comes across many of these on the RCD highway. </p> http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/distance_signboard.html Distance signboard Mon, 05 Dec 2005 23:49:41 +0500 Marble being trucked to Karachi http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/marble_being_trucked_to_karachi.html <p><a href="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/marble_being_trucked_to_karachi.html"><img src ="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/DSCN0116-thumb.jpg" /></a>Marble (10 tons!) heading to Karachi from a mine somewhere in Baluchistan. Driving on the RCD highway from Quetta to Karachi you'll come across many of these trucks, including many broken down due to overload.</p> http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/marble_being_trucked_to_karachi.html Marble being trucked to Karachi Mon, 05 Dec 2005 23:51:37 +0500 Stopped on the highway http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/stopped_on_the_highway.html <p><a href="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/stopped_on_the_highway.html"><img src ="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/DSCN0117-thumb.jpg" /></a>Travelling in a large convoy, we end up stopping quite often.</p> http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/stopped_on_the_highway.html Stopped on the highway Mon, 05 Dec 2005 23:58:08 +0500 Refuelling http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/refuelling.html <p><a href="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/refuelling.html"><img src ="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/DSCN0125-thumb.jpg" /></a>In the more remote parts of Baluchistan (95%) there are no fuel pumps. You get the diesel or petrol in cans at less than half the price of petrol/diesel in the rest of Pakistan. There is a lot of suspended particles in this fuel due to the way the fuel is transported (camelback/pickups through the desert), which can clog up fuel filters and damage the injectors and fuel pumps.</p> http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/refuelling.html Refuelling Tue, 06 Dec 2005 00:05:25 +0500 General Dyer's residence http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/general_dyers_residence.html <p><a href="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/general_dyers_residence.html"><img src ="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/DSCN0148-thumb.jpg" /></a>General Dyer's house in Saindak. </p> http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/general_dyers_residence.html General Dyer's residence Tue, 06 Dec 2005 00:14:51 +0500 Saindak Fort http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/general_dyers_fort.html <p><a href="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/general_dyers_fort.html"><img src ="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/DSCN0152-thumb.jpg" /></a>A view of Saindak fort from inside. The restoration process is ongoing.</p> http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/general_dyers_fort.html Saindak Fort Tue, 06 Dec 2005 00:18:51 +0500 Saindak fort entrance http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/saindak_fort_entrance.html <p><a href="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/saindak_fort_entrance.html"><img src ="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/DSCN0155-thumb.jpg" /></a>This fort was built by General Dyer, and is now called Saindak fort. It's now the local headquarters for the frontier corps. When we visited the fort they said they have just started to restore the fort. </p> http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/saindak_fort_entrance.html Saindak fort entrance Tue, 06 Dec 2005 00:22:12 +0500 Ore from Saindak http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/ore_from_saindak.html <p><a href="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/ore_from_saindak.html"><img src ="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/DSCN0159-thumb.jpg" /></a>Expansion of Saindak copper project.]]></p> http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/ore_from_saindak.html Ore from Saindak Tue, 06 Dec 2005 00:28:22 +0500 Crossing the Mashkell desert http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/crossing_the_mashkell_desert.html <p><a href="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/crossing_the_mashkell_desert.html"><img src ="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/DSCN0170-thumb.jpg" /></a>heading towards Qilla Ladgasht.</p> http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/crossing_the_mashkell_desert.html Crossing the Mashkell desert Tue, 06 Dec 2005 00:36:56 +0500 Galuga Necropolis http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/galuga_necropolis.html <p><a href="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/galuga_necropolis.html"><img src ="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/DSCN0178-thumb.jpg" /></a>There are about 10 tombs visible, all filled with skulls like these.</p> http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/galuga_necropolis.html Galuga Necropolis Tue, 06 Dec 2005 00:39:48 +0500 Martin alongside his Landcruiser http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/martin_alongside_his_landcruiser.html <p><a href="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/martin_alongside_his_landcruiser.html"><img src ="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/DSCN0183-thumb.jpg" /></a>Picture taken at Galuga.</p> http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/martin_alongside_his_landcruiser.html Martin alongside his Landcruiser Tue, 06 Dec 2005 00:43:18 +0500 The 15 second tent http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/the_15_second_tent.html <p><a href="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/the_15_second_tent.html"><img src ="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/DSCN0216-thumb.jpg" /></a>Complete with bedding and lights. While everyone else struggled to put up their tents Martin enjoyed a nice cup of tea.</p> http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/the_15_second_tent.html The 15 second tent Tue, 06 Dec 2005 00:50:24 +0500 A proper expedition vehicle http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/a_proper_expedition_vehicle.html <p><a href="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/a_proper_expedition_vehicle.html"><img src ="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/DSCN0246-thumb.jpg" /></a>the overland-underwater website.]]></p> http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/a_proper_expedition_vehicle.html A proper expedition vehicle Tue, 06 Dec 2005 00:52:48 +0500 One of the views on the way from Plantak to Panjgur http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/one_of_the_views_on_the_way_from_plantak.html <p><a href="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/one_of_the_views_on_the_way_from_plantak.html"><img src ="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/DSCN0249-thumb.jpg" /></a>I was busy towing Imad's Jeep so couldn't take any photos of the nicer scenery.</p> http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/one_of_the_views_on_the_way_from_plantak.html One of the views on the way from Plantak to Panjgur Tue, 06 Dec 2005 00:55:49 +0500 Plantak post http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/plantak_post.html <p><a href="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/plantak_post.html"><img src ="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/DSCN0252-thumb.jpg" /></a>We camped here for the night near the Plantak post.</p> http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/plantak_post.html Plantak post Tue, 06 Dec 2005 00:59:49 +0500 Breakfast at Plantak http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/breakfast_at_plantak.html <p><a href="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/breakfast_at_plantak.html"><img src ="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/DSCN0253-thumb.jpg" /></a>We had a sparse breakfast of tea, parathas (fried bread), rusk, eggs, poached eggs, cheese, susages, honey, marmalade, nutella (chocolate spread), peanut butter, dates, coffee, hazelnut coffee, potatoes, fried tomatoes, pancakes with fresh honey, and mushroom and cheese omeletes, along with a desi style omeletes as well. We saved some items for the next camp.</p> http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/breakfast_at_plantak.html Breakfast at Plantak Tue, 06 Dec 2005 01:03:06 +0500 Pulling up fresh water at Plantak http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/pulling_up_fresh_water_at_plantak.html <p><a href="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/pulling_up_fresh_water_at_plantak.html"><img src ="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/DSCN0256-thumb.jpg" /></a></p> http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/pulling_up_fresh_water_at_plantak.html Pulling up fresh water at Plantak Tue, 06 Dec 2005 01:11:51 +0500 A well near our camp at Plantak http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/a_well_near_our_camp_at_plantak.html <p><a href="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/a_well_near_our_camp_at_plantak.html"><img src ="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/DSCN0258-thumb.jpg" /></a>Artesian well dating back a few centures, and still in regular use today.</p> http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/a_well_near_our_camp_at_plantak.html A well near our camp at Plantak Tue, 06 Dec 2005 01:13:47 +0500 Real world testing of an Ibex towstrap http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/real_world_testing_of_an_ibex_towstrap.html <p><a href="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/real_world_testing_of_an_ibex_towstrap.html"><img src ="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/DSCN0276-thumb.jpg" /></a> </p> http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/real_world_testing_of_an_ibex_towstrap.html Real world testing of an Ibex towstrap cj7 towing Tue, 06 Dec 2005 01:16:02 +0500 Enroute from Plantak to Panjgur. http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/enroute_from_plantak_to_panjgur.html <p><a href="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/enroute_from_plantak_to_panjgur.html"><img src ="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/DSCN0280-thumb.jpg" /></a>Maz, Tanveer and Alex (from left to right). </p> http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/enroute_from_plantak_to_panjgur.html Enroute from Plantak to Panjgur. Tue, 06 Dec 2005 01:18:35 +0500 Group photo on a mountain http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/group_photo_on_a_mountain.html <p><a href="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/group_photo_on_a_mountain.html"><img src ="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/DSCN0287-thumb.jpg" /></a>Taken on the way from Plantak to Panjgur. (Starting from bottom left) Hamid Omar, Ahmad Omar,Khan Sahib, Kabir Omar, Wazir Ahmed, (Second row, going right to left) Obaid, Aamir Bilal, Taimur Mirza, a guide, Marriane Towns, Martin, Salman Ali (third row, going left to right) Tanveer, Dr. Mansur, Alex Towns, Hanif Chaudhry (and then other guides).</p> http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/group_photo_on_a_mountain.html Group photo on a mountain Tue, 06 Dec 2005 01:21:00 +0500 Everything including the kitchen sink is stored within! http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/everything_including_the_kitchen_sink_is.html <p><a href="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/everything_including_the_kitchen_sink_is.html"><img src ="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/DSCN0306-thumb.jpg" /></a></p> http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/everything_including_the_kitchen_sink_is.html Everything including the kitchen sink is stored within! Tue, 06 Dec 2005 01:28:41 +0500 Three dustdevils http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/three_dustdevils.html <p><a href="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/three_dustdevils.html"><img src ="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/DSCN0308-thumb.jpg" /></a>Enroute to Nag from Panjgur.</p> http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/three_dustdevils.html Three dustdevils Tue, 06 Dec 2005 01:32:00 +0500 Speeding along the Mashkell desert http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/speeding_along_the_mashkell_desert.html <p><a href="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/speeding_along_the_mashkell_desert.html"><img src ="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/DSCN0315-thumb.jpg" /></a>overland-underwater expedition vehicles are speeding along the Mashkell salt flats. (advice: better have a guide or gps with you or you'll be lost!!!)There are hundreds of tracks going in every direction!!)]]></p> http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/speeding_along_the_mashkell_desert.html Speeding along the Mashkell desert Tue, 06 Dec 2005 01:38:37 +0500 Repair stop http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/repair_stop.html <p><a href="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/repair_stop.html"><img src ="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/DSCN0316-thumb.jpg" /></a>As usual, Dr. Mansurs jeep is being fixed. A broken brake pipe is being replaced/fixed. One has to be prepared to to deal with breakdowns in the desert. There are no mechanics out here - you would have to wait days to get a mechanic across, then a few more for any required parts. </p> http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/repair_stop.html Repair stop Tue, 06 Dec 2005 01:45:02 +0500 A typical group photo http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/a_typical_group_photo.html <p><a href="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/a_typical_group_photo.html"><img src ="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/DSCN0323-thumb.jpg" /></a>Taken at the BME resthouse at Khuzdar. Starting bottom left: Khalid Omar, Alex Towns, Maz Towns, Martin Pitwood, Imad Ali, Taimur Mirza, Khan Sahib, Hanif Chaudhry, Doc Mansur Ahmed, Hamid Omar, Wazir Ahmed, Sikander Ahmed, Siddique, Kabir Omar, Aamir Bilal, Ahmad Omar, Obaid, somebody, Salman Ali.</p> http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/a_typical_group_photo.html A typical group photo Tue, 06 Dec 2005 01:48:49 +0500 Imad taking a breather http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/imad_taking_a_breather.html <p><a href="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/imad_taking_a_breather.html"><img src ="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/F1030008-thumb.jpg" /></a>Waiting for the others to catch up here. Photo was taken up somewhere between Plantak and Panjgur.</p> http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/imad_taking_a_breather.html Imad taking a breather Wed, 07 Dec 2005 20:41:49 +0500 Green Jeep http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/green_jeep.html <p><a href="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/green_jeep.html"><img src ="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/F1030010-thumb.jpg" /></a>Driving from Plantak to Panjgur.</p> http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/green_jeep.html Green Jeep Wed, 07 Dec 2005 20:44:00 +0500 View from high http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/view_from_high.html <p><a href="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/view_from_high.html"><img src ="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/F1030018-thumb.jpg" /></a></p> http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/view_from_high.html View from high Wed, 07 Dec 2005 20:48:35 +0500 At the pump http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/at_the_pump.html <p><a href="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/at_the_pump.html"><img src ="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/F1030029-thumb.jpg" /></a>Waiting for the electricty. </p> http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/at_the_pump.html At the pump Wed, 07 Dec 2005 20:58:03 +0500 Stuck or not http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/stuck_or_not.html <p><a href="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/stuck_or_not.html"><img src ="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/F1030034-thumb.jpg" /></a>Poking around in the back.</p> http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/stuck_or_not.html Stuck or not Wed, 07 Dec 2005 21:02:31 +0500 Goluga http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/goluga.html <p><a href="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/goluga.html"><img src ="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/F1040008-thumb.jpg" /></a>One of the tombs.</p> http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/goluga.html Goluga Wed, 07 Dec 2005 21:15:19 +0500 Sunset in the Mashkell desert http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/sunset_in_the_mashkell_desert.html <p><a href="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/sunset_in_the_mashkell_desert.html"><img src ="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/F1040011-thumb.jpg" /></a>We were camped somwhere in the palm trees.</p> http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/sunset_in_the_mashkell_desert.html Sunset in the Mashkell desert sunset Wed, 07 Dec 2005 21:29:10 +0500 Accident on the way http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/accident_on_the_way.html <p><a href="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/accident_on_the_way.html"><img src ="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/F1040031-thumb.jpg" /></a>Cars were passing through single file on the left. Luckily no one was hurt. The containers were full of raw bananas headed for Iran. The driver had called a crane from Karachi to pull the trailer back on the road. Accidents like these make the highways dangerous at night, as these stopped/accidented trucks/trailers don't have any warning lights. </p> http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/accident_on_the_way.html Accident on the way Wed, 07 Dec 2005 21:36:55 +0500 Speeding along the Mashkell desert http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/speeding_along_the_mashkell_desert_1.html <p><a href="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/speeding_along_the_mashkell_desert_1.html"><img src ="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/F1050017-thumb.jpg" /></a>It's wise to have a local guide here, as there are no landmarks - it's a completely flat desert. Everytime it rains, some water collects on the plains, but it drains away in a month or so. While the water is there, migratory birds rest there. We're driving through the middle of the Mashkell desert in this picture.</p> http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/speeding_along_the_mashkell_desert_1.html Speeding along the Mashkell desert Wed, 07 Dec 2005 21:43:46 +0500 Doc speeding along http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/not_everyone_speeds_along_the_highway.html <p><a href="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/not_everyone_speeds_along_the_highway.html"><img src ="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/F1050036-thumb.jpg" /></a></p> http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/not_everyone_speeds_along_the_highway.html Doc speeding along Wed, 07 Dec 2005 21:48:51 +0500 Inside one of the large broken down tombs http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/inside_one_of_the_large_broken_down_tomb.html <p><a href="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/inside_one_of_the_large_broken_down_tomb.html"><img src ="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/Galuga-13-thumb.jpg" /></a>At Galuga, Mashkell</p> http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/inside_one_of_the_large_broken_down_tomb.html Inside one of the large broken down tombs Wed, 07 Dec 2005 21:56:44 +0500 A tomb at Galuga http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/a_tomb_at_galuga.html <p><a href="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/a_tomb_at_galuga.html"><img src ="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/Galuga-62-thumb.jpg" /></a>There are just a few tombs here - about 10-12, and a few more which have now in ruins. These are open tombs, with the bottoms laid to rest on the ground. Each tomb has many human skeletons in it. </p> http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/a_tomb_at_galuga.html A tomb at Galuga Wed, 07 Dec 2005 21:58:25 +0500 Inside view of one of the levels of a tomb at Galuga http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/inside_view_of_one_of_the_levels_of_a_to.html <p><a href="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/inside_view_of_one_of_the_levels_of_a_to.html"><img src ="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/Galuga-74-thumb.jpg" /></a>Each tomb is in 2 to 3 levels.</p> http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/inside_view_of_one_of_the_levels_of_a_to.html Inside view of one of the levels of a tomb at Galuga Wed, 07 Dec 2005 22:02:10 +0500 The jeeps in Mashkell http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/the_jeeps_in_mashkell.html <p><a href="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/the_jeeps_in_mashkell.html"><img src ="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/Pakistan_Offroad-22-thumb.jpg" /></a>We're big on jeep photos.</p> http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/the_jeeps_in_mashkell.html The jeeps in Mashkell Wed, 07 Dec 2005 22:13:13 +0500 Landcruiser speeding along in Mashkell http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/landcruiser_speeding_along_in_mashkell.html <p><a href="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/landcruiser_speeding_along_in_mashkell.html"><img src ="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/Pakistan_Offroad-49-thumb.jpg" /></a>Speeding across the desert under a blue blue sky. </p> http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/landcruiser_speeding_along_in_mashkell.html Landcruiser speeding along in Mashkell Wed, 07 Dec 2005 22:15:03 +0500 A mud outcrop in the desert http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/a_mud_outcrop_in_the_desert.html <p><a href="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/a_mud_outcrop_in_the_desert.html"><img src ="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/Pakistan_Offroad-106-thumb.jpg" /></a></p> http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/a_mud_outcrop_in_the_desert.html A mud outcrop in the desert Wed, 07 Dec 2005 22:26:58 +0500 On the road repairs http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/on_the_road_repairs.html <p><a href="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/on_the_road_repairs.html"><img src ="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/Pakistan_Offroad-121-thumb.jpg" /></a>As usual, some minor repair work comes up on the way. T. Mirza, seen above, is a master fixer of all things mechanical. Part of every trip are the repairs which come up on the way, as some of our vehicles date bake to the 20's. </p> http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/on_the_road_repairs.html On the road repairs Wed, 07 Dec 2005 22:29:10 +0500 Mosque in the middle of the desert http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/mosque_in_the_middle_of_the_desert.html <p><a href="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/mosque_in_the_middle_of_the_desert.html"><img src ="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/Pakistan_Offroad-272-thumb.jpg" /></a></p> http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/mosque_in_the_middle_of_the_desert.html Mosque in the middle of the desert Wed, 07 Dec 2005 22:32:28 +0500 Inside the Saindak Fort http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/inside_the_saindak_fort.html <p><a href="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/inside_the_saindak_fort.html"><img src ="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/Sandaik-16-thumb.jpg" /></a>One of the remaining structures, which is now the Medical staff office. </p> http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/inside_the_saindak_fort.html Inside the Saindak Fort Wed, 07 Dec 2005 22:34:21 +0500 A mud fort http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/a_mud_fort.html <p><a href="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/a_mud_fort.html"><img src ="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/Sodhagan-5-thumb.jpg" /></a>This fort is near Qilla Ladgasht in the Mashkell desert. Dates back a few 50/100 years. We had camped near this fort. </p> http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/a_mud_fort.html A mud fort Wed, 07 Dec 2005 22:36:49 +0500 Sunset behind a date palm in Mashkell http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/sunset_behind_a_date_palm_in_mashkell.html <p><a href="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/sunset_behind_a_date_palm_in_mashkell.html"><img src ="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/Sodhagan-18-thumb.jpg" /></a>Picture by Alex.</p> http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/sunset_behind_a_date_palm_in_mashkell.html Sunset behind a date palm in Mashkell Wed, 07 Dec 2005 22:38:31 +0500 Another nice view of a sunset at Mashkell http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/another_nice_view_of_a_sunset_at_mashkel.html <p><a href="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/another_nice_view_of_a_sunset_at_mashkel.html"><img src ="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/Sodhagan-33-thumb.jpg" /></a>We had camped amongst these date palms.</p> http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/another_nice_view_of_a_sunset_at_mashkel.html Another nice view of a sunset at Mashkell Wed, 07 Dec 2005 22:40:01 +0500 Waiting by the Sodhagan fort http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/waiting_by_the_sodhagan_fort.html <p><a href="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/waiting_by_the_sodhagan_fort.html"><img src ="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/Sodhagan-103-thumb.jpg" /></a>This is the fort at Mashkell near which we had camped. Right now we are waiting for something or the other. (That happens often as we leave camp).</p> http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/waiting_by_the_sodhagan_fort.html Waiting by the Sodhagan fort Wed, 07 Dec 2005 22:41:32 +0500 Not everyone speeds along the highway http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/not_everyone_speeds_along_the_highway_1.html <p><a href="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/not_everyone_speeds_along_the_highway_1.html"><img src ="http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/F1060036-thumb.jpg" /></a> </p> http://offroadpakistan.com/pictures/taftan_plantak_2005/not_everyone_speeds_along_the_highway_1.html Not everyone speeds along the highway Wed, 07 Dec 2005 22:49:39 +0500