India/Burma/Thailand is possible

[roamingyak]

Hi, I got the following email from a friend of mine and thought others might like to know etc

"Thanks for keeping us informed of your travels!
It is possible, but costs loads of money. However
it is cheaper than crossing China or shipping to
Thailand!
The only way possible is via an agency,
http://www.7daystour.com. Contact somebody called
Leonie info_REMOVETHIS_@_ANDTHIS_7daystour.de. But be careful of your language and what you say as all emails are monitored by the military!

One has to apply for a special road permit, which
they can arrange as they have special contacts
in the military. You then present the special
permit to the Manipur state government in Calcutta.
They then will organise another permit, which allows
you to cross Manipur and exit via a town, Moreh.
A guide from 7daystour will then meet you at
Tamu, across the border. The only way to cross
Myanmar is with a guide as you need permission
for just about anywhere you wish to go. The section
between lake Inle and Kaing Tong cannot be driven
by yourself. Instead a professional driver has to
take your vehicle, while you fly there.
The above road is closed during the monsoon.
It takes 2 weeks to cover and can only be done
via a set itinerary, so you stay in hotels all the
way. It costs us $930/person. It included hotel
accommodation, a guided tour of all the touristy
places and breakfast each day. If you do decide to
go for it, ask for Tin Tun as a guide. He was
really great! He even got up at 4:30 in the
morning for us and was very flexible.

The contact person for the Manipur state office in
Calcutta is Mrs Devi Roy and Mr Hari Krishna.

Cheers and good luck

Peter and Dagmar"

http://www.overland2oz.com/

Also after some questions.....

"It took us about a week from the time we left
Calcutta to the time we got to the Indian/Myanmar
border crossing and then another 2 weeks crossing
Myanmar. This however included 5 days sight-seeing
and the price included all hotel accomodation and a
guide."

[This message has been edited by dj@roamingyak.org (edited 04 March 2004).]