I am Lahore based and you can feel free to contact me if I can be of any assistance.

Cheers

Omar

I agree, a most friendly and helpful people. I think Chris gives an accurate picture of travelling in Baluchistan and Iran, although I was travelling east to west. Times change, but in 2010 I had an escort from Sukker to Bam.
In 2010 I was told that I could not access cash in Iran, I don't know if that is still the case, so I cashed up with rupee in Quetta and exchanged it at the border. Just check the exchange rate before hand so you know the rate.
There are moves afoot to open another border crossing to the south near Pishin, so that is something to watch. I really want to ride the Makran.
Cheers,
Mark.

Hi All

As promised here is the first update
First of all Gerhard many thanks for the lead, Mr Tayyab Nisar Mir was very quick in his response and we have sent him the copies of our passports and copies of our Pakistan Visa. Below I have copied his latest mail to me, we will keep you updated. Hopefully we cross into Pakistan in the next few days

Omar our first port of call will be Lahore so we may catch up. We would love a good T Bone or Rib Eye Fillet steak after 20 weeks in India eating Lamb-Mutton or chicken.

For all others below the response and contact details. This info is as of today March 27 2014. Pls note in 6 months things could have changed.
Looking forward to visiting Pakistan and we keep you updated

Cheers Fearless


Response from Tayyab hope this is of interest to those travelling Iran - India or India to Iran. Tayyab Mir was very fast to respond.

Dear Robert and Clary,
For your Iranian visa, Lahore or Islamabad will be OK. We do not suggest to stay longer in Quetta. Karakoram Highway shall not be closed with snow when you arrive in Islamabad. There are two routes: One via Kaghan Valley will be snow bound/closed. The other via Besham-Chilas-Gilgit-Hunza and/or to Skardu remain open around the year (except for a few hours land-slides during rainy months of July and August). If you want to cross over to China visa Khunjerab Pass...that will be possible after 1st May...the official (yearly) opening date of the border between Pakistan and China. Travel on Besham-Dassu-Chilas section is only allowed during day time.
Camping spots in Lahore are available but I need to check from our Lahore office for an appropriate one. The camping site in Islamabad is situated on Kashmir Highway near Aabpara Market (Find on Google Earth: "Camping site on Kashmir Highway, Islamabad" GPS: 33 42 16.90 N 73 05 19.96 E ).
Khyber Pass is currently closed for foreign tourists. To visit Peshawar, a special permit from the Secretary Home Department in Peshawar is required. In the current security situation, we recommend to avoid visiting Peshawar and Khyber Pass or any area near the Tribal belt between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
For visiting some Forts in the area, we suggest you travel from Lahore to Islamabad via N-5 (GT Road) and you can visit Rohtas Fort (past Jehlum and just 1 km before Dina, turn left to take Rohtas Fort Road - 9 km). In Islambad, you can go for a city tour and also visit Taxila Museum and the Sites (35 km from Islamabad) and you can also have a day or two spare for Murree and Ayubia - the Himalayan hill stations just within 2 hours drive from Islamabad.
How would you travel from Islamabad to Multan? We recommend following route:
Islamabad-Lahore-Multan via M-2 (Motorway) and N-35 (GT Road). Enroute you can visit Khewra Salt Mines (World's 2nd biggest Rock Salt Mines - allow two hours extra).
In Quetta, you can park you Motor home in a hotel in Cantt area. Day Excursion is to nearby Hanna Lake.
I shall pass on the names of places / rest houses / hotels where you can park your motorhome in my next email.
I have downloaded all your documents and shall write a letter accordingly for the police escort.

You are welcome to post the information on the internet.
Regards,
Tayyab Nisar Mir
Manager Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) Near Fatima Jinnah Hostel, Pakistan Sports Complex, Kashmir Highway, Islamabad 44000 Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-9215851, 9211513 Fax: +92-51-9211511 Cell: +92-51-5048895 Email: info@tourism.gov.pk and tayabmir@yahoo.com
Facebook Page: PAKISTAN TOURISM DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION Facebook Page: Tayyab Mir Flickr: Flickr: Tayyab Mir's Photostream Scribd: Tayyab Mir on Scribd | Scribd

Hi fearless,

What are your plans? Are you staying longer in Pakistan. I will be crossing into Pakistan on 4th of May. Do you think you will be still there at the time?
And are you organising the Iranian Visa in Pakistan, or do you have it already. Last year I met a German motorbiker who did the Iranian Visa in Islamabad, and he had to wait quite long.

Best Gerhard

Hi Gerhard

We are using a agency Iranianvisa.com?!?! We paid them on Febr 12, where promised a visa reference number in 10 days so we could pick up in Delhi.
After 2 weeks we received the first hard luck story Iranian New year things were slow?, Next they asked for our pasports again so the could check re the delay? Next it was one week delayed and ready for pick up March 17. This became there is a technical problem? Next it was Iranian new Year? so yes we are also still waiitng. We have asked if we can now pick up in Lahore but response has no come as yet?

In hindsight I should have used Key2persia but made a mistake thinking same company? One is called Sarah (Iranianvisa.com) the other is called Zahra (key2persia) all people I met have use her and she was a lot faster? Further to this another overlander I met in Delhi was told ny the Iranian Embassy to use Iranianvisa.com hence we went for this email adress and paid the $$$.

Iranian Embassy in Delhi advised us to re-apply and sent letter to Iran Tourism Commission.

What can you do?.

We hope to be in Iran May so we either meet nar the border or along the way in Iran. Do you hve your Iran Visa already and which agency did you use. (embassy in Pakistan and India do not issue visa's to foreigners I am told)

Keep you posted
Fearless

hi gerhad,

my name is zainal, traveling 2 up from malaysia. we plan to enter pakistan from the indian side on 1st week of may, same time as you. our pakistan's visa already in hand valid for a month. probably we can ride into Pakistan together up to certain area.

we also plan to apply iran visa in Islamabad. we had applied in Malaysia but the visa agent insists escort for us (cost quite a sum) which we are not keen. so they are not giving the visa. the problem is that i am a Malaysian and can get visa on arrival into iran but my wife is a south african and her visa must be pre-approved.

what is the chance to get one for her in Islamabad and how difficult/long will it take? does anyone have any experience?

thanks,
zainal

Hi Zainal

I am told to get a Iran Visa you have to apply via a agency? we did this via the Iranian Embassy in Delhi who recommended a agency?!
See my comments above

Cheers
Fearless

Hi

I have got the Iranian Visa already. I used "Orient-Travel-Pars", an agency I got recommend by the Iranian embassy in Vienna. (info@orient-travel-pars.com)

--> To get the reference number it took me 7 days. With the reference number it should be possible to apply at any embassy for the Iranian visa.
As I remember the German biker did the same in Islamabad. He was delayed because of the elections last year.
I guess the New Year celebraton will also delay the visa, then there are 3 national holidays in begin of April. Honestly, I would say you have to be patient to get the Iranian Visas done.

Keep me updated,...
Gerhard

Hi Omar
We are crossing into Pakistan tomorrow and planning to be in Lahore late afternoon. We are looking for a parking spot for our truck.
Have been told Avari Hotel and Pearl Contnental have large parking spaces where we may can stay overnight. Could you confirm?
Our motorhome is 6.7 meters long 2.4mtr wide and 3.7 meters high.

Cheers
Fearless

Thanks Fearless about the info for Iran visa. We will do the same and hopefully we can get it the way you did.

Cheers,
Zainal

No worries mate, we keep you up to date.

Fearless

They do have big parking lots but do they allow needs to be inquired. They certainly allow cars of guests staying in the hotel. Usually the management is very helpful. PCs Universal Access Number is, 042-111-505-505.
Good luck.
Once in Lahore you can call or SMS me a
Cheers

Hi fearless,

How are you! Have you got the visa for Iran and did you get the approval to cross Beluchistan!

best Gerhard

hi guys!

i am planning to go back to Spain from Nepal on a motorbike! Have read all your comments and I cannot wait to start! My route would be India, Pakistan, Iran,Turkey, Greece, Italy and France!

I am still in the beginning of everything and I am still deciding on what motorbike using, and have some starting questions.. hope you can help me!

Since I am a bit low on budget I was thinking on getting a Yamaha RX 135cc that a club in Nepal would help me preparing (Hearts & Tears MC | Nepal Motorcycle Tours | Royal Enfield Tours). I was wondering if there are enough roads which i can safely ride without needing to use a highway, since i am interested in a "slow" trip... moreover, do you know if, in need, it is possible to use a 135cc in Highways in India Pakistan Iran or Turkey?

Another concern is crossing Pakistan. I have heard all kinds of things, but it seems that from your experience there is no need to worry? What would you recommend for safely crossing it?
I've heard that some people put the bike on a truck or on a train, do you think it is necessary and know where i can find some info?

These are the 2 main issues that concern me before starting with everything! hope you can help me!

Merry Christmas and congrats for your trips!

Hi TJM
2 good questions!
For the motorbike maybe I cannot help much. 135cc is not very much and you will drive the bike always on the limit (maybe above). I expect you carry also a lot of luggage and the frame of a small bike is usually not very strong. Consider also how you get spare parts in other countries.

For sure there are enough road for a slow traveler. BTW not the road makes the travel interesting ... ;-)

For the second question, it's important that you decide for yourself. You are responsible for yourself. Don't trust if someone say "yes, sure Pakistan is safe". If you do not feel safe, take the train or ship the bike by boat to Iran (via Dubai it's possible). If you think yes I can do it, collect information's from other travelers to have a good plan to cross Pakistan. I felt basically better in a convoy and you will find other travelers by searching one on the HUBB.

Please feel free to contact me for more information's -> bigdream@infiniteroad.ch

Have fun
Chris