Wich way to India from Germany? Starting May2014

[Dr.Notch]

I am planning a RTW trip starting in May 2014 from Germany. My first aim would be to get to India via Turkey and Iran. Any suggestions on how to travel on from Iran? Anybody out there ridden that way to India from Europe recently? Grateful for any kind of Information!

[niello8]

Hi there! You've got about 3 choices from Iran:

Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, china, northern Pakistan (or Tibet, Nepal)
This involves guide costs with china.

Or southern Pakistan, India most direct.

Or sea freight from Dubai to mumbai.

Good luck! Don't forget you need carnet.

[pecha72]

Shippings not fun, try to ride if you can, and as was said before it's either south or north side around Afghanistan, and north means you have to get the bike into China.

[Dr.Notch]

Hi there Pecha 72, do you have any expirience with the route north of Pakistan into India? Where would I cross China? Cheers Dr.Notch

[Dr.Notch]

Niello8
Do you have any expirience with the northern route to India via Iran...Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, china, northern Pakistan (or Tibet, Nepal)...have you ridden it recently?! Cheers Dr.Notch

[niello8]

We got to India via the stans, western China & northern Pakistan. We did not go to Iran but others in our china group did and then went up via Turkmenistan. Our route was much longer around the caspian. We joined a prearranged group in Kyrgyzstan and shared costs for the guided 5 day stretch through china to the Pak border. Getting the licenses for china without a guide is almost impossible but joining a group makes it more affordable. The KKH is magnificent with some adventurous challenges, the scenery is amazing. We were there in 2012.

The southern route is much faster but I believe you are limited by more police escorts and restrictions. Though you will get that in the north too. Have lots of patience & good nature

[Dr.Notch]

Niello8!
Was it a big deal to find a group that had organized a guided tour that took them through the five day stretch in China? Was that stretch of trip in China already part of the KKH? Do you remember how much it was to join that guided part through China? How long did it take you to do the KKH all together? Would you recommend the northern route coming through KKH into India in general?! I think I would like to take it much more then the southern, or direct route through southern Pakistan.

[niello8]

Joining a group for China wasn't too hard. There are always overlanders looking to join up because it saves money. You can comb the HUBB and see if anyone is going that way at a time that works. The timing does have to be absolutely specific. Our group was 12 people so the cost was not bad. This may have also been due to us using a company (china tour) that did not seem to have much experience. More established outfits like newlands may provide an easier experience.

The road from Kyrgyzstan through china to the KKH is very beautiful and traverses 2 high passes: khunjerab & torugart. The KKH itself is a challenge in parts but one of the most stunning regions you will ever see. Truly one of our favorite legs of the journey. We spent 2 weeks in northern Pakistan & could've done longer. There are some gorgeous side roads & really incomparable natural beauty. I should also mention that Kyrgyzstan is pretty incredible as well. Yurt camping at 3500m where you can just ride up the mountain. Wow.

So the important things about this route: china leg must be scheduled exactly & this can be done over the internet. The bigger the group, the cheaper it should be. usually having a 4 wheel vehicle in the group helps ligistically & costwise. Pak visa must be obtained from your home country & make sure they give you the right date!

Good luck in your planning!