My husband and I will be traveling through Pakistan and Iran to Turky starting in Mid March and was wondering if there was anyone out there traveling in the same direction? Thinking of that whole safety in numbers thing.

Safety from a people perspective is not much of an issue. Frankly, the only time I was semi-afraid was in Turkey. Iran and Pakistan will be annoying in that the police will want to make sure you are safe and will (certainly now in Pakistan) provide free police escorts where ever you want to ride. Tedious, but safe. Stay away from demonstrations and use the known overland hotels in the various places, such as Bloomstar in Quetta, and you should be just fine. Once you're up on KKH, it's total peace and quiet. I spent 2 weeks in Karimabad and could have stayed for another month.

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Hi wlavelle .....

Ava'squizz at this thread if you get chance.

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...d-2008-a-27599

Jimmy who lives up Birmingham-ways started it off earlier this year, and it's grown somewhat. It seems there's a heap of people heading towards Thailand, some on to Australia (me) and a couple with RTW ambitions. If you wade your way through it, you'll find that most are intending to start earlyish next year, and have various routes. Jimmy and Ken are going Stans/China to Thailand, which isn't much good to you. But a couple are looking at the Southern Route (Iran/Pakistan). It might pay you to get in touch with them ....

Then you could take a look at this un .... ShapeUpWorldTour
It's the Blog of a Brit' who did UK to Oz in 2006, going through the area you're concerned about. Take a look at his archive list where you'll find the post for Turkey/Iran and onwards. I recall one mail from him, after I'd asked directly how safe he felt. In brief, he said his experience was a good one.

Aaaaand another one .....

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tstories/skillington/ These guys (Aussies) went through what was reputed to be one of the dodgiest areas on their own without problems too. Again, John was kind enough to answer some questions for me regarding the areas in question.

I'm still harbouring thoughts of the Southern route myself, as there's heaps I'd like to see in Iran. If I do decide to go this way though, will review things just prior to setting out. As the political situation is likely to remain volatile in comparison to Europe.

Hope this info's helpful and puts your mind to rest a tad .... regards Len Jones (Lenz2)

I'm on the road at the moment and am trying the southern southern route ie. Turkey, Iran, Dubai, Oman, Malaysia/Thailand/Singapore - not really sure yet might go to India and Nepal but will decide along the way! Maybe see you on the road somewhere!

paul PRExpressions

Would be cool if it works out. Will let you know how things are from this end.

Wendy

Len - thanks so much. really enjoyed reading of other's experiences - helped not only me but my concerned family!

Hi,

We'll be traveling overland from India into Pakistan, Iran and Turkey next year, but probably won't get to India until mid-July. I take it that is too late for you guys?

Have you decided on your route through Pakistan and/or considered doing the route through China (I've heard going through the KKH is very difficult and that China is next to impossible).

Would love to hear from you and where your trip planning is up to.

I just passed through Iran and have little to say about safety, had no problems at all. The Iranians are incredibly hospitable, one needs not stay in a hotel at all if one does not want to!

What is important to know is that the petrol is rationed. One has to have a petrol card to be able to buy petrol, unless one wants to deal on the black market which is often cheaper but a hassle. Locals get from 3 liters a day but as a tourist you pay in advance for a set number of liters and then also at the pump. The problem is that you should get a card at the border but noone seems to inform travelers of this. It is possible to buy a card in Esfahan, talk to the tourist police, but the best is to get it at the border.

Marcus
Dusty Travellers | Home

Hey hey everybody,

will be starting a journey at the end of apirl 2008 (after the elections in Nepal on the 10th of April) to Germany, via Pakistan, India, Turkey...Berlin.

This might be too late for you "wlavelle" and your husband, but if anyone is heading the same direction, or already did the journey, then please let me know, cause this will be my first (long) bike trip, ever:-)

Oh yeah, and by the way, if anyone wants to sell me his bike in Nepal, or has some contacts there, let me know 'cause I still need to buy one...

Thanks for your help guys, looking forward hearing from some (experienced) drivers to give me some good advices, because they are very much needed.

Thanx!!

All the best from Kathmandu,
Phil

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Phil Dera
Kathmandu, Nepal
m:+ 977 (0) 9841869621
i: Phil Dera Photography