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21 Apr 2009
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Uk to Oz Planning
Howdy Y'all
A quick introduction, I'm a N00b here and am planning a RTW trip from the UK to Australia, leaving in August 2009 after I graduate from university with a Masters in Engineering hopefully. I have a 2006 KTM Adventure which has already been taken somewhere exotic by the previous owner and after a little TLC is running nicely.
I'm looking for some general advice and information regarding the route, I've found out most information I need regarding Carnets, visas etc from other threads on the HUBB.
I plan on doing the trip in 2 halves, first of all, the UK to India for which I plan on getting all my visas in the UK before I go. My route goes Europe, Turkey, Iran, Pakistan (looking to avoid possibly) and India.
Due to the recent troubles in Pakistan, I am looking at shipping the bike from Chahabar?, Iran to India. Has anyone done this? Is it possible? Of course by shipping I may actually be throwing myself out of the frying pan and into the fire with the recent pirate activities!
I'm also on the look out for a traveling buddy for all or part of the journey. I have a buddy going to Turkey who will be returning after some time in the sun.
Any information or help anyone can provide will be much appreciated.
Cheers Guys,
Duncan
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26 Apr 2009
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Duncan, your trip sounds amazing! I was thinking Mongolia for next summer but Oz equally sounds epic. I'm finishing my degree next year too, and already have a few squids in the bank waiting to be spent.
Are you looking for a riding mate?
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27 Apr 2009
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Howdy,
Any riding buddies are more than welcome. I expect to probably meet up with someone along the way anyway. So far I have a buddy to Turkey but the more the merrier.
Provisionally it is August 09 that I am departing. Is it this year (09) or next (10) that you are planning on going?
Duncan
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27 Apr 2009
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Hi Duncan, Neil.
Me and my brother are doing the same trip (ish) starting around 01 July 2009. will be going through europe, turkey, iran, pakistan, india then on to aus. I am on KTM640 adv 2003 and my brother is Africa twin
How long are you planning to india, we are thinking along the lines of 3 months. so will be there kind of october november time.
Have you got your visas for Iran and Pakistan? Did you have any problems?
We appear to be having difficulies with both and are considering alternate routes aswell.
Cheers, Morgan
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27 Apr 2009
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Duncan/Sark
Will keep an eye on the thread but if either of you guys want to get in touch please feel free. I am planning on a similar trip commencing July/August. I have a 1 week camp trip booked beginning July in at Lake Geneve booked for a mates 40th which will be attended by around 10 mates will then be carrying on from there through Turk/Iran/Pak/India.
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27 Apr 2009
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Hi Everyone!
I'm trying to keep my traveling itinerary as loose as possible such that I shall be able to deviate and meet up with anyone else along the way. A buddy and I are planning on getting to Turkey in about 2 weeks.
I was then thinking of about 3 weeks across Turkey, maybe less, 3 weeks across Iran, 3 weeks in Pakistan and then as long as possible in India.
Provisionally I have set a date of the 1st of August for departure from UK but would like to go sooner. If I have to I could also delay for a few days.
I have not started applying for visas yet. The main 3 I want to get are Iran, Pakistan and India before I go. I will then get everything else in India. Since the Iranian visa only lasts 3 months I was going to leave it until the end of May/ Middle of June before applying.
Does anyone have any advice on visas? Iranianvisa.com charges about £100 i think. I have also had a quote for £140. Visa world have given me the following quotes which seem a bit expensive.
Iran £ 213.52
Pakistan £147.00
India £ 106.94
Does anyone have any advice for Visas or is it just a case of gritting ones teeth, paying the cash and hoping for the best?
Duncan
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28 Apr 2009
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Sorry guys, i'm still thinking it's 2008.... 
Just to get clear i'm thinking of travelling... summer 2010 not 2009... as that would mean this summer. God I feel like a numpty.
Anyhow guys, I wish you all the best!! I've only got to the "thinking about a long haul trip" stage. Not really planned much except gear up my bike for the inevitable hauling. No paperwork/routeplanning has commenced yet.
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11 May 2009
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visas and all things................
Hello to everybody on this string!
It's cathy and bernard here from Peru - where we have broken down! We live in Warrington and have been on the road for 9 months and been through all the countries you are thinking about (apart from Iran and thanks to Iranian Visa.com may they not meet their vestal virgins in the next life!) Bunch of buggers.
Anyway - our site is Catherine Birchall Homepage and if you go to the Latest Updates section they are listed by date and country. We applied in Athens for all three visas as we were not sure on timings etc.
There is an email link on the site if anything is unclear - feel free to email us.
Best of luck with the planning - it's a blast!
Best Wishes
Cathy and Bernard.
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17 May 2009
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Hi Cathy
Thanks for the heads up on this post.
I've just spent my first 45 minutes on your website and will be spending many more, it's fantastic.
You are a truly inspirating person and I hope your journey is going well.
Check will be in the post.... now, back to the website
Take care..Gary
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18 May 2009
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hello Gary from Peru!
Hello Gary
Thank you so much for your kind comments. As we sit waiting for Parcel Force to deliver a new starter motor (for two weeks!) it was nice to get your posting.
We should be back in the UK somewhere around beginning of July and anybody who wants to pop over to Cheshire area to have a natter about anything and everything will be very welcome!
Best Wishes to everybody planning such a trip.
Cathy and Bernard
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18 May 2009
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Save some dough
Quote:
Originally Posted by DuncanCarwright
Hi Everyone!
I'm trying to keep my traveling itinerary as loose as possible such that I shall be able to deviate and meet up with anyone else along the way. A buddy and I are planning on getting to Turkey in about 2 weeks.
I was then thinking of about 3 weeks across Turkey, maybe less, 3 weeks across Iran, 3 weeks in Pakistan and then as long as possible in India.
Provisionally I have set a date of the 1st of August for departure from UK but would like to go sooner. If I have to I could also delay for a few days.
I have not started applying for visas yet. The main 3 I want to get are Iran, Pakistan and India before I go. I will then get everything else in India. Since the Iranian visa only lasts 3 months I was going to leave it until the end of May/ Middle of June before applying.
Does anyone have any advice on visas? Iranianvisa.com charges about £100 i think. I have also had a quote for £140. Visa world have given me the following quotes which seem a bit expensive.
Iran £ 213.52
Pakistan £147.00
India £ 106.94
Does anyone have any advice for Visas or is it just a case of gritting ones teeth, paying the cash and hoping for the best?
Duncan
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Hi Duncan
Just had a look at your thread great journey you will have a head of you.
I am actually leaving for the same journey end of june 2009. I am taking a different route ,
UK-France-Belgium-Germany-Poland-Ukrain -russia-kazahstan-Kyrgystan-China-KKK-Pakistan-India-Nepal -Thailand-Laos-Malysia-OZ.
I am meeting up with three other overlanders at the Chinese border in kyrgyzstan in August so most of my paperwork and visas are done.
Just a word of advise , apply your visas personally do not use agencies as they are ripp offs, you will be paying excess of £50-£60 just for theire services.
The pakistani visa is simple and cheap as hell it cost me £21 not £147!!!and I got it in 3hrs at the embassy or you can just post them your stuff. The visa might cost about £57 for british passport holders.
The indian Visa cost £36 if applied directly from the indian visa services took three days , if you apply by post it takes loger to get it but still hell of lot cheaper than £109!!!.Dot put your money in the drain .
Try Iran Visa service, Iranian Visa Extension for your Iranian visa , or just apply in person the guys I am meeting up in with did theire own application for the Iranian and got it . If your going via turkey you can apply for it theire but get some proper information before applying on route .
Dont be afraid of Pakistan Just Do It 
See you on the Road , I will be in Pakistan early september then onwards to Nepal and Hke to Everest base camp  .
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19 May 2009
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Hi Everyone, thanks for the advice.
I keep getting urgent emails from Iranianvisa.com after I enquired about their visa service and they threaten that I'm not serious about going to Iran. They keep trying to force me to pay, despite me keep telling them that the visa will be invalid if i get it now! From their rather brisk attitude and other peoples experiences I think I shall pass with them and did have magic carpet tours in mind.
I have just applied for the Indian visa this evening and will be dropping off my application at the centre in Manchester tomorrow, since the Indian visa is valid for 6 months.
I have reservations about applying for the Pakistani visa in person since it would mean a full day trip (or two) to London, which would probably work out just as expensive as getting it through visaworld for me with less hassle. London isn't somewhere I'm particularly fond of going to!
Is it possible to apply for the Pakistani visa by post? I'm unable to see anything on the website that says it's possible, despite the forms being available to download.
For those currently on the road, thanks for all your advice! You continue to make me extremely jealous and be a constant source of inspiration! Safe riding!
Duncan
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10 Jun 2009
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Iranian visa agency and possible meet up?
Hi Duncan,
My partner and I are leaving UK end of June and going through Poland, Ukraine, Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, Iran, possibly Pakistan or shipping it to India, Nepal, Bangladesh and shipping again into SE Asia.
We got our Iranian visa number from Persian voyages vias agency.They charge £70 per visa so cheaper than Magic Carpet. We elected to pick up the visa in Istanbul and have three months to do this. Once it is stamped I believe we have 3 months to enter Iran - although check this, just in case.
Would be intersted in possible meeting, but we're driving a 4x4.
Best of luck with your trip,
Jo
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10 Jun 2009
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Hi there,
Thanks for the info, I am confirming with the agency that the visa is valid for 3 months once the number is issued. If so I shall apply for that soon. When are you planning to arrive in Turkey/ Iran? We now have a firm leaving date of 25th July with the aim to get across Turkey to Izmir in about 2 weeks. From there I am on my own so some company would be appreciated. I am expecting to take a few days relaxing and servicing in Turkey before taking about 2 weeks to traverse. All being well I should be getting to the Iranian border towards the end of August.
Duncan
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Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
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2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
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helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
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