4x4 through the 'stans
I'm planning a trip to enter Kazakhstan from Russia, then go through Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Iran and back to the UK.
Has anyone entered these countries with their own vehicle? What insurance arrangements did you make? Can you buy insurance in Russia or Kazakhstan which covers all the CIS countries?
I know that taking a vehicle into Turkmenistan (which I'm not planning to visit) is an expensive undertaking due to fees charged at the border - do the other 'stans have similar operations?
I guess there aren't many people who have entered Afghanistan in a private vehicle - I've heard no Carnet is required, but what of taxes? The part through Afghanistan is dependant, of course, on the current security situation at the time (just over a year from now). I plan to visit Kabul, Bamiyan, Ban-e-Amir, Minar-e-Jam, Herat and then go into Iran. Mazar-e-Sharif and Balkh would be nice, if they are 'safe' at the time.
Has anyone managed to get an Iranian transit visa (our tourist visa) in any of the 'stans? I dont want to get stuck in Afghanistan without a way out!
Many thanks for any replies,
Dan
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