I don't know what the visa process is for each nation but we had to appoint an agent in Iran to provide an LOI and submit the application which took some time and wasn't that cheap. This was in addition to arranging the escort etc.

I initially got rejected but they didn't tell me, this caused a last minute panic and we planned the China route complete with Chinese visas before our fixer managed to sort things out with the Iranian Government and we got (expensive) visas on our way to the channel tunnel. Don't assume you'll be accepted.

A few top tips;

It's very important that you cross the Turkey Iran border with sufficient time to get money. You can use the money changers who hassle you throughout the entry process but my advice would be to spend the first night in Urmia and get cash from a bank there in the afternoon. End up past the border when the banks are closed and you'll have no money at all- that would be bad! Obviously you'll have no access to bank accounts or credit cards so you'll need sufficient cash (initially in US$) to fund your stay in Iran. It's not cheap to stay in the cities but food and fuel can be OK. Stay in Van the night before you cross- it's a fantastic ride to the border, leave early to get there at lunch time. We arrived on the Turkish side when the staff had gone to lunch- dig around, chat to people and you'll probably be taken to the staff cafeteria which is an air cooled Oasis. Do not get your carnet stamped entering Turkey- not necessary and it's another hassle when leaving Turkey.

Be aware of religious festivals. You'd think they'd add to your experience but they made things difficult in Iran (public facilities closed, raging crowds on the streets at night). In Pakistan they caused us to be locked down in a hotel in Sukkur for 4 days which was hell- unable to leave the compound and it was 45c.

Pak levies. You'l spend the first night in the Levies compound sleeping on the office floor. If you can communicate they will order excellent curry in for you otherwise take some food. You'll leave very early for your second night in Dalbandin. It's a half decent hotel, haggle a bit for the price. They do food and (hurrah). From there it's a day to Quetta and the Bloom Star hotel- no haggling here. You are locked in until the Police take you to see a judge for your NOC (no objection certificate). It's no problem getting but a total waste of your time- potentially 3 nights.

Next day Sukkur- 12 hours on the road. It's a long, hard, slow moving day. Scenery is great, buses lethal, Police useless. They are escorting you to protect you but can't tell you what from or how they will do it. Instead they'll expose you to dehydration and heat injury, road rage from trucks and buses, riding in the dark and exhaustion. Expect about 30 change overs and document checks- having photocopies of your passport visa and vehicle details to hand out is a must.

From Sukkur to Multan. After a big argument with secret service guys who demanded our papers without identifying themselves a few of us broke out for a look around. First time we'd spoken to anyone. No choice of hotel, they need a permit to take foreigners and few have that.

Another long day to Lahore which is obviously traffic mayhem. We were lucky that a traffic cop on a bike guided our escort as the 'elite police' monkeys didn't have a clue.

One more thing- bikes of any size are banned from the expressways. We didn't know and it was only by charm we got escorted off without a fine.

This was all a challenge and some of the group left straight for India. We headed north which was outstanding once past Abbotabad.

Enjoy