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Nepal to Europe - Northern Route Nepal to Europe - Northern Route
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Route Planning Where to go, when, what are the interesting places to see
Photo by Sean Howman, The Pamir highway in an unseasonably cold late October, Tajikistan

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


Photo by Sean Howman,
The Pamir highway in an unseasonably
cold late October, Tajikistan



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  #1  
Old 11 Feb 2016
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Nepal to Europe - Northern Route
Hi!

I am buying a bike in Nepal and planning to ride it back to the UK. Having spoken to Hearts and Tears MC who are helping me with my bike I found that its very hard to get an Iranian visa as a Brit and was told a northern route was possible, through Tibet and the stans. I could not find a thread for the northern route unfortunately.

Has anyone made this journey?
Which route did you take?
What paperwork do you need? (I was told you can get away without a carnet du passage if going north)

Thanks for your help =D
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  #2  
Old 13 Feb 2016
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Originally Posted by allilr View Post
Hi!

I am buying a bike in Nepal and planning to ride it back to the UK. Having spoken to Hearts and Tears MC who are helping me with my bike I found that its very hard to get an Iranian visa as a Brit and was told a northern route was possible, through Tibet and the stans. I could not find a thread for the northern route unfortunately.

Has anyone made this journey?
Which route did you take?
What paperwork do you need? (I was told you can get away without a carnet du passage if going north)

Thanks for your help =D
I haven´t been to China/Tibet myself, but I understand it could be possible to arrange, unless there are travel restrictions in place in Tibet. It will, however, cost a very serious amount of money, you would need to get in touch with a Chinese tour operator, who arrange your crossing and a guide to accompany you. Tibet especially would be expensive to arrange.

This may explain, why what you call a ´northern route´, is practically only used by companies, who run big $$$$$$ overland expeditions. For them, it is no problem to arrange, but for a solo traveller it could be a different story.. well, depends on how well off you are financially!
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  #3  
Old 14 Feb 2016
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Nepal to Europe - Northern Route
Hi! I'm not sure if this is advice is correct but it's what I remember. When coming from Dubai to Iran you had to book a hotel which would act as your sponsor. When you get confirmation they give you a number/code to apply for a visa. When I got my visa I had to show them my travel plan. I would imagine it's slightly more forgiving now that sanctions of lifted. I would approach an Iran travel agent and they should be able to sort it for you. The worst bit I found was insurance, they will try and sell you more than you need. Brush up on the numerals before going so you know what your paying.


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  #4  
Old 14 Feb 2016
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Originally Posted by Fastestbiker View Post
Hi! I'm not sure if this is advice is correct but it's what I remember. When coming from Dubai to Iran you had to book a hotel which would act as your sponsor. When you get confirmation they give you a number/code to apply for a visa. When I got my visa I had to show them my travel plan. I would imagine it's slightly more forgiving now that sanctions of lifted. I would approach an Iran travel agent and they should be able to sort it for you. The worst bit I found was insurance, they will try and sell you more than you need. Brush up on the numerals before going so you know what your paying.


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This is not correct. US, UK and Canadian nationals who do not have a passport from another country currently need to be escorted through Iran on an organised tour. There are many posts on the forum about it. A relaxation in line with recent easing of sanctions has yet to be seen, and remains wishful thinking.
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  #5  
Old 14 Feb 2016
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Location: Tamil Nadu,Chennai,India
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>I was told you can get away without a carnet du passage if going north

Yes you can. But Chinese has their own way. Its a huge process with lot of expense in the name of permit. You could read some of the post here which already talks a lot about self riding in china.

If I were you then I will surly get the relevant caret then proceed self driving from nepal to waha border and get up to Pakistan Karakorum highway and reach Kashgar (xinjan). But again you need to end up with china formalities in xinjan.

Crossing khyber pass and getting into Afghanistan with bike is not advisable. But it does depends on the situation. I think khyber pass torkham gate is for locals only and not for foreign citizens. Take care that your name does not read out in BBC and other news reports.

I could suggest you this new way. But though I did no see anyone done it before. Based on your nationality you could cross waha border and get into pakisthan and then air freight you motorcycle to mazar-i-sherif (Afghanistan). From mazar-i-sherif it takes around 1hr to travel and reach uzbek border. The proceed to UK. But avoid any land travel within Afghanistan.
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  #6  
Old 2 Apr 2016
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Hi There
Hi there,

I'm planning the exact same trip so I wondered if you might be interested in doing at least some of it together?

For info the Iranian Embassy has recently restarted issuing visas to UK citizens!

When are you thinking of starting?

Kai
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