Oslo - Ulanbataar (Beijing?)
 

Hi all,
Me and a friend of mine are planning a trip from Oslo to Ulanbataar, or even Beijing if its possible. In that case we have a couple of practical questions, even though we have found lots of useful information here at the HUBB.

We are planning to go through South-Europe and enter Asia by Turkey. Then go through Caucasia and into Azerbaijan. Then through Central-Asia, before heading for UB, and then maybe Beijing.

The first question is whether its recommended to go via Iran or take the ferry across the Caspian Sea? Does anybody have any experience regarding driving through Iran? I've heard quite alot about the ferry, and that it might have some practical hazzles. We also think that a travel across Iran would be quite interesting.

The second question is whether it is possible to donate our car (Probably a Pajero or a Landcruiser) to charity in UB? Does it involve a lot of paperwork, or does it go smoothly.

And our last question; is it possible for foreigner, without a chinese driving license, to drive in China with our own vehicle? Our contact in Shanghai said it might be a problem, so if anybody has some information about it we would appreciate some tips.

Thanks in advance!
-Ørjan

You contact in Shanghai was being understated. You cant drive in China without Chinese licences and registration.

If you are on an organised tour (costs start about $150 a day) your guide will get you temporary papers (drivers licence and registration) at the border and will escort you thru China.

Thats about it for taking your own vehicle

My experience from Iran is from 3 years back, and I stayed only less than two weeks (not enough to see a whole lot really).... but Iran was one of the great highlights of our trip from Europe to Australia. Especially the people of Iran.

It´s a shame that politics may be messing things up, and there may be problems with getting visas these days, etc. But at least for us, it was easy (good, almost perfect roads - a little bad traffic, but that was a nice warm-up for India!!), cheap, surprising, wonderful, and very very very friendly. Only the areas near the Afghan border could be a bit dodgy, and you may be escorted by the police over there.

One of the countries, that I really hope I will be able to visit again some day. For us, it was everything but the ´reality´, that you see on the news.