Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Route Planning
Iran north to south, 30 days, slow bike Iran north to south, 30 days, slow bike
Register FAQ Calendar Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
Route Planning Where to go, when, what are the interesting places to see
Photo by Ellen Delis, Lagunas Ojos del Campo, Antofalla, Catamarca

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Ellen Delis,
Lagunas Ojos del Campo,
Antofalla, Catamarca



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 7 Sep 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Budapest, Hungary
Posts: 35
Iran north to south, 30 days, slow bike
Hi all,

I've been through the threads here and have been taking notes, but I can't seem to find anybody who's taken a similar route through Iran.

Here's the poop: I'm entering Iran in a few days via Armenia, and no more than 30 days later I intend to head to Dubai via the ferry leaving from Bandar Abbas. Some points:

1. The only must-go destinations along the way will be Tabriz, Teheran, and Esfahan. At least, those are the must-go destinations that I know of at this point.

2. Road quality is very important to me, though it's heartening to read all these reports of Iranian roads being quite good indeed. My bike isn't suitable for off-roading of any sort, really, unless you're talking about a well-graded gravel road. On the other hand, I'd like to avoid major highways and insane traffic (i.e. trucks) as much as possible.

3. My range on a single tank of gas is 250km. It ain't much. And I'd imagine the gas-station density in the deep south of the country isn't all that high. Or maybe it is -- I don't know.

4. I'd rather not attempt anything more than 400km in a single day.

So -- can anybody throw some recommendations my way?

Thanks for your time.

Cheers,
JVM
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 12 Sep 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Budapest, Hungary
Posts: 35
Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 12 Sep 2010
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: SoOrange NJ USA
Posts: 296
JVM,

Not sure this will add much to what you've already read.

Experience based on 2 weeks riding in Iran 2007:
all the main highways to and between destinations you've listed are excellent tarmac. Even 'secondary' roads are usually good tarmac.

Any good recent paper map of Iran roads, e.g. "Iran-International Travel Maps" is pretty reliable.

Tehran inner-city traffic is a "horrible" fun challenge. Most other cities are no problem. Outside urban centers, traffic is generally no problem.

Did not get as far south as Bandar-e-Bushehr ferry port, but since you're heading for Esfahan anyway, do not miss Shiraz, and with that much time, even consider an south-eastward leg to Yazd.

Experienced no problem with gas availability/ density--at least on main roads. Your 250 km range is ok. 400 km day is fine.

You list Budapest as current locale, but your name sure doesn't sound Hungarian. I assume, whatever your passport/ citizenship, you've already researched/ understood and taken care of visa and vehicle entry requirements. They aren't easy for anyone, and most difficult for USA folks.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 12 Sep 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Budapest, Hungary
Posts: 35
Hey, thanks for the advice! I'm crossing in to Tabriz tomorrow.

As for my name, well, it sure ain't Hungarian, unless you translate it to "Janos." But I lived in Hungary for eight years. I've got the Iranian tourist visa in my Canadian passport and I think I'm good to go...
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 14 Sep 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Budapest, Hungary
Posts: 35
So I'm in Tabriz right now, looking to make my way to Tehran over the next couple of days. After that, I'll head south towards Esfahan, Shiraz, etc.

Looking at my map, there's a major highway taking me straight to Tehran. I'd like to avoid that highway, if possible, given the luxury you have in this country of being able to take secondary roads that are in fine shape. Would you be able to recommend any out-of-the-way road, towns to stop in along the way, etc?

Cheers!
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 15 Sep 2010
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: SoOrange NJ USA
Posts: 296
Quote:
Originally Posted by JimVanMorrissey View Post
So I'm in Tabriz right now, looking to make my way to Tehran over the next couple of days. After that, I'll head south towards Esfahan, Shiraz, etc.

Looking at my map, there's a major highway taking me straight to Tehran. I'd like to avoid that highway, if possible, given the luxury you have in this country of being able to take secondary roads that are in fine shape. Would you be able to recommend any out-of-the-way road, towns to stop in along the way, etc?

Cheers!
JVM,
Assuming you have the time...
Instead of direct Tabriz->Tehran
I have ridden and would recommend any of the major/ minor roads eastbound Tabriz->Ardabil->Astara (on Caspian Sea coast), then south down the Caspian Sea coast road to Rasht, then inland to Qazvin; or even further south down Caspian Sea to Chalus, then south over the Alborz mountain road (beautiful) into Karaj, picking up main highway again into Tehran.
Pick a campsite or hotel anywhere along the Caspian Sea coast.

You could do this optional route in +1 extra day, but +2 days would be preferable.

BTW, as recently as 2007, the dividied motorway/ tollroads into Tehran were technically forbidden to motorcycles. That may have changed--or not.

(That's because Iran law limits cc size of domestically purchased motorcycles to <250 cc (does not apply to foreign-registered motorcycles) and the smaller displacement bikes are unconsidered "dangerous"/ unsuitable for high speed motorway traffic.)

Don't be surprised if you're stopped jby cops from using divided motorways, or directed off the motorway should you enter them in Tehran vicinity...or you might get lucky
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes
Linear Mode Linear Mode

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
north island new zealand in 9 days robbie.gray Australia / New Zealand 10 21 Jan 2009 21:21
Japan-Russia-Europe slow bike April 08 start jsrhk Travellers Seeking Travellers 4 13 Dec 2007 02:32
England to Italy (slow bike route) DaveSmith Europe 8 10 Feb 2007 23:15
Wanting bike for Slow Way South slowrider Which Bike? 15 15 Dec 2005 03:20
Africa - South to North - How many days? ddolezsar Route Planning 13 30 Aug 2003 12:58

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 00:03.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top