Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > West and South Asia
West and South Asia From Turkey to Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Ladakh and Bangladesh
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 14 Sep 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: UK
Posts: 1,232
can it be done?

I've just landed a job in india, starting january, but I fancy driving there! two questions

a. is there a viable overland route to India I could cross in December?
b. can it be done in 6 weeks?

I was thinking of the route through the stans and into pakistan, is this feasable? I appreciate on this time scale I am not going to do a lot of sightseeing, but that isn't the plan. I am no stranger to endurance driving having covered Kazan to England, 3000 miles in 3 1/2 days, and Gambia to England in 10 days, amongst numerous other ridiculous feats!
Any advice much appreciated as you'll appreciate I am very short on time.

cheers in advance
__________________
1990 Landcruiser H60. Full rebuild completed 2014
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 14 Sep 2006
davidmc's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: San Francisco, CA USA
Posts: 373
I can tell you that the route through the 'Stans will not be feasible at this time. All the passes into China and Pakistan from Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan will be snowed in beginning in October. It may be possible to ride from Tajikistan to Afghanistan (if you are brave enough) to Pakistan via the Khyber Pass, but you would probably need a very flexible schedule.

The Iran route may be feasible and would be much faster, although central and eastern Turkey will have some serious issues with snow and cold in the winter. If it is possible, it would be on this route. There are enough folks on this site who could advise you on this option.
__________________
Dave McMillan
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tstories/mcmillan/
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 14 Sep 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: UK
Posts: 1,232
thanks, I had a feeling that may be the case with the more northerly route. I have to be reasonably good on my timings 'cos of starting the new job, although 6 weeks gives a little flexibility maybe!!
__________________
1990 Landcruiser H60. Full rebuild completed 2014
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 14 Sep 2006
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Edinburgh
Posts: 4
The road through Turkey, Iran and Pakistan its best 4 u . I done it from Europe to Delhi in 3 weeks using a public transport but its not the greet fun too travel that fast .Anyway six weeks is enough to reach India and see something on u way. Condition of the road in Turkey and Iran is ok , Pakistan maybe a problem . Remember to get u Iranian and Pakistani visa in u country , it is possible to get them on the road but it take some time.
Enjoy your trip
Pawel
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 15 Sep 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: UK
Posts: 1,232
thanks, thats a bit more encouraging! what time of year did you travel? how is the visa situation with iran these days, how long does it take, can you get them?
__________________
1990 Landcruiser H60. Full rebuild completed 2014
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 15 Sep 2006
seanh's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Posts: 301
Definitely the Turkey, Iran, Pakistan route. It will be cold and snowy in the mountains in Turkey, but southern Russia and Kazakstan will be worse, with bad roads also. Check out www.hotkey.net.au/~howmans for some stories photos of that area in November/December.
Also Alec Simpson came the other way across the Turkish/Iranian mountains in winter (his website isn't loading at the moment, contact Simmo through the HUBB).
Sean
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 15 Sep 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: UK
Posts: 1,232
Thats a great link, thoroughly reccommend it to anyone! the southern route looks the best option for getting there, maybe his route for coming back in june/july
__________________
1990 Landcruiser H60. Full rebuild completed 2014
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 15 Sep 2006
beddhist's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Whangarei, NZ
Posts: 2,214
Just a thought: you don't intend to stay longer than 6 months in India? Because in that case you will have to import your bike.
__________________
Cheers,
Peter.

Europe to NZ 2006-10
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 15 Sep 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: UK
Posts: 1,232
the job is for 6 months and then I was hoping to do some travelling around. is it a problem to import and then re-export when I have done? knowing indian burocracy I am thinking that could be a bit of a nightmare!
__________________
1990 Landcruiser H60. Full rebuild completed 2014
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 15 Sep 2006
beddhist's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Whangarei, NZ
Posts: 2,214
I would like to know this, too, as I may want to spend more than 6 months there.
__________________
Cheers,
Peter.

Europe to NZ 2006-10
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 28 Oct 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: UK
Posts: 1,232
according to my visa agent when I went there for a different visa, he is getting about 25% of iranian visa applications accepted. there is no apparent logic to if they are given or not.
he also suggested getting a work visa if you want to get a visa for 12 months. you need a letter from a company in india (any company) and one from a company in GB who will say you are working for them.
__________________
1990 Landcruiser H60. Full rebuild completed 2014
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 29 Oct 2006
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 6
careful in Delhi with Madaan Motors

I did a six month trip in India. It was really fantastic.
Just be careful if you find yourself in New Delhi with some of the dealers. In particular, Madaan Motors is a pretty dodgy outfit. I had some problems with them and am still waiting for a bike. I have published a website to warn people about this place.
http://www.madaanmotorsthief.com/
Reply With Quote
Reply


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

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


 
 

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!

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 21:23.