Steam up the Khyber

Sehrai Tours have confirmed that the Khyber Pass steam excursions  are not running regularly owing to insufficient tourists although they will run from time to time for organised groups. They tell me that the status of the operation is normally reported in the Thomas Cook Overseas Timetable. The last report I had was of a special working for a group of diplomats in May 2005, (added 26th October 2005). Trevor Maxted tells me that subsequently a party of 16 including him spent a successful 4 days in the Peshawar area including the Khyber at the end of November 2005, using HGS 2277, 2303 and 2306 (13th December 2005). 

The Khyber Pass steam excursions recommenced after a 6 month suspension. Jonny Bealby of Wild Frontiers (www.wildfrontiers.co.uk, Email info@wildfrontiers.co.uk) has written about the trip (1st May 2002) - the article originally appeared in the UK's Daily Telegraph. If you fancy your own train up the Khyber Pass then Sehrai Travel are now coordinating both charters and the regular passenger service. Although 'preserved' this trip with steam must be a superb experience, this operation seems to be secure. In 2001, scheduled departures had been once or twice a month outside of high Summer. The cost of the package was U$ 70/- per person and included round trip steam train ride, refreshment on board, tea/coffee break en-route, local sightseeing tour to Pak-Afghan border view point and picnic lunch at Landikotal. The train tour started at 0730 and finished at 1700. The tour could be booked through e-mail sehrai@brain.net.pk or by fax 92-91-286077. John Tillman rode the train in early 1998 and sent me some pictures.