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An American and a Brit going from the Stans South: What Options? An American and a Brit going from the Stans South: What Options?
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  #1  
Old 9 Aug 2022
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The Chinese authorities don't make it easy for foreigners to cross their country. There are strict requirements for official guides and submitting an itinerary at approved (read: pricey tourist) hotels. OK I guess if you really want to see China, an expensive transit otherwise.

As regards the Wakhan, the situation with the Taliban isn't one I'd care to risk right now, never mind rogue elements still simmering in some areas of the country. It's a shame because the Wahkan Corridor has been reported very favourably in the past.

That really only leaves you with the route south of Afghanistan if you want to reach India, via Iran and Pakistan. Entry requirements into Iran have softened but as I understand it you will still need a CdP and official guide. There are "fixers" who claim to ease the process and avoid the need for guides but I can't vouch for them - others who have tried may be able to advise. Iran gets excellent writeups from those who have visited (its on my bucket list) for the warm welcome from the local people. Heading east into Pakistan the security situation is volatile so the local police provide a mandatory armed escort (the Levies) for the first couple of days until you reach an area considered safe.
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Old 10 Aug 2022
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Originally Posted by Tomkat View Post
The Chinese authorities don't make it easy for foreigners to cross their country. There are strict requirements for official guides and submitting an itinerary at approved (read: pricey tourist) hotels. OK I guess if you really want to see China, an expensive transit otherwise.
True, pre-covid. But no signs of China opening its borders again, so not an option.

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Originally Posted by Tomkat View Post
As regards the Wakhan, the situation with the Taliban isn't one I'd care to risk right now, never mind rogue elements still simmering in some areas of the country. It's a shame because the Wahkan Corridor has been reported very favourably in the past.
Taliban are not really the issue since they are now (in their eyes at least) legitimately in charge of the country. It's ISIK cropping up in opposition to the Taliban, and a general change in the status quo. The south of the country, the Taliban heartland, now seems relatively safe and I have read of at least one group travelling around the sights there. Eastern Afghanistan is not so safe at present, but I would imagine the Wakhan is fine. But there is no road to Pakistan from anywhere near the Wakhan, so not really relevant.

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Originally Posted by Tomkat View Post
That really only leaves you with the route south of Afghanistan if you want to reach India, via Iran and Pakistan. Entry requirements into Iran have softened but as I understand it you will still need a CdP and official guide. There are "fixers" who claim to ease the process and avoid the need for guides but I can't vouch for them - others who have tried may be able to advise. Iran gets excellent writeups from those who have visited (its on my bucket list) for the warm welcome from the local people. Heading east into Pakistan the security situation is volatile so the local police provide a mandatory armed escort (the Levies) for the first couple of days until you reach an area considered safe.
Irrelevant for the OP as they are US / UK passport holders so cannot drive in Iran, even with a guide.

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Old 10 Aug 2022
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Originally Posted by eurasiaoverland View Post
True, pre-covid. But no signs of China opening its borders again, so not an option.
Today, yes, but things change and at this stage of the year I presume the OP isn't planning to set off in coming days.

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Originally Posted by eurasiaoverland View Post
Taliban are not really the issue since they are now (in their eyes at least) legitimately in charge of the country. It's ISIK cropping up in opposition to the Taliban, and a general change in the status quo. The south of the country, the Taliban heartland, now seems relatively safe and I have read of at least one group travelling around the sights there. Eastern Afghanistan is not so safe at present, but I would imagine the Wakhan is fine. But there is no road to Pakistan from anywhere near the Wakhan, so not really relevant.
Yes they're nominally in charge of the country but they are a loose alliance of tribes at best, and what the big dogs in Kabul say doesn't necessarily translate to the POV of young hotheads in the boonies, who have only known 20 years of war. Wakhan used to be something of an outpost of anti Taliban sentiment but they declared for the conquerors early on, so who knows.

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Originally Posted by eurasiaoverland View Post
Irrelevant for the OP as they are US / UK passport holders so cannot drive in Iran, even with a guide.
Information on the various govt and embassy websites seems not to support that?

Clearly though, the situation is still fluid and a lot can happen in the time until the next travelling season starts in spring. That's why I say they need to rough out plans and alternatives and research them all. People are getting out there so travel hasn't stopped - even if it's currently harder than it was.
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