2Likes
-
1
Post By apapadop
-
1
Post By ThomasAT91
|
16 May 2012
|
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: London, UK
Posts: 119
|
|
Iran: Careful when approaching Kavir desert from Semnan
I recently got contacted by a motorcycle traveller who has similar problems to the ones I describe on the bottom half of this post: http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tst...lex/004281.php
That was 2009, but the same stuff is still ongoing in 2012.
In short, having left Tehran, you're heading east because you want to check out the beautiful Kavir desert. You reach Semnan and then take the "36" road because that's the quickest way to the 81 heading south, cutting through the desert via Mo'Alleman.
Bad idea. You're stopped by the police and treated like a spy suspect. If you're lucky, you just waste a few hours. If you're unlucky (or stupid, as I was), you get to sign documents you can't read, hand over some biometric information and the cops take your bike for a spin. If you have the wrong passport and are unlucky... things can turn pretty hairy.
I'd rather suggest you approach the desert via Damghan. Yes, it's a ridiculous detour, but it keeps you away from the area east of the new Semnan airport which Iranian police appear to be nervous about.
The tricky area: https://toolserver.org/~osm/locale/e...4415&layers=BT
I suggest you stay on main roads and avoid any shortcuts, no matter how well signposted, around that area.
Iran is a beautiful country, the Iranian people are fantastic (cultured, smart, hospitable) but I'll make an exception for the police. The overwhelming majority of Iranian cops I dealt with back in 2009 were absolute jerks.
|
16 May 2012
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Munich, Germany
Posts: 56
|
|
Ah, i just wanted to post the same, the other traveler apapadop is speaking of is me. I just had this 8 hours police experience two days ago and it was not fun!
There must be dozens of Travelers that had the same problem, one of the guys where saying to me "i've seen many german people here, but you are the first with a second passport".
Stay away from this road, and any possible military Zone in Iran.
(The problem is on your map/gps they just look like normal roads)
|
2 Sep 2012
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 8
|
|
so how do you link Tehran and Damghan?
|
3 Sep 2012
|
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: London, UK
Posts: 119
|
|
Just take the 44 (the direct route).
If you trace the route I described on the map you'll notice that the no-go area has got nothing to do with Damghan.
|
4 Sep 2012
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Melbourne, AUS
Posts: 73
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by apapadop
Just take the 44 (the direct route).
If you trace the route I described on the map you'll notice that the no-go area has got nothing to do with Damghan.
|
So, apapadop, do you take 44 to Damghan but then still take the 81 south to Yazd?
|
5 Sep 2012
|
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: London, UK
Posts: 119
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by nicola_a
So, apapadop, do you take 44 to Damghan but then still take the 81 south to Yazd?
|
Yup. The 81 is fair game (and a lovely ride through the desert too!) - the only tricky area back when I was there (2009) was the 36 after (i.e. SE of) Semnan's new airport, where there are a few military-operated salt mines.
|
7 Jun 2013
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Krefeld, Germany
Posts: 5
|
|
Unfortunatly we got in trouble coming from the desert and facing Semnan from Mo'Alleman.
We didn't know anything about that forbidden zone and there was no gate or fence if you follow the road to semnan. after 80 km we were stopped at the entry gate, but we were already in the area. We were 2 days and two nights arrested and accused of espionage after the military service took over and things turned.
Luckily we could continue our journey after that incident.
So if you go there take the detour via Damghan.
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Next HU Events
ALL Dates subject to change.
2025 Confirmed Events:
- Virginia: April 24-27 2025
- Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
- Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
- CanWest: July 10-13 2025
- Switzerland: Date TBC
- Ecuador: Date TBC
- Romania: Date TBC
- Austria: Sept. 11-15
- California: September 18-21
- France: September 19-21 2025
- Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025
Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!
Questions about an event? Ask here
See all event details
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|