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Two routes through Iran - Which one to choose Two routes through Iran - Which one to choose
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  #1  
Old 28 May 2013
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Two routes through Iran - Which one to choose
Hi,

I will be traveling by bike from Nepal back to Germany in about 1 Month and I have to decide between the following two routes:

>>The dots on the map have no meaning<<

The first option seems to be the more popular one among bikers:



But this is the one an Iranian friend of mine recommended:

(I forgot to add that I will also travel from Tabriz to Urmia - like in the first route - in the second option)

He said it will be less desert and its very nice to drive along the Caspian See


What do you guys think what are the pros and cons here?


Thanks in advance,

Chris
Last edited by chrisvw; 29 May 2013 at 12:40.
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Old 28 May 2013
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Hello,
1-Definitely do the first map ride as all foreign vehicles must do.
2-Three international and safe bordergates available between Turkey and Iran.The one in your planned route is the most northern one,doğubeyazıt.
If you are planning to visit Mount Nemrut or Meditarrenean coast line, other gates will be more economical for you.(Gas is most expensive here)

Wish you all the best.
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Old 29 May 2013
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mehmet Zeki Avar View Post
Hello,
1-Definitely do the first map ride as all foreign vehicles must do.
2-Three international and safe bordergates available between Turkey and Iran.The one in your planned route is the most northern one,doğubeyazıt.
If you are planning to visit Mount Nemrut or Meditarrenean coast line, other gates will be more economical for you.(Gas is most expensive here)

Wish you all the best.
Hi,

thanks for your answer.

Are you a 100% sure that it is not possible to take the route shown on the second map?

Because I would really love to see Mashad - Isfahan is a little bit to touristy for my taste

If it were to be possible to do the second route, which one do you think will be more interesting?


Thanks Chris
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Old 29 May 2013
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Chris, I've been to Iran but not on a bike. I really don't think anything in Iran can be describes as to touristy"
Also, I would suggest you really should visit Shiraz and Isfahan. the southern route also takes you to Bam which must still be worth a visit even after it was largely demolished by an earthquake 10 years ago.

Whichever way you go, enjoy - I'm really envious. Iran is a wonderful country with some of the friendliest people I've ever met.
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Old 29 May 2013
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The routes further east to Mashhad, and onwards to Zahedan, I´d find out more about safety situation there. Not many travellers choose that route. Actually I´m not sure if you even need permits for some areas there (one more thing to find out).

At least on the “main route”, that most people follow, from Bam to Pakistani border is a bit sketchy. I don´t know, if that extends to the north, but on that route, you would stay quite close to the Afghan border after Mashhad. Proximity to that border is one source of various sorts of trouble in the southeast of Iran.
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Old 29 May 2013
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Originally Posted by pecha72 View Post
The routes further east to Mashhad, and onwards to Zahedan, I´d find out more about safety situation there. Not many travellers choose that route. Actually I´m not sure if you even need permits for some areas there (one more thing to find out).

At least on the “main route”, that most people follow, from Bam to Pakistani border is a bit sketchy. I don´t know, if that extends to the north, but on that route, you would stay quite close to the Afghan border after Mashhad. Proximity to that border is one source of various sorts of trouble in the southeast of Iran.
Thanks you for your answer - I know that this will be the riskier route but we are in Iran which I myself perceive as very safe!

Yes I know that it is an uncommon choice, but thats what is intriguing about it

And Mashhad is supposed to be beautiful

But what would really interest me if I am allowed to go via Mashhad - I guess I have to call the Iranian embassy - and if anyone has ever considered this route.

Thanks Chris
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