Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Route Planning
Route Planning Where to go, when, what are the interesting places to see
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Like Tree6Likes
  • 2 Post By Fern
  • 3 Post By Omie
  • 1 Post By FLH80

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 2 Feb 2014
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: North Wales
Posts: 14
By-passing Pakistan

Hi
I am leaving in 7 weeks time on a solo world trip. Originally I was going to go via Pakistan. Now, after several incidents with overlanders trying to get through this way, I have decided to go Via UAE to India instead. I believe I can get a ferry from Iran to UAE and then a Dhow over to India.

Does anyone have any information they can share on this route. I will be a solo female traveller. Will this also cause issues for me in UAE on a motorbike?

I appreciated any info particularly from people who have done this route.

Thanks
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 2 Feb 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Cornwall, in the far southwest of England, UK
Posts: 597
Steph – we’re going in the opposite direction (east → west) and have also decided to skip Pakistan. We are temporarily back home in the UK, but will pick-up our ride again, from Nepal, starting early April. Who knows, we might even cross paths somewhere along the way.

Mumbai India to either Muscat (Oman), or Dubai, seems the likely way to go for us. It seems logical that the opposite direction should also be entirely possible.

I have looked into the seafreight Dhow option, which for my missus is a non-starter, as I understand it involves six days in an open boat with no bathroom - just a ring on the side of the gunnel! - let alone a cabin. A little rustic for most ladies (well, certainly for mine) ...

I won’t go into the risk of encountering pirates !!

Michael Palin went that way by Dhow of course in ‘Around the world in 80 Days’ - Palin's Travels: Welcome to Michael Palin's travel website

There are probably other commercial sea freighting lines, i.e. cargo / container shipping, but I am not familiar with these, although they must surely exist. Indian port authorities' notorious bureaucracy puts me off all that though.

Maybe you feel you need to go by surface travel all the way, avoiding airfreight completely if at all possible? But we are not that purist.

Therefore I am currently investigating the air cargo options. I’ve identified that there are at least three carriers that airfreight between the two regions, namely: Oman Air, Emirates and Air India. I shall be approaching all three nearer the time.

Regarding your question about travelling [solo] on a bike through Islamic states: By coincidence I was looking into this issue - the dress code aspect in particular - only yesterday, when I stumbled across some helpful guidance on the Ted Simon Foundation site - LINK. If you scroll down the page to the section entitled ‘While on the Motorcycle’ you will see that you will be riding unlawfully, at least through Iran; but as a westerner, your solo gender /travelling status, will no doubt be tolerated.

I trust this info helps a little. But please note: I'm on a voyage of discovery too! .. and I have no actual 'hands-on' experience [yet] regarding the questions you ask.

I hope others will chime in with their knowledge for the benefit of both /all of us.

Best of luck with your up-and-coming adventure

Keith [& Ellen]
.
__________________
Right Way Round ...

Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 3 Feb 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 65
Hi,

To be honest the only issue you may have as female rider is maybe India, usually women get harassed allot there, its not really that bad for westerners but something to think about.

Pakistan dangerous in the boulichstan region because of terrorism. If you do plan to cross it then atleast find a rider to cross with, all the journey will be escorted via polices/levies and this is a slow painful exsercise as you have to move at their pace but once you cross into like Lahore etc you shal have no issues.

The UAE pretty much Is like the west, aslong as you don't do something stupid ul be fine and people will be welcoming.

I would personally ship your bike from iran into india via air. its the easiest option but will cost more.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 6 Feb 2014
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Cambridge, UK
Posts: 672
Hi Steph

I rode North Pakistan, KKH to Islamabad and Lahore into India..mostly alone


I had much less hassle from Pakistanis than Indians on the men front... they speak to you as a person and not the whole up and down xray..I don't think they'd dare mistreat a tourist.... felt fine safety wise.. the most frustrating thing about the convoys on the KKH was every police station wanted me to stop for tea and a long chat.. when I needed to be moving!

Guesthouse owners would insist that I stay in and not wonder the streets to protect my dignity, treating me like their daughters.. and would send someone to run my errands for me..

That said you don't see too many women out and about, and this was a refreshing thing to see in India.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 6 Feb 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Lahore, Pakistan
Posts: 329
Surprised

Hey! I see many RTW travelers by passing Pakistan, what's going on with the bikers? Missing the world's best kept secret?
Come on guys and gals, bikers are adventurers

Cheers
Omar
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 7 Feb 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Tehran, Iran
Posts: 22
Iran

Hi there!
I am German, living in Tehran, Iran with wife and 3 kids. Lots of experience within the country. Place to host (with pool ) and contacts to local garages etc.
Besides this my wife Annette and me we plan to fly to Germany in July 2014 and return with bikes (TT600R and Ducati Monster 750 - yep, nice couple, so are we!) drive back to Tehran until August 3rd or so.

For female solo bikers Iran is quite ok as the people in general keep distance (especially to women) and are respectful and hospitable to foreigners. Of course, prudence is necessary, but, what always helps is being friendly, communicative and self-confident. Women in Iran are mainly humble and taught to be shy to others, especially men that are not members of their family. So, a (foreign) woman that shows that she is assertive, is looked at with respect.
If you wish and in case you come to Iran let us stay in contact as I am (due to my job) very well connected throughout of this huge country, so that I could help out through trustworthy people anywhere in Iran, if necessary.

Regarding Balouchestan:
it is a bit critical to go past the border in southeast Iran because of tribal territory. Friends who passed thru (with motorbikes, car, even as hitchhikers) have made it without any problems. But it needs to be considered a bit risky. On the Iranian side of the border you will be escorted by police anyhow. The issue is on the Pakistani side where there seems to be no rule of law.
One solution is to form groups of vehicles using traveller's forums in advance. In summer it's not high season so plan some time to find company.
European embassies do not give visa support for the Pakistani Embassy in Tehran, so you have to have the visas issued before.

Skipping Pakistan by flying to Dubai/Oman and then to India is an option. But so far I have no positive information regarding shipment of vehicles. It is definitively possible, but rather difficult to organize as foreigner...

Questions?
Feel free to ask.
Iran is definitively worth a trip!!

Greets from snow-packed Tehran,
Daniel
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 9 Apr 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Durham, UK
Posts: 52
Pakistan

Has anyone been through Pakistan recently? what is the current security situation like?

My wife and I are planning a trip from Europe to Oz and the original route was through Pakistan but after reading a few recent negative stories my wife is worried and looking at alternative routes.

Is it really that unsafe in Pakistan or are people getting over concerned??

I would be interested to hear from anyone who has been through Pakistan recently.

Thanks
Jaime
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 11 Apr 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Wales
Posts: 48
Hi Steph, I know of two guys who're heading to Pakistan. There're still in Bulgaria and will get to Georgia in about 5 days. If you still even consider going through Pakistan and want to hook up with some other riders, I'm happy to pass your details. They seem like nice guys & I'm sure they would be happy to help you.
__________________
Jacek & Rebecca
Blog & Facebook
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 2 Jun 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: MYKONOS
Posts: 34
Hello there
My Girlfriend and myself are leaving from Greece and via Italy and Eastern Europe we are heading in to Asia.Turkey and Iran and from there Crossing to UAE and shipping the car to Mumbai.I have contact already the Sadikally Esoofally & Co. See bellow.
If the time mach we can even share the container.
Check us out at Overland Diaries
Dear Sir,

Reference to your enquiry for shipping your vehicle from Jebel Ali, Dubai to Nhava Sheva Port, Mumbai. Please find below the quote for the same.
General Information :

Equipment : 1 x 20 Feet Container
Container Dimensions : Length = 5897mm / Width = 2348mm / Height = 2385mm
Container Door Size : Width = 2337mm / Height = 2385mm

Documents Required : Passport / Carnet De Passage / Vehicle Registration

Part 1 : Shipping from Jebel Ali, Dubai to Nhava Sheva


Our Quote Shall Include the Following :

Ocean Freight from Jebel Ali, Dubai to Mumbai Port
Export Documentation Charges
Container Transportation to and from Port
Lashing & Choking of Car in the Container
Operational Charges
Jebel Ali THC ( Terminal Handling Charges / Port Charges )
Bill Of Lading Fees
Customs Clearance Charges & Carnet Handling Charges
Agency Fees at Jebel Ali Port

Amount : USD 1150.00 ( This amount is payable in Mumbai at the time of Shipment )


Part 2 : Port Charges and Customs Clearance in Nhava Sheva Port, New Mumbai � India

Our Quote Shall Include the Following :

Shipping Company Delivery Order Fees
Indian Port Charges / Terminal Handling Charges
Import Documentation at Customs
Carnet Authentication Fees
Carnet and Passport Attestation Charges
Customs Clearance at Mumbai Port
Container Yard Charges
Container Transportation / Empty Container Relocation Charges
Our Agency Fees

Amount : USD 1150.00 ( This amount is payable in India at the time of Clearance )

Available Payment Options :

There are 3 ways of making payment to us:

1. Cash Payment - The amount can be paid in cash to us when you visit our office.

2. Credit Card Payment - We have Credit Card facility which can be used to make the total payment when you come to our office. Please note 3.5 % of the total amount will be charges as Currency Adjustment Factor and Bank Charges.

3. Bank Transfer - The amount can be transferred through Bank transfer. Please note 3.5 % of the total amount will be charges as Currency Adjustment Factor and Bank Charges.

Additional Information :

Marine Insurance @ 1.5 % of value of the vehicle declared by Shipper, payable in India Third Party insurance is compulsory for all vehicles Imported into India under Carnet
For third party Insurance, please request a quote � Insurance Premium depends on Type of Vehicle, Engine Size, Year of Mfg, Value etc. Generally all these details are on carnet.
Marine Insurance and Third Party Insurance are two different policies and issued separately.

Important Instructions : Once you confirm the Shipping Dates, you have to contact our agents and meet them at Dubai Office. They will collect all documentation from you and instruct you to proceed to Jebel Ali. Please do not proceed to Jebel Ali directly.

Please send us a clear scan of the following documents immediately:

1. First Page Of Carnet � Stating Name/Address, Date Of Issue, Valid Upto and Issuing Club
2. Counterfoil Page Of Carnet � Showing Importation and Exportation Counterfoils
3. Passport Scan ( Main Page with your Photo )
4. Visa Scan ( Iran Visa & India Visa if available )
5. Vehicle Registration Certificate

We strive to provide complete information to our Clients without any hidden costs whatsoever. For most common questions please visit our website FAQ section @ http://www.secoshipping.com



_____________________________________

Sadikally Esoofally & Co. (Estd.1938)
International Freight Forwarders & Licensed Customs House Agents (11/195)


Address : 32, Dock View Bldg, 2nd Floor, No. 1 Walchand Hirachand Marg,
Next to Jahaz Bhavan, Above Chefs & Bakers, Ballard Estate, Mumbai - 400001
Tel : +91-22-22621107/22614677 Telefax : +91-22-22690281
Email : info@secoshipping.com / Website : www.secoshipping.com
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
PAKISTAN: an update + new info re visas at Sost luckro SE Asia 25 2 Jan 2016 07:39
cross Pakistan - a few basic questions goldenboy West and South Asia 3 6 Feb 2014 01:01
info on traveling in Pakistan & Iran mahsita West and South Asia 25 7 Nov 2013 13:29
Planning to Go to pakistan from Saudi arabia through Iran Tariq-haji Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else 0 9 Sep 2013 11:02
Service Support in Pakistan [Lahore city] www.PakistanBikersClub.com West and South Asia 3 15 Aug 2013 23:25

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 08:38.