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UK to India avoiding Iran UK to India avoiding Iran
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  #1  
Old 16 Jun 2006
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UK to India avoiding Iran
Hi There,

i'm looking to ride to india in January, but despite reading lots of good reports about iran given the current climate i'd rather give it a miss... Is it possible to go south through the middle east and get a ferry across? or will it be just as hard to get a visa through Saudi Arabia as i've read on here?

i'd rather not got north through the kuds simply cos it'll probably be rather cold!!

i'm quite prepared for hard riding and lots of paperwork..

any help, ideas much appreciated!

thanks,

ted
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  #2  
Old 16 Jun 2006
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I am just sitting in front of a map of India, according to which there are regular sea routes from Mumbai to Aden. So why not enter Iran (dangerous is, as far as I understand, only Baluchistan), take the ferry to the UAE and then ship the bike from Aden?

Regards

Lars
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  #3  
Old 16 Jun 2006
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mayhem: have a long think about Iran (maybe you have already). I wouldn't hesitate with a UK passport. But you need to weigh the options yourself of course.

Iran is not like Iraq at the moment - law prevails. It is a cultured, literate and open civilisation. Huge curiosity will be your biggest issue. People will want to talk to you, not cut your head off.

As far as alternatives go, I would hesitate long before shipping anything to an Indian port myself. Flying into Delhi. Maybe.

How about through the stans, China, into north Pakistan? Expensive. Lots of borders. But safe and certain. Look here for those who have already happily trodden this path:

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tstories/mcmillan/

I'd say this is your best non-Iran option to India. It has the advantage of keeping the two wheels on the ground, mostly. But yes, pricey and lots of forms. Still good though.

Hope this helps,

Simon
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  #4  
Old 16 Jun 2006
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Simon Kennedy

How about through the stans, China, into north Pakistan?
Hi Simon,

don't think he could do it in January though... passes not open
Thats why I'm going in late May

John
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  #5  
Old 17 Jun 2006
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Hi Ted,
I understand your concerns only too well! My trip was just cut short due to the trouble in Baluchistan. I would say however, that apart from the Baluchistan difficulty that Iran is an extraordinarily freindly and welcoming place. I would keep it as an option and keep your eye on the situation as it develops.
The other options, as far as I could tell were the ferries to UAE etc. and going north through the stans and down through China and Afghanistan to Pakistan. I had thought that it wasn't possible to bypass Afghanistan to get to Pak but could easily be wrong. If not though, Afghanistan is even more dangerous than Iran right now so that would be a pointless diversion. Another option would be to ship your bike from Istanbul to Delhi or somewhere and fly yourself, but this rather takes away from the point of an overland trip.
From where I sit it seems ferries passing Baluchistan are your safest option, but keeping an eye on the situation in Baluchistan and hoping for a calming down of tensions should be kept as a possibility.
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*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!
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  #6  
Old 17 Jun 2006
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Cool thanks...
for all the tips, lots of useful stuff to think about...

i'm figuring that i'll have to just try and keep my options open pending any political nastyness and stay monitoring the situation in iran

Matt i've just checked out your blog which is fantastic, and i feel your sorrow at having to call short your trip. undoubtedly the right move under the circumstances tho. if you ever plan to try again, give us a shout!
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