Tajikistan - Pamir Hwy to Pakistan/India

[Wauschi]

I do have plans to follow the Pamir Hwy.
After the tour I could think of continuing the trip in the Himalayas.
But the only obvious routes head through China or Afghanistan.
Afghanistan, well,... not accessible according my understanding.
For China I would need a guide, which I strongly dislike.

Which is the best option to continue the ride to south?
Is there any route I could take to get to the Himalayas?
Ideally I would like to get to Lahore or Leh.

Kind Regards,
Wauschi

[eurasiaoverland]

As you say, it's China or Afghanistan.

China is relatively straightforward I believe, if you try to find a group you can bring the price down.

Afghanistan is not possible as far as I know. The roads south from the Tajik border are all extremely dangerous these days. You could easily drive south from the Uzbekistan border (Termiz) to Kabul (do it in one long day, before dark), but I don't think you will be able to get to the Torkham border from Kabul as the Afghan authorities will turn you back.

EO

[Wauschi]

Thank you for your reply.

Can one apply for a transit visa through China in Tajikistan or even at the border?

Wauschi

[lbendel]

Gee, this is one of the most talked about topic in HUBB, I suggest you do a little research before posting.

Laurent

PS: no

[edwardbgill]

Originally Posted by Wauschi

I do have plans to follow the Pamir Hwy.
After the tour I could think of continuing the trip in the Himalayas.
But the only obvious routes head through China or Afghanistan.
Afghanistan, well,... not accessible according my understanding.
For China I would need a guide, which I strongly dislike.

Which is the best option to continue the ride to south?
Is there any route I could take to get to the Himalayas?
Ideally I would like to get to Lahore or Leh.

Kind Regards,
Wauschi

China is probably your best option I would say but that's only based on desk research on Afghanistan.

I did a route from the Torugurt Pass in Kyrgyzstan and out through the Khunjareb Pass into Pakistan in 72 hours in November 2015 (in Friday lunchtime out the following Monday lunchtime). However that included a day sitting around on a Saturday in Kashgar. I think you might be able to find a way to do it in 2 days if you're not that fussed about spending too much time there and want to save money - I would speak to as many different agencies as possible.

Note that on the Pakistan side you will probably need to get your visa in your home country. Opinions vary about whether they will issue one if you say you are travelling overland, so you need to research (probably here on HUBB) and consider that too.

Ed

[Wauschi]

Opinions vary about whether they will issue one if you say you are travelling overland,

In 2014 I was refused a visa for Pakistan because I stated I was travelling overland.
Does anybody know the proper statements to increase the chances of getting a visa granted?

Cheers,
Wauschi