Hey guys,

I'm going with a group of six-ish from Iran (British and Australian passports), through Pakistan at the Mirjavah / Taftan Border and up to Lahore. Should be attempting the border crossing toward the end of September / beginning of October

I've found out that from the border up to Quetta we're in a tribal region, and that we will need a guide / series of tribal police and anti-terrorism guides from Taftan to Quetta.

I've got some questions and I'm struggling to get answers...

• How do we notify the tribal police that we're on the way?
• Do they ask us on the Iranian side, as has been suggested?
• Are there any reputable travel companies we can get to ease passage?
• Beyond the carnet are there any other interesting foibles with getting the bikes through?
• What are the security considerations after Quetta, when we're left alone?
• Has anyone know of some good roads and "must-sees"?

Cheers,
B.

merhaba,

*How do we notify the tribal police that we're on the way?
As soon as you enter pakistan, you will meet the levis guys at the taftan gate who will escort you to Multan within 3-4 days and about 25 checkpoints and escort changes.You will never be left alone until multan sometimes lahore..Periods depend on the current ground situation.
If there is a little risk, you will be kept staying at a hotel or a check point.
No worries,they are most friendly,service is free of charge and this part certainly is the most colorful stage of the trip to asia via this route.Obey the rules,what you are told,keep more water and some food in stocks.Gas nop.available at roadsides..No atm in iran and baloucistan part of Pakistan.

*Do they ask us on the Iranian side, as has been suggested?
Even at the iranian side, your last day will be escort ride too,beginning with bam and sometimes kerman..In bam ask the reception to call the iran escort early in the morning so that you can spend the first night at the first levis station at the pakistan side.,gate closed at 4 pm.

*Are there any reputable travel companies we can get to ease passage?
Only friendly levis escort tourism.

*Beyond the carnet are there any other interesting foibles with getting the bikes through?
No.Normal paperwork but more slowly.sometimes several selfies.At several checkpoints, your passport details will be handwritten on notebooks.better you write yours to save time.

*What are the security considerations after Quetta, when we're left alone?
Its very hard to leave the party with road friends in quetta that fast.At quetta, you will have to get noc certificate first after a tuktuk ride to gov.office together with a police.Probably you will be taken to bloomstar hotel in quetta..the hotel guys will arrange all for you. available here and has a nice garden. Attention,try to be in quetta latest on wednesday evening.So that you will not have to spend the saturday and sunday at the hotel.
*
Has anyone know of some good roads and "must-sees"?
This depends on your personal likes,dislikes,hobbies but you will be happy to discover natural beauties,friendships and dishes.(MAP friends from lahore are also on hub and they may tell you places to see in pakistan). you will get great attention and friendly supports on the roads.If you have time, head to KKH till chinese bordergate, dont miss the flag ceremony at wagah gate if you will head to india and then amritsar to golden temple..

Wish you all the best for this great trip..

__________________
Mehmet Zeki Avar
''Borderlines divide countries,HU friendship finds a way to reunited"
https://www.facebook.com/mehmet.avar.12?ref=tn_tnmn

Ill be entering Pakistan around the same time but from the Indian side, might see u there some where

Worth noting that Iran was the only country ever to ask for my International Driving Permit.
Take water and food where you can, our crossing didnt go smoothly and we were left for hours in the sun with no food or water. It is very confusing and stressful, Lack of being able to speak Urdi was tough.
I didnt get a good feeling from the guys at Bloomstar.
I wouldnt do it again. I think Pakistan has enough problems to worry about, than babysit tourists from terrorists. But thats my opinion maybe you are really important.
We were picked up in Sukkur and escorted to Bam.
The first day we had 22 escort changes. 22!! these took between 2 minutes to 45 mins each. I kept an eye on my passport at every change of escort. and made sure the truck I was following had my passport in it EVERYTIME.
I watched this a few times before I left lol good luck https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0MM8RE1oPU