Which visa when?
 

Geez... what is it with embassies? Nearly all embassy websites I've looked at are a complete & utter chaos. Really hard to find all the relevant information, let alone visa application forms...
And when I phone them, they sound sooooo bored and unhelpful it makes me want to stay at home... (Seriously: Try the Turkmenistan embassy in the UK for example – even if you don't need a visa, just phone them up & have a laugh). Only exception: the Tajikistan embassy was friendly, but she couldn't answer all my questions.

Anyway:
I'd like to get as many visa as possible before setting off. Problem is: I'm travelling reasonably slowly and some visa might expire by the time I get to the country. (UK to India via Central Asia: 6 months)
Has anyone got any first-hand experience on the "rules framework" for these countries: (How long is the visa valid for? How much time to enter? Do I need to specify the earliest date of entry? Does my passport stay with them during the application period, or can I apply & bring my passport when I pick up the visa?)

Kyrgyzstan
Uzbekistan
Tajikistan
India
Pakistan


Thanks a lot!
Bjorn