The application for the visa for India cannot be done directly at the Indian embassy in Islamabad, but must go through a designated agency, called Visatronix. I have all my papers with me and walk towards it.
Outside, at least 20 people are queuing for a guard who occasionally lets someone in. I tell him I'm coming for an Indian visa and I can go straight inside. It is also very busy inside, but as a foreigner I am immediately picked out and sent to the right counter. It turns out that most Pakistanis are here to apply for a visa for Spain.
The friendly gentleman explains to me that I first have to register online and then come back with proofs of finances, work, explanation about my trip, etc. I also have to have new passport photos taken because the 30 pieces I have with me are here invalid.
I need the rest of the day to prepare everything and the next morning I take all the files to a print shop and straight to Visatronix. It's even busier than yesterday but luckily it's my turn quickly and half an hour later I'm outside again, a pack of papers and $105 lighter.
Back at the hotel I grab the bike and drive to the only Pakistani BMW Motorrad dealer, which is only a few kilometers from the hotel. A beautiful establishment that looks exactly the same as the European one. A bit smaller, because they only have 3 engines inside. I am warmly welcomed with coffee and when I explain that I am looking for a replacement for my stolen tire repair kit, someone is immediately sent on the road. While I wait, lunch is even brought for me.
The salesperson has worked in Texas for 5 years and speaks excellent English, so we chat freely. Not much later, the things I was looking for, all loose, were found. When I want to pay, the seller tells me that I don't have to! In exchange, he would like to record a video with me in which I tell something about my trip and that travelers are welcome in their beautiful establishment. Good deal! We take some more pictures and I drive back to the hotel very satisfied.
In the evening I walk with the German couple through a kind of bazaar and we enjoy all the street food. There's even a chip shop! 😋 Maybe I ate a little too many delicacies fried in oil, because as I write this my stomach is rumbling. Still some tea and bread tomorrow.
After spending 10 days together, I say goodbye to Hauke und Medha. They leave for Kashmir today, I tomorrow. Let's see how far we can get because the passes are already closed due to snowfall.
