Iran - Pakistan border crossing
 

Hi all, I had a look but couldn't find any recent threads about this.

We're looking to cross from Southern Iran to Pakistan in the middle of next year and were planning on using the Mirjave crossing as apparently this is the only one open.
However we've just been strongly advised not to enter the whole Balochistan area.

What are people's thoughts on this? Does anyone have any ideas for alternative routes from Iran to India? Maybe a ferry or something?

Thanks,
Johno

It's on the Meter - Home

Hi Jonho,

You could drive through the stans, China and cross into Northern Pakistan or India (Via Nepal), some people ship from Iran to UAE then to India.

Thanks for the reply. The stans wouldn't really work out with the rest of our route (It's on the Meter - Route) so it looks like we'll have to ship to UAE then onward to India. I'll get my researching head on.
I don't suppose you have a rough idea of the feasibility and cost of this?

What are your thoughts on the northern Pakistan/Iran crossing - is it really as bad as everyone says?

Who is "everybody"?? Some areas in southeast Iran, as well as Baluchistan in Pakistan are probably a little dodgy, the governments have poor control over those areas, and their proximity to Afghanistan doesn´t help either.

But that (Mir Javeh-Quetta-Lahore) is the main overland route from Europe to India and vice versa these days, and most people get through just fine, in fact they often enjoy both Iran & Pakistan. Very few travellers go to Afghanistan (not a wise thing to do, if you look to avoid risks!)..... and thru the Stans, you´d need to go to China, which costs considerably. And you still wouldn´t avoid Pakistan (Stans->China->Nepal could in theory be possible, but it certainly isn´t a route that many seem to take, and I believe there are clear reasons for that, money being one of them).

My experience is +3 years old, and I don´t know, what the exact situation over there is right now, so I can´t give recommendations either way. But I do believe you might be able to get more recent info on this site.

I dont believe there are ferries from the Persian gulf to India. At least there werent in 2007.

Agreed on the above. I did the Pakistan crossing in 2006. Not a hint of problem.

hello
we were in iran last summer. we met people going to pakistan. with cars(with children) and even with bycicles. some were nervous others not. somewhere before bam (iran) till the border(or somewhere before) you need to drive in a convoy (with police or military i don't know exactly) as far as i know. People like to meet each other in yazd, silk road hotel.
i know you need information about pakistan and of course you prefer up to date information and you can find it on the travel forum of the lonely planet site. (i don't know if it is allowed to advertise for another forum here). There is a lot of up to date information there.

good luck,
brend

Well, this was my feeling - it can't be that bad!
However, my two teammates were a bit twitchy about it and we just met the British Red Cross' security consultant last week and she said it was a no no so I can't really argue the case for it anymore...

Pakistan is doing just fine and tourists are regularly crossing, exploring and enjoying it. In Pakistan you are more at risk with traffic accidents rather than what makes headlines.
Let me mention here that 180 million people call it home and raise their families here. Despite unfortunate developments lately, its still a lovely place to visit and live.

Dr. Omar Khan

Okay, the feedback does all seem positive. I'm going to have another go at convincing my team mates :)

Hi Johno,
Balochistan is considered a bit risky and bikers are given police escorts for this part of journey. I'm not sure how effective they are but still it helps.
My personal advice to people nervous about security is to get a train in Quetta and put the bike on it too for a little extra cost.

Pakistan's northern border with China (Khanjerab pass) is gorgeous and takes you to KKH directly. Crossing China can be expensive for a lone rider so usually people get together in a group which lets them share the cost making it affordable.

Cheers
Omar

Hi Johno,
I also was warried about crossing the Sistan-Baluchistan with my vehicle (I drove a campervan from Italy to India and Nepal in August).
However, I had not any problem in doing that. As soon as I arrived to Bam, I went to the Akbar Tourist Guest House (it's a small hotel with car park) and met the owner, Mr. Akbar, which is a very nice person.
Mr. Akbar contacted the police for me and then I was escorted from the guest house to Mirjaveh and to the Pakistan border.
In addition, I know that a German family with car and two children, toghether with a British biker, did the same road the day before me (they also were escorted).
So I don't see any danger in doing that route, and I recommend you to forget about ferries or similar things, and to reach India through Iran and Pakistan, which is the most reasonable solution.

The picture below shows me with the escort between Bam and Zahedan. As you can see, the atmosphere is very relaxed.

http://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/p...m/40291064.jpg

Taftan (Pakistani side of the border) is not a very beautiful place, but border crossing is quite fast. The only problem there was that I couldn't find any insurance company and I had to get the "third party temp. insurance" in Quetta.

Regards

no problem
 

Hi Johno,

I know the feeling getting nervous when your about to go and reading/hearing all kind of stories, but trust me, the mayority are good ones!
Go to Iran and Pakistan, there very special, interesting countries and never felt any better. I wrote a piece about bith of them in the "biker friendly" section.
We went last november through and didn't experience any trouble. People are extremely friendly and the border crossing Mirjave- Taftan was the most relaxed I ever had. I even forgot I was at the customs, thought I was in the hotel already! :biggrin3:
They gave us tea, sweet rice and we could camp at the customs ground. Had a cigarette and a chat while noting our passport data.
You will have an escort from Bam all the way to Lahore if you have bad luck. They can be a bit annoying in terms that you have to wait long times and are very slow, esp. Iran, in Pakistan they have fly-overs. But if you know this and take it as part of the adventure, it's okay and you can even send home some nice pics with big kalashnikovs.
We also thought about skipping Pakistan, but I am so happy we didn't. It was a real highlight of our trip!

greetz Els

Thanks for the info guys!

You've got to get the obligatory Kalashnikov photos!

pakistan..please dont miss it!
 

we were in Pak 2009. we really did enjoy it and if we could would love to return one day.
if you want a full and detailed report and photos go and have a look here and get your friends to too.
2ridetheworld.com : diary

we always try to be completely honest in our opinions of a country - but they are 'our' opinions....we feel that we have enough experience with travel and people to be able to express these opinions in order to help/advise others.

please do go and have a look - and if you can GO and visit Pakistan...you will be pleasantly surprised.