Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB

Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB (https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/)
-   West and South Asia (https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/west-and-south-asia/)
-   -   can it be done? (https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/west-and-south-asia/can-it-be-done-23161)

moggy 1968 14 Sep 2006 17:39

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

davidmc 14 Sep 2006 19:41

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.

moggy 1968 14 Sep 2006 21:34

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!!

pablo29 14 Sep 2006 23:24

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

moggy 1968 15 Sep 2006 00:05

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?

seanh 15 Sep 2006 07:28

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

moggy 1968 15 Sep 2006 11:10

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

beddhist 15 Sep 2006 15:01

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.

moggy 1968 15 Sep 2006 16:01

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!

beddhist 15 Sep 2006 20:52

I would like to know this, too, as I may want to spend more than 6 months there.

moggy 1968 28 Oct 2006 00:23

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.

davidsblakeslee 29 Oct 2006 02:56

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/


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